There is something mystical about a close shave that can be compared to the perfect game in baseball or the perfect swing in golf. This skill remains elusive to most men, but it doesn’t have to be so rare. Follow these simple steps to get the best shave you ever had...

Take a shower.

Now, we know you were going to do that anyway but were you going to do it before, during, or after you shave? The best time to shave is during the shower but after will work just fine. The reason for this is so that the warm water and steam help to open the pores and soften your beard. If you happen to shave after your shower, continue to use warm (as warm as you can comfortably stand) water the whole time throughout the process.

Scrub your face.

This may sound harsh but an exfoliating scrub sloughs off the dead skin cells and exposes more of the hair follicle. This will let you get closer to the root when shaving and result in a closer, more comfortable shave.

Lube up.

You may want to try a pre-shave lubricant before applying any sort of shave cream. A pre-shave lubricant adds an extra layer of protection and are formulated to help the hair follicle stand up straighter. A great one to try is the Pre Shave Oil by e Shave or the Unique Shave Solution by Mont Source. These oils must be massaged into the beard area before applying shave cream.

Lather up.

There a many options to choose from for lubing the beard before taking a razor to it and it is really a matter of personal preference. We suggest using a badger shave brush in circular motions to apply any type of shaving cream. It helps the hair follicle to stand up straight so the razor can come straight through it with less drag. Be sure to apply in upward motions if you are using your hands. With a shave brush, circular strokes are the way to go.

Shave it.

The hair on your face grows in different directions on different parts of the face and it is important to know how yours grows. The best technique is to shave with the grain (in the same direction the hair grows) using a sharp blade. Short strokes. Rinse the razor often. If you have a thicker beard, you may go back over rough areas against the grain. This will smooth things out with minimal irritation.

Finish it.

After you have shaved to your satisfaction and rinsed off the excess, you are not done. An after shave will do wonders to soothe and protect the skin. There are several ways to go here, as well. If you tend to have oily skin, you should go with a toner and then a light product like an aftershave balm. If your skin is more toward the “combination” (dry in spots and oily in others) variety, a toner followed by an aftershave lotion would be appropriate. For those who want to moisturize, you can select the a lotion or a cream. If you have sensitive skin, the fragrance free e Shave Aftershave Soother is a perfect choice. This is a matter of preference and skin type, but these are all fast penetrating products that leave the skin feeling smooth and cool without leaving the face greasy or clogging the pores.

If you heed this advice, it will give you the best shave ever and make shaving more enjoyable than you thought it could be, so good luck and happy shaving. Remember: Close counts in this game.