BellaSugar

More Dos and Don'ts of Shaving

Jaime Richards — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:10:12 PDT

Now that you have the dos and don'ts of summertime shaving down pat, do you think you have a handle on shaving cream? It's believed that the basic form of shaving cream was used in Sumer well around 5,000 years ago, and there are plenty of reasons we're still using it today - particularly during these warmer months. So to find out a few of the dos and don'ts of this truly old-school cosmetic, just keep reading.

Do You Use Men's Products?

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:00:35 PDT

Ever since I started shaving my legs and borrowed shaving cream from dear old dad to do so, men's grooming items have been a part of my beauty routine. There's something sexy about the packaging and scents that permeate from products labeled for those with the Y chromosome. Whether it's classic Gilette or some sensual cologne encased in a mysterious dark black bottle, when it comes to designed-for-dudes goods, are you a fan of wearing them, too?

Reader Review of the Day: Gillette Dry Skin Shaving Gel

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:00:05 PST

I've been a bad girl. I've been shaving with soap because I ran out of shaving cream and forgot to restock. So I hit up the Product Review pages to find out what shaving lather is rated highest by you, our trusted readers. The consensus? Gilette's Dry Skin Shaving Gel ($3) not only has the most reviews in the shaving category, but it also has a 4.5-star rating. Here's what brittanyk said about this classic gel:

I wouldn't say that this is formulated that much differently than any other Gillette women's shave gel, but I do like this one. It lathers up very nicely and it doesn't really smell like much, so if you're not into scented products this one isn't really at all. Whenever I use this I generally don't get any razor burn, which is always a plus. It does its job well. The only complaint I have about this is that it isn't very moisturizing. I feel like I have to put on a ton of lotion after I shave my legs with this stuff.

Got a favorite gel or cream shaving item you can't do without? Or perhaps you've got something not so kind to reveal about a particular shaving product. Head over to our Product Review pages to share your opinions and see what other readers have to say. You might be the next lucky person to be featured on this daily post.

How-To: Shave Your Pits For Smooth Results

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:00:27 PDT

The other day, the warm temperatures in downtown San Francisco prompted me to bust out a sleeveless top. As I hopped on an extremely crowded bus with no seats available, I held on to the rubber straps for dear life. "Oh crud, did I remember to shave my pits this morning?" I wondered. The answer was yes, but I did so in a haphazard fashion.

Shaving armpit hair is an annoying task, but using better techniques for more effective results makes it a little more bearable. Check out my tips for a smooth underarm shave when you

Hold it: Shave your armpits as late into your shower as possible. The warm water helps soften the coarse hair in this area, so shaving will be a little easier.
Scrub-a-dub: Make sure you remove all traces of your deodorant with a thorough washing. You might also want to consider exfoliating with a body scrub like The Body Shop Mango Scrub ($10 to $20), for a more even shave. (Do this before flicking the Bic, of course.)
Up, down, and all around: I prefer using a razor with multiple blades, because with more blades working, it gets the job done a lot faster. That, and you don't have to shave an already-sensitive area over and over. After lathering up with a great shaving cream, lift the arm high, and start shaving. Shave up, down, and side to side. Keeping the skin taut will result in a closer shave, so pull your skin however you need to go to create an even surface. Rinsing the blade off after every other stroke or so will also keep the razor nice and unclogged.
Mini razor: If you encounter an area that's difficult to maneuver around, or if you discover you've missed a few hairs, a mini razor should do the trick. Try Noxzema Bikini Razor for Women ($3).
Don't be dull: It should go without saying, but make sure your razor isn't dull. Check out my tips for extending the life of your razor, and happy - or at least less tedious - shaving.

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Guess How Long It Takes the Longest-Legged Woman to Shave

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:00:22 PST

Kiehl’s "Close Shaverettes" Simply Mahvelous Shave Cream ($15.50) has been around for almost 65 years. And this Spring, the iconic line is relaunching the popular shaving aide in pink packaging - a complete overhaul from the traditional Kiehl's black and white.

To celebrate the new look, the company is holding a truly unique (and leggy) contest. From now until March 15th, pop in to any Kiehl's location or enter online for a chance to win a year's worth of "Close Shaverettes" Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream.

The catch? You have to guess how long (down to the second) it takes Svetlana Pankratova, the record-holding "Woman with the Longest Legs," to shave her 4'4" gams. There will be lots of happy people with this contest, as Kiehl's is picking one winner from each of their stores and one winner from online. The people who come closest to the exact answer will win the goods. What's your best guess?

What's Your Shaving Lather of Choice?

BellaSugar — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:00:29 PST

OK, I confess. I used to use soap as a shaving cream. After less than stellar results - and a rapidly depleting supply of Band-Aids - I've changed my ways.

Lately I've been loving Philosophy Razor Sharp Shaving Gel ($18). It's got much better slip, and it isn't quite as drying as the ol' bar of soap routine. What's your shaving preference?

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Back to Basics: The Best Shaving Creams

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:13 PDT

These shaving creams worked for my dad, and they still work for me. When I began shaving in my early teens, I used these with a single blade razor. Nowadays, I use a four-blade razor for sensitive skin, and these creams work even better without breaking the bank. I’m a firm believer in splurging in some areas and saving in others, and these drugstore brands have never let me down. Do you have a brand preference when it comes to shaving creams?

Edge Advanced Shaving Gel For Sensitive Skin ($3.23) OK, so this isn't the most feminine product that I own, but I've been using this gel-to-cream formula for ages and I love the texture and the masculine scent. Also, this slightly new and improved formula contains aloe to help soothe even the most sensitive skin.

Barbasol Shaving Cream ($2.49) is the one, the original, the very first shaving cream I ever used. Not only did I love using this thick and creamy formula on my legs, but while at Summer camp, I'd write my bunk number on the lawn outside of the mess hall. I was a happy camper.

To check out another one of my favorite shaving creams,

Wow, I used to love the smell of this Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel For Dry Skin ($3.14). I still use the product because it's gentle and provides a smooth shave that never skips and causes nicks. It also leaves my legs feeling silky smooth and moisturized. It's like I'm wearing pantyhose, when I've got nothing on.

Get the Most From Your Makeup: Hair Conditioner

BellaSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:00:07 PST

Okay, this isn't technically makeup, but since it's still in the beauty genre I thought it was relevant. Hair conditioner and hair masks can also be used as shaving cream. I realize that it doesn't foam or even lather really, but it does create a smooth, slippery surface that helps prevent nicks and scrapes from razor blades.

However, something to keep in mind is that conditioner is a lot heavier than shaving cream - so you've really got to clean out the blades of your razor well to ensure that no oily residue remains for your next shave. For more ideas to get the most from your makeup, click here.

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New Product Alert: The Art of Shaving

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:02:17 PDT

I've always liked the looks of men's line from The Art of Shaving, so I'm really happy to explore its new women's shaving collection. The just-launched, seven-piece line ($18–$60) is specifically formulated for skin on the body, and it's infused with rose absolute. While I probably wouldn't go for all of the products because I don't have time for a four-step shaving process, I'm interested in trying the Ingrown Hair Night Cream ($30), a shea butter formula that soothes skin and prevents bumps and ingrowns. It sounds like someone's finally figured out how to tackle shaving problems without leaving skin oily or overly mentholated.

Doing Drugstore: Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel

BellaSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 07:00:20 PDT

When it comes to shaving my legs, I tend to switch between high-end shaving potions and drugstore brands, since the latter are just easier to buy on short notice. But while Gillette Satin Care doesn't totally suck, the Walgreen's offering does, and in general, drugstore brands don't give me the silky-smooth shave I want.

The exception, I've just discovered, is Aveeno Positively Smooth Shaving Gel ($3.99). This product gave me one of the closest, most moisturizing shaves I've ever gotten from a drugstore gel, so

It would be unfair to compare Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel only to its drugstore cousins, because it also holds its own against the higher-end stuff. You need just a small amount of gel to produce a substantially velvety lather, and its light scent is cleanly pleasant, unlike offerings from Gillette or Skintimate.

But while the shaving process is the same as with other drugstore gels, the results are leaps and bounds away. Afterwards, my legs were as silky as the soft Aveeno lather, and even on my sensitive skin, there wasn't a hint of irritation or stubble. This may be my new standby.