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Just The Tips: How To Get The Best Shave Ever

Used to be that growing a nice grizzly bear beard could set you apart from the pack—you know, the classic scruffy artist/revolutionary/don’t-give-a-fuck steez. Well, have you had a look downtown lately? Facial hair is becoming conformist. Shit, we went to a bar the other night and it felt like a meeting of PLO guerillas. In short: It may be time to chop that growth.

For one-stop shave shopping, cop the Travel Kit from The Art of Shaving—or at least get wifey to buy you one. For $200, you get a water-resistant dop kit full of goodies, including the Fusion Razor, Pure Badger Travel Shaving Brush, and get-through-airport-security sizes of Pre-Shave Oil, Shaving Cream and After-Shave Balm.

Once you have the necessary tools in place, it’s time to get to trimming. See our 5 tips for the best shave ever below…

1. PREP SKIN.
Shave in a hot steamy shower to open pores—never before. Advanced shavers can apply a pre-shaving oil to protect skin and soften stubble.

2. LATHER.
Lather up using a glycerin-based shaving cream for the closest shave. Use an official badger-bristle shaving brush to generate the thickest lather.

3. START SHAVING.
Always shave with the grain—going against the grain can cause ingrown hairs and razor burn. Our favorite razors are the Mach 3 or Gillette Fusion.

4. MOISTURIZE.
After shaving, apply an alcohol-free moisturizer to soothe and treat skin. Avoid alcohol, which leads to dryness and irritation.

5. SOOTHE YOUR SKIN.
If you do get an in-grown hair or razor burn—or if you just have super-sensitive skin—we recommend MenScience Post-Shave Repair, which is a cooling, alcohol-free mist to soothe your skin. Now do like a razor commercial and get a pretty girl to run her hands across your face. Money!