Beauty is only skin deep

A MAN SHAVES MORE THAN 20,000 TIMES DURING HIS LIFETIME
AND HOW HE SHAVES IS ESSENTIAL TO ATTAINING HEALTHIER, SMOOTHER SKIN

I mentioned in yesterday's post about how I had picked up my brother Trevor's Christmas present from Holt Renfrew, a bottle of After-Shave balm from The Art of Shaving.

It's got to be close to 5 years now that my brother has been using this line. He has incredibly sensitive skin and this seems to be one of just a handful of products that doesn't irritate. He got my dad hooked on the shaving cream and then me as well (following a nasty shaving incident that landed me in the hospital emergency - that's a story for another day!)

The Art of Shaving is a full line of skin care products for men with a new line specifically for the ladies. The Philosophy is embodying the 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave. Prepare… LatherUp!... Shave… and Moisturize.

The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave ®

The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave ® guarantee optimal shaving results while relieving and preventing ingrown hairs, razor burn, tough beards, and sensitive skin

1. Prepare

To soften the beard & protect the skin

Always shave after or during a hot shower, never before. Always use hot water while shaving. Hot water softens the beard, opens pores and cleanses the skin. Before shaving, apply The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil to protect the skin and to soften the beard.

2. Lather Up!

For a close & comfortable shave

Use The Art of Shaving glycerin-based Shaving Cream or Shaving Soap for a close and comfortable shave. For best results, use The Art of Shaving Shaving Brush made of badger hair. It helps generate a warm and rich lather, and softens and lifts the beard from the face.

3. Shave

With a good handle & proper technique

Always shave with the grain first, i.e. in the direction the hair grows. Shaving against the grain first can cause ingrown hairs and razor burn. For an even closer shave, re-lather and shave lightly across or against the grain.Check to see whether the hair on your neck grow s in the same direction as the hair on your face. If it doesn’t, make sure you adjust accordingly to shave with the grain.Use The Art of Shaving Razor which provides proper weight, balance and comfort for better control. Our Razor can be used with either Fusion™ or Mach3® blades by Gillette.®Avoid applying too much pressure on your razor since this is often the cause of razor burn and skin irritations. Always glide the razor gently over your face.In the event of nicks or cuts, use The Art of Shaving antiseptic Alum Block to stop the bleeding.

4. Moisturize

To soothe, refresh & regenerate the skin

• After shaving, apply The Art of Shaving
  alcohol-free, moisturizing After-Shave
  Balm or After-Shave Gel to soothe, refresh and regenerate the skin. Avoid after-shaves which contain alcohol; these can irritate, dry out the skin and cause ingrown hairs. To heal ingrown hairs faster, moisturize the affected area with Ingrown Hair Night Cream at bedtime.
TREAT
• If your skin feels tired or sensitive due to shaving every day, the After-Shave Mask can be applied after shaving to soothe, rejuvenate and purify the skin. The After-Shave Mask provides relief from razor burn, ingrown hairs and skin irritations, while replenishing necessary nutrients lost during the shaving process.

I have tried many products; in fact, my bathroom cupboard is set to explode with various skin care products, both high end and drug store brands, yet this is the one brand that I continually come back to. The women's line has the most delicious rose scent that isn't overtly sweet and feminine and it makes my legs (and other parts) so silky and smooth!

Now all I need is that hot date to shave my legs for!