I hate going to parlours or for spa treatments and such. I know this sounds weird (like those people who don’t like chocolate and ice-cream) and you are suspicious of me. Hear me out before you judge me. Every spa treatment I have gone for (there have been 2 or 3 maybe) usually starts with me wondering how am I going to sit quietly for 60 minutes. Then I am tense thinking about how much I should tip. I am also really bad at explaining what I want. All in all, its not a particularly stress free experience. And infact, its quite the opposite.
Also, when I lived in Bombay, I used to tag along with Bidisha whenever she went to the parlour. It was slightly more interesting. She did all the talking and I just sat around and basically, did what I was told. And most importantly, waxing was a lot cheaper in Bombay. In London I feel unless I look like Anil Kapoor (which I don’t) I just cannot justify spending so much money on waxing. So this has led to either waxing at home or shaving. After Satarupa’s suggestion, I have recently taken up shaving.
I started shaving quite recently and decided the best person to take shaving care tips from was someone who shaves everyday. Someone who has shaved almost everyday for the last 10 years or more. So I decided to ask the husband for shaving tips and advice.
Of course most women do not shave everyday but I figured it can’t hurt to take care of your skin as if you do. DJ tells me these are the steps he takes when shaving and I think these are good practices for anyone to follow.
Outfit details: Peach layered jumper from Pimkie, black distressed jeans from Primark, white sneakers (similar) and bag is Boy Chanel.
- Shaving Foam: Satarupa has been using the Gillette foam and recommends it quite a bit and Bidisha has also used coconut oil to great success!
- Scrub: A scrub helps clean out pores. Of course, DJ uses a face scrub while this translates to a body scrub for us. Please do some research on scrubs to use – it should do its job but should not be too aggressive. I am currently using a Soap & Glory body scrub which I like quite a bit.
- Razors: DJ changes his razors every week. Of course, that means at least five shaves. So change your razors accordingly as well. This is just good practice – decreases the chance of getting nicked and gets you a closer shave. Please don’t ever use a razor which is rusted! And needless to say, please use razors specifically made for women’s skin.
- Moisturise: The last step here is to soothe and moisturise your skin after a shave. I would really recommend using rose water and once its dries, some moisturiser. And from experience, please don’t use a deodorant or body spray just as you are done shaving!
For some more basic information on shaving and waxing and skincare take a look at Satarupa’s post. It could come in handy if we have still not managed to answer all your questions!
My takeaway from this is that shaving or waxing, whatever you do, skin care must always be top priority. Your success with either method of hair removal depends a lot on your skin care regime and how much your prioritise it. So hope this was helpful. I am off to put on a mask or something – desperate to do some damage control!
– Anisha
This post was written in collaboration with Gillette Venus.
Katie Hodgkinson says
I really enjoyed this post as this is something that I have been experimenting with for a while – I’m not a massive fan of the pain, or the payment for regular waxes (I’ve only ever had one) so shaving it is for me unless I use hair removal cream which has been up and down for me. I did a bit of research online beforehand and I actually use a mens shaving gel and razor because men are people the sometimes shave everyday so their products may be of a different calibre. I love using them, and I find them much better than some of the female products I have used. Female, male, they’ve only established a line between the sexes for commercial reasons anyways so there really SHOULDN’T be any difference – shaving is shaving.
Also: I’m not a massive fan of anything spa related either, I get stressed as well. I’m talking even getting my nails done, I just never know what to say.
Katie
Fashion and Frappes says
Thanks so much for writing in Katie. This is an interesting perspective. I completely agree on how most of this is just marketing and business. Using men’s razor being a big no no was ingrained in me but the logic was that men’s hair is tougher so using a tougher razor made sense while women’s hair being softer a tough razor could cause nicks etc. Let me do a little more research on this but at the end of it as long as it works for you thats what matters! I like that you have compared both types of razors and found your favourite- thats the way it should be. Same on the nails! I usually do them at home!
Trang Do says
You look great! Love your post!
Hugs,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Fashion and Frappes says
Thank you!!!
C's Collection says
Ugh there is nothing more than right before, anticipating the pain! Being a girl definitely has it’s cons!! LOVE that bag! So pretty!
Fashion and Frappes says
For me honestly it was the hassle more than the pain and the in-between time – I hated that! Thanks – I pretty much wear the bag all the time!
Greatness Reinvented says
Hey this is great post. Shaving for men as well is more than just face for a lot so it is super important to keep the skin healthy and soft.
GR | https://www.thegreat.uk
Fashion and Frappes says
Thank you! Taking care of your skin while shaving is so important!