TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SHAVE Step 1 Wetting the beard Shower first, or at least wash your face well, to soften up your whiskers. Never shave cold! Aerosol creams applied to a dry face do not soften the beard and therefore make shaving much more uncomfortable. Step 2 Lathering up Brush -- If possible use a shaving brush made from badger hair. The badger hair holds water in the brush rather than repelling it, making for a better lather. Shaving Cream - A glycerin base shaving cream will help the razor glide over your skin. Applying Shaving Cream - The best approach to apply shaving cream is to use a circular motion ending in an upward stroke. The upward stroke will stands your beard up and away from your face making the shave even closer. Step 3 Shaving Regardless of the type of razor chosen, always shave down and/or across the face -- avoid shaving up or against the grain. Since a man's beard grows down, drawing the razor up against the grain will only result in redness and irritation. Remember to wash your blade under hot water often -- the cleaner the blade, the better the results. Stroke Directions - start with the sides, then the mustache area, and last, the chin. The chin hairs are the toughest, so this allows them the most time to soften under the lather. Step 4 Closing the pores Once you have finished shaving, you will need to apply a facial treatment to close your freshly opened pores. An Alum Block will do this and eliminate any small nicks or cuts which occurred during shaving. Also an After Shave Balm or an After Shave will serve to close your pores. More: What's the best way to mow your face?  Shaving tips from Clinique TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SHAVE Ten Shaving Tips To Keep You Happy How come a woman shaving her legs wears out a man's razor so fast?   ©1996 ENTIS Inc., Multimedia Development. The concept of this site is Copyright 1996 ENTIS Inc. Reproduction, distribution or transmission by any means without the prior permission of ENTIS Inc. is prohibited. All rights reserved.