SHAVING YOUR FACE

STEP ONE: PREP

Always shave after or at the end of a shower, to soften the beard, open the pores, and cleanse the skin. Use a great quality shave cream -- I recommend Bluebeards Revenge Shaving Cream. If you have a tough beard or very sensitive skin, you may wish to apply a pre shave oil before you apply shaving cream. This will help further soften the beard and reduce razor drag.

Shaving cream is ideally applied with a brush (badger hair is best) to soften and lift the beard -- The Art of Shaving Pure Badger Brush is a great option. Place a pea sized amount of cream in the deep in the center of your brush and smooth the bristles together. Next, wet the brush well with hot water and apply to the face in a circular motion.

A good prep is vital to soften the beard and minimize irritation. Also, make sure you change your blade at least once per week - dull blades play hell on your face.

STEP TWO: SHAVE

Use a clean, sharp razor such as the Gillette Fusion Proglide Power Razor. Start by shaving WITH the grain (the direction the hair grows). This will minimize cuts, irritation, in-grown hairs and razor burn. Glide the razor

gently over your face. Avoid applying pressure and rinse your blade often. If you must have a closer shave, re-lather and shave lightly against the grain. If you cut yourself, apply a moist alum block on the area to stop bleeding. After shaving, close the pores with a rinse of cool water.

If using a shaving brush, always hang the brush to dry with the bristles facing downward.

STEP THREE: REPAIR AND PROTECT

Many men make the mistake of stopping with step two, but the following is important to keep your skin healthy and protect from signs of aging. After rinsing with cool water, moisturize and protect your skin with a few pumps of after-shave balm. For this, I recommend Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Aftershave Balm, which will help soothe and moisturize the skin and promote healing.