Why More Men Are Using High-Quality Beauty Cosmetics

Men's Shaving

Thanks to the evolution of social media and the power of suggestion, the “metrosexual” is making a comeback. This hybrid form of masculine man looks as polished and preened as well-dressed women, and there is an additional factor that is now coming into play for men which is the adoption and use of high-quality beauty cosmetics.

From eyeliner to blush and moisturizer, men want to look and feel their best as they step out the door too. Gone are the days when shaggy beards are considered acceptable wear; men want to tailor their looks and be properly manicured when it comes to presenting themselves for public view. Why is this?

Dad’s habits aren’t cutting it anymore

Most of us have been taking our grooming cues from Dad, and although that worked for some time, we want more of a piece of the multi-billion dollar beauty industry that makes you ladies look and smell so good. Most dads weren’t the greatest teachers when it came to methods of shaving, aftershave, and moisturization; they would show rather than to educate, and it was up to us to figure out the semantics. It wasn’t enough to watch him use a safety razor, or to wave the shaving brush around in imitation of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, we needed some tutoring. Some of us were successful, some of us were left in the dust. At some point, we decided that we needed more out of our grooming routine.

We desire to be more attractive

Hollywood and media have really raised the bar when it comes to what is possible for men and beauty. Simply put, we want to make ourselves attractive to our mates, and we want to be competitive when it comes to appearing desirable to others. The array of products and services that are now available to women AND men make it easier to find things that enhance our natural, god-given attributes. Look out, ladies, you might just have some competition in the being attractive department.

Men want to be manicured and stylish too

More and more frequently, men are looking to shave companies to get a manicured look and healthy skin that exudes confidence. A straight razor kit that arrives magically at your home is now available from companies such as OriginalShaveCompany.com, Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club. These clubs are taking the men’s cosmetic industry by storm.

Clean, close shaves and healthy-looking skin are something that most guys want nowadays; gone are the days when a quick shave with a safety razor does the trick; men want more from their grooming routines. These popular shave clubs and the products they offer including a straight razor kit, shaving brush, and aftershave are quite common, and they come to your doorstep for a fraction of the price that a professional shave at a salon would cost you. More and more men are signing up for these clubs in anticipation of cleaner, healthier, smoother skin than ever before.

A typical skincare package for men

Regardless of the store you choose to purchase from, there are some essentials that come in most basic kits; men’s beauty care items that you can use to improve both your complexion and your toiletry collection. These items include:

1. Straight razor kit

These kits cater to the man who just wants to get business done in the bathroom, and they don’t fancy themselves needing the extra fluff and frills that come with some kits. A word of caution, though—these kids should only be used by experienced shavers; those with less experience or a more rugged terrain should consider the use of a safety razor to eliminate unsightly bumps and cuts.

2. Safety razor

Safety Razor Kit

When you are feeling a little unsteady, or if you do not have a lot of experience with shaving, consider using a safety razor to help reduce irritation. You’ll still get the clean, close shave of a regular razor, but you won’t have all of the added stress of trying not to cut yourself when you are in a hurry.

3. Shaving brush

Shaving Brush

A shaving brush is perfect for slathering on rich, foamy shaving cream; it will help to stimulate blood flow beneath the skin and get rid of dead skin cells that might dull your complexion. Make sure to rinse the brush out thoroughly in between uses.

4. Aftershave

Aftershave

After you have subjected your skin to a wet shave, it is always a good idea to apply aftershave. You’ll soothe irritation, condition your cleaned skin, and with unique blends of botanicals and essential oils, you’ll look and smell great!

Men want to look and feel their best, even when on a budget. Rock your beautiful self, and look forward to using all of the wonderful products that are at your disposal to uncover your most attractive and vibrant you!

How To Get The Perfect Classic Shave

classic shave

How To Get The Perfect Classic Shave

Getting a “classic shave” means stepping away from your quickly executed, disposable razor-quality shave using canned shaving cream. A classic shave is an experience and daily ritual men of many generations have enjoyed. You can enjoy your shave, too. The keys to that lie in having the right implements and knowing how to execute a luxurious shaving experience from start to finish.

What You Will Need for a Classic Shave

For a truly timeless shave, you will need several items:

Once you have these items on hand, fill a sink full of hot water. Ensure it is not scalding, but nicely hot and steamy. The best time to shave is after you have had a hot shower.

While you are filling the sink, allow your shaving brush to soak in the water.

Prepping Your Skin

Simpsons Shaving Brush - Berkeley 46 Pure Badger
Berkeley 46 Pure Badger

Splash enough hot water on your freshly showered face to keep it very wet. It is important to ensure your face stays well hydrated and warm throughout the shave.

Take your shaving brush out of the hot water and hold it upside down until all of the excess water has flowed out. Swirl the warm, wet-tipped brush on the surface of the shaving cream in circular motions. Do this until white lather appears. You will need sufficient shaving cream, but not too much. When you have done a few classic shaves, you will know how much cream is right for your shave.

Paint the lather onto your face using an up and down motion. Ensure all of the areas you will be shaving are covered with cream. The layer of shaving cream should be thick and opaque. Put down your shaving brush and replace it in your hand with the razor.

Executing Your Classic Shave

Edwin Jagger 3D Laser Diamond DE3D14BL
Edwin Jagger 3D Laser Diamond DE3D14BL

Shave in the direction of hair growth. That means you shave with your whiskers, not against them. If you are using a safety razor for the first time, you must remember that safety razors require slow, light-handed application. Do not stroke it heavily across your skin in rapid movements, like you do with a disposable razor. Part of the experience of the classic shave is in appreciating the slow, relaxing movements.

You will need to pay attention to your hair’s growth pattern while shaving to avoid cuts and razor burn. Unlike with a disposable razor, a safety razor requires greater care and attention to the growth patterns. Also remember to rinse your safety razor frequently, between each pass if needed. Your whiskers may require two passes over each area, to ensure a close shave.

After the Shave

Once your shave is complete, rinse your face with cold water. Using cold water closes your facial pores. Pat your face dry with a towel.

Rinse your razor and shaving brush very well to ensure all lather and residue are removed. Shake the shaving brush dry and store it using a shaving brush drip stand. Never store your delicate shaving brush on its side. Bristles need to air dry and this is done by hanging the brush from the drip stand. Properly maintained, your shaving brush can last more than 20 years.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Aftershave Lotion - Eton College
Aftershave Lotion for a perfect classic shave

Finish your classic shave with a non-alcohol after-shave lotion or moisturizer. Moisturizer meant for after your shave will not sting and bring tears to your eyes like traditional after-shave made with alcohol.  Follow the methods of wet shaving with the appropriate products listed and you are guaranteed to have a perfect classic shave.

How to avoid razor burn when wet shaving

How to avoid razor burn when wet shaving

Edwin Jagger Safety Razor DE86BL
Edwin Jagger Safety Razor DE86BL

Razor burn can be a real pain, not to mention a distraction for anyone having a face-to-face conversation with you after tell-tale red, angry bumps appear. Knowing how to avoid razor burn when wet shaving usually involves just taking extra care as part of your shaving regimen.

The most frequent causes of razor burn include:

  • Shaving too quickly
  • Using too much pressure on the razor
  • Not hydrating your skin well enough before shaving
  • Using dull razor blades
  • Using shaving products that irritate your skin
  • Making a second or third shaving pass on your skin without re-applying shaving cream

How to Avoid Razor Burn During a Wet Shave

To know how to avoid razor burn when wet shaving, simply consider which of the above causes you are guilty of committing during your shaving regimen. This “reverse engineering” to correct the root issue will help you enjoy a much better wet shave each time, without razor burn.

Once you determine your wet shaving problem areas and potential causes of razor burn, simply apply these remedies below to improve your wet shaving experience.

Shaving Too Quickly
If you are guilty of shaving as quickly as you can, making quick strokes across your face as if you are in a race with the clock, you need to slow your roll. Just add some extra time to your morning or pre-event routine to do things right, at the right speed. Your skin will thank you.

Applying Too Much Pressure on the Razor
Bearing down too hard on the razor is a common mistake for men during wet shaving. You are likely more used to using an inexpensive disposable razor, the type that require extra pressure for a close shave to be achieved. But an authentic wet shave using a safety razor, Mach-3 or Fusion razor does not require heavy pressure. Let the razor do all of the work, as you slowly glide it over your skin with light strokes. Do not drag it across your face.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Pre-Shave OilNot Hydrating Your Skin Before Shaving
Every shave should begin with a warm water wash, preferably in a shower before shaving. This warm water relaxes your skin, opens pores, softens hairs and makes the hairs stand up. All of this is very important toward preventing drag of the razor on your skin. Hydrated hairs are also easier for the razor to cut, providing for a close shave.

Even better than just a warm water wash is an exfoliation before shaving and application of a quality pre-shave oil. Pre-shave oil hydrates the skin, softens hairs and helps the razor glide smoothly over the skin’s surface.

Using Dull Blades
You should change your razor blades approximately every week to ten days, depending upon how often you shave. Whether you shave your entire face or just clean up edges around a beard also determines duration of your razor blades’ quality. It is important to use sharp, clean blades.

Using Shaving Products that Irritate Your Skin
Quality shaving creams, gels and soaps are the key to a better, closer wet shaving experience without skin irritation. Edwin Jagger, Taylor of Old Bond Street, BAUM.BE, Colonel Ichabod Conk and other quality brands are made from ingredients that improve the quality of your skin, rather than causing irritation.

Making Additional Passes with Your Razor Without Fresh Shaving Cream
Anytime your razor is applied to your skin, the skin should be protected using a quality shaving cream or soap. Do not rely on residue from a first pass of the razor to protect your skin on additional passes. By using a shaving brush, re-applying shaving cream is quick and easy during your wet shave.

How to avoid razor burn

To ensure your wet shaving experience is razor burn and irritation free, ensure your shaving kit or medicine cabinet is well stocked with fresh razor blades, shaving cream, pre-shave oil and other products from the OriginalShaveCompany.com.

The online shaving store for discerning gentlemen

The online shaving store for discerning gentleman

Finding a shaving store online where you can comfortably shop for your wet shaving essentials without worrying about low quality or overpriced items is key these days.  OriginalShaveCompany.com specializes in high quality shaving essentials offered at good prices and of course combined with our exceptional customer service. We carry only the best quality products from well known, trusted manufacturers.  One of the many benefits to shop with us is our extensive knowledge of shaving essentials which we will be more than happy to assist with if you just contact us.  The following is a listing of the different wet shaving products that are available from our shop.

Razors – From Old School to Modern Designs

Dovo Shavette Razor Stainless Steel HandleWe stock a wide variety of razors so there is always something for every different kind of gentleman. If you’re into old school straight razors, we have original Dovo Shavettes for you. If you prefer classical shaving with a safety razor, then we have quality razors for you from reputable names like Edwin Jagger, Merkur and more. If you are not much of a traditional wet shaver and prefer to go with the times, we also have classic Mach3 or Fusion razors which use authentic Gillette cartridges.

Shaving Brushes

Wet ShavingOur online shaving store offers a very fine assortment of shaving brushes from well known brush makers such as Simpsons, Edwin Jagger and much more. We currently stock authentic pure badger and best badger brushes from Simpsons while our Edwin Jagger assortment includes high quality synthetic brushes, pure badger, best badger, super badger and Silver-Tip badger brushes. So whether you are a wet shaving animal-lover who prefers synthetic brushes or the traditionalist who must always have a badger brush, we have what you need.

Bundle & Shave

shaving kitWhat’s unique about our store is the custom shaving sets with our high in demand“Bundle & Shave” program. If you like making bulk purchases to get better deals or you just love to have complete packages of anything, then you will love our Bundle & Shave deals. We offer a variety of bundles which combine different products from different manufactures into unique offerings. Apart from our pre-packed deals, we also offer you the opportunity of selecting the individual items by yourself with our “Build Your Own Bundles”. One important thing to remember here is that whichever way you make your selection, you can always rest assured that you are selecting from the highest quality shaving essentials.

Shaving Soaps & Shaving Creams

BAUME.BE Shaving CreamOur shaving store would not be complete without shaving soaps and shaving creams. We offer you the very best shaving essentials when it comes to lathering up since we only choose brands which are butane free and don’t include harmful chemicals which can irritate or dry up your face. We stock traditional shaving soaps from reputable producers like the Colonel Conk, Edwin Jagger, and Taylor of Old Bond street. These are some of the best hard soaps you will find for making a luxurious shaving lather and you can also choose from the different fragrances available, like sandalwood, lime, amber and bay rum. Our shaving creams are also of the finest grade and include shaving cream jars and tubes with Lavender, coconut-oil, sandalwood, cooling menthol and lime fragrances.

Pre-Shave & After-shave

Taylor of Old Bond Street Pre-Shave Oil - SandalwoodWe also offer pre-shave oils in our shaving store from the same manufacturers listed above. Pre-shave oil is a necessity for a quality wet shave, especially for people with sensitive skin. A pre-shave oil application helps to protect and lubricate the skin while an after-shave helps to nourish it. This nourishment is important because shaving exfoliates the outermost layers of the skin which then needs to be nourished.

 

 

Our Razor Blade OffersGillette 7 O'Clock Safety Razors Yellow Box

We offer both safety razor blades and disposable straight razor (shavette) blades. In our shaving store, you will find razor blades from Gillette, Merkur of Germany, Feather of Japan, Astra, Derby and Dovo of Germany.  These are some of the highest quality brands and companies for wet shaving.

 

 

 

Feel free to visit our online shaving store and to give us a try today. We also offer a full 30-day return policy on our products and we accept all the major credit cards, including paypal. If you prefer to place your order over the telephone, you can call us toll-free at (800)769-4935 Ext 1. You can also use the “Contact Us” form on our website to send us an email and we will get back to you promptly.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.