A Recipe for Eco-Friendly Body Shaving (using a safety razor)

A Recipe for Eco-Friendly Body Shaving (using a safety razor)

 

Ingredients list:

  1. Warm Water (Essential)
  2. Safety Razor (essential)
  3. Safety Razor Blades (essential)
  4. Shaving Cream (highly recommended)
  5. nom Shaving Brush (highly recommended)
  6. Post Shave Luxuries: Argan Oil, Waffle Pique Shaving Towel, Body Lotion/Aftershave Balm, Alum Pen or Stone (nice to have)

 

Before you start:

Make sure you have the right tools to start. Allowing yourself time to create a small ritual for yourself will ensure you enjoy the shave and help you become an expert!

MUHLE Companion Razor
The Companion Razor is the perfect start to eco-friendly body shaving

 

Rye Botanica Recommends: Companion Safety Razor for body or face shaving,  other MÜHLE razors are also suitable for shaving your face. A pack of blades is also essential, we stock MÜHLE blades which are a medium sharpness (great for beginners), they are available in eco-friendly paper packaging.

Top Tip: One blade will go a long way, and is roughly recommended for 5 shaves, however this may vary person to person and you will notice your blade feels a little dull and doesn't take hair as easily when it needs to be replaced.

 

Step 1: Soften the Skin

Run yourself a lush bath, refreshing shower or use some warm water on a towel or flannel, this will help soften the skin and ideally prepare it for shaving.

 

Step 2: Whip up a Dreamy Lather

Freshly whipped shaving cream will form a dreamy lather and allow you to elevate your shaving experience. Use a vegan shaving brush (nom offers some lovely, affordable options) and work a pea-sized amount of shaving cream either directly on the area to be shaved by squirting it into brush, or in small shaving bowl or dish. The longer you 'work' the brush around the denser your lather will become. 

Once your cream is fully whipped and looking ready devour (like a cone by the seaside on a summer's day) use your shaving brush to massage this into the area you are shaving (legs/underarms/head/intimate area or face), this will prime skin and hairs for shaving, moisturising and lifting- allowing your safety razor to easily guide and providing a barrier between skin and blade.

Companion safety razor, body shavingFor best results pair the Companion with Organic Skincare

 

Rye Botanica Recommends: Vegan MÜHLE Organic Shaving Cream, a gently fragranced with notes of lime, mint and vetiver making it an easy 'unisex' option.

Top Tip: If you have dry/problem skin you can further enrich the Organic Shaving Cream with some Argan Oil or use as a pre-shave oil. Often referred to as 'liquid gold' it is a bit of a miracle worker for the skin, and is used to treat a number of skin conditions.

 

Step 3: The Shave

Ideally you should hold the razor at a 30-50 degree angle a smaller angle increases the risk of nicks and cuts and a larger angle will make it difficult to catch hairs.

The beauty of the Companion is that this angle is already set up for you. 'Safety rails' along the side of the razor head will stop you from shaving unless the razor is positioned within a range of 30 degrees - 50 degrees.

If you're using another MÜHLE safety razor, gently rock the blade towards the skin until your razor starts to remove hair, and you have your angle. Also don't apply any pressure, just let the weight of the razor do the work. Short strokes are best, using one side followed by the other (safety razors are also referred to as double-edged as they have two sides).

Top Tip: Safety Razors are rigid, so you need to take extra care over bony areas like ankles or knees, follow their shape and ensure the skin is taut. It's a bit like ironing, you need a flat surface!

Rye Botanica Recommends: If you have sensitive skin, a safety razor can help a lot! One big advantage of a safety razor is that you can completely open up the head allowing you to clean the blade and razor between uses. This means less old soap, dead skin and general shaving debris causing you irritation. We highly recommend taking a moment to do this after the shave whatever your skin type.

 

Step 4: Look after Yourself 

Aftercare is the perfect way to complete your shaving ritual. Take a moment to relax and enjoy your shower and soak. You can use a lux waffle pique towel to absorb water or soap post shave, and a body lotion or aftershave balm to calm and nurture the skin after your shave.

Top Tip: If you are shaving your face, than an Aftershave Balm would highly recommended/essential rather than a 'nice to have', but aftercare for any skin body or face, benefits everyone!

Rye Botanica Recommends: If you're worried about nicks or cuts an Alum Pen or Block is a natural astringent and will help to 'mend' skin. Simply apply to damp skin for about 20 seconds, however if you follow the steps above you should be able to avoid any run-ins.

Body Shaving with a Safety Razor

 

Interested in getting yourself a safety razor? Shop any safety razor or shaving set at Rye Botanica this spring and receive a free pack of MÜHLE safety razor blades. Find out more on our Offers Page or shop Razors and Sets.

 

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