The Sweet Essence of Texas Honey: There's something special about Texas honey, and it goes beyond its delicious taste. Our beard wash harnesses the natural benefits of this liquid gold to bring you a grooming experience like no other. Texas honey is renowned for its moisturizing and nourishing properties, making it the perfect ingredient for a beard wash that cares for both your facial hair and the underlying skin.
Benefits at a Glance:
Deep Hydration: Texas honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into your beard and the skin beneath. Say goodbye to dryness and hello to a beard that's hydrated and irresistibly soft.
Nourishment for Your Mane: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, Texas honey nourishes your beard from root to tip. Experience a healthier and more resilient beard that stands out in any crowd.
Soothing for the Skin: The gentle, soothing properties of Texas honey make it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Bid farewell to irritation and redness, and embrace a beard wash that pampers your skin with every use.
How to Use: Incorporating our Texas Honey-Infused Beard Wash into your routine is a breeze. Simply wet your beard, apply a small amount of the wash, lather, and massage it into your beard and the skin underneath. Allow the sweet essence of Texas honey to work its magic, then rinse thoroughly.
Conclusion: Your beard deserves the best, and our Texas Honey-Infused Beard Wash delivers just that. Elevate your grooming routine, embrace the natural goodness of Texas honey, and let your beard tell a sweet, honey-infused story. Because when it comes to grooming, nothing beats the richness of Texas.
Ready to experience the magic of Texas honey in your beard care? Try our Texas Honey-Infused Beard Wash today and let your beard indulge in the luxury it deserves.
Check our our collection of Beard Wash products with Texas honey here.
]]>I've been shaving my face for as long as I can remember and so have you. Maybe you shave in the shower, maybe in front of the mirror with some cheap disposable razor. But professional football players have it all figured out—they know how to shave like a pro. Here are some tips on how to shave like an NFL player:
Preparation is key
Shaving is a daily ritual for many professional football players. It's important that you are mentally and physically prepared for the game, so it’s important to have a routine and stick to it. You want to be relaxed, focused on the game, and ready to go when you step onto the field.
Use a hydrating shave cream
The first step is to apply a hydrating shave cream. Hydrating shave creams will help prevent razor burn, ingrown hairs and irritation.
In order to use a hydrating shave cream properly, you must first wet your face with warm water before applying it. This softens the hair follicles and makes them easier to cut with the razor. You can also use hot water instead of warm water if you prefer.
Some people like using an electric shaver after they get out of the shower because it feels nice on their skin’s surface while they are shaving but most experts recommend using traditional razors because they have better precision and control than electric razors do
Move with the grain
The next step is to shave in the direction of your hair growth.
This will ensure that you don’t experience irritation or razor burn and it will also give you a closer, smoother shave. Shaving against the grain can help achieve a closer shave, but it can irritate your skin and cause even more redness.
Rinse the razor after each stroke
After each stroke, rinse the razor and wipe it dry with a towel. Tattoo artists use this technique to keep their work clean and free of bacteria. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs or razor burn, this step is especially important for keeping your skin smooth and healthy. You can either use the hot water from your sink or a bowl filled with warm water that you dip your brush into before using.
Use a brush and shave soap for extra exfoliation. A good shave brush will help lift hair off of your face as well as provide an easy way to apply lather onto every part of your face at once—something that can be tricky when shaving by hand. The best brushes are made from badger hair because they don't clog up like synthetic ones do (badger brushes also last longer).
Apply a post-shave or aftershave lotion
Now that your skin is smooth and free of stubble, it's time to moisturize. A good aftershave lotion not only hydrates the skin, but also closes the pores and kills bacteria. Lotions often include shea butter as it's base ingredient because shea butter is known to absorb quickly into the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue.
After shaving, wait at least five minutes before applying your post-shave product. You don't want to apply lotion right away because doing so will trap heat on your face and make you sweat more!
Also look out for products labeled "natural" because they're generally less likely than their synthetic counterparts (which may contain parabens) to cause irritation on sensitive skin types like yours!
Shaving like a pro takes some time and preparation but it's worth it
You can shave like a pro in the NFL. Here's how:
Take your time when shaving, especially if you're doing it at home. You might even want to start by getting the right tools for the job, like a great razor and shaving cream.
Prep your skin and hair by exfoliating for about five minutes before you lather up—this will help prevent ingrown hairs and make your morning routine more efficient overall.
When lathering up, don't be stingy with the amount of product that you use on your face and neck—the more lubricant there is between the blade and your skin, the smoother it will go! If you still get razor burn or irritation after shaving, try using a pre-shave lotion for extra protection against irritation due to dryness after shaving without compromising closeness during subsequent shaves down the road.
Conclusion
If you're interested in shaving like a pro, it's worth taking the time to understand the right techniques. With these tips, you'll be able to shave with ease and confidence.
]]>Beard care can be a lot of work, but the end result is worth it. The right beard will make you look more rugged, more mature, and more distinguished. Plus, there's no denying that it makes you look like a real man — not to mention that it's easier to grow than many people think. But growing out your facial hair is only half the battle; keeping it healthy and looking good is where things get tricky. Not sure where to start? Here are five tips I've learned over the years while growing my own beard.
Wash your beard
Wash your beard. You want to use a beard wash or shampoo, not regular body soap. A great way to wash your beard is by using a brush and combing it out so that the oil in the shampoo or wash can be absorbed evenly throughout all of the hair while it's still damp. After you've washed and dried your beard, comb it again and then apply some beard oil on top of it to moisturize.
Get a good trimmer
You should use a trimmer to make sure your beard is even and clean. You can get a good trimmer at any drugstore or grocery store, but they're not all created equally.
Avoid cheap trimmers that don't last long, because they'll just frustrate you and make your beard look bad.
Look for one with adjustable blades so you can customize the length of the trimming blade depending on what kind of look you want. You might want to trim down some hairs here and there, or maybe take off some length for a fuller beard style; whatever it may be, having this option will help make sure you stay happy with how your facial hair looks every time!
Make sure the battery lasts long enough on one charge (at least 60 minutes) so that's not an issue when using it consistently.
Use beard oil, but don't overdo it.
Beard oil is a must for anyone with facial hair. It softens your whiskers and smells good, which helps you look sharp and feel confident. But there's a fine line between helping your beard grow in healthy and seeing it become an unmanageable mess of knots and split ends. Follow these steps to keep your beard looking its best:
Use just a few drops of oil on damp skin after washing your face each morning—you don't need much to moisturize the skin underneath your beard!
Apply directly onto the hairs themselves (not the skin), starting at the base of every strand if possible.
Rub gently into each hair so that any excess gets absorbed into them instead of staying wet on top of them all day long—this can lead to breakouts along the jawline where oils tend not to be absorbed. If possible, use a beard oil that contains ingredients like jojoba oil to help nourish and soften your facial hair. Keep applying throughout the day as needed—it's normal for your beard to get dry in the winter months when you're indoors more often and using heaters.
Be patient.
The best way to make sure your beard looks its best is to grow it for as long as possible. Some men will have a full-grown beard in only two months, while others may need six months or more. It's all about patience—for your face and for yourself! If you're having trouble growing a full beard on your own, consider using some of these products that can help.
Beard oil - Used to "feed" the skin with hydrating oils
Beard soap/shampoo - Specifically formulated to clean the pores on your face
Beard Balm - Absorbs into the beard hair to help it grow longer, stronger and be less brittle. Also helps to eliminate split ends.
Try beard balm if you have a dry or unruly beard
If you're a man who struggles to keep control of your beard, or if you have a dry and unruly beard, then it's time to get some beard balm. Beard balm is basically conditioner for your hair—it helps keep it soft and manageable. It can also help prevent dandruff in the same way that head-and-shoulders shampoo does for hair on your head (though beards don't get lice). The best part is that if you use it regularly, beard balm will help with the dreaded itchiness of growing out your facial hair as well!
More tips for a healthy beard and face
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser once or twice a day. This is important for keeping the skin underneath the beard clean and healthy, but it's also good for you because it keeps oil from building up on your face.
Use a beard trimmer to keep it looking neat and tidy, especially if you can't grow much facial hair yet. If you don't have one already, there are plenty of affordable ones to choose from online or at your local drugstore.
Use beard oil or balm to moisturize your skin—this is especially important if you're growing out thicker facial hair because it will help prevent dryness and itching! Try using these products every morning.
Conclusion
Now that you’re all set with our best tips for growing a beard, go forth and make the most out of your facial hair! We know it's not easy, but don't let that stop you from trying. With some patience and dedication, anyone can grow a beard—even if they're still in high school or college.
]]>Beards are in. And beard oil and balm are in, too! But beware of the ones with coconut oil!
Coconuts are delicious and versatile, but some users have reported allergic reactions to coconuts that can range from mild rashes to full-blown anaphylactic shock. Do your research before you try on any new products that contain coconut oil — and if you tend to be sensitive to this type of thing, be extra careful when using a beard product containing coconut oil.
There are a few reasons why coconut oil is not the best choice for your beard. First and foremost, it’s comedogenic, meaning that it is just too thick to use on the face. Comedogenicity refers to how likely a substance is to clog pores and cause acne or other skin problems. Coconut oil has been shown in studies to be highly comedogenic—meaning it can contribute to breakouts if you use it on your face or body, especially if you suffer from acne-prone skin.
Second, coconut oil isn’t very effective as a moisturizer for beards because its molecular structure makes it difficult for this type of oil to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin where moisture retention occurs. If you've ever tried using pure coconut oil on your face after shaving (and who hasn't?), then you know that just rubbing it into your beard doesn't do much good at all!
If you are looking for an alternative to coconut oil, argan oil and jojoba oil are a good choice. Jojoba oil is a liquid wax comes from the seeds of a tree that grows in the southwest United States, Mexico and South America. It's not an oil; it's actually more like butter! Jojoba is non-toxic to your beard, it isn't comedogenic (so it won't clog your pores) and it doesn't dry out your skin or beard—making this one of our favorite carrier oils to feed a beard.
Jojoba oil is light and non-greasy, which makes it the perfect base to use in a beard oil or balm. In addition to helping moisturize your beard, jojoba has some other amazing benefits. It's rich in vitamins A, D and E as well as Omega 6 fatty acids. Jojoba is also naturally anti-bacterial, so it helps keep bacteria away from your face.
Argan oil is another good carrier oil for beard oil, beard balm and beard butter.
Argan is not just used in the manufacturing industry—it can also be incorporated into cosmetics like face wash and moisturizer to give your skin an extra boost of hydration. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which nourishes and protects your skin. It can help prevent acne breakouts by keeping pores clear of dirt, dust and other impurities that clog them up.
We’ve seen a lot of different beard care products out there, and we know that it can be overwhelming. But we hope that by reading this post you are now more informed about how to choose the best one for your beard. The takeaway here is that you should always look at the ingredients before buying a product—even if it seems like something as simple as coconut oil should work well in all of them!
]]>If you're like me, you might be a bit wary of trying shampoo bars. I mean, how could something that feels like a bar of soap be good for your hair? But then again, when have we ever been afraid to try new things? And trust me when I say that these products are worth a shot.
When we started making shampoo bars, I was wary. Today, this is the only product that I need in the shower and I take it everywhere now. And, since our shampoo bars are actually a soap, I can use it for my whole body. Besides being easy to use and travel with, there are other benefits that you may not have known about shampoo bars. Here are five ways they can make your life easier (and more environmentally friendly).
It's an easy way to travel light
One of the best benefits of a shampoo bar is that it's super light, compact and easy to travel with. Unlike liquid shampoos, which are usually filled in bottles or jars and can be bulky if you need to travel with them, shampoo bars are solid lumps of soap. They're about the size and weight of a bar of body wash or a large bar of soap (or smaller).
You can take your shampoo bar on an airplane, train or boat with no problem, as well as on any hike where packing space is tight. Whether you're going on vacation or staying at a hotel for work, having a lightweight item like this makes life so much easier!
If you use bar shampoo, people will be impressed with you
The first and most obvious benefit is that bar shampoos are great conversation starters. When people see you using a bar shampoo, they will be impressed by your ability to go against the grain and do things differently. They may be inspired to try it themselves, or at least ask questions about what you do with it! You'll be able to talk about how environmentally friendly you are as well as how much money you save on travel—it's win-win!
It's a more environmentally friendly choice
We’ve all seen the photos of the plastic waste in our oceans. The pollution that comes from plastic bottles and other packaging needs to stop. Switching from liquid shampoo to a solid bar means you won't be adding any more trash to our fragile environment, which is a simple way we can all make a difference.
No more worrying about how much shampoo you're using—no need for plastic shampoo bottles, pumps or caps!
Shampoo bars pack a punch in terms of effectiveness
For the same amount of product, you’ll be getting a more concentrated shampoo. This means that your hair is going to get the same (or better) results with less product than you would normally use with liquid shampoo. It also means that if you have oily hair and need to wash it every day, but don’t want to use a harsh chemical-laden product every day, this type of bar can be a great option for you!
Bar shampoos are versatile!
A bar shampoo is versatile! You can use it in the shower, bath, even as a body wash. The best part? There's no need to carry around two different bottles—you've got everything you need right there in one handy bar. And if you're looking for something that will perform as well as lather up like an old-fashioned liquid shampoo or conditioner, look no further than our line of shampoo bars.
Moving from plastic bottles to bars also reduces waste by reducing packaging size by 85 percent.
If you like solid products, there's no reason not to give shampoo bars a try
Shampoo bars are a great option for those who prefer to use solid products. They are easy to travel with and more environmentally friendly than traditional shampoos. Shampoo bars also allow you to try out different bar soaps that you might not normally purchase, which can help expand your product repertoire and make it easier to switch things up when you get bored or run out of one particular item.
Conclusion
We hope you'll give bar shampoo a try! We think you'll be surprised by how effective it is and how easy it is to use. Buy yours online now.
]]>Beard oil and beard balm are two of the most popular products on the market for men with beards. To help you decide whether you should use one or the other, we'll cover what they are, how they work, and which one is right for you.
Beard Oil
Beard oils are typically a conditioning agent, meaning they keep your beard smooth, hydrated, and full of life. They can also help soften the hair and make it easier to comb or style. Additionally, beard oils replenish the oils that are being wicked away as your beard grows. Basically, beard oils are like fertilizer for your face forest.
Beard oil contains two main types of oils: carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils are synthetic or natural products that can be used as solvents (carriers) for essential oils (which smell nice) to create an aromatic mixture when combined with them. You probably recognize some of these names: camellia seed oil, jojoba seed oil, avocado oil...the list goes on! This combination of carrier oils and essential oils are often all-natural and contain no synthetic ingredients, such as our Journeyman Beard Oil.
Essential oils have been around much longer than carrier ones—since ancient times in fact—and have been used by cultures across many continents as medicinal remedies due to their therapeutic qualities such as antiseptic properties or mood-boosting effects. These include cedarwood, tea tree, lavender, black pepper, and rosemary essential oils. These are only a few of the many, many essential oils that are out there. They can be used as the only essential oil in a beard oil or in many cases, combined to make complex scents with different therapeutic properties.
Beard Balm
The benefits of balm are that it's thicker and thus better for styling. It also works well for coarse and curly beards, as the waxes help to hold everything in place.
In winter, balm is an excellent choice since it protects your skin from the cold and wind chill. In summer, however—especially if you live somewhere with a lot of humidity—balm can feel heavy on your face and make you sweat more than usual.
Beard Oil or Balm First?
Applying beard oil first and then beard balm second will create the best results. It's important to use the right tools when applying these products.
Beard oil: Apply a few drops of beard oil into your palm and massage it into your face and beard, concentrating on areas that are especially dry or brittle. You can also use this technique for applying beard balms or waxes, but be aware that they may make your hands greasy if you add too much product!
Beard balm: Apply directly on top of your natural oils with a brush or fingers; remember not to overdo it! When using a brush, refrain from plastic ones as the plastic can cause static. A boar hair brush is recommended.
You don't need to choose between beard oil and balm, but it's good to know the differences between them
The best thing you can do is not choose between beard oil and beard balm, but instead integrate both into your daily routine. Beard oil is better for conditioning and moisturizing your facial hair, while balms are great for styling it. Beard oils are light in texture and easy to apply, whereas beard balms are thicker and have more hold that makes them ideal for shaping beards. So if you're wondering "What's the difference between beard oil and beard balm?", the simplest answer is: They're different products with different benefits! To get the best of both worlds, try our beard care kit for everything you need to take care of your beard.
Conclusion
As you can see, beard oil and balm are both great products to have in your grooming arsenal. But if you’re just starting out on the beard journey and you’re not sure which one is right for you yet, don’t worry—the takeaway here is that these two products can be used together. They complement each other in different ways and give your face some extra love when it needs it most!
]]>When I am at a show I would love to be able to explain how our product can help protect the skin when shaving the bikini region, but most women are not comfortable talking with a middle aged guy about this topic. And, it is none of my business whether they shave down there or not. I totally understand.
I have also had the opposite happen. Sometimes women will explain to me in excruciating detail about how they shave down there. I really don't want to know these details and I become uncomfortable. Now that I think about it, however, I have never had a guy ask me about shaving in this area.
Whether you are a man or a woman is irrelevant. If you shave down there, this is information you need.
The skin in the "bikini region" is sensitive. This area isn't exposed to the environment as much as your face or legs or other areas that you may, or may not, shave. The "bikini region" has been protected and covered since you were in diapers and thus, hasn't grown a "thicker skin". Because of this, it is far more sensitive and easier to inflict trauma when shaving. You must take extra precautions in this area because, while razor burn sucks, it totally sucks down under.
Regardless of what razor you use, whether it is a single blade or a 10-blade razor, the skin there needs protection before you shave. Shave cream or shave gel is not enough to protect the skin in the most sensitive of areas when you shave. What you need is a pre-shave oil.
Pre-shave oils are a mixture of oils that are specifically formulated not only to protect the skin, but are great for hydrating the skin and keeping it healthy.
Oil has been in use for centuries to protect mechanical parts from rubbing together and causing damage. Used in an engine, for example, oil actually keeps metal parts from touching each other even when moving at high speeds and high temperatures. Machines break quickly if they are not properly oiled and lubricated.
Even though the process of shaving only involves dragging a sharp metal blade gently and slowly over your skin, the same protection is still needed. Instead of the metal blade making contact with the skin, it can ride gently on a layer of oil. This protects the skin from the trauma inflicted by the metal blade.
The process of using a pre-shave oil is simple and is identical if you were using it on your face, your legs, your armpits or even the "bikini region". Simply use a quarter-size to half-dollar amount to coat the area being shaved before you apply your shave cream or gel. Then, apply your shave cream or gel. It's that easy. Once done shaving, rinse the area clean.
After you have shaved and dried the area, apply a good aftershave. Yes, women, this means you too. Aftershave doesn't care what gender you are and color of the bottle it comes in doesn't matter either. I recommend a good aftershave that does not contain alcohol because alcohol, combined with open pores after shaving will make you scream!
The purpose of aftershave isn't just to smell good, but it helps to close those pores, disinfect, and prevent bacteria from getting into the skin. Bacteria in open pores becomes infected and is what causes razor burn. Preventing razor burn due to bacteria is critical with super-sensitive areas.
The products we recommend are our all-natural pre-shave oil, and our alcohol-free aftershave. Used together, these can help you eliminate irritation due to shaving down under.
The secret is out. Women shave too and guys, just like women, shave in areas besides the face. Taking proper precautions using a simple extra step in your shaving process will help to keep that skin healthy and prevent irritation.
]]>What Causes Razor Burn
Dragging a razor across your skin, particularly if the skin is poorly lubricated and protected, can cause trauma. You can actually be scraping layers of skin from your body and that, in turn, is identified as razor burn. That is why razor burn resembles the scabs and knee scrapes that we all used to get on the playground as kids.
Razor burn is identified by raw, tender skin in areas that you have shaved and is usually caused by shaving without a lubricant, such as a shave cream or soap. It can also be cause by improper shaving such as not using the correct angle on your safety razor, using a dull blade, or shaving against the direction the hair grows.
While razor burn is most often temporary, it can become infected resulting in blisters, inflamed skin, and general itching and burning. Even when symptoms are temporary, it is irritating, itchy and painful. For guys, it may cause insecurities when going out in public. For women, it may be more painful because razor burn occurs in places that clothes rub up against.
How to Prevent Razor Burn
The number one way to prevent razor burn is to ensure that the area you are shaving has proper lubrication by using a high-quality shave soap or cream. For many, this may not be enough to prevent razor burn. They may need to incorporate a pre-shave step to their shaving routine.
After shaving, it is also important to use an aftershave to close those pores that have been traumatized by your razor and reduce the chances of infection by killing any remaining bacteria.
Pre-Shave Step
The pre-shave step includes things to do before you lather up for your shave. These steps may include a hot towel treatment or shower to soften up the hairs, ensuring your razor is clean and sharp, and applying a pre-shave oil prior to lather.
A pre-shave oil is simply that - it is an oil (or combination of oils) that you apply prior to your lather to provide additional protection to sensitive skin. A good pre-shave oil is one that will provide protection without clogging the pores. Highly absorbing oils are recommended as thicker oils, such as coconut oil, are too thick and may cause more problems than they solve.
How to Prevent Razor Burn Part 2
Razor burn is best treated by taking steps to prevent it in the first place. A good aftershave should always be used after shaving to close those pores and eliminate any remaining bacteria. Of course, we recommend our own products for this task.
Our aftershaves contain no alcohol so you won't get that sudden sting like Kevin on "Home Alone". Instead, we use aloe vera to sooth the skin and witch hazel as the astringent to eliminate bacteria and reduce the trauma caused by shaving.
The Bottom Line
If you are susceptible to razor burn, you should take steps to prevent it. Using high-quality pre-shave oils and aftershaves will dramatically reduce the trauma that shaving inflicts on your skin.
If these steps do not help, remember to seek medical advice and professional treatment.
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In the "olden days", men did not have this choice. They used one blade, and dammit, they liked it. Whether it was shaving with a machete, a straight razor, or eventually, the "new and improved" safety razor that was introduced in the 1800's, there was only one blade to drag across your face to remove the stubble.
We men lived like this for centuries. It wasn't until plastics started to be used in manufacturing that the cartridge razor that we are familiar with were introduced in the 1960's. From this time on, one company, Gillette™, dominated the market for cartridge razors. For many of us men, it is the only way that we have ever shaved.
The first cartridge razors only had one blade, or cutting edge. This way of shaving was similar to shaving with a safety razor or a straight razor, but eliminated the need (or ability) to sharpen the blade. The used blade would simply be thrown out and replaced with a new, sharp blade.
Over time, competitors began to appear in the market and Gillette™, striving to discover ever-better ways of shaving, asked "If one blade is good, how about two?" and shortly after, the two-blade cartridge razor was developed.
Eventually, that was followed the the three-blade Mach3™ cartridge that we know today. But, never to be outdone, Gillette™ developed the pretentious five-blade Gillette™ Fusion™ for those of us that just have to have more.
Common sense would dictate that I can just switch between the 3-blade Mach3™ and the 5-blade Fusion™, right? Oh no, there is a lot more difference between these two than just the number of blades. The real difference between the Mach3™ and the Fusion™ is the platform it supports. This platform refers to the way in which it connects to a razor handle. The two are very different and not interchangeable.
The reason, at least by my guess, is that Gillette™ developed the Fusion™ platform not only to support the additional two blades, but also in order to give them more options in the future of their cartridge razor development. The Fusion™ platform has a much wider connect area than the Mach3™ and gives the razor cartridge more support for additional features, such as computerized sensors and vibration and perhaps even lubricants that will someday be dispensed from a handle reservoir. Some of these features are available today but who knows what they have planned for tomorrow.
So even though the razor cartridges are named Mach3™ for the three-blade and Fusion™ for the five-blade, the platform that the cartridge connects to is also referred to by those names. To make it even more confusing, it means that the Mach3™ platform and the Fusion™ platform can support more razor cartridge types than just the Mach3™ and the Fusion™ cartridges. However, as of today, the Mach3™ compatible cartridges all have three blades and the Fusion™ cartridges all have five blades.
Gillette™ continues to develop razor cartridges that not only have sharp blades, but also features that are developed for men (and women) with different skin types and skin conditions. A razor cartridge that may work great for you may not be the best one for me. The list below shows the cartridges available today and the platform they fit on.
Mach3™ Platform - Mach3™ Razor Cartridge
Fusion™ Platform - Fusion5™, ProGlide™, ProGlide Shield™, SkinGuard™, G5
As you can see, the Fusion™ platform offers a lot more options for razor blade cartridges and is the direction that Gillette™ will be staying with. It is also the most expensive option as Fusion™ compatible razor cartridges can be more than twice as expensive as the Mach3™ cartridges.
The good news, however, is that new competitors such as Harry's™ and Dollar Shave Club™ have developed products that are on par with the quality and durability of Gillette™ blades. This is prompting Gillette™ to be more responsive in the market to offer options catered to different types of skin and usage. This investment in development can't be matched by the competitors. This also means that cartridge prices are coming down to more affordable levels.
All of the above explains the difference between the GIllette™ Mach3™ and Gillette™ Fusion™ platforms, so which one is best for you? The answer is always the same - it depends. If you are choosing based on price, the Mach3™ is hands-down the best choice. If you are choosing based on a better shave, the answer is much more complicated and depends on how you shave, how often, your skin type, what shave cream, oil or conditioner you use and a myriad of other factors. But if you want to explore your shave of the day #SOTD, then the Fusion™ platform is your best option.
In short:
This belief might look ridiculous when it results in fancy imported cheese being placed on a mass-produced fast food burger, or a part-time barista/slam poet having a weekly $300 bill from Whole Foods, but in other aspects, it makes a ton of sense. Increasingly, we are seeing millennials seeing things in terms of the big picture, and this has resulted in trends that place an emphasis on hand-crafted goods over factory-made alternatives.
This trend has extended to the bathroom cabinet. Young men with facial hair have disposed of their disposable razors and shaving gels in favor of long-lasting blades, quality shave soap and the badger shave brush.
For the latter half of the 20th century, beards were a statement, but not necessarily a fashionable one. Bikers and Hippies wore them in contempt of society. The homeless wore them in contempt of hygiene. People of faith wore them for religious purposes.
Prior to the disposable razor, facial hair was a big component of a man’s individual style. Back then, shaving was done with a straight razor, a lather, and a shave brush.
Fast forward to today. Technological improvement has introduced electric razors and triple blade action for men who want to remove facial hair fast, but men who want to do the job right are turning back to the shave brush, a tool which is, not coincidentally, a throwback to an era when facial hair was in vogue.
When you ask for a shave at the barbershop, the barber doesn’t whip out a can of Gillette and a 3 pack of razors (at least we hope he doesn’t…). Barbers that know what they are doing will typically use wet shave soap and a shave brush to lather the beard. The process takes longer, but the results speak for themselves. It’s the difference between a fast food burger and something made by hand. There’s a time and a place for disposable razors and mass-produced gel (airport terminals, campground shower blocks, moving vehicles, state prisons) but when aiming for quality, the shave brush is king.
Shave brush quality itself can vary between brushes. The handles can be made out of anything from plastic to tortoise shell, but where the brush really differentiates is with the bristles. Brushes can be made with boar hair or synthetic material, but badger hair is typically the preferred option. In fact, the French refer to a shave brush of any material as a “blaireau” (or “badger”). Dating back to the 1800’s, the badger shave brush was a status symbol in Europe – the uncouth peasant class had to settle for mere horse hair.
Fortunately, today’s wet shavers won’t have to go looking for a horse. The shave brush might not have changed much over the past two hundred years, but the cost has dropped big time – you no longer need a distinguished gentlemen’s bank account to have a distinguished gentlemen’s shaving ritual. The bearded millennials get that.
Artisanal avocado toast aside, these guys are clearly doing some things right.
Ready to start shaving in style? Try out your own high-quality badger shave brush here.
]]>Probably not much, outside of the fact that they have recognized that it’s 2021 and beards are definitely in style.
Lumberjacks, baristas, pro athletes, rock stars – it seems everybody is rocking the facial hair. It can be hard to tell the contenders from pretenders, but if there is one product that separates the guys that take their beard care seriously, it’s beard oil.
Responsible for easing beard itch, tackling beard dandruff (or beardruff) and boosting the texture and appearance of beards, if beard oil isn’t an essential component of your men’s grooming ritual yet…it really should be.
Though there is some variance, a typical beard oil is made from a blend of essential oils and a base of carrier oils. Carrier oils, or base oils, are 100% natural, and typically extracted from nuts, seeds and plants. Some examples of these include avocado oil, chia oil and jojoba oil. These oils moisturize and nourish the hair and skin, making it no surprise that they are also often found in natural, organic shampoos, soaps and so on. Why use chemicals if you don’t have to? Essential oils add unique smells to the beard oil, and can also help clear pores and improve skin.
WHY SHOULD I USE BEARD OIL?
Beard oil remedies that, and then some.
At the root of beard follicles, there are sebaceous glands that produce sebum oil, which is responsible for keeping your beard follicles nourished.
Sounds good, right?
Well it is…until the oil runs dry.
Regardless of the length of our facial hair, the sebaceous glands produce the same amount of sebum oil. When the production is insufficient for the length of beard, the follicles don’t get enough nutrients and the hair and skin suffer. This is where the beard oils come in. The soothing, quick absorbing oils have a number of great properties, but their number one role is supplementing the bodies natural sebum oil levels in order to keep the beard nourished and provide skin care for men. On top of that, beard oil also helps with style, as it can tame unruly, out of control beards to keep men looking fresh and presentable.
Best of all, beard oils are available in 100% natural, chemical free option. If you haven’t tried this men’s grooming essential for yourself yet, what are you waiting for?
Want to make shaving a ritual, not a chore with an all-natural beard oil? We have a number of great options in stock, including the bold and adventurous Renegade Beard Oil.
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