Grooming Artist News Roundup: January 2018

Refreshing the calendar at the stroke of midnight naturally gets most of us thinking about new goals. Rather than setting a lofty resolution (say, running a 5K when the flight of stairs at work already has you working up a sweat), let’s start with some basics. If getting in shape is among your New Year’s resolutions, Ask Men has an easy-to-follow guide for building a routine that you’ll actually stick to.

If you resolve to get a more comfortable, cleaner shave this year, you’re in luck: we’ve found several helpful articles on everything from eliminating razor bumps to trying alternative methods to literally smooth out the edges of your shave. Did you know lathering your shaving brush upside down preserves your shaving soap?

And there’s no improving your shave without attention to skincare. The New York Times offers a totally painless article on winter skincare. Simple changes like using a humidifier and applying sunscreen send dry, flaky skin packing.

Here’s to a fabulous, well-groomed new year!

-All of us at RoyalShave

6 ways to combat razor bumps. (GQ)

13 grooming resolutions for the new year. (GQ)

We spy the Merkur 34C: Telegraph UK has unveiled its list of the 10 best wet shave razors for men. (Telegraph UK)

5 easy winter skincare tips to protect your skin from the elements. (The New York Times)

Do you shave before or after you shower? We argue the pros and cons of both. (Grooming Artist)

Sharpologist suggests several methods for smoothing out your shave, including some you may not have thought of before. (Sharpologist)

Getting in shape for the new year doesn’t have to be a chore. Ask Men lays down how to build a weekly workout routine that fits your schedule and goals. (AskMen)

Grooming Artist News Roundup: September 2017

Autumn heralds a bounteous season for gentlemanly pursuits. The casual shorts and breezy shirts of summer are replaced by a noticeably more grown-up and structured wardrobe. We switch out our zesty shaving creams for something richer, darker, smokier (more on that in the links below). As such, this Grooming Artist Roundup is dedicated to celebrating the new season.

We begin with the unofficial start of fall: Labor Day. Esquire provides a stress-free Labor Day weekend packing list so you can spend your last summer days in style, while Food Network dishes out simple standby recipes for the grill.

Once the leaves change color and you feel that first chill in the air, it’s time to work hydrating moisturizers into your daily routine; Esquire picks 6 options to prevent chapped skin. You also can’t be without a blazer, one of the biggest trends we saw on the fall runways. MR PORTER serves up 6 options along with styling tips.

And finally, we’ve included some wonderful wet shaving articles. Sharpologist condenses his encyclopedic knowledge of wet shaving into “10 Commandments of Wet Shaving,” while Men’s Journal picks 14 all-natural shaving creams to try if you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to enjoy your shave.

Enjoy!

Turns out, there is a good use for foam shaving cream: removing makeup stains from clothing, according to Kim Kardashian. (This Is Insider)

Men’s Journal’s 14 best all-natural shaving products. (Men’s Journal)

The 6 best shaving creams for fall. (Grooming Artist)

The 10 Commandments of Wet Shaving, via Sharpologist. (Grooming Artist)

One man’s journey to discovering and embracing the safety razor. (The Z Review)

8 ways to wear a blazer, just in time for fall. (MR PORTER)

Transition your skincare into cooler weather with these 6 Esquire-approved moisturizers. (Esquire)

Out of town for the long weekend? Here’s what to pack for Labor Day style. (Esquire)

Spending the holiday at home instead? Here are 30 cookout classics. (Food Network)

Sharpologist: 10 Commandments of Wet Shaving

Think about when you first started wet shaving. You had to figure out which type of blade suited your skin and beard best, how to hold the razor so as to not apply too much pressure, and countless other details that, when mastered, produced the kind of shave that reminded you why you left your cartridge. While there is much helpful information online, it can be a lot to sort through and absorb when you’re just getting started.

Sometimes it’s more effective to have an easy-to-reference guide that gets to the point, especially if you’re just about to embark on a shave. That’s why we wanted to share Sharpologist’s “10 Commandments of Wet Shaving.” For those new to wet shaving, take these tips in stride to better your shave. For veterans, let these commandments remind you of proper form.

And keep in mind that as with any wet shaving advice, YMMV (your mileage may vary). The last commandment reprimands alcohol-based aftershaves, but if your D.R. Harris Aftershave Splash is the only product that’ll reduce redness and acne post-shave, keep at it.

Enjoy!

Via Sharpologist:

  1. Thou Shalt Prepare Thyself Properly

Thoroughly anoint thyself with a gentle facial cleanser and warm water, for cleanliness is next to shaveliness.

 

  1. Thou Shalt Use As Few Blades As Necessary

For more shall tempt the demons of irritation.

 

  1. Thou Shalt Use A Sharp Blade

Those same demons of irritation shalt seek another way to tempt those who are overly parsimonious.

 

  1. Remember To Honor Thy Grain

Knoweth the directions thy stubble grow in.  For knowing thyself is the key to happiness.  But neither shall thou be a slave to it’s mercy, by wielding the correct tool and the correct ways.

 

  1. Thou Shalt Reduce Thy Stubble

For the attempt to eliminate it completely and forever shall surely fail.

 

  1. Thou Shalt Not Overly Stretch Thy Skin

Flattening thy skin shall be rewarded; dramatic stretching is a sign of the disbeliever.

 

  1. Thou Shalt Use The Lightest Possible Touch

For pressure begets depression, which in-turn begets another temptation of the demons of irritation.

 

  1. Thou Shalt Take Thy Strokes Modestly

Remember to honor thy shave by taking short strokes, for long strokes shall forsaken it.

 

  1. Thou Shalt Take Thy Time

For impatience will surely tempt thee to take the Lord’s name in vain.

 

  1. Thou Shalt Not Use Alcohol In Thou’s After Shave Preparation

For such a shaving mélange will do thou no good in the fullness of time.

Grooming Artist News Roundup: July 2017

As we learned from photographer/author Rob Hammer, traditional barbershops are slowly disappearing from the American landscape. Which is why we’re glad to hear about the new generation of traditional barbershops: barbershops that preserve tradition while adding a fun vibe, making them appealing to both veterans and youngins.

Such is the case with Sandhills Shave Shop in Fayetteville, NC, where customers can sip on ale and play pool while waiting for a haircut. The barbershop has been run out of a former car repair shop for over 60 years. And cousins Jess Goins and Frankie Petrillo of St. Louis, Missouri are bringing traditional barbering to the masses by housing their barbershop in an Airstream.

Speaking of tonsorial arts, Sharpologist has come up with a must-read list for the newly enlightened shaver: the 10 Commandments of Wet Shaving. If you’re short for time, the list perfectly condenses all the major tenets of getting a great shave.

Even if you’re a skilled wet shaver, acne can often lead to sub-par shaves and irritation. So we’ve included our guide to shaving with acne, where we cover every step of the shaving process. Let us know if you see improvements!

We cap things off with delectable grilling recipes ready for a relaxed Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy!

Beach season means you can no longer hide the thick blanket of hair beneath your clothes. T3 reveals the best body groomers for turning sasquatch into squeaky clean. (T3)

The 10 Commandments of Wet Shaving. (Sharpologist)

A lovely profile of Fayetteville, NC barbershop Sandhills Shave Shop, which blends barbering, beer, and pool for one memorable haircut or shave. (The Fayetteville Observer)

Cousins Jess Goins and Frankie Petrillo converted an old Airstream into a barbershop. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Wet shaving can be downright miserable with acne. Here’s our complete approach to minimizing irritation for those with acne-prone skin. (Grooming Artist)

Algae isn’t just a murky organism that lives in streams – it’s also great for face and shave. (Grooming Artist)

19 delicious summer grilling recipes. (Serious Eats)