THE ULTIMATE 5 STEP SHAVING ROUTINE
Although you’d be forgiven for not finding it the most exciting task, shaving – like brushing your teeth – is something a great deal of men do every day. Over a lifetime, that can add up to thousands of hours spent at the bathroom sink, so it’s worth knowing how to do it properly. With that in mind, follow these five Kiehl’s-approved steps to guarantee a close, smooth, and comfortable shave every time. For more info on wet shaving vs dry shaving, click here
STEP 1: PREPARE USING A SIMPLE CLEANSER AND SCRUB
A perfect shave is all in the preparation. The shower is a great place to start, because steam helps open pores for closer results. Begin by applying a simple cleanser, this softens the hair, making it easier to cut. Our best cleanser for your face is the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash contains caffeine and Vitamin E and refreshes skin for a healthier looking appearance. Follow up with the Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub to remove oil, dirt, and dead skin cells contributing to ‘razor drag’ and increasing the chance of discomfort when shaving.
Top tip: Don’t have time for a shower? Apply a damp, warm towel to your face for a minute or two instead.
STEP 2: SHAVE
A clean shave isn’t all about the blade. In fact, it is important to use a product such a shave cream to help your razor glide over the hair. To prevent bumps, lather up with Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream. The fragrance-free formula turns into a rich shaving foam on contact with the face, acting as a great partner to your razor. Apply first in a circular motion to coat the hair from all angles then finish with upward strokes to lift the hairs away from the face. Now you’re ready for the razor. Just remember to shave with the grain, using just enough pressure to keep the blade in contact with the skin.
Top tip: When shaping up facial hair, switch to Kiehl’s Smooth Glider Shave Cream – a transparent shaving gel that allows for a more precise finish.
STEP 3: REPAIR THE SKIN BARRIER FUNCTION
Prevention is better than cure, they say, so rather than wait until you are experiencing skin discomfort to address it, try a post-shave product.Use a product like Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief, formulated with aloe, it provides instant hydration to help soothe razor burn sensations, and visible signs of discomfort. Its formula works to immediately nourish and soothe skin feel to reduce discomfort.
Top tip: Just as the hot water opened your pores, use a cold splash at the end of a shave to tighten them.
STEP 4: MOISTURISE
Shaving is a ritual most guys would be happy to live without, which makes skipping the aftercare tempting. Do that though, and you could be left with a compromised skin barrier that leads to something far more uncomfortable. Shaving may leave the skin feeling dehydrated, but a light moisturiser can be the fix. Facial Fuel Moisture Treatment is beloved by our male patrons. Enriched with vitamins C and E as well as soy and chestnut extract, its non-oily formula helps to moisturise the skin while controlling shine. Or you may prefer our best face moisturiser: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. This iconic moisturiser is loaded with hydration heavy-hitters and provides up to 24 hour hydration. If you have sensitive skin, switch your morning shave to a night time routine when you can take more time and care.
Top tip: Don’t just moisturise after shaving. Do this morning and night to smooth out the skin and improve razor glide.
STEP 5: GROOM
No two beards are the same, which means no two beard care routines are either. But just because your idea of a daily trim ends at maintaining a neat neckline doesn’t mean the hard work is over. Whether you have designer stubble or full facial hair, beard oil is a men’s grooming essential for keeping your skin (and what’s sprouting out of it) as luscious as it can be. Adding Kiehl’s Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil to your beard groom kit is a win win. Enriched with salicylic acid, eucalyptus and vitamin E. This formula sloughs off dead skin cells, softens the hair to reduce discomfort and hydrates the skin underneath. All while leaving behind a fresh, woodsy scent.
Top tip: Apply two to three drops of the formula to facial hair every day and use a comb to disperse it through bushier beards.
