Expert tips to live by BRIDGET MARCH
We all know how to shave, but do we all know how to shave properly? Celebrity beauty therapist
and Venus skin expert Nathalie Eleni explained to us that what you do
before, during, and after shaving can mean less razor time all around. Here are
her top tips for the perfect long-lasting shave:
1. Use a salt scrub the day before you shave to lift
off any dead cells that may have trapped little hairs. Start from the
ankles and work upward in a circular motion. If your skin is particularly
sensitive, then using exfoliating gloves will prevent flare-ups but still
get the job done efficiently.
2. Shower or bathe before you shave to remove natural oils and
perspiration, and hydrate the hair, which makes it up to 60 percent easier
to cut. Two-three minutes is optimum soaking time (after 15 or 20
minutes, water causes your skin to wrinkle and swell slightly, resulting in a
shave that's not as close as you'd like).
3. Apply an ample amount of
moisture-rich shave gel before shaving to help keep water in the hair and to
ensure the razor glides easily over skin. This will allow you a good
few extra shave-free days. Don't rely on soap to prepare your skin — it may
clog your razor during shaving. In addition, many soaps cause dryness.
4.
Choose
your razor wisely. It is important to choose one that's
properly equipped for the job. Venus offers something for every need.
I love the Venus & Olay Sugarberry razor which has "five-blade
technology" and gently exfoliates by sweeping away the top layer of
skin cells for surface renewal, plus the Moisture-Boost shave gel bars contain
petrolatum, a skin protectant to soften the skin and help lock-in moisture for
less dryness.
5. Shave with a fresh blade; they provide a closer,
smoother, more comfortable shave, and can help prevent cuts and irritation. You should
replace blades at the first sign of dullness or discomfort, and because hair
growth can vary dramatically depending on the person, you are the best judge.
On average, women replace blades after about 10 shaves.
6. Use a light touch, exerting as little pressure as
possible, and shave in the direction that feels most comfortable. Re-lather
before shaving the bikini and other sensitive areas.
7. Leave hard-to-shave spots for last. The backs of
knees and thighs, and areas like ankles, where the bone is close to the skin
surface, are often difficult to shave. However, all Venus razors feature an
oval-shaped cartridge that maximizes maneuverability in and around these
hard-to-shave areas.
8. Rinse skin thoroughly after shaving, and then pat
skin dry. Don't rub skin harshly and don't dry off completely. The extra
water on your body will be sealed in as you apply moisturizer, helping to
eliminate dry, flaky skin, especially on freshly shaved legs, so you can
achieve a healthy glow.
9. Coat your freshly shaved legs in natural body oil
(don't use synthetic perfumes or fragrances). Try simple coconut or
macadamia oils, which you can buy from a health food shop or chemist; these
will deeply nourish your skin. Apply every evening before bed.
