Personal Style Defined.

Face First

Source: L'Uomo Vogue 2009

Well, one thing we can all agree on is that January is a new start. We decide what we want to change and how we go about changing. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I need to get a new shave kit together. I know most guys never want to talk about their skin; it’s girly, sissy, lame. The unspoken truth is that most men care about their skin and what they look like. One basic point that most men must deal with, regardless of their skin regimen, is shaving. You may not do it every day, you may only do it once a year, but at some point you will have to pull out that blade.

Source: L'Uomo Vogue 2009

In adolescence, we learn to shave from our father, older brother, or no one. No matter what, most likely they didn’t know much themselves: razor, foam can or soap, and away you go. STOP! Here is a mini tutorial to get you started to the right shave.

Source: L'Uomo Vogue 2009

Source: L'Uomo Vogue 2009

I stopped into Masc, Vancouver’s secret weapon to men’s skin care, to speak with skin care expert Jamie Beuthin about what was needed to start a shave kit.

Step 1: Scrub

Prep skin with scrub. This will help slough-off dead skin and allow facial hair to stand at attention; it’s like Viagra for the skin. Masc specialist, Jamie Beuthin, recommends Jack Black’s face scrub—my personal favorite as well. My suggestion would be to make sure you dampen the skin with warm water before you apply scrub, then apply a dime size amount to skin (more if needed), and then rinse with warm water. This will help to open hair follicles and raise facial hair—it also feels great! If you’re lazy like me, just do it all in the shower. Invest in a fog-free mirror.

MASC: Jack Black Scrub

Step 2: Shave Cream

A good shave cream will protect your skin from the blade, ensuring you receive an optimal cut during the shave. Jamie recommends GEO. F. Trumper’s shave cream, which comes in five amazing scents: almond, sandalwood, rose, and (most popular) lime and coconut. Also, Jamie suggests the E-Shave brush to help gain lather longevity during your shave. For me, a shave brush is a great way of extending your scrub. The brush helps to get your beard extra prepped for the razor. Yes boys, foreplay even for your skin!

MASC: Shave Cream (GEO.F.Trumper)& Shave Brush (E Shave)

Step 3: The Shaver

This is a debate among many men—disposable shaver, electric, straight edge—all personal choices based mostly on skin comfort, accessibility and usage. This tutorial is based on blade razors. (I will have another one for electric guys!) Jamie recommends using the Merkur Shaver, which comes in four different finishes: nickel, brush, black, and polished. The benefits of this razor are expanded in a video tutorial with Jamie.

When you shave, you should try to go in the direction of the hair. The scrub prep will help you to see if your hair grows up or down. This will help you avoid those pesky ingrown hairs, if you regularly cleanse and moisturize your skin, your skin will thank you later with a smooth shave.

MASC: Merkur Shaver

Step 4: Aftershave

Aftershave helps to calm your skin, prevent ingrown hairs, and helps to heal nicks after your shave. This is very important for skin health and prep for future shaving. Not just an up-sell at department stores. Jamie had three wonderful choices: Erye, Men’s Science, and Kyoku.

MASC: Aftershave; Eyre; Men's Science; Kyoku

Use these tips to help get your best shave. Thanks Jamie for all the good advice. Now, guys go get your kit together!

Masc

MASC

433 Davie Street (Yaletown)

Vancouver, B.C.

T: 604.688.4555

E: info@shopmasc.com

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