There’s nothing quite like a spring clean to help you declutter your life and your mind. Kitchen cupboards, cupboards under the stairs, and drawers under the bed are easy to tackle and clear out. And it’s so satisfying too. But if there’s one place us ladies fear to tread, it’s our wardrobe.

It’s a sacred place, where garments are infused with confidence-boosting superpowers, memories of occasions gone by, and memories yet to be. And since we can’t all be Carrie Bradshaw, chances are it often exists in a state of overflowing disarray too. So with the summer’s balmy leg-bearing weather right around the corner, it’s high time we decluttered, reorganised, and readied ourselves for that summer wardrobe. Here are our tips for doing it properly.

Take an inventory

It’s amazing what happens when you take absolutely everything out of your wardrobe and arrange it neatly on your bed. You’ll find things you’ve never worn, things that are too worn, and things that you never knew you had. The first step to decluttering is knowing what you need and what you have – and making it match.

The Six-Month Rule

A lot of fashionistas will tell you that if you haven’t worn something for six months, then it’s time to ditch it.  We’re not sure that’s always a good idea. Instead of just having the traditional ‘Keep’ and ‘Throw’ piles, we suggest introducing a third pile: ‘The seasonal storage pile’. There are plenty of things you won’t be wearing in the next six months, that you’ll most certainly want when chilly old January comes around. So get those must-have winter pieces folded and stored away in a plastic box or vacuum pack, and keep them separate from your in-season wardrobe.

Know When to Throw

‘BE RUTHLESS’ is another line thrown around by savvy style gurus. We suggest being ruthless, but not reckless. If you find yourself holding an item longingly, unsure of its fate, then ask yourself these questions:

• Would I ever, really wear this again? And when?
• Does it fit?
• If it doesn’t fit, am I on my way to being a size where it will fit?
• Is the damage that keeps me from wearing it repairable?
• Can I turn it into something else?

If you answered no to most of these, then you should probably bid it farewell. We know, we know: it’s emotional.

Do it in One

If you’re a dedicated fashionista, then it can be pretty difficult to get into the swing of things. Dedicate an entire afternoon to your mission, so you can keep up your momentum and chuck away (or donate) all the things from your throw pile, lest they sneak their way back into your wardrobe overnight.

Get Organised

When you know what you’re keeping, storing, throwing or donating, it’s time to reorganise your wardrobe from scratch. The internet is full of videos about clever organisation tips and tricks. When everything’s in its new place and order is restored, sit back and admire the stylish serenity.

Buy Less, Choose Well

When rejuvenating your summer wardrobe, make a ‘need’ list rather than a wish list. Try to curb your impulses and pick out key pieces that you not only need and like, but really love. Make sure they’re high quality too. It’s better to have one fabulous maxi dress that you can bust out again and again, then ten cheap ones which will inevitably fall apart.

Prepare your legs!

This is what it’s all about. Now the short shorts and floaty skirts are ready to wear, you’ll want to make sure your legs are in silky smooth condition to show them off. Of all the ladies razors out there, we recommend our very own women’s razor, the Dorco EVE 6. Not only does it feature a multi-flex pivoting head to help glide along your contours, it also features a lubricating strip lovingly infused with soothing calendula extract and argan oil. Last but not least, remember to slather on that SPF before taking your new legs – and your new summery ensemble – out on the town to celebrate.

Ahh, bank holidays. There’s nothing like a three-day weekend for a little well-earned R&R. And with two this month, you’ll have plenty of time to crack open a few beers, fire up the BBQ, and enjoy the sunshine. Of course, you could be a little more productive. Need some ideas? From DIY to personal grooming, we’ve got you covered.

Build flatpack furniture

Remember that bookcase you bought four months ago that has been intimidatingly packaged in more than one box? It’s time to take it on. Bank holidays provide the perfect opportunity to fix stuff and build stuff. Remember, you don’t get any extra points for building it without following the instructions, even if it feels like you do.

Dust-off the BBQ

If you want to man the meat this summer, then it’s high time you got that BBQ ready. Chances are it looks a little grimy after months of storage, so it’s time to return it to its former glory and evict the colony of spiders that have taken up residence inside.

Work out

Why we don’t condone leaping into a hardcore workout routine if you’re not used to it, it doesn’t hurt to ease a little exercise into your life with Speedo season on the way. A few press-ups, sit-ups or a run around the block can work wonders for your health, as can lifting a few weights. Children, small dogs and a 6-pack of beer can all work if you don’t own dumbbells.

Garden Work

Is your back garden starting to resemble an turning into a jungle? Then it’s time to reacquaint yourself with the lawnmower, the garden shears, and all those other funny-looking pieces of equipment you have been gifted from your family. Remember your SPF.

Go Manscaping

And finally. A little spring manscaping never goes amiss. So treat yourself to a shiny new face shaver like the Dorco PACE 6 Plus, which features 6 blades, a nifty pivoting head, and a lubricating strip coated in soothing calendula extract and argan oil. Best of all, it works just as well as a body hair razor too if you’re wanting to show off those pecs.

So you’ve decided to try a moustache? Nice choice!

This year, the moustache is back in demand, shaking its reputation from recent years as the preserve of the ‘Movember’ campaign in November.

We’ve listed five popular moustache styles below, which one will you try?

ONE – The handlebar

The handlebar is an iconic style that’s as classic as they come.

It was a feature on the faces of fashionable men as far back as the 17^th Century, immortalised by King Charles I, in a portrait by Sir Anthony Van Dyk. The BBC says his moustache was then ‘copied by every man of fashion’ when the portraits went on display.

If you do decide to give this style a try, it will require a little patience. Doug Geiger from Can You Handlebar advises that a handlebar moustache will take about three months to grow, and to avoid trimming it along the way.

TWO – The Chevron

A style that personifies the 80s, the chevron still conjures up images of Tom Selleck in his starring role in Magnum P.I.

The acclaimed recent movie about the rock band Queen and its legendary moustache-sporting frontman Freddie Mercury perhaps gives us one reason why this style has increased in popularity in 2019.

A chevron is a no-brainer; it works well with most face shapes, and it’s easy to grow. Just let the hair grow above your top lip without trimming, and clean shave the rest of your face. Eventually, trim the hairs to stop them from covering your lips and mouth.

THREE – The combo

Combining your moustache with some chin hair or a soul patch can have very effective results. From the goatee to the van dyke, there are plenty of options.

Lee Kynaston from Fashion Beans says the goatee ‘has long been the facial hair choice for rock stars, intellectuals and those with a wayward, rebellious streak’, with famous recent wearers including Idris Elba and Robert Downey Jr.

It’s also an ideal choice for those who may struggle to grow a full beard.

FOUR – The pencil

A sophisticated and subtle style achieved by shaving all but a thin line above the lip. This style has been associated with artists and intellectuals throughout history, from Lord Byron to Little Richard.

It may be a good idea to start with a full moustache and work your way back with trimming scissors to achieve the shape you want. That way, you have full control of the outcome and can factor in any individual quirks in how your facial hair grows.

FIVE – Weighted

Also known as the ‘beardstache’, this is a hybrid of the moustache and the beard. The moustache is grown thick and full, similar to a chevron, with the rest of the face sporting stubble.

There a couple of easy ways to achieve this look. If you are currently sporting a full beard, you can simply leave the hair above the lip as it is and trim the rest down. If, however, you are clean shaven, you’ll need to let the hair on the top lip grow while regularly trimming down the hair on the rest of the face.

It’s a rugged style being worn by a host of big names this year, including Superman star Henry Cavill and Tom Hardy.

Enjoy total control when you shape your moustache

After putting all that effort in to pick the perfect style, you can’t afford to spoil it – that means using the right tools to get the job done.

The Dorco PACE range has something for everybody, featuring a non-slip handle and up to seven precision blades. Also, by utilising the special on-board trimmer, you’ll have the ability to craft any kind of moustache you like with ease.

To help you find the style that’s perfect for your face, read our guide which helps you match your face shape to a facial hair style here.

It seems straightforward – just go outside and start running, right?

Well, not exactly.

A lot of things can get in the way, whether it’s work commitments, family, other plans, or simply not having the time or energy.

However, running releases endorphins to make you feel great, can relieve stress and make you feel physically stronger.

So how do you get over the hump, and get into a regular pattern of running? These running tips for beginners are a great place to start. 

STEP ONE – Mind over matter

Sometimes you may not have enough time, or feel in the right head space, to go out running.

Don’t be afraid to seek a little outside help to find the motivation you need. By finding a running buddy, joining a running club, or signing up to group events, such as Parkrun UK, you can encourage each other to keep making the effort.

There is also a variety of running based media available which can help give you a great boost. The Couch to 5K (C25K) programme, is a popular way to get from the sofa to running 5k in a matter of weeks, with a manageable programme that gradually raises your fitness level.

STEP TWO – Get the right footwear

Running shoes provide vital cushioning and support for your feet, helping to prevent injuries and boost your athletic performance at the same time.

However, with so many types available, it’s easy to see why someone might feel overwhelmed and end up with the wrong choice.

Clifton Bradeley, a specialist musculoskeletal sports podiatrist and advisor to sports brand ASICS, says: “Buying the wrong running shoes can leave you injured and unprotected and by the time you have found the correct ones you may have wasted money too.”

To help make your choice more informed, try visiting a specialist running store. The staff will often help you choose a pair while analysing your foot size and shape, and your running gait, to determine the perfect pair of running shoes for you.

STEP THREE – Where to run

It’s a good idea to plan your route. That way, not only can you run in a location that’s pleasing to the eye, you also know how far you are running, which is a good way to map progress over time and to avoid overdoing it. Apps, such as MapMyRun, will generate a route for you, while tracking statistics such as your pace and stride length. 

Try to think about the surface you run on. Concrete is a common choice, given that many people live in cities and have few alternatives. However, it’s one of the hardest surfaces you can run on can put strain on your joints and muscles.

STEP FOUR – Pace yourself

If you push yourself too hard at the start, you are most likely going to get injured and put yourself off running longer-term.

Running coach and exercise physiologist Janet Hamilton tells Runners World: “You have to start where you are, not where you think you should be. If you go further or faster than you’re ready for, your body can’t adapt quickly enough and you’ll get injured.”

Think of it like driving a car. You can’t just go straight into top gear; you have to work your way up, one at a time.

STEP FIVE – Take time to recover

The steps you take post run are essential to ensure that running stays fun in the long-term, and to prevent injuries.

It’s important to stretch immediately after you run as this will help you to cool down gradually and increase your flexibility.

The NHS says you should aim to stretch to the point of feeling tightness or slight discomfort. They add: “You shouldn’t feel any pain when doing these exercises. If you do, stop and seek medical advice.” Follow their full stretching advice here.

You should also think about leaving enough time between runs to let your body rest and become stronger. For beginners, experts recommend aiming for a maximum of 3 to 4 runs per week.

High-precision to achieve sporting perfection

Whether you’re a full-time runner, regular amateur enthusiast, or a first-timer, we have the shaving tools for your sporting needs.

Our range of razors featuring advanced blade technology will give you a smooth shave every time.