BellaSugar

How-To: Extend the Life of a Razor

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:00:55 -0700

While replacing yet another razor blade in the shower, do you ever stop and think, "Didn't I just change this thing a few days ago?"

Considering the relatively high cost of replacing razor blades, you might as well try to prolong the life of them. By following a few easy steps after each shave, you'll reduce the likelihood of some common disasters (the nicks, the cuts, the ingrowns), and your wallet will be very happy.

For tips on how to "save the shave," read more.

Even though it may seem obvious, thoroughly rinse the blade after each use. A razor should be free of hair and shaving cream for optimal sharpness.
Water is a blade's worst enemy, as it causes corrosion, so dry off the blade when you are finished. You can break out your blow dryer to give your razor a blast of heat, or lightly dry the blade with a tissue or towel - but be careful to not cause unnecessary wear and tear. At the very least, store your razor outside of the shower.
Vodka martini, straight up! Well, maybe not during your morning shave. You can, however, dip your blade in alcohol, and it will assist in keeping the blade dry and disinfected. Rubbing alcohol is cheaper, but vodka will do if that's all you've got.
Use baby oil instead of shaving cream in a pinch. The oil acts as a lubricant on the razor, preventing tiny chips in the blade. Plus, it smells pretty great, too.

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How-To: Shave Your Pits For Smooth Results

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:00:27 -0700

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 read more.

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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How-To: Prevent Red Bumps in the Bikini Area

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:00:48 -0700

As we all know, hot weather is just around the corner. Whether you prefer a one-piece or two - or perhaps no swimsuit at all - there's nothing worse than calling attention to "down there" (as Mr. Bella's grandma would point and whisper) than with red, splotchy bumps caused by shaving.

But, the good news is that these bumps, aka pseudofolliculitis barbae, can be avoided. If you're looking for smooth skin with irritation-free results, I've got the answers. Check them out when you read more.

Before breaking out the razor, wash skin with a gentle antibacterial soap to keep germs at bay, exfoliating with a washcloth to create a smooth surface.
Before shaving, rinse or soak in warm water for several minutes to soften the hair.
Next, apply a conditioning shaving gel or cream to the area, such as Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Soothing Lavender ($3.50) or Bikini Zone Anti-Irritation Shave Gel ($4.30).
It should go without saying, but dull blades make for bumpy results. Always use a sharp razor. I like Gillette Venus Divine Razor For Women ($11).
Shaving tips: While you can shave in the opposite direction of hair growth, if you are prone to ingrowns, go with the grain. Try not to go over the same area multiple times or shave each day, as this can cause unnecessary irritation. Also, rinse the razor after each swipe to prevent clogging, and pull the skin taut to get a nice, close shave.
Splash on some cool water when you are done, and pat dry with a towel. For added protection against bumps, apply a postshaving product to reduce inflammation, like Tend Skin ($16) or Bikini Zone Anti-Bumps, Medicated Bikini Pads ($8).

What are your favorite tips?

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Life-Saver Shavers For Sensitive Skin

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0800

For those of you who have sensitive skin, most likely your face isn't the only part of your body that suffers from redness and reactions. I find that if I'm not careful about changing my razor blade frequently, or if I don't use ample amounts of lubrication such as shaving cream or moisturizing body washes, my legs, underarms and even bikini area often burned and become pink and swollen. Here are a few of my favorite sensitive skin shavers that have helped tremendously reduce inflammation and irritation - hopefully they'll be able to help you too.

Gillette Venus Divine ($9.99) has blades that are coated with aloe and plant oil infused moisture strips so that they will glide over your skin easily. The blades are also positioned so that each one cuts lower than the next. This results in fewer missed hairs and a closer shave.

The razor also features an ergonomic no-slip grip, a finger rest for better control, a wall hanger for in-shower wall storage and shower-safe refills (how convenient).

For two more sensitive skin shavers for females, read more

Bic Soleil Twilight Triple Blade Shavers for Women with Sensitive Skin ($5.79) comes with triple blades that are lubricated with aloe and vitamin E to help moisturize and soothe sensitive skin. It also comes with a curvy no-slip handle in fun pink and purple colors.

But best of all is that there is a lavender scent infused into the shaver handle for a more enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Schick Intuition Plus Shaving Kit for Sensitive Skin ($9.49) is a triple blade razor surrounded by a skin conditioning soap made with aloe, cocoa butter, shea butter and vitamin E so that you can lather and shave at the same time! Just wet the shaver and keep both your skin and the razor wet as you shave. This ensures that your skin is lubricated so that you have fewer nicks, a closer shave and wind up with less irritation. Also, I appreciate the indicator on the unit that tells you when you need to replace your blades.

Product Review: Gillette Fusion Power Phenom Razor

BellaSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:00:03 -0700

I've always wondered if men's razors were better than women's. While ours may need to be used around our more (ok, most) sensitive areas, theirs ought to be more user friendly and have less margin for error, as many men shave every day and can't hide any shaving mishaps simply by keeping their pants on. So when I saw Gillette's new battery-operated Fusion Power Phenom Razor, which not only has five blades and a built-in precision trimmer but also a low-battery indicator light (what is this, a razor or an iPod?), I had to give it a go.

At first, I was impressed with the pivot on the blade - I could get a lot closer around my ankles and knees, where I always seem to miss hairs. But somehow as I got further north, first around my upper thighs and underarms, the razor stopped gliding as well (I used a little body wash as shave gel - it is unclear what product, if any, you are meant to use with it). And when I got out of the shower, I was stubbly, even below the knees. So, here's the verdict: The Fusion Power Phenom Razor may be the best a man can get, but as I should have known, a woman can get even better. Want more reviews? Read others or write your own.

A Quick Tip About Razor Burn

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:00:58 -0700

For anyone who has ever nicked themselves shaving or has gotten raised, red razor bumps from shaving, you know it can be uncomfortable (even painful) and remain irritated for days. I learned about an inexpensive and easy fast DIY fix to help reduce redness, inflammation and the pain.

Simply apply a wet tea bag to the area and let it sit for a few minutes. The tea's tannic acid is the active ingredient that should help relieve the symptoms. Tip: Choose a cheapie brand, since it is likely to contain a higher concentration of tannic acid. Just remember to lay a towel down underneath you, as tannic acid stains.

If you're out of tea bags, then try applying a tea tree oil to the area to fight off infection and help soothe the bumps. Aloe vera and hydrocortisone are other topical remedies that help speed up recovery while cooling the skin and controlling the swelling.

For a few helpful shaving tips to help prevent razor burn, read more.

Always shave in the same direction as your hair grows. Going "against the grain" can cause razor burn and can lead to ingrown hairs.
Use an emollient-rich moisturizing shaving cream, gel or lotion to ensure a smooth shave that will provide steady contact to the skin.
Remember to change your razor blade frequently. Using a dull razor can inflame your skin, cause nicks, razor burn and irritation.

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Bella Poll: Do You Use Your Significant Other's Razor?

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0800

The other day while perusing the beauty blogs, I laughed out loud when Rachel over at Lucky sung the praises of her boyfriend's Gillette Mach3 Razor ($8.79).

You see, earlier that day there had been some minor drama with Mr. Bella over using his Mach3. "I can't help myself," I told him. It does leave some amazing soft and smooth results. He agreed.

Technically, sharing blades is probably not the best idea, but in the long run, we share a whole lot more than that anyway. So, fill me in - do you "borrow" your significant other's razor or do you stick to your own shaver?

Back to Basics: The Best Shaving Creams

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:13 -0700

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, read more.

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.

How-To: A Clean Close Shave

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:00:23 -0800

Ahhh, there's nothing quite like the feeling of a clean, close shave. There's something so elegant and dainty about velvety-soft skin. Below is my five-step guide to getting the closest, most intimate shave you've ever experienced. This is one beauty tip you can share with your honey, too!

To find out the secret behind some of the best body-shaving techniques (for those of you who voted that you do in fact shave, read more

STEP 1: Feel the direction in which your hair grows; that is the direction in which you shave. Choose a razor that has multiple blades, since this will dramatically improve its performance. Also, I recommend changing the blade every five uses so that it retains its sharpness.
STEP 2: Splash the area that you are shaving with hot water so that your skin will soften and your pores will open up. That is why shaving in the shower/bath is ideal. Next, use a small amount of shaving cream and lather it up well so that your hair is pulled away from your skin.
STEP 3: Again, remember to shave in the direction in which your hair grows. With one hand, pull the skin taut so that it the surface is smoother (this helps prevent cuts). Use the other hand to shave, using light and slow strokes.
STEP 4: Don't forget to rinse the razor off after every other stroke to remove hair and excess cream from the razor.
STEP 5: When you are finished, rinse with cool water to help close your pores and refresh your skin. Pat dry with a clean towel and then apply your favorite body lotion to the area as a finishing touch. Now that the area is clean and smooth, the lotion will further nourish your skin!

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Get the Most From Your Makeup: Hair Conditioner

BellaSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:00:07 -0800

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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