International Men's Day with Gentlemen's Tonic
Today at MyShowcase, on International Men's Day, we're celebrating the men in our lives. We talk to our first and only men's grooming brand, Gentlemen's Tonic for tips on how to shop for men, product know-how and expert advice on skincare and shaving. Behind the brand you'll find Olivier Bonnefoy, an ex investment banker who noticed a gap in the market for a naturally derived men's skincare range that really delivered, one with contemporary formulas but still within a conventional format. Along with their classic walk in grooming shops in London, Hong Kong and Dubai, the brand boasts a full range of skincare, shaving tools and now fragrance.
Read on for expert shaving advice to pass on to the men in your life ... Oh, and Happy International Men's Day!
On average a man will shave approximately 20,000 times throughout his lifetime. If the average shave took 10 minutes, this would mean that men spend the equivalent of almost 140 days or 5 months shaving. But is it being done correctly? In order to assure that you are making the most of your time and getting the best result from your razor, follow Gentlemen's Tonic's step by step guide to the perfect shave.
THE BASIC STEPS
1. Preparation
- Shaving is a daily ritual for most men yet it can damage and remove up to two layers of skin in the process. It is therefore essential to prepare properly in order to protect the skin and experience the most comfortable shave possible.
- Always shave after or during a hot shower but never before. The steam and hot water help to open up the pores, cleanse the skin and soften the beard for a more comfortable shave.
- Before shaving, lightly rub a small amount of Gentlemen's Tonic Pre Shave Oil into the hair to protect the skin and to soften the beard allowing the razor to glide easily. Make sure you cover the whole area to be shaved, especially the neck.
- Two or three times a week, especially before shaving, an exfoliating scrub should be used to help eliminate dead skin cells, excess sebum and residues from the skin's surface. It will also assure a closer, safer and longer lasting shave.
- It's important to use a good quality shaving cream for a close and comfortable shave. Gentlemen's Tonic Traditional Shave Cream contains natural oils and specially designed ingredients to create a rich, soothing lather to moisturise the skin, helping prevent razor burn and redness.
- Lather up a small amount of shave cream with a our Saville Row Horn Shaving Brush or your fingers to soften the beard and lift the whiskers away from the skin. A shaving brush will help generate a rich and warm lather, open pores and bring sufficient water to the skin. Plus the pure badger hair rush will help to gently exfoliate the skin.
- The most important rule of shaving is to always shave with the grain first - in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain first can cause ingrown hairs and razor burns.
- Ensure the razor blade is sharp and that it is replaced regularly when it starts to become dull. Never use a blunt blade as this is distressing to the skin and can cause redness and irritation, failing to evenly shave skin.
- Always glide the razor across skin with a gentle pressure and for an even closer shave, re-lather and shave lightly across or against the grain, using small strokes to prevent irritation or razor burns. Around the neck area, where hair grows in different directions, run a finger along the skin to feel the direction of growth and adjust accordingly to shave with the grain. Rinse blades with hot water when shaving then when finished, rinse the face with cold water and pat dry.
- The last step in the Gentlemen's Tonic Grooming Guide is often forgotten but essential – to moisturise the skin. We recommend an alcohol-free aftershave balm to soothe, refresh and regenerate the skin and to help close the pores. Gentlemen's Tonic Soothing Aftershave Balm is a nourishing, soothing balm that hydrates skin, calms razor burn and helps to heal any nicks - the ideal way to finish your shave.
- Alternatively, if not shaving every day, top up skin's moisture with Gentlemen's Tonic Daily Moisturiser. Suitable for all skin types and scented with the brand's signature babassu and bergamot - this an essential is for every man.
2. Lather
3. Shaving
4. Moisturise
