Philips 5-Step Guide to a Clean Shave

The countdown to shave down is on. You know the rules: every Mo Bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean-shaven face. And you know that if your face was a map, then your moustache would be the capital. And you know that with great power (your moustache) comes great responsibility (looking handsome).

But…

Do you know how to achieve the cleanest, most effortless shave possible?

Our friends and grooming experts at Philips know that crafting the perfect moustache is all about having the right process, which is why they are sharing these five essential tips to the perfect shave.

1. Be prepared

Make sure everything you need is ready the night before, so you can escape the bathroom sooner. Charge your Philips shaver if needed, and make sure your shaving cream (if going for a wet shave), aftershave and moisturizer are all within reach.

2. Be decisive: Wet or dry?

Now it’s up to you; do you want a wet or a dry shave? Dry shaving is more skin-friendly, and less likely to generate nicks and cuts. Wet shaving is refreshing and smooth, as long as you remember the shaving foam.

3. Be cool

Cleanliness is key - wash and rinse your face before you reach for your shaver. You don’t want a layer of dirt and sweat messing with your skin’s pores. But don’t have a hot shower first! You don’t want your skin to be hot, puffy, sweating and impossible to shave. Either way, make sure your skin is dry before moving on to the next step.

4. Be firm, but fair

First, trim any long facial hairs with a trimmer. For a wet clean shave, smooth on some shaving foam or gel. Now you’re ready for action. Using circular movements, start shaving. Go with the grain on your first pass (that means shaving in the direction your facial hair is growing in) then go against the grain afterwards for a closer shave. If your skin is particularly sensitive, stay with the grain.

Gently pull your skin tight with your free hand to make shaving easier for the shaver blades, but don't overstretch it. You don't need a lot of pressure for a close shave, so try not to press the shaver too hard against your skin. Every 10 to 15 seconds, rinse off the shaver head, even if you're doing a dry shave – this helps clean off dead skin, hair and dirt that can get in the way.

5. Be good

Now for the post-shave recovery. Splash your face with warm water, gently pat it dry and apply some aftershave or moisturizer as needed. Rinse off the wet shaver head and leave it to air dry before putting on the shaver cap later. That’s it! The canvas of your face and upper lip are set for success. Follow these five steps, and you’ll be ready for Movember with the cleanest shave there is. In need of new tools for the job? Check out the latest grooming products from Philips here.

Care for your health like you do for your Mo. We couldn’t be happier to have Philips on board as an Official partner for Movember across North America. Who better to captain us through the hairy voyage ahead? Keep an eye out for more grooming content, prizing and dedicated in-store Movember displays where Philips products are sold.