Whether shaving for the first time or the fiftieth, ya gotta know how to de-fuzz the right way. Here are all the tips, tools and take-no-stray hairs tricks to super smooooooothness.
RAZOR SHARP SKILLS
Start with a clean razor. We like the kind with a pivoting head—great for ankles and knees. Toss the blade when it doesn’t glide as smoothly or cut hair as closely.
LATHER UP
Without a sudsy, creamy, foamy or oily lubricant, you can give yourself razor burn or rash—no thanks. Our favorite shave gel (Skintimate Flirty Mango Shave Gel, $3, drugstores) is great for all skin types. Dry skin? Try Terax Original Body Pr’ax ($16, 1-800-213-5531)—we love how soft it leaves our legs….
STEP UP
Never shaved before? Razors have, um, razor blades in them, so a slippery shave posture is way unsafe. Wet legs, then apply shaving stuff. Next, wet the razor, and prop your foot up on the bathtub ledge. Ready? Start with the ankle area, using small delicate strokes. Lightly—and slowly—glide the razor along the skin. Rinse the razor in water every few strokes to shake off hairy lather.
Shave the calf-and-shin area with long strokes from above the ankle straight up to below the knee. Bend the knee and use short strokes on and around the kneecap. Rinse and repeat on the other leg. Duh.
AFTER-HAIR CARE
You want to keep legs silky, right? Be sure there’s no redness, then apply a light moisturizer (no heavy perfumes, please). Essencia Sandalwood After-Shave Skin Saver ($20, essenciaonline.com) is made for men, but we love its subtle scent and low-grease factor.
PITS AND PANTYLINES
For underarms, slathering on mild soap and water can be less irritating than gels on the sensitive armpit area. After rinsing, skip the lotion but put on a pat of baby powder or cornstarch. Wait awhile before doing deodorant.
Shave “down-there” hair wherever it’s exposed when you wear a swimsuit. Put fragrance-free cream, gel or lotion only on those sections. Use careful strokes, then rinse well. No post-shave lotions or potions (except maybe aloe vera) on this portion of your bod, please!
Here's a look at our top picks:
Close Shave: Venus Embrace
Moisture: Schick Intuition Plus Moisturizing Care
-Kelly White
BY JIAE K. ON 5/16/2008 8:40:00 AM 60 COMMENTS