Grandpa Knew Best

18th Century Men Shaved With a Brush

Using a shaving brush, that icon of maleness, not only links us to our forefathers but provides the most satisfactory shave short of a visit to your barber, that is if you can find one who still practices the ancient art.

The beginning of each new day is a fragile time. And yet this is when many of us, bleary-eyed, our brain firing on one cylinder, wield a razor to sheer off thousands of hairs. “Clean shaven” has an upbeat sound to it but for many the reality can be uncomfortable, painful and even bloody. [Read more]

Musgo Shaving Tips

1. HOT WATER
   This is the essential for a perfect shave are water & warmth - bristles become softer and easier to cut and facial muscles are relaxed, the best time to shave is after a bath or shower
2. PREP THE FACE
   For those with sensitive skin or who desire a particularly smooth shave - use a glycerin based product to prep the face - such as Skin Food, or Musgo Glycerine Lime Oil Soap. This will help the razor glide smoothly across the face.
3. LATHER
   When using cream, place a modest amount in the palm of one hand, dip the brush in hot water & build up a rich creamy later on your brush. Wet the face and with a circular motion apply the later to the beard making the hairs stand proud - if using a shave soap dip the brush in hot water and later on soap in bowl.
4. SHAVE
   Using a good blade that has been warmed under hot running water, shave the beard in the direction of growth - rinse the blade frequently. Never shave ‘against the grain’ as this causes razor burn. To find the unique direction of hair growth, use your fingertips on a wet beard.
   Rinse the face with warm water , then cool and pat dry.
5. MOISTURIZE A good wet shave exfoliates and cleanses the skin - but your skin also needs protection from the elements. Products containing alcohol should not be applied directly to newly shave skin as this may inflame or cause dryness - though some Men love that sting ! Use Musgo Aftershave Balsam which can be custom scented to match your shave cream scent or left unscented.
6. FRAGRANCE
   For best results colognes and other fragrances should be applied to ‘hot spots’ behind the earlobes and on the sides and back of neck.

Barclay Crocker
http://www.barclaycrocker.com