Keeping facial hair groomed need not be a daily chore. We have the products you’ll need to stay on top of your shaving game, plus tips from makeup artist Larry Yeo.
When it comes to grooming, a man’s skincare routine seems a lot less complicated than the twice-a-day, cleanse-tone-moisturise regimen that women have. But one thing women don’t have to contend with: Shaving once, sometimes twice, a day, giving rise to razor burns, and the risk of cuts and irritations.
We’ve consulted makeup artist Larry Yeo for his top tips on shaving for men. Consider all those shaving woes solved.
What are the things to take note of before shaving?
Larry: Don’t exfoliate or scrub your skin prior because shaving is a form of physical exfoliation. Also, you should try to avoid shaving when you’re suffering from sunburn. Using a daily skincare product that contains BHA will help unclog your pores and minimise the chances of getting in-grown hair.
Are there any recommended shaving steps?
Larry: Take a shower first because the steam and water will open your pores temporarily and allow the beard to soften. For those with thicker beards, soak a face towel in warm water and cover it over your beard for three to five minutes.
Don’t dry the skin completely before shaving; instead, leave it slightly wet. Proceed to shave and once that’s done, rinse with room temperature water and follow up with proper skincare.
Which direction should we shave in?
Larry: The recommended way is to go against the way your hair grows, but this can cause skin irritation for some men. So for those with sensitive skin, I’ll suggest following the grain of the beard growth.
How do you prevent razor burn?
Larry: When you’re done shaving, use an alcohol- and fragrance-free aftershave. It’ll act as a moisturiser and it helps calm any irritation.
What’s the proper way of cleaning and maintaining razors?
Larry: Since the humidity here encourages bacterial growth, it’s important to clean and change the razor blades regularly. You can use an alcohol swab to clean the blades once every three days.
Now... Slap These On For A Smooth Shave
Chanel Shave In Style Collection
The new Chanel Shave In Style collection is a limited edition two-step ritual that promises a smooth shave with every use. And if you’re a fan of Bleu De Chanel, you’ll find that the same aromatic-woody fragrance is present in this duo. The shaving cream doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry post-shave, while the after shave gel acts like a soothing treat to feed your skin with moisture and relieve razor burns.
Available from 5 February.
Clinique Aloe Shave Gel
This shaving gel is rich in aloe vera, which is a natural ingredient hailed for its ultra-comforting properties when applied onto irritated skin. This formula also softens rough textures to make the shaving process a lot easier.
Dior Sauvage After-Shave Lotion
Still feeling sleepy after climbing out of your bed? Reach for the Dior Sauvage After-Shave Lotion when you're done shaving. Not only will you smell like its ambassador, Johnny Depp, this refreshing lotion cleans and protects the skin post-shave and its invigorating top note of zesty Reggio Bergamot Essence wakes the skin and senses up instantly.
Lab Series Maximum Comfort Shave Cream
For those who always suffer from skin irritation, try this oil- and fragrance-free formula. This cream also contains cationic plymer complex to ensure that moisture doesn’t get zapped out completely from your skin during the process. Instead, it leaves your skin smooth, supple and well hydrated.
Shiseido Shaving Cream
The Japanese are really good at producing whipped cream-like cleansers, and this is no exception. Its super smooth texture helps glide the razor, so you don't have to worry about cuts, while its Damage Defense Complex promises to moisturise your skin and increase the skin’s natural barrier to protect against damage.
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