“Dorco Eve the shave was so much closer and left my legs with an amazing smooth shine afterwards too, plus the price is so much better and the monthly subscription means I won’t forget to keep on top of my shaving routine!”
Monthly Archives: February 2017
BexFaye
“Dorco Eve work wonders for my sensitive skin! It gives such a clean shave. Also the bendable cartridge is just amazing, saves me for cutting my ankles like a normally do every time!”
Coffee Stains and Lipstick
“The Dorco Eve 6 – it glides effortlessly over the skin, as well as reaching all those annoying places around the ankle without leaving a single scratch, thanks to the multi-flex, pivoting head.”
Dickydoodah
“[The] Aloe Vera is extremely soothing for sensitive skin [and] Eve caught a lot more hairs as well as gliding across my skin. The result was incredibly smooth.”
How to Choose the Right Shaving Cream for Your Face
First of all: Is it bad to shave without shaving cream? Before deciding on which shaving cream you want, it’s best to understand exactly why men use shaving cream. Many men shave with water or plain soap, but shaving cream allows you to get a closer shave if used correctly. Shaving lubes can also protect your face from irritation, so they’re great at banishing razor burns. There aren’t any negatives to skipping the shaving lube, but you miss the opportunity to moisturise and protect your face when you don’t use one.
Honestly, if you love your current shaving-cream-free routine, there’s no need to change what works. However, if you think you could upgrade your shaving routine, read on.
Shaving Soaps, Creams, Gels and Foams
Before contemporary shaving lubes were developed, men used lathering soaps to protect their skin while shaving. To use them, you had to work up a lather with a shaving brush in a cup. In the 1940s, brushless shaving creams that didn’t lather were developed. Now most men use a cream, gel or foam while shaving.
For sensitive skin and shaving aficionados, shaving creams are the preferred choice. Many brands contain a high level of moisturising fats and glycerin, which protect dry skin. When combined with hot water, shaving creams can deliver the best possible lather and also soften your facial hair. And while most shaving experts recommend using a shaving brush to apply it, it will still lather up in your hand.
Shaving gels add moisture and lubrication to your skin. They’re easier to use than shaving creams and lathering soaps: You can apply them with your hands if you prefer. Because shaving gels are clear, they allow you to see the direction of the hair growth and the underlying skin. This feature allows more precision when using a razor.
Shaving foams don’t have the same lather quality as other shaving products. Cold shaving foam also closes the pores on your face. Often, shaving foams contain ingredients that dry skin, and they don’t provide the moisturising benefits of the other options. However, many men find shaving foam easier to use.
Common Shaving Lube Ingredients
Once you’ve picked the right type of lube, you may want to consider the ingredient list. If you’re lucky enough to have normal skin, most shaving products should work for you. But men who have sensitive, oily or dry skin should take care when selecting a product. Here are some tips on common ingredients:
- Parfume: Some men have skin that’s sensitive to fragrance, while others prefer a scented product. Let your nose and skin be your guide. If you have sensitive skin or experience skin irritation after using a fragranced product, use a perfume-free shaving lube to protect your skin.
- Essential oils: Essential oils add fragrance to shaving lubes, but unlike perfume, they can also help skin problems. For example, lemon oil can help tame oily skin, and tea tree oil can help acne. Other popular shaving lube essential oils are bergamot, sandalwood and cedar.
- Glycerin: This heavy moisturiser helps the razor glide over the skin.
- Natural oils: A shaving lube may contain a combination of glycerin and natural oils to moisturise skin. Avocado, jojoba, coconut and almond oil are popular choices.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate and dry your skin. If you already have dry skin, avoid shaving foams, which have high alcohol contents and dry the skin. Shaving gels usually contain the least amount of alcohol, so they’re best if you have sensitive skin.
- Stearic acid: This powerful cleanser helps other ingredients in your shaving lube lather. It can be derived from plant or animal origins.
Understanding the best products and ingredients for your skin should help you narrow your choices. Just be prepared to try a few different lubes before you find the perfect one for your needs.
7 Best Subscription Boxes for Men
What do you give to a man who has everything? Or what do you treat yourself to when you’re in need of some TLC?
With tailored preferences and round the clock delivery options, it’s no wonder monthly subscription boxes are a hot trend in the retail industry. With most subscription boxes also offering excellent deals and discounts when you sign-up.
The types of subscription box range from snacks and socks to grooming tools and gadgets. In fact, it seems there will be an endless choice for subscribers.
Here are some popular subscription boxes that could make a great gift for anyone.
1. The Hawkins & Shepherd shirt subscription
Starting at just £24 per month, Hawkins & Shepherd offer stylish yet classic pieces you’ll love to wear. The luxury London-based company is known for quality, handmade shirts. Look out for the 100-percent cotton collections, or check their new website to set up your subscription.
2. The London Sock Company membership
Of course, to go with those luxury shirts, you’ll need a pair of stylish socks — or four. And we all know the dilemma of missing socks, or socks with holes, or mismatched pairs! So with prices starting at just £10 per month, the London Sock Company will keep you well stocked with the perfect gentleman’s socks for all occasions! (Ladies, if you’re reading this, note that it will take a huge load off your shoulders when your man has a comfortable luxury pair to wear each month!)
3. The Gin Explorer Box
For those who love a nightcap, dabble in the odd gin cocktail, the Gin Explorer Box could be just what you need. Along with a selection of gin, the box includes gourmet tonics and mixers, surprises (past goodies have included bar spoons, gin infusion kits and cocktail ingredients) and some interesting facts about the history of gin.
4. The Heritage Meat Box
The Master Butcher and Development Chef at Farmison have got the perfect subscription box for meat lovers! Straight from the butcher’s block, you get a choice of the finest cuts of your favourite meat So if you’re too lazy to head to the super market but fancy some delicious meat for dinner this is your go-to subscription box. The box also includes bespoke recipes for each of the products you select
5. The Willoughby Book Club
This is a box for all you book worms out there! The Willoughby Book Club provides three, six or 12-month packages sending you a book each month. The club promise to have just the book for you, with over different genres. They also come lovingly hand-wrapped and delivered straight to your doorstep.
6. The Dorco Razors Box
The PACE6 Plus replacement blades x4 subscription is a great choice of razor for those who want to maintain a groomed look, but don’t want the hassle of changing or upgrading blades all the time. These blades can be used with any PACE razor handle, and the cartridges come with a specially-designed trimmer blade at the back. These are ideal for shaving in hard-to-access areas.
7. The Graze Box
We told you there’s a subscription box for everything! The Graze packs focus on healthy eating, providing you with a selection of four wellness snacks every month for an unbeatable price, with calories counted for you. And because the whole family may get excited about your new healthy deliveries, they also have kiddy snack options, plus tea bags and cereals to kick start your mornings.
Grooming for Valentine’s Day? 5 Tips to Pleasantly Surprise Your Loved One
Good grooming should be a year-round goal, not just on special occasions. However, there are certain days when it’s especially important to have an impeccable routine in place. With Valentine’s Day, just around the corner, there’s no better time to put some extra effort into your grooming routine!
You don’t need to spend tons of money on lots of expensive man-products; instead, choose a few quality ones that actually do the job. Here are five investments in your grooming routine that will bring you and your partner more pleasure on Valentine’s Day
1. Invest in Your Smile
If you don’t have an electric toothbrush by now, you’re losing out on what could be one of technology’s best advancements. The powered rotating bristles are healthy and safe. In fact, they are better for reducing plaque, which in turn keeps you safe from gum infection. And, of course, you’re going to need your bright, clean and gorgeous smile for that special date. For extra care, use a good mouthwash and have some dental floss handy.
2. Nail that Flawless Shaving Routine
A good razor is the secret to the perfect shave. You can prep your skin before shaving with either a simple moisturiser or special shave oil. Then, when you start to shave, there will be less chance of irritation, redness and that uncomfortable feeling afterwards. If keeping track of how new or dull your blade is a chore, you can find a selection of great razors that come in monthly subscription boxes.
3. Take Care of your Feet
Don’t you want your loved one to enjoy snuggling up to every part of you? Many men neglect caring for their feet, leaving them dry or unkempt. No one wants to see ugly feet! So, the week before Valentine’s, why not treat yourself to a pedicure? If you lack time, a simple warm soak followed by scrubbing with a pumice stone will rid your heels and soles of dry, flaky skin.
4. No Unibrows, Please!
Take a tip from George Clooney or Zac Efron: although they manage to impress with their dark and bushy eyebrows, they both have distinctly plucked and shaped brows, no unibrows in sight! So, if you are at the barber, don’t be afraid to ask him to “clean up” the area between your eyebrows. It’s a request people often have, so there’s no shame in mentioning it.
5. Taking time to Feel and Smell Fresh
Finally, when you are preparing for your date, we hope you’ve showered and sprayed on a touch of cologne to smell your best.
The best investment you can make in your self-care is learning to be confident. Having a fun personality when around your loved one comes in at a close second to being well groomed.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Best types of Razors for Women
How do you purchase the perfect shaver? And what are the things to consider when selecting razors? With so many options on the market, how do you know which one is the best?
We all have different needs, but the following are a few examples of what to look for.
The first thing to check is quality of the blades. Next, look out for the following types of effective shavers and razors when shopping for your personal grooming needs:
Gentle razors that moisturise
Because shaving removes a layer of dead skin cells, it makes your skin smoother. But remember: moisturising is very important. Try exfoliating with a cleanser and bath loofah before shaving, and then use a razor with a specialised moisture strip attached. These sort of blades are perfect as they have Aloe, Vitamin E and Lavender.
What do these ingredients do exactly?
- Vitamin E helps with anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties. It is also a great moisturiser, leaving your skin naturally vibrant.
- Aloe also moisturises, and is particularly recommended for those with sensitive skin, or women prone to allergies.
- Lavender Extract rejuvenates collagen. This is great for women who want to achieve a youthful look
These ingredients are exactly what your body needs for extra protection and natural beauty.
Razors that adapt to the contours of your body
Are you familiar with trying to shave around those sticky areas? As we all know, it often results in annoying nicks and tiny cuts. This is because most razors aren’t designed to adapt to the contours of your body. Thankfully, you can now find ones that do—and some even massage your skin at the same time! Try this female-inspired razor, perfect because of its bendable ‘double 3 blade’ format, which enables the cartridge to follow your body’s distinct contours for the perfect shave.
Razors with flexible heads
If you choose to shave around your bikini area, you’ll need to be meticulous and very gentle. It helps to soak in a hot tub before shaving, and to only use intimate soaps that are made for this delicate part of your body—Try to avoid harsh soaps which can result in skin irritation, or even an imbalance of your body’s natural PH. Use razors with a flexible head, which allows the shaver glide over every contour of your body with maximum comfort.
Tips for protecting and extending the life of your razor:
Now that you know how to select a great razor, here are some more tips:
- To avoid your razor starting to rust (which means you should change it immediately), store it somewhere away from the shower, where heat and steam can’t easily affect its blades
- Change your blades regularly to maintain a sharp and perfect shave
- When washing your razor, be sure to flush the back of the head too—this is where it often clogs with tiny hairs. Hot water is most efficient
- Have fun with your beauty routines! Experiment with different types of blades, creams and exfoliating lotions to see which one works best for you
Shaving Rashes – What Causes Them and How to Treat Them
There’s nothing like a close shave to start the day. Done right, a wet shave can reinvigorate and refresh you for the day ahead. But done wrong, and you could be left with a painful rash for several hours. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way.
What causes shaving rashes?
Shaving irritation usually results in a red rash, and it can sometimes include bumps, tiny blisters and pimples. In some cases, the pimples can become infected, and the skin can become tight, dry and sore for several days.
Even the smoothest of shaves has the potential to take a layer of skin off your face. In normal circumstances, this would be a good thing, as exfoliation removes the dark outer layers and promotes fresh skin growth — leaving you looking healthier and wide awake. However, shaving involves a lot of friction and heat on the skin and if you don’t take proper precautions, you could be left with pain and irritation for several days.
Some of the common causes of shaving irritation are:
- Using a product that is not suited to your skin
- Employing the wrong shaving technique
- Not preparing your face properly
- Using an inferior or blunt razor
5 steps to prevent shaving rashes and razor burn
1. Use a quality razor blade and know when to change it
A blunt blade will pull at hairs, rather than slice through them, and this can be a major cause of irritation. Your razor should be sharp, clean and free from obstructions (including hair, shaving foam and skin). It’s also important to clean your razor after every use. The moment shaving starts to cause you pain or discomfort, ditch your disposable blades and replace them.
2. Prepare your face before every shave
Shaving is always easier when your face is warm and wet, so it’s a good idea to shave just after a shower or bath. By using warm water your skin pores are encouraged to open wide, giving you a closer and more comfortable shave. When your face is still moist, apply a quality shaving cream.
3. Use an appropriate shaving cream
The shaving cream you choose should contain a rich moisturiser and lubricant. It should also give you a creamy lather without any effort, allowing the blades of your razor to glide effortlessly over your face. Try to leave the cream on your face for a minute or so before starting. This will give it a chance to soften your facial hairs and allow for a pain-free cut.
4. Use the right shaving technique
For the most comfortable experience, always shave with strokes that follow the direction of growth. Some people refer to this as ‘shaving with the grain’. Start with your cheeks, and gradually make your way towards your chin hairs — as they are often the toughest to remove. You won’t need to apply very much pressure if you have a sharp razor and quality foam. Rinse your blade under hot running water after every stroke, and try to cover each area of your face just once. This will require very slow, deliberate strokes.
5. Treat your face immediately after shaving
Even if you take all of the steps listed above, you may experience some irritation and mild razor burn. You should always clean your face after shaving with a moisturising face wash. Use a wash that contains tea tree oil, which includes a natural antiseptic agent that cleanses and reduces bacteria. Rinse your face with cold water, and finish by applying an after-shave moisturiser.
If you already have razor burn…
Razor burn and shaving rashes can cause significant discomfort and pain, but there are things you can do to alleviate the symptoms. For instance, moisturising your face regularly, including just before bed can help. Avoid alcohol-based aftershaves, and use face creams containing witch hazel to soothe and cool your skin. You may also need to consider not shaving for a few days — until the worst of the rash has subsided.
With the right preparation and tools for the job, razor burns and shaving rashes can be kept to a minimum.
How to Get Small Hairs and General Gunk Out of Your Disposable Razor Blades
Even the best disposable razor blades need a little tender loving care if they’re to give you a comfortable, close shave every time. Each time you have a wet shave a mixture of hairs, shaving foam, skin and dirt can accumulate on the blades of your razor — causing them to become dull and ineffective.
But before you throw your blades away, it might be worth trying to clean them first. A high quality disposable razor blade can give you several close, pain-free shaves if you just take the time to look after it.
1. Rinse between strokes
After every stroke (which should be with the grain of your facial hair), give your blade a rinse with warm water. This will keep the majority of the hair and gunk out of your blades, and ensure your shave is as close as possible.
2. Rinse more thoroughly after shaving
Once you’ve finished shaving, run the hot tap, and hold your blades under the flowing water at an angle that ensures water passes through the blades, not just over them. Gently tap your razor against the sink to dislodge debris, and give it another rinse under the hot water.
3. Allow the razor to dry
Once your razor has dried, you will probably notice that some hairs and gunk remain. Take a soft-bristled brush (there are some very good razor brushes on the market for this very purpose), and brush the blades carefully. Ensure the bristles are sweeping between the blades, and not just over them.
4. Wipe the blades clean
Use a small face towel to wipe the blades clean — making sure you’re using steady movements that run down the blades from the top. If you are having trouble removing foam residue or, hair and skin, dab the towel in a little alcohol. This will aid the cleaning process and sterilise the blades at the same time.
A simple trick to keep your razor clean and prolong its life
Employing these easy tips once a day will help remove stubborn particles of dirt, shaving foam and hair whilst keeping the blades sharper for longer.
Take a pair of denim jeans, and lay them out on a flat, solid surface. You can use an old or new pair, as this process doesn’t cause damage to the denim fibre. With the top of the blades pointing away from you, press the blade against the denim and push it away from you in a single, slow and steady motion. In other words, you should be moving the blades in the wrong direction. You shouldn’t be ‘shaving’ the jeans. Push the razor up your jeans 10 times, and then choose another area of the denim to repeat the process.
Finish off by rinsing with hot water and then carefully dry the blades off with a face towel. Try to get into the habit of performing this ritual in the morning, after you shave. By doing so you can ensure your razors last longer and deliver a close, painless shave every time.
It is essential that a razor blade is kept clean and sharp to perform its sole function properly. As a result of keeping your razors free from hair and gunk, your wet shaves will be as comfortable as they are close.