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Tips & Advice

SHAVING

Whether you use an electric shaver or traditional razor, the following shaving tips and advice will help you get the closest shave possible with the least amount of discomfort.

Men's Electric Shaver Shaving with an Electric Shaver

Electric shavers are still the number one choice for the quickest and easiest shave, but they're harsher on your skin than traditional razors. You will see better results if you use an electric shaver on a dry face and pull your skin as tight as possible. Properly used, most electric shavers can offer the user a shave that is just as close as a blade razor. How is this possible? An electric shaver rolls up the skin ahead of the hair - forcing the whisker up above what would be considered the skin line where it is then cut off.
Other benefits of electric shaving are its ease of use and almost complete absence of cuts and scraping. You can even shave with your shirt and tie on with an electric shaver; most men wouldn't attempt this with a blade razor. The time spent shaving is so variable due to individual habits that it would be debatable as to whether blade razor or electric shaving is faster, but most men find that the electric shaver is a quicker, less messy, more convenient way to shave. If you're prone to blemishes, stick with an electric razor. Shaving with a blade will increase your irritation and will make you more prone to break-outs. Maintain and oil your electric razor according to the instructions. This will keep it in top shape and help you avoid any wear and tear on your face.

Men's Blade Razor Shave Shaving with a Blade Razor

Men favor razors in the hot summer months as they appear to be more affective. The best razors now come with pivotal heads that simplifies the shaving process around curves and will probably produce fewer nicks. Remember to keep your blades sharp to reduce irritation and generally razors only stay sharp for about a week.
Before you shave with a razor, take a shower or apply a warm washcloth to your face to soften your beard. Apply shaving cream to your face when it's still wet and water down the lather if possible as a slick face is easier to cut. Pull your skin tight and shave with the grain of your hair growth. Do not use hot water to rinse off your blades when you are shaving. Heat makes metal expand and warp. Use cold water and your blades will contract a bit making the blade tighter and sharper. Moisturize your face with a soothing lotion specifically designed for after shaving. Always check ingredients prior to making the purchase. Many aftershave lotions still contain alcohol, which burn your face and result in a drying affect.

EXFOLIATION

Do men really need their own range of skincare products, or can they continue using their wife or girlfriend's? Men and women's skin is similar in structure, however men tend to have more hair and increased oil production. The additional hydration that many women's skin-care lines provide are not needed for men's thicker, hardier skin. This tells us that men can benefit from a professionally recommended skin care regime. Because men have higher oil contents within their skin, they tend to have more blackheads and breakouts. A simple program of cleansing, exfoliation and moisturization will prevent blemishes and keep the skin in optimum condition. Skin renews itself every 28 days leaving thicker, duller looking skin on the surface. If you are seeking a fresh, healthy appearance then exfoliate once a week. Using an exfoliation scrub removes excess oil, environmental contaminates, and dead cells without damaging sensitive new skin. Dead skin cells on the surface of your face will look dry and rough and make your complexion dull and grey. Dead skin cells clog pores and cause blemishes or acne. By exfoliating we can remove those dead cells and give our skin a deeper and more thorough cleansing. Associated benefits from using exfoliation scrubs include: reduces visible signs of aging, revitalizes and stimulates skin renewal by accelerating the natural exfoliation process.

FACIAL MASKS

Dry Skin

If your skin looks and feels dry, then I would recommend an Intensive Moisture Mask. With one application of this type of mask it will relieve dryness and fine lines. It replenishes lost oils and moisture. It restores softness and suppleness of the skin and leaves the skin with a glowing, revitalised appearance. To get the full benefits of this face mask type, use it in conjunction with a cleanser and moisturizer.

Oily Skin

For oily skin we recommend a Clay Mask to bring out the dirt and oil deep within your pores. The benefits of this mask will result in improving the skins texture and appearance. When used it aids in refining the pores and also helps to revitalize dull skin.

Normal Skin

Most skin types will benefit from using a face mask. I would recommend a Skin Hydrating Mask. This type of mask hydrates dehydrated skin. It also softens and moisturizes the skin. It only takes 10 minutes to activate and will leave the skin looking and feeling a lot fresher.

NAIL CARE

Tips for a Quick & Easy Self-manicure

It is true, more and more men are getting manicures. People always notice your hands, when communicating, the hands are very important when expressing yourself. So it makes sense to spend more time caring for them. If you want to impress the ladies, make a more professional image in the workplace or simply be more confident, you can do no harm at all by keeping those fingertips well-groomed. Are you keen? For a small investment you can purchase a manicure kit, the basic kit should include the following:

    Nail clipper
    Nail file or emery board
    Cuticle pusher
    Cuticle nipper
    Nail brush
Nail Clipper:

Clip your nails using the nail clipper to their desired length and shape. Generally your nails should be no more than one-eighth of an inch long. Do not cut them back too short because it can be painful and even expose delicate layers of skin, which could actually cause infection. Cut the nails straight across so they look square and be careful not to trim back the corners too much or you could end up with an ingrown nail.

Nail File or Emery Board:

File your nails into their desired shape and remove the rough edges. (Make sure you move your file in one direction. Going back and forth could create tiny splits in your nails.)

Cuticle Pusher and Nipper:

If you have any cuticles with hang nails, pieces of dead hanging skin around your nail, cut them off making sure that you don't actually cut into living skin (just go for the dried up dead stuff). The cuticle pusher is the small rounded stick that comes to a peak at the end. The cuticle nipper is in the shape of a wishbone, with little blades at the top. To use your cuticle pusher and nipper, rub oil on your nails and surrounding areas (use baby oil or mineral oil). With the cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles. Use your cuticle nippers to carefully trim off the tops of your excess cuticle skin. Avoid cutting too low and thrashing your fingers. Finally, rinse your hands and apply a bit of hand lotion to moisturize the new cuticle skin you've exposed.

Nail Brush:

If you want a nice, soft gloss to your nails, buff them. Wipe off the excess moisturizer, get out your buffer, and buff the top of your nails in one direction, remember, never do this more than a couple times a week because each time you buff your nails, they get thinner, and you don't want thin brittle nails.