Now that spring is here and summer is just around the corner, men’s grooming trends have been narrowed down to two looks: clean shaven and a light stubble. And while we love a bearded gentleman, we understand warm weather can be a serious deterrent for the lumberjack look. But just because you’re trimming your facial hair doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style or comfort. Whether it’s a little razor burn, irritation or ingrown bumps, it can be solved using the right products and the right methods. To give you the best insight on the how-tos and what-not-to-dos of summertime shaving, we spoke with Acqua Di Parma’s Paola Paganini, group product manager of the brand’s Collezione Barbiere grooming line.
A blend of form and function, the Collezione Barbiere was modeled after the experience of a professional barber’s shave. “It began with the age-old gentleman’s ritual–shaving–which has its roots steeped in Italian tradition,” Paganini told JustLuxe. “[It has] three different formulas suited for a variety of habits and needs.” And while the fragrance brand does focus on luxury, it's quality that they pride themselves on. Products are filled with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, pomegranate oil, lemon oil and basil extract, to restore, protect and calm the skin.
Even with great products, however, the right steps need to be taken to ensure you’re getting the best possible shave you can at home. “Perfect shaving starts far ahead of using a razor,” warns Paganini. “Taking due care of one’s skin helps prevent most problems. Ingrown hairs are greatly reduced with face scrubbing, which removes impurities and dead cells and cleans the pores, thus ensuring the proper growth of hairs. Moisturized skin is also naturally more protected: its hydrolipidic film—a natural protection barrier—is thicker and more compact, and therefore more resistant to blade aggression.”
Consistent skin care, including daily washing, treating and moisturizing, even on days you’re not shaving can make all the difference the moment the razor touches your skin. “Thoroughly cleanse the skin. Proper cleansing ensures smoother shaving and promotes appropriate beard growth,” Paganini explains. In addition to proper daily care, shaving after a shower can make a noticeable difference in the smoothness of the shave, as it naturally prepares your skin and hair and can prevent irritation and razor burn. “Post-shower shaving is recommended, because hot water helps open the pores and soften the skin,” she adds.
When shaving, Paganini recommends that you take your time—this isn’t a task to be done with an electric razor as you’re running out the door. “A high-quality razor and the appropriate movements are key to perfect shaving. An adjustable head, a stable grip and, particularly, sharp blades, allow the cutting of hairs in one go, thus preventing any unnecessary stress to the skin,” she recommends. “Also shave following the hair’s direction and rinse the blade with hot water. Shaving products, whether oils, creams, or gels, should be massaged with rotating movements to lift and soften the hairs.” When you’ve finished shaving, always rinse with cold water to help close pores and prevent irritation or infections.
And, of course, post care is just as important. The skin will be sensitive after shaving (especially if it’s one of your first trims of the season) and needs to be treated gently. “Soothe the skin: your skin needs care and attention to recover from shaving,” she says. “Apply a fresh after-shave product rich with active restoring and moisturizing ingredients to soothe any irritations.” Even if you’re going a few days between shaves (we get that the Bradley Cooper look is in) it’s imperative to give your skin the attention it deserves every day.
Of course, we tested the products to see if Collezione Barbiere could offer a more luxurious and quality shave than what we had been using before. While it definitely kicked ass in the aesthetic department (those bottles look amazing sitting on the countertop), the fragrance was wonderful. We expect nothing less from a perfume label of course, but a little Shaving Oil totally removes the need for cologne—you’ll smell amazing. Using the technique set out by Paganini, we focused more on prep and aftercare—and it makes a noticeable difference. Skin felt moisturized, healthy and stayed stubble free for longer than before. The lack of irritation and ingrown hairs was notable and redness that occurred frequently around the neckline was almost nonexistent. It may not be as glamorous or soothing as leaning back and enjoying a personal service from your barber, but we have to admit it comes in at a close second.
