10 Tips to Shaving Effortlessly!

Shaving: redness, razor burn, razor bumps, itchy skin..... sound familiar? I (like many other women) have experienced those things listed above almost every single time I shave. However, I have found a few ways to either minimize or eliminate those problems completely! Interested? Then keep reading loves! 


For as long as I can remember I had the issues of razor burn, razor bumps, redness, itchy skin and irritation due to common shaving day to day. The following are a list of solutions that will help you to shave effortlessly!

Tip #1: 
Use a gentle or unfragranced shaving cream/ gel/ baby oil 
The reason? Using shaving cream/ gels/ baby oil will soothe and protect skin from the effects of shaving. The lather will provide a perfect base that your razor can glide across smoothly, accurately and safely without the irritation. However, you're probably thinking, "well which shaving cream or baby oil should I try?" Yes, there are many different products out there that are for the purpose of shaving. However, you should try to find one that is lightly fragranced or unfragranced. Any fragranced products can irritate skin especially sensitive skin and particularly when shaving. Any baby oil will work just fine. WARNING! Baby oils provide a perfect, smooth, moisturized based for shaving, but they also cause hazards when used in the shower. If the oil gets into the tub, you could slip easily and hurt yourself. So my suggestion would be to shave before showering! 
Eileen's Favourites? Aveeno Positively Smooth Shaving Cream (grocery store - about $7.00) & Aveeda Baby Oil (local boutique - about $2.00) 


Tip #2: 
Use a good razor 
The reason? Dull razors will create havoc on your skin (especially on dry skin). Always use a razor with sharp blades (preferably one with at least 3 blades so that you get a closer shave). NEVER shave with a lot of pressure. This only encourages razor burn and cuts. Instead, lightly and gently glide the razor along the surface of the skin. Your skin with definitely thank you!! 
Eileen's Favourites? Gillette Soleil Triple Blade Disposable Razors (any drugstore - about $6.00) PS - there's a new razor coming out soon from Venus it's for Sensitive skin types! I'm definitely going to try it!


Tip #3: 
Take it slow! 
If you are in a rush in the morning getting ready to go out to work or school or a special event, then opt for a longer routine at nighttime when it's less hectic! Taking your time to shave will prevent any damage to your skin and it's also extremely relaxing. Besides, who wants to spend 20 minutes in the morning just in the shower shaving and bathing? Not me! So stick to beautifying your body at night.. it's a nice pick me up after a long day at work anyway! Also, if it's your first time shaving anywhere on your body, you don't want to cause any harm or be discouraged if you don't do it right. Taking it slow allows you to get a feel for how your body curves and bends. That way, once you get the hang of shaving, you'll be flying through it (but even then take it fairly slow so you do not harm your body!!) 


Tip #4: 
Exfoliate! 
Exfoliating your legs or armpits is just like exfoliating your face. It makes your skin smooth, sloths off any dead unwanted skin cells and rejuvenates your skin! HOWEVER, do not exfoliate more then twice per week.. this will only add even more aggravation to your skin. 


Tip #5: 
Choose an unscented deodorant/ antiperspirant
By doing this, you will save your armpits from the effects of razor "after-burn." Have you ever shaved your underarms in the morning or night and then put your deodorant on immediately afterward? If the product is scented it will more then likely irritate your skin (especially if you have sensitive skin). Using an unscented product eliminates any odour and keeps perspiring levels down without the awful burning sensation! Also, if you've just shaved your underarms, go without the deodorant for a little while (say, a half an hour) to let your skin relax and settle before putting it through more intense things! 
Eileen's Favourites? Secret Unscented PH Balanced Deodorant/Antiperspirant (any drugstore about $4.00) 


Tip #6: 
Shave every other day
Just like washing your hair, shaving should only be done every other day. If you shave too often your skin will be highly irritated and will be prone to razor bumps, burns and nicks. Shaving every other day allows skin to breathe, cells to re-form, any cuts to heal and hair to actually grow back a little. (If you shave over little stubs of hair it is more likely that you will produce cuts/ nicks in the skin due to the pulling of the small hair follicles..) 


Tip #7: 
Use a mirror! 
When shaving, use a mirror to see where you are placing the razor.. especially if you are shaving down below ladies or gents.. take extra care and precaution when shaving "down there" because if you were to get any cuts, that would not be fun at all! 


Tip #8: 
Do not use any shaving creams/ gels "down there"! 
Skin is most sensitive down below and therefore using products such as shaving creams can highly irritate your skin. Instead, use an unscented body lotion or baby oil (I prefer the lotion, but both still work!) These are much more gentle and do not include any irritants in them. Eileen's Favourites? Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion (green banded and beige bottle with pump about $10.00 - local grocery store) OR Aveeda Baby Oil ($2.00 - local boutique)


Tip #9: 
Use Aloe Vera for burns! 
Aloe Vera has soothing properties and is most commonly used on sunburns to heal and soothe the burned skin. Just like on these burns, the aloe vera will heal and soothe any razor burns and tone down any redness associated with these burns. 
Eileen's Favourites? Life Brand Aloe Vera (drugstores - about $6.00) 


Tip #10: 
Use Polysporin on Cuts! 
If you do end up getting any cuts or nicks in your skin, immediately apply some Polysporin or any antibacterial adhesive to the wounded area to prevent scarring and over-bleeding. These antibacterial creams/ gels clean the wound, soothe the cut and seal it shut. If the cut is large enough, also apply a bandaid to the affected area. 
Eileen's Favourites? Polysporin Triple Action Gel  (any drugstore - about $10.00 & up)



I hope that you all had learned something new from my tips above! 
Take care & happy shaving! 


- E