6 steps to a perfectly smooth shave

1. Do everything else first. Shaving should be the last thing you do in the shower in order to let the steam open up your pores.

2. Ditch disposables. Invest in a high-quality razor that has interchangeable heads rather than a cheap one you toss after every shave or two. The blades are often dull and don’t pivot, so it’s easy to nick your knees and ankles. Ouch!

3. For a thick, luxurious layer, mix your shaving cream with shower gel. Ahh!

4. Rinse your razor blade off after each stroke.

5. All finished? Swap your old blade out with a fresh one every five to seven uses.

6. Put the pause on moisturizing—grabbing lotion right after shaving can cause major skin irritation.

Looking for the perfect skin prep? Try Erika’s recipe for a homemade salt glow scrub. Use it before you shave to exfoliate, or drop it into a bath to soak tired muscles.

What you’ll need:

¼ cup Epsom salt

¼ cup sea salt

2 tbs powdered milk

2 tbs honey

1/3 cup almond oil

5 drops jasmine oil

What you’ll do:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir with a spoon until well mixed, then pour into an empty jar or Tupperware container and store in your bathroom.

BY BRITTANY TAYLOR AND ERIKA KATZ ON 6/5/2012 4:23:00 PM

POSTED IN shaving 101, skin problems, body hair 101, how to, diy, body