new to shaving, coupla qs

MadamHoney · 09-25-2002, 06:01 AM

After several years of plucking I have finally given in. Plucking has made the hair on my chin stronger and darker, too late now. But the thing is, it's now harder to pluck than it used to be, I get in-grown hair and scarring and it's horrible.

SO, I've started shaving. It's horrible being a woman and standing in front of a mirror shaving!!!!!

My questions are these:
1. Any tips on getting a smooth shave and stopping skin from getting red or dry?
2. How do you deal with the fact you can still see dark hair under the skin, pepper spots I think I've heard people describe it as. Do you use make-up to hide it and if so what kind?

That's all

Eva34 · 09-25-2002, 06:15 PM

Hello

I have to shave every day, too. I use Gilette shaving gel, and a Mach 3 razor. Then I put on lots and lots of moisturiser. I cover my chin with Revlon colour stay foundation, and use normal foundation on the rest of my face.

Eva

kerrib1 · 09-25-2002, 06:48 PM

I am using the cold wax strips and I use a very mild exfoliator before I wax. It seems to help with the ingrown hairs and keeps me form getting the bumps.

I wouldn't hurt to try it. It may be just what you need.

Pandora73 · 09-25-2002, 10:35 PM

I found a recommendation on this board months ago for shaving oil, and I ordered some off the internet - best move I've made in awhile! I've been using it for a few months and it works great to keep the razor burn down. It's cheap, and you only use a small amount so it lasts a long time. Interesting thing is, it's not very popular in the States (why I had to order it rather than run to the store), but the cyster that recommended it was from England, I believe, and it's pretty common there, I think.

Most of the sites where I found it on the internet were based in the UK, so I can only assume it's plentiful!

Good luck!!

MadamHoney · 09-26-2002, 05:54 AM

Thanks for the help folks. I'll give that oil a try I think, and maybe invest in some MAC III razors. At the moment I've been using a moisturising soap gel and a double blade razor, but it doesn't get me completely smooth. It's really hard to get a cover up cream to match my skin tone too - what a blooming palaver!!!!

Speaking of things you can get in one country and not the other, has anyone heard of or used Tend Skin to help with in-grown hair? I just wondered where I can get it in the UK as it's VERY expensive mail order. I'd like to try waxing my legs and other areas

but have trouble with in-grown hairs. Shaving so much is such a pain, it would be nice to be hair free for a while! If I shave my legs in the evening by morning they're stubbly. You'd think there was something you could take to slow hair growth wouldn't you? And don't those women who can shave their legs and have it smooth for days make you sick???:p

Anyway, thanks again, looks like I'll be adding a few more things to my bag of hair removal tricks! I could open my own shop at this rate

Honey x

palsen · 09-26-2002, 01:36 PM

The oil in question was the boots sensative system (or something like that) shaving oil. You can find it in the blokes shaving section in (bigger) boots stores. I haven't been able to find it in my local boots, so assume anyway that it's only available in the bigger ones.

I personally use that (when I haven't run out!!!) or more usually I just use my bog standard superdrug own brand cheapo conditioner - the same stuff I use on my hair!! I find conditioner less drying that shaving gel specifically designed for shaving! I also just use my venus razor (different blade from my legs!) and you can also use mac3 blades on the handle too if you run out of the others (I keep some in just in case).

I find my skin still gets dry very easily even though I slap loads of moisturiser on straight after, and leave it as long as poss before putting any make up on to give it time to settle abit.

BUT, I have to say, that my skin has been abvit better condition wise since I stopped the plucking. I don't get the same ingrown hairs (what a nightmare!) or as many spots etc etc.

I have some of the revlon make up mentioned above, but have found it is too pale for my skin - I need to use pinker tones for my skin (typical english rose with very rosey cheeks!) so find that if I use some max factor pan-stick and then use neutrogena skin clearing make up that helps abit.

Just thought I'd put my comments in here!

MadamHoney · 09-26-2002, 01:44 PM

Thanks for that, I'll have a look in Boots at the w/e. I always find make-up is too yellow for my skin. Like you mine is a little more pink but it's very pale too so of course EVERY little mark shows up!!

I am following the same routine as you, shave, moisturise as soon as I get up then put the make-up on just before leaving the house. Still get dry skin too. That's the thing, we get the man's hair but not the less sensitive man's skin!

I tried shaving mousse but that's rubbish! Mostly I use shower gel but I'll give the oil a go.

Will let you know how I get on, thanks for the help.

Honey

curlygrrl · 09-26-2002, 01:48 PM

I've just started too, but what is working for me thus far is using Aveeno shave gel and my Venus razor. Afterwards, I put generous amounts of Jergems Naturally Smooth™ Shave Minimizing Moisturizer. It is very smooth but the only problem I've had is more breakouts in that area, probably because of the moisturizer.

I know there's a stigma attached to it, but I really prefer shaving because it's quick, easy and discreet. With a 2yo running around it is really hard to find the time to set aside to pluck, wax or the million other things I've tried. I recently started on glucophage now that I've been diagnosed I hope the problem will get better soon

MadamHoney · 10-10-2002, 06:13 AM

Just wanted to thank you for the advice on using conditioner when shaving, it is brilliant!!!!!!!!!! My skin hasn't been at all dry since I started doing that and I get a nice close shave.

Thank you!!!

My skin actually looks decent for the first time in months, I haven't even had to wear make-up!

Honey

Ajani · 10-10-2002, 05:30 PM

I use an exfoliating brush and some soap from the health food store (no harsh chemicals) and my Venus razor. Afterwards, I use cocoa butter. It doesn't sting, and prevents razor burn. The exfoliating brush prevents ingrown hairs. It's worked for me and I've been shaving for about 2 years now.