How To: Master Your Shave
Shaving is an easy and effective way to remove hair at home, if that's something you choose to do. Compared to other methods like laser and waxing, it's cost-effective, convenient and gives you the freedom to choose where, and when, you want to remove hair. But for anyone who's done it in a rush or with a dull razor blade, you'll know it can come with a slew of side effects – from INGROWN HAIRS to razor bumps. Luckily, mastering your shave for a smooth and irritation-free finish every time is much easier than you might think. Follow these expert-approved tips below to achieve silky limbs and glowing skin.
PREP THE SKIN PRE-SHAVE
The outcome of your shave directly correlates to how much effort goes into prepping the skin. Use a body exfoliator to create a smooth canvas for your razor to glide seamlessly across. EXFOLIATING speeds up skin cell turnover, removing any rough and dry patches of skin, while also deeply clearing out the pores. Ingrown hairs form when a hair becomes trapped in a follicle and, rather than growing straight out, curls back onto itself. Exfoliating reduces this risk by removing dirt and debris from the pores. Our BODY POLISH has been formulated with both PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL exfoliators to delicately resurface the skin and remove impurities. We'd also recommend allowing the steam/condensation and warm water from your shower or bath to allow the pores to gradually open before going straight in with your razor. Hanging out for a few minutes in the shower or bath before shaving softens the skin and the hair, making it easier to trim down with your razor.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT RAZOR
Using the best tools gives you the best shave. It really is that simple. Reaching for a razor that has more blades provides a closer shave, evenly distributing pressure and reducing the need to go over the same area twice. We designed our custom-made RAZOR specifically for the way in which women shave. It feels weighty and substantial in the hand, providing you with the control and precision to use it on any of the body that you so wish. Five diamond-sharp and nickel-free blades, enclosed in a moisturising Vitamin E cushion, make for an exceptionally close shave while rehydrating the skin. It's super important to always use a fresh REFILL BLADE. Not only is this most hygenic, but using a sharp blade creates less friction on the skin. We recommend replacing your razor blade after every 6-8 shaves for best results. This will ensure you're protecting yourself from irritation and that the skin feels velvety and sleek to the touch after shaving.
NURTURE & NOURISH THE SKIN
High-lather shave foams are what most of us grew up using, but unfortunately they tend to contain a lot of harsh ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Using a shave cream made with skin-loving ingredients will provide a cushion between your skin and your sharp razor. It's useful to keep in mind that shaving is itself a form of exfoliation, so ensuring you're using a nourishing shave cream is the best way to protect your skin during shaving. We tried every shave cream on the market and couldn't find one that ticked all of our boxes, so we created our own. The LUI SHAVE CREAM contains naturally active ingredients and plant-based oils with a luxuriously creamy texture to match. Plus, it's non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog the pores) and PH-BALANCED to support skin health.
PERFECT YOUR TECHNIQUE
Many of us learnt to shave the old-school way; against the grain. Our approach is a little different. Begin by shaving with the direction of hair growth to ‘trim’ the hair down as close as possible to the skin. This also gives the skin ample time to moisten and soften. After you’ve done this, then shave against the grain to finish off. The result? Velvet-smooth skin. Try to take your time. Shaving is often viewed as a chore, but we think it's just as deserving of its place in the self-care routine. It can be a beautiful moment to connect with the skin you're in, and we hope that our considered range of body care products elevate shaving. Taking your time to shave provides a better result, and eliminates the risk of nicks and cuts.
TAKE CARE IN DELICATE AREAS
Removing hair in delicate areas of the body like the pubic region or the underarms is a personal choice. There's no right or wrong stance on it, but there is definitely a correct way to do it well. If you do choose to shave DOWN THERE, make sure you use plenty of shave cream and a fresh razor blade. This will reduce the chance of irritation. Wearing loose clothing afterwards can also help the area to breathe. When it comes to the UNDERARMS, cleanse the area with a gentle body cleanser before shaving, as this area of the body is prone to bacteria and fungus. Take time and attention shaving the armpits, avoiding the use of deodorant immediately afterwards as this can cause a stinging sensation.
TREAT THE SKIN POST-SHAVE
Your shave doesn't end as soon as your turn your shower off. Once you've stepped out of the water, carefully pat the skin dry with a towel and while the skin is still slightly damp, apply your body moisturiser. This will lock hydration into the skin, preventing cellular water loss for longer-lasting dewiness. Our best-selling BODY MOISTURISER contains SQUALANE and NIACINAMIDE to elevate moisture levels and provide vital nutrients to support the SKIN'S BARRIER FUNCTION. An antioxidant-rich blend of honeysuckle extract, cloudberry oil, soybean oil and shea butter soothes and softens for a radiant glow especially after shaving.