How to Groom Like a Gentleman

We've said before that good style isn't just about nice clothes--it's also about proper grooming. A $5,000 suit isn't going to hide the fact that you look like Joaquin Phoenix circa that time he was crazy on David Lettermen. And, OK, maybe you don't look like our crazy dear friend Joaquin, but your five minute speed shaves in the A.M. with your wife's razor aren't doing it for you either.

If you want your skin to feel as smooth and supple as your favorite silk tie, you must groom like a gentleman. But, "how does one groom like a gentleman?" you ask. Our friends at eShave, a line of high-end mens grooming tools and products, have provided the answer. According to eShave, there are three principle steps to a great shave and they are as follows:

1. Prepare properly

Prep your skin with hot water, either by taking a shower or pressing your face with a hot, wet cloth. The hot water loosens up the pores and softens the hair, which allows for a closer, smoother shave.

Then use a pre-shave oil to protect the skin and allow the razor to glide smoothly across your skin. The pre-shave oil protects the skin by creating a small thin layer between the blade and the skin, so it cuts your hair and not your face.

Then, lather up with a shaving cream. Use a brush to apply the lather--this will help raise the hair away from the skin.

2. Shave smoothly

Shave with a fresh, sharp razor. You shouldn't have to apply a ton of pressure. A sharp, new blade will cut the hair cleanly and swiftly, eliminating the need to press the blade into your face. For stubborn hair, reapply your shaving cream and shave in a sideways motion, and in short strokes to prevent irritation. Hair in the neck area grows in different directions, so trace it's direction with your finger first. Then follow the pattern as you shave. It's important to do this because the skin on your neck is thinner than any other skin on your body and can be cut easily.

3. Protect firmly

After you've rinsed with warm water, apply a moisturizing alum block to close your pores and tone your skin. An alum block is also great for sealing nicks. If you nick yourself, run the alum block under cold water and apply it to the cut. You'll see it stops the bleeding instantly. Finally, pat your skin dry and then apply an aftershave cream or aftershave cooler (both available from eShave), to heal your post-shave skin.

See the original of this post on eshave.com.

For more information about eShave and their array of great products, come see us at Harleys and test out a few things. Find us here.