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How to Achieve the Perfect Shave  
HOW TO 

Tags: shaving, shave, beard, mustache, grooming, men, best

If you’re going to ready the razor every morning, you ought to know the tools, products, and tricks you need to achieve the best shave imaginable. Plus: The best spots in America for a professional shave.

	PHASE 1: PREP: 1. SHOWER: Always shave in the shower or immediately after one. Steam is the key—it opens pores, which in turn causes whiskers to rise so they’re easier to lop off. 2. CLEANSE: Wash your face with a bar of soap or liquid cleanser. “You always wash your car before you wax it.” Otherwise you’ll trap dirt and grime in your pores, leading to bumps and blemishes. Also, don’t confuse exfoliating with cleansing—using a harsh scrub may do more to irritate your face than refresh it. 3. APPLY PRE-SHAVE OILThis is crucial in eliminating nicks, cuts, and irritation. Pour a dime-size drop of it into your hands and massage it thoroughly into the beard to soften whiskers and help the razor glide smoothly. Don’t worry, this minuscule amount won’t leave your face with a greasy sheen.
	PHASE 2: SHAVE 4. APPLY CREAM: Spread cream over oil. Use a badger brush, which raises hairs. Wet brush & use to whip cream into a lather & spread on in a circular motion. Avoid shaving soaps & aerosol creams that foam excessively and make it harder for the razor to get close to skin. Opt for creams in jars or tubes instead that produce a thin, gentle lather. 5. THE FIRST PASS: A razor should always be drawn in the direction that stubble grows (with the grain). Regularly shaving in this direction prevents ingrown hairs. Begin shaving at the sideburn and work your way down. Save the neck for last—this gives the oil and shaving cream time to relax the thicker stubble. Always use long, even strokes, and rinse the blades frequently. 6. LATHER UP AND SHAVE AGAIN: Typically, 1 pass provides a close shave, but going over the beard twice makes for the closest shave possible. On the second pass shave against the grain using a light touch.
	PHASE 3: REPAIR 7. RINSE: When you are finished, splash your face repeatedly with cold water. In addition to washing away the remaining shave cream and oil, the cold water helps close pores and soothe skin. Then gently pat (don’t wipe) your face dry with a towel. 8. AFTER-SHAVE CARE: Whether out of fear of fragrance or of getting shiny skin, many men mistakenly shun after-shave products. But even when done properly, shaving is traumatic for the skin, so a little TLC is in order. There are two primary types of after-shave that will do the trick: alcohol-free toner, which is ideal for oily skin, and should be patted on lightly; and moisturizing balm with soothing benzocaine, which should be gently rubbed in until absorbed. Balm or moisturizer is a must for anyone with dry skin; if you have normal skin, you can use whichever you prefer.

Lister: buccicone.2
Source: Men.Style.com

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