Primp Tip: The Smart Girl's Guide to Shaving
I don't know about you but I've heard so many differing opinions when it comes to getting the perfect shave. Some have said it's best to do in a cold shower so you get goose bumps to raise the hair, resulting in a closer shave. Others have argued that it's a job best left for the end of a steamy shower because the hair is softened. Well ladies, the verdict is no longer out. I did some research and put together this guide to ensure you're shaving the smart way...
Your Ammo
- The Right Razor: Use a razor with a moisture strip containing aloe, jojoba or acai. I like Gillette Venus. But I've heard that Schick Quattro for Women is supposed to be just as good. Since razors dull over time, be sure to replace your razor after every 5-6 uses.
- Get a Loofa: It will exfoliate your gams as you apply shave gel or cream before shaving.
- Gel or Cream It: Instead of basic soap, use a moisturizing shave gel or cream. Your stems need all the moisture they can get and gels/creams not only hydrate, they also allow for a closer, smoother shave. Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream by Kiehl's is great.
- Bump-Free Lotion: After you shave and pat yourself dry, use an alcohol-free lotion to avoid irritating your freshly shaved legs and those unsightly red "razor burn" bumps. 100% pure Shea Butter is always a good bet.
How to Shave
- Temp: Warm. Hot water leaches moisture from your skin.
- When: At the end of your shower. This way your hair and skin will have time to soften.
- How: Start from your ankles and shave up. You want to make sure you are shaving against the hair growth. As for your underarms, shave at every angle. I have found that shaving up and down and then in an "X" does the trick.
Extra Tips
- Exfoliate: Since shaving actually exfoliates your skin, only exfoliate your legs with a scrub about once or twice a week depending on how often you shave. If you have particularly coarse hair, it's a good idea to exfoliate a little more than average.
- Bump Watch: If you are prone to ingrown hairs, try using a cleanser with glycolic acid or apply Tend Skin after shaving.
- Wax Perhaps: If you have especially thick hair you might want to consider waxing. Waxing is really great for the bikini area, underarms and lower legs.
Do you have any extra tips to share? Divulge in the comments below. Also, if you have found any great alcohol-free lotions, let me know!
XO Lauren
You might also like...
Primped: My Tips for Skirt-Ready Legs
Tuesday Ten: Candy Coated Beauty
Chic Peek: My Beauty Book Cover
Chic of the Week: Alexandra Defines Beauty
Photo: beautyhigh.com
67 comments
-
-
-
-
-
I am always getting a nick here and there and continuously look like I've been in a war zone... thank you for the tips.
I have a 21 day backpaking tour of Europe coming up and am not used to being without a tub! So this advice is great, thanks.
www.bohemianmuses.blogspot.com -
http://www.pokostyle.com
http://www.pokostyle.com
Celebrates the Chinese jordantoinc Corporation 5th anniversary.
Free Shipping $46.99-$51.99 40%discount
http://www.pokostyle.com
Our company specializes in manufacturing from located in CHINA and Australia,,With more than 6 Years of experience,we are mainly dealing with are:jordan2010, jordan6, air Jordan 8, Jordan 1–25.
http://www.pokostyle.com -
I have really sensitive skin, if there are any hairs that aren't fully exfoliated it is a disaster! As often as I can I try to scrub my legs with a mix of olive oil and brown sugar. It works really well to get any layers of skin off my legs so that when I shave it comes out smooth :) -
-
-
-
Thanks for sharing. I exfoliate with a salt scrub right before shaving in lukewarm water. Afterwards, I use Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter as a moisturizer. Since my skin is dry and sensitive, it cuts down on the bumps and itchiness. Thanks for the extra tips!
-
-
For shavers I really liked Nuetrogena Razors. They are amazing and a good deal! I hope they never stop making them! One of my favorite moisterizers are natural ones like Organic Coconut Oil. You can find it it a jar in the cooking oil section (right next to the olive oil) of you local grocery stores like Q.F.C. It's somewhere around $10 and its great for everything from cooking, to lip balm, to body butter, even making body scrubs. I like to seperate it in two jars. One for cooking in the kitchen and one fore the bathroom for body needs. It's also really nice to put in a mini container for lip balms ;)
-
-
Thanks for the tips! After waxing for years, i've finally given up and went to laser hair removal. I hadn't shaved in YEARS, so I had forgotten how! I now have to shave a couple times a month. Laser is genius!
-
A fresh razor definitely makes a huge difference and leaving it until the end of your shower. I use should a good lotion after but I'm still on the hunt for a favorite! :) Helpful tips, thanks for sharing xoxo,
http://sweetfigtree.blogspot.com
-
thanks Lauren your tips have been really helpfull, i use to get bumps and it was painfull and not pretty .. so a big THANK YOU!
-
-
For bikini bumps... I read a few years back in a magazine to exfoliate first, then shave. When you get out of the shower apply Secret deodorant to the bikini line to soothe and smooth and youll be bump free. Always works for me!
-
It really helps to lotion your legs RIGHT after you shave... then you get them moisturized while the pores are still open. and sometimes i shave with the grain first and then against the grain, but thats only when I have lots of time.
loved this post!
-
-
Another tip that I always do is get your razor WET before shaving. In hot or warm water, like Lauren said, is best. Each time I move to a different area (ie: from legs to underarms), I make sure to re-wet the razor.
-
Lauren,
I currently use wax for legs and other areas. Which option do you think is a way to remove hair?, Waxing or shaving?
-
I use baby oil for moisturizing after shaving or waxing. It doesn't irritate the skin at all and also smells great. I apply a small quantity on while my skin is still moist so that it doesn't end up too oily and shiny
-
thanks for the tips! i used to use Cortid after shaving to avoid bumps but now my skin has gotten so used to it that it doesnt work anymore, so i will def be giving Tend Skin a try !
Join the Discussion!