Manscaping Shaving Tips: Is the great shave a lost art?
I think I’ve tried more shaving products in the past (nearly) month than I have ever in my life. Not only different gels or soaps, but whole new products like shaving mud. Yes, I said mud. I’ll get to that in a minute.
Quick, fast, and stubbly
You ever wonder why guys don’t shave every day if they don’t have to? For me it’s a combination of time and whether or not I’m going to see anyone of import later. If I’m running late, I’ll skip the shave. Even if I have time I’ll skip the shave … if I’m not going out or anything (or out somewhere where a little stubble is okay).
Why don’t I just go for the “quick shave”? Sometimes I do. Just have to sometimes. The thing is, I thing the art of the great shave is being lost. Gillette Fusion razors aren’t to blame. Nor is the decline of the DE razor and the shaving brush.
The art of the shave has been lost because I don’t think we really care much anymore.
Enjoyment of the process is part of the solution
Yeah, I’m going out there on this idea. Come on we all want the nice, smooth shave that the swimsuit model will go oooh aaahh over when caressing your face. That isn’t the point. You can get smooth, pretty easily. The new razors and gels can have you going from Grizzly Adams to baby’s butt in nothing flat.
The thing is I think we’ve forgotten how to enjoy a really good shave. Heck I think we’ve forgotten how to even have a really great shave.
I’m thinking we have to get into the whole process of shaving again. Maybe appreciate products that don’t cost a fortune, but feel and smell good. I really don’t think that’s too much to ask or unmanly. No, I don’t want to smell like horse sweat and leather. I’ll pass.
Since I’ve been trying a bunch of things lately, including the whole pre-shave wash thing, I have some ideas here.
Wash, lather, rinse, repeat
Yep, I’m getting into the pre-shave scrub. Heck I even exfoliated this morning. Yeah, no kidding. Felt good though. I’ve been paying attention to shaving more too … not just the slathering soap/gel/cream/mud on, but slow even stokes. Rinsing the razor often.
Noticing a difference? You bet I am.
I’ve been getting into the shave brush thing. Yeah it’s cool. The Cella shave soap/cream took some getting used to, but wow. You know I can get a smooth shave even with a razor on it’s last legs using the “good stuff”.
Then there is something I didn’t think would work or feel good, and holy smokes was I wrong.
Shave mud.
Yep, shave mud. Just like the stuff used for facials, but with some extras (like scent) added in to make it a shaving product.
It’s from Espa and costs about $35. Pricey, no doubt, but I really, really like how it feels.
I’ve used it a couple of times now. First time just slather and shave. I noticed right away that my skin felt different. Good different. Smooth, clean. I know seems really strange. In fact, it shaves and cleans so well that my face squeaked as the razor passed over it. Now that’s close.
Second time I, erm, read the directions. You’re supposed to leave the stuff on for a minute or two for “maximum effect” They suggest brushing your teeth, clearly they don’t realize that guys fill a basin of water for a shave. I’m not spitting into my nice hot shaving water, thank you very much.
Regardless I did wait, and yep, noticeable difference. Better shave, cleaner skin.
Espa also sent me a facial spritz, refresher thing … yeah I was a skeptic. But, it does feel good. Right after a great shave, spray and cologne and I’m feeling great.
Both these products are pricey. About $35 each. Use them every day? The spritz more often than the mud, but yeah when I want to have an awesome shave (hot date, event, etc), I’m going full on manscaping here.
Take the time, enjoy the process a bit, have a great shave
I’m not going to suggest that we all need to dawdle our way through the morning shave. Hell no. Sometimes you just have to do it fast. Doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it still. Good soap, really the brush and the shave stick or Cella don’t take much more time, shave like you care and rock on.
Come on guys, if we’ve got to do this every day, we might as well enjoy it.
Tags: , Cella shave soap, Espa, manscapng, mens grooming, post-shave, pre-shave, shave mud, shaving, shaving 101, Skin care for menRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Shaving tips for men
5 opinions for Manscaping Shaving Tips: Is the great shave a lost art?
Jason
May 5, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I wholeheartedly agree. My recent experimentation in shaving and interest in the DE razors is a part of my general rediscovery of the shaving process as an enjoyable and relaxing part of the day.
That said, shaving mud!??
Color me curious.
GregPC
May 6, 2008 at 2:18 am
I have been bearded since the end of 1999 and except for the occasional neck shave or trim I’m an advocate for letting it grow.
sloot
May 6, 2008 at 3:06 am
shaving - like so many other things - is a chore to get through, not an experience to be had.
like driving to work.
which is why I ride a motorbike.
Tris Hussey
May 6, 2008 at 4:41 am
Jason … I’ll do a follow up post just on these Espa products. The shaving mud is something I hadn’t tried before. It’s white (kaolin is a big component) and doesn’t lather, but … it does do a great jobs. Expensive, but pretty darn good.
Greg, I wish I could grow a beard … just don’t have enough face fur.
Sloot … well a great shave is like a drive ride into work, it just starts the day off well.
Jason
May 12, 2008 at 6:23 pm
@GregPC
The problem for most is that when you let the beard go and do not trim or shave you end up with bush beards with not very clean lines.
For most, the point where their beard ends is not a line but rather a gradient. Most guys look more well groomed with a clean sharp beard edge.
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