Grooming for Valentine’s Day

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

 

dorco

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

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.

Dorco Disposable Razors

Can You Sharpen Disposable Razors? Yes! Here’s a Different Kind of Shaving Hack!

Just because a razor blade is disposable doesn’t mean it can’t deliver many close and painless shaves. A sharp razor is usually a cleaner, more effective razor… and there’s a very simple way to ensure your blades are always sharp. If you’ve ever had a ‘cutthroat razor’ shave at a barber’s shop, you will probably have seen the blade being sharpened on something that closely resembles a small belt. You can recreate this simple maintenance task at home.  In this post, we’re going to discuss a few different tips and tricks about sharpening disposable razors so that you can get more life out of them and, of course, save yourself some money!

Sharpening Shaving Blades: It’s Nothing New

Before disposable razors were a thing, men used to regularly get their straight-edge razor sharpened, much in the same way they would get their knives sharpened. Back then, all it took was a sturdy piece of leather to sharpen a razor blade.

Denim: A Quick and Easy Sharpening Hack

 

This method of sharpening your disposable razor is a nod to the “old fashioned” way of sharpening a straight edge. One of the easiest ways to sharpen your disposable razor is by using denim. Because the metal in a disposable razor isn’t as sturdy as the metal in the straight-edge razor, you don’t need a fabric stronger than denim to sharpen it. You can either get yourself a piece of denim from a fabric or crafts store or tear up an old pair of jeans that you don’t wear anymore. Either way, put the denim piece on a flat surface (like an ironing board) and, pointing the razor away from you, run the razor down the denim about 15 times. Then, do the same thing on a different part of the denim. This process will remove the excess hair from the blades, keep them clean and sharpen them.

Stropping: Not Just for Hipsters

 

Stropping” sounds like the name of a beer that a hipster would put out from his microbrewery; however, it’s actually a method for sharpening your razor blades. The process is said to be just as effective as sharpening the straight edge of the razor blade on leather or denim. In this case, the material used to sharpen the blades is suede If you’re not sure if you’re dealing with actual suede, get a leather belt, and turn it over so that the “soft” side of the belt is facing you (you can also do this with a purse strap). That soft side is the suede. Then, hang the belt (or purse strap) up and run the razor up and down the suede several times, until all of the hair and debris is off.

The Razor Pit

This is the most expensive option for sharpening your disposable razors — at ?20, it does require a bit of an investment on your part. However, it’s well worth it; even
Esquire Magazine gave it rave reviews. Using a material called a thermo-plastic elastomer (which is a type of silicon), the Razor Pit cleans and restores the blades after every use.

6 Need-to-Know Grooming Hacks for Men

No time for your usual grooming routine? No problem. You don’t have to sacrifice looking good to get where you’re going fast when you know what short-cuts to take. Discover six grooming hacks every man needs to master.

1. Use Coffee Filters to Double as Oil Blotting Sheets

 

An oily face can make you look too shiny in person and on camera. However, you can take control of your look even without oil-blotting sheets with the help of a coffee filter. Absorb the extra oils from your chin, nose and forehead so that you can look your best when you’re short on time.

2. Use Hand Cream for Frizz-Free Hair

Walking around with unkempt hair may work for the bedroom, and it’s easy to encounter when the elements make the air humid. But when you want to transition to a boardroom look or smooth out your hair while you’re pressed for time, you don’t have to schedule an appointment at the barber. You can hack your way to a professional look in an instant by using hand cream. The ingredients in many hand creams include smoothing agents that help to mat your hair. Just lather up a drop or two in your hands and apply it to the frizzy part of your hair,  adding the right amount of moisture in an instant.

3. Control the Cling with a Dryer Sheet

Rain or humidity can often be the culprits of flyaway hair. If matter rubs against your hair, it can create a negative charge resulting in a static attraction that can make your hairs stand up and out of place. When you’re trying to tackle flyaways on-the-go, take a look at your laundry room for a dryer sheet. Dryer sheets are useful for controlling hair flyaways while making it smell fresh. Just use a sheet to quickly relax your strands by rubbing it over your  hair.

4. Shave with a Conditioner

Running out of your favorite shaving cream doesn’t have to stop you from keeping a clean look. Just reach for your
hair conditioner and use it as a substitute
or your shaving cream while simultaneously
moisturising your skin.
It’s also good for using on sensitive areas so you don’t have to experience any uncomfortable effects of menthol or other cooling agents found in some shaving creams.

5. Keep Your Razors Fresh
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Your razor
is the key to keeping your hair groomed. However, moisture can easily reduce your razor blades’ lifespan and make it prone to rust when you leave it exposed in the shower.
Rusty razors
can also dull your blade or infect your face if you use them. Instead of leaving it in the open air after you shower, you can extend the use of your razor by simply storing it in a dry area, such as your cabinet, standing it blade-side up in a container or drying it with a hair dryer to avoid oxidation.

6. Treat Shaving Nicks with Lip Balm or Petroleum Jelly

Next time you nick your skin while shaving in a hurry, you can reach in your pocket for lip balm to stop the bleeding in its tracks. Lip balms have a waxy texture thanks to emollients or ingredients with emollient-like properties, such as lanolin, petroleum jelly and beeswax. You can use the lip balm to seal off the bleeding to form a clot and save time with the healing process.

Keeping up your look doesn’t have to take up too much time. You can follow these six hacks to be groomed in an instant.

A Guide to Shaving According to Your Skin Type

Chances are you’ve been shaving for many years and you probably already know the basics. But did you know that the methods you use should be adapted to the type of skin you have?

Choosing the best possible razor, shaving products and techniques shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all affair. To protect your skin from dryness, irritation and razor bumps, find out your skin type — and take the appropriate steps.

Dry skin

Restricted production of sebum is usually the cause of dry skin. This leads to a situation whereby water has difficulty penetrating the skin’s surface. Existing dehydration and tightness of the skin can be exacerbated by shaving, so you should do everything you can to preserve and increase the moisture in your skin. If you suffer with dryness, the key to a successful shave lies in the preparation.

Choose your shaving products wisely if you suffer from dry skin. Alcohol-based creams and lotions, for instance, can dehydrate the skin further — exacerbating existing problems. Always shave just after a shower or bath, as the hairs on your face will be softer and easier to cut. Apply an oil or balm to your face immediately after getting dried. And choose a moisturising shaving gel or foam that will lock in moisture and protect your dry skin from irritation.

The need for a sharp razor blade of the highest quality simply can’t be overestimated for people with dry skin. Invest in a precision-engineered blade, and replace it the moment it starts to pull or tug at your facial hairs.

Oily skin

If you have oily skin, you’re in luck when it comes to shaving, as it is usually the most resilient. The extra oil in your follicles should make shaving smoother and less likely to result in rashes and irritation. Higher-than-average production levels of sebum are the cause of oily skin.

Avoid the temptation to use skin-drying products such as alcohol-based shaving foams and balms. While you may think your skin looks greasy, trying to dry it out a little could actually stimulate the skin to produce even more sebum than usual. Also, don’t scrub or exfoliate your skin aggressively, as this could also lead to the overproduction of sebum.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin usually suffers from itching, burning and rashes as a result of external factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, the weather and a poor diet. If you suffer from sensitive skin, it’s important to follow a balanced, moderated approach to preparation, shaving and post-shave treatments.

Use warm water for shaving, rather than hot. Apply a moisturising shaving foam gently, and make sure your choice of foam relies on natural ingredients wherever possible. Also, consider using natural face washes and moisturisers first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It is important to remember that  your razor blade should be sharp and of the very highest quality.

Assess your skin type with a DNA test

A simple DNA test can ascertain what type of skin you have, as key variations in the two genes responsible for skin health can now be identified. A quick cheek saliva swab test can assess your skin on its ability to break down collagen and deliver antioxidant protection. Based on this genetic information, skin specialists can recommend very specific skincare products that work for you.

To celebrate the arrival of a healthier New Year, Dorco is offering you the chance to win a personalised skin serum based on your genetic information. The winner will undergo an in-store DNA test and lifestyle assessment at London’s Geneu. Laboratory scientists will then conduct a thorough examination before creating a personalised serum that will give you silky smooth skin after every shave. Hurry up! Competition closes on 31st January.

20171116_16. New Year Competition

How to Cleanly Shave a Thick Beard

That thick and luxurious beard you’ve been growing has finally reached its peak, and you’re now thinking about surprising everyone with an unexpected clean shave.

This is a scenario many bearded men toil with from time to time. While it’s great to have a thick face of hair, it’s always nice to keep things fresh. After all, they do say that a change is as good as a rest.

If you want to make the big switch from thick beard to clean-shaven, there are a few steps you will need to take in order to ensure the closest possible shave with minimal discomfort.

1. Trim first

 

Don’t make the mistake of diving straight into the process with the sharpest razor you can find. Not only will this take a long time, it will be painful and uncomfortable. Pulling at long hairs will ruin your razor blade and leave you screaming in pain, and there is a chance you’ll be left with a nasty rash afterwards. Instead, trim your beard down to stubble with a trimmer, and then reach for the razor.

2. Get your face ready

 

Jump in the shower or steam your face to soften the stubble as much as possible. Give your face a thorough clean, and look for any ingrown hairs that could cause you pain during your shave. Use exfoliating products to get your skin as smooth as possible, and finish off by rinsing with cold water.

3. Select a shaving gel

Choose a shaving gel that contains a moisturising agent. Use an unperfumed product in order to reduce the risk of breakouts afterwards. If you have sensitive or particularly dry skin, look for shaving gels instead of foams. Gels are glycerine-based, so they actually attract moisture to the skin.

Whatever you use, it’s important to ensure that all areas of your beard are covered. Pay particular attention to the area of your neck around your Adam’s apple — an area where a lot of shaving cuts occur.

4. Choose a quality razor

 

Most razor cuts are caused by blunt blades, so always choose a quality razor with a lubrication strip. Choosing a multiple-blade razor should reduce the number of strokes needed to remove hair — a good way of minimising irritation afterwards.

5. Shave with the grain

 

Although you’ll have trimmed your thick beard first, the stubble you’re shaving will probably still be relatively thick. It’s therefore important that you take your time. There will be a lot of hair in your razor after every stroke, so rinse the blades thoroughly with cold water each time. Always shave with the grain, and hold the skin taut with your hand to minimise the chances of irritation and cuts.

6. Moisturise

 

Even the best of blades and shaving foams can’t stop moisture being stripped from the face during a shave. So once you’re happy that your shave is complete, rinse your face and neck with cold water. Dab your skin dry with a towel, and apply a balm, moisturiser or aftershave (whichever you prefer) to rehydrate your face and minimise the chances of razor burn.

Following these simple steps should make the transition from bushy beard to clean-cut and chiselled smooth and pain-free.

3 Fitness Fads You Should Actually Follow in 2017

A lot of fitness fads come and go quickly because they don’t offer the results they promise. After a few months of trying to reach their goals, people get tired of the exercise routines. Naturally, they dispose of ineffective techniques.

These three fitness fads, however, are worth trying if you want to get in better shape in 2017. Learn more about each one, and decide which option is right for you.

Isometric Exercise

 

Isometric exercise requires very little movement. In fact, most of its benefits come from holding muscle contractions for half a minute or longer. Instead of lifting a weight over and over, you flex your muscle and hold it.

The simplicity of isometric exercise makes some people suspicious of it. But, research shows that isometric exercise builds strength faster than dynamic exercises such as lifting weights.

Don’t use isometric exercise if you’re trying to build speed. If you want to get stronger, though, it’s the perfect workout.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

A lot of exercisers assume they’ll get more benefits by spending more time at the gym. High-intensity interval training challenges that idea.

HIIT is the perfect workout for men and women with busy schedules. Instead of exercising for an hour or more, you do just 15 minutes of intense training. Some people even claim they can get results in as little as four minutes of exercise.

With HIIT, you work out incredibly hard for a short amount of time. For instance, you might run as fast as you can for 30 seconds. After the short burst of movement, you take a few seconds to catch your breath before jumping into the next exercise.

Researchers find that HIIT is one of the most effective ways to improve athletic performance, boost the metabolism and lose weight while gaining muscle.

Online Training

 

Hiring a personal trainer can help you stay motivated, but it also costs a lot of money. Choosing an online trainer or fitness class costs significantly less money while offering similar results.

Online training duplicates many of the experiences you would get with an in-person trainer. Some websites even give consultations with personal trainers and dietitians to help you reach your goals.

Membership sites tend to have better content, but you can start by perusing YouTube videos to get a feel for online training. If you like exercising at home, you should consider upgrading to a subscription service that updates its content daily. Diverse exercises will help you stay interested in your workout program.

It’s always a good idea to question the validity of fads. These three approaches to exercise, however, have proven that they’re worth trying.

Six Yoga Poses for a Healthy Back

Your back supports you throughout the day, helping with posture, lifting and more. However, it also takes quite a beating! According to the U.K. Statistics Authority, back pain cost the economy over one billion pounds in 2014 due to 4.2 million employees being unable to go to work. In order to keep your back healthy and strong, start your day right with some of these helpful yoga poses.

1. The Cobra Pose

 

In order to stretch and strengthen your lower back, try the cobra pose. Lying on your stomach with your legs outstretched, place your palms near your chest and gently push up so that your chest lifts away from the floor. Push your shoulders back and your ribs forward while maintaining your bent arms, and breathe.

2. The Upward Facing Dog Pose

 

This pose begins like the cobra, but takes it one step further. Instead of keeping your arms bent at the elbow, straighten them until your chest is tall and your pelvis lifts slightly away from the floor. Look straight ahead or upward slightly for an extra stretch.

3. The Cat and Cow Pose

 

To keep your back happy, try the cat and cow routine. On all fours, push your stomach down toward the floor and lift your head to look up (cow). Then, round your spine, pull your stomach up, and drop your head (cat). Repeat.

4. The Half Lord of Fishes Pose

 

A nice, gentle twist can work wonders on a tired back. To do the half lord of the fishes pose, sit with your knees bent up and feet flat on the floor. Drop your left knee down and slide the foot under your right leg to the right buttocks, then place your right foot over your left knee. Twist to the right with your left elbow on your right knee and breathe.

5. The Knees-to-Chest Pose

 

What this pose lacks in a fancy name, it makes up for in comfort. Lie on your back and hug your knees to your chest, arms on top of your legs. Gently rock right and left for a nice massage.

6. The Bridge Pose

 

Slightly more challenging, the bridge pose is great for your back. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and hip-width apart. Rest your arms flat at your sides and push your pelvis up, clasping your hands together underneath. Press your chin to your chest and hold.