The Body Shop now has an updated product – the For Men Maca Root Energetic Face Protector, and we like it. The texture and consistency are much better, and it also provides SPF 15 protection. It really tightens the skin, and doesn’t clog the pores. We are not sure we really believe all the claims about the properties and virtues of the root, but we are definitely impressed with the results. That puts it on our list with a Recommended Seal of Approval.

One of the best choices is Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage. It comes in a convenient pump-action bottle, it’s non-oily and offers SPF 28 protection. It is absorbed quickly and the sun protection works well. One downside – the bottle is bright green, so not particularly manly. We like this product so much we give it our Recommended Seal of Approval.

As far as products specifically for men are concerned, we recommend two:

1) Body Shop has the For Men Face Protector – which is pretty good, albeit a little thick. It gives your face a sheen and seems to tighten it up. The downside – no sun protection

2) Jack Black’s Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 with Blue Algae Extract and Sea Parsley – this is a really great product – smells fantastic and is quickly absorbed. The only comment is that it doesn’t give quite the same sheen to the skin as the Body Shop product does.

Preparation
The key to a good shave is to open your pores. Using warm water to open your pores means that your shave will be easier – and your stubble will also be softened by this process. Warm water will also help wash away any dead skin and dirt which may cause drag and snag your razor.

Get a Good Razor
A barber in Edinburgh used to advise against the use of a cut-throat razor. “Why not use the best tool for the job?” he would say, and go on to recommend any modern razor. Our preferred tool for shaving is the Gilette Fusion Power. The five blade technology with the additional trimming blade for sideburns and hard-to-reach spots is undoubtedly the best shave you can get. Yes, those blades are pretty darn expensive, but as long as you dry the blades thoroughly after shaving they will last.

Lubricant
Shaving gels and foams help soften the hair and skin making the razor slide over easy for the least amount of damage. These products can be applied with a shaving brush, or rubbed on by hand. We find that a shaving brush can irritate senstive skin, so prefer the manual method. The best shave gel we have found is made by Clinique. Their M Shave Aloe Gel really works well at providing a smooth shave, and the aloe helps soothe razor burn.

Shaving Direction
The two major banes of shaving are razon burn and ingrown hairs. The key to avoidance is to make sure your blade is sharp, and to shave in the direction of hair growth. This reduces the chances of burn and ingrown hairs.

Post-shave routine
First of all, splash your face with cold water – that will close the pores and prevent dirt from getting in. Next, dab your face with a towel rather than rubbing it dry. Finally, moisturize to calm any irritations and hydrate your skin.