Posted on 23/08/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
One question I get asked all the time is whether electric shavers are better or worse than wet razors. The fact is there’s no definitive answer because they’re not better just….different. The problem is, a lot of men try them one or twice and write them off as not being for them because they don’t get the results they want or claim they simply don’t suit their skin.
In the past, I’ve used both (this is in the days before I cultivated my beardage) and liked both in equal measures. The trick is knowing how to use them properly. So here are a few tips on getting the most out of your shaver:
1. Dry off. Skin and stubble needs to be clean and dry for shavers to work properly so use a pre-shave product like Lab Series For Men Electric Shave Solution or Jack Black Electric Shave Enhancer. This will remove moisture, dirt and oil and help lift hairs so they’re at a better angle for cutting.
2. Use your fingers. Stretch the skin on your face with your free hand as you shave – this will ensure the hairs stand upright, making them easier to cut. Electric shavers require only light pressure so don’t press too hard or you’ll cause irritation.
3. Take the heat out of things. Some shavers generate heat as you shave and that can irritate skin so tackle sensitive areas like the neck first while the shaver is still cool.
4. Be patient. Like I said, many men write shavers off before really giving them a chance. But if you’ve just switched from wet to dry shaving your face may take time (usually two-four weeks) to adjust to the new shaving technique, especially since electric shavers remove the hairs just below the surface of the skin rather than at surface level.
Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed
Posted on 16/08/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
This last week I have found myself in the unfortunate position of having to do hospital visiting. As anyone who’s ever done it will know, visiting a relative can be a pretty tiring experience especially if the hospital isn’t on your doorstep (the one I’ve been visiting is 15 miles away).
By the time I got back in the evening I looked about ten years older and coupled with a lack of proper sleep and a diet that’s all over the shop (too many hospital café sausage rolls!) I’m not exactly looking or feeling my best.
So, in situations like this I call upon my fatigue fighters – a few trusty products designed to give skin a wake up call and perk up the complexion. Right now my A-Team consists of Ole Henriksen’s Walnut Complexion Scrub which is the perfect way to invigorate tired, grey-looking skin, Molton Brown’s Power-Boost Zinc Anti-Fatigue Hydrator (I love MB moisturisers and this one contains light-reflecting particles to cheat you into looking better than you are) and, finally, for when the dark circles get really bad, my Menaji Camo Camouflage Stick.
Why do I go to these lengths? Well, if you’re visiting someone in hospital I reckon the last thing they want to see is someone looking stressed, tired and worried too. So in the just the same way that the patient has a crack team of people making them feel better I have my crack team making me look better!
Here’s to looking half-decent then!
Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed
Posted on 27/07/10, filed under Mankind Grooming Editor
JB's Dry Goods Friction Free powder - good for 'you know what'
The observant amongst you might have noticed that a plethora of new Jack Black products have just appeared on Mankind. Launched in the Texas over a decade ago Jack Black has won countless awards, picked up numerous celebrity fans and has become one of America’s best known cult grooming brands.
Come winter I am never without a tube of Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm. In fact it’s so long lasting I’m never without the same jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm which has been in my coat pocket for about three years ago (but then it is an award-winning product). Still, I’m sure the people at Jack Black aren’t so pleased to hear that a little goes such a long way!
Still, other products don’t get chance to hang around that long. The brand is especially good for anyone who’s vaguely sporty thanks to the excellent Performance Ready Range (exlusive to Mankind!). The Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak is fantastically aromatic and perfect for people like me who like an occasional soak as much as a shower and the Jack Black Dry Goods Friction-Free Powder is absolutely brilliant, not only for gym-rats but anyone who suffers form chafing in hot weather. I think you know what I’m talking about…
Oh and one final product I’m especially fond of – the Industrial Strength Hand Healer which is great for tackling calluses and dry patches. I’d like to say I use it because the equipment down the gym plays havoc with my hands but these days it’s digging the rose garden and turning the compost heap that buggers my hands up!
Lee, Mankind Grooming Ed
One question I get asked all the time is whether electric shavers are better or worse than wet razors. The fact is there’s no definitive answer because they’re not better just….different. The problem is, a lot of men try them one or twice and write them off as not being for them because they don’t get the results they want or claim they simply don’t suit their skin.
