A Close Shave

Penhaligon’s fragrance expert, Nick Gilbert, reveals the secrets to getting the best shave

Beards and moustaches are undoubtedly having a renaissance among the fashion set right now, however, Nick Gilbert from Penhaligon’s, explains that the trend for staying clean-shaven, and using quality products to achieve this, is also experiencing a boom. Here, he reveals just how to get that perfect close shave.

Here at Penhaligon’s, we’ve always had a strong following for our shaving soaps and creams, but in the past year we’ve seen huge growth in demand for our male grooming products overall. Wet shaving is experiencing a renaissance, with more men taking the time to use a shaving soap and brush to get the closest and most luxuriant shave they can.

Smooth operator

If you are going to lose the beard and go for a smooth look, it’s essential that you take care, so as not to harm the skin underneath. Minimise the damage by trimming the beard with an electric trimmer first. This will ensure the hair is as short as possible before removing it fully, and this is the best way to help protect the skin.

When you’re about to start shaving there are some things you should do to prepare the skin. Start by using a face wash to clean the skin, then a scrub to scruff the hairs up, prior to shaving. This will lift them slightly away from the skin, making them easier to cut with a blade. Also, by lifting the hairs away from the skin, you will reduce the likeliness of getting any nicks or cuts.

When you shave, it’s important that you remember which direction to shave to care for your skin and get the closest shave: on the face, shave with the grain, on the neck, shave against it.

When it comes to the wet shave, Penhaligon’s most popular products are our Blenheim Bouquet Shaving Cream, Sartorial Shaving Soap and our Badger Hair Brush. As for when is the best time of day to shave, I’d suggest after a shower is better as the hair will be softened by the steam – so, whenever you like to shower is the best time!

Top tools

Ensuring you use a blade that is sharp and fit for purpose is very important – depending on the thickness of the stubble, a blade can last anywhere between five shaves for a thick beard, to 10 shaves for a light beard. So make sure you replace your razors regularly for a good result. However, if you do find you have cut yourself, the best way to deal with it is to use a styptic pencil to stem the bleeding and to avoid getting any other product into the cut as this will sting!

Make scents

When it comes to aftershave, we offer a wide range of unique scents. It’s fine to slap it onto your face after a shave if it’s one that contains skincare benefits. Penhaligon’s Aftershaves contain witch hazel, which acts as an astringent and tightens pores, as well as menthol, which cools the skin. However, eau de toilette should not be applied to the face.

Nick’s step-by-step guide to getting the best wet shave

1. Wash the face to create a clean surface, using Bayolea Face Wash

2. Scrub the face with an exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and lifting hairs away from the skin, such as Bayolea Face Scrub

3. Using a Badger Hair brush, create a rich lather with your shaving soap

4. Apply the lather to the neck, followed by the moustache and chin area, then the sides of the face. The hairs on the neck are tougher than the hairs on the sides of the face, so need longer to be softened by the lather

5. Shave with the grain on the sides of the face first, followed by the moustache area. Finally, shave against the grain on the neck

6. Use a warm flannel to remove any residue, and follow with soothing balm or soothing gel depending on skin type

7. Finally, apply fragrance to your chest and wrists

Penhaligon’s London, Perfumers Est. 1870

The first Penhaligon’s barber shop opened over 135 years ago, on Jermyn Street, founded by William Penhaligon. Today, the shop still reflects his witty, creative spirit, as an English man living in an age of excess and flamboyance.

The first fragrance, Hammam Bouquet, was created by William in 1872, when he was inspired after inhaling the steam aromas of his neighbouring Turkish baths. Penhaligon’s fragrant adventure continues today, creating original scents for discerning eccentrics – true modern dandies and bold women who are proud to go their own way.

The staff still passionately carry on William’s legacy of creative and innovative perfumery, challenging the traditions of the art, working with master perfumers who interpret ideas; conjuring up new perfume sensations that flow against the tide.

Penhaligon’s scents are still made in England, using the finest, rare ingredients – from hand-squeezed bergamot, to jasmine at twice the price of gold. The signature Penhaligon's fragrance bottle is still to William's original design of clear glass with a distinctive ribbon-wrapped stopper.

Royal Warrants

By the end of Queen Victoria's reign, William Penhaligon had been appointed Barber and Perfumer to the Royal Court and in 1903, was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Alexandra. Today, Penhaligon’s holds two long-standing Royal Warrants from HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

Visit a Penhaligon's boutique today to find a portfolio of 34 unusual and distinctive fragrances.

Products

Shaving set, £35.00, House of Fraser, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Daily moisture boost, £29.00, Elemis, www.timetospa.co.uk

Bayolea Shaving Soap Bowl Box, £36.00, Amara, www.amara.com

Endymion shaving cream, £23.00, Penhaligon, www.amara.com

Bayolea 100ml EDT 100ml Box, Penhaligon, www.amara.com

Ice-cool foaming shave gel, £21.00, Elemis, www.timetospa.co.uk



Shaving cream in sea buckthorn, aloe vera, or sandalwood, £9.00, Edwin Jagger, www.amara.com

Sartorial 100ml EDT 100ml Box, Penhaligon, www.amara.com

Bayolea Shave Cream, £24.00, Penhaligon, www.amara.com

Endymion aftershave balm, £29.00, Penhaligon, www.amara.com

Penhaligon’s nickel shaving set, £136.00, Amara, www.amara.com

Porcelain shaving bowl, £22.00, Edwin Jagger, Amara, www.amara.com

Smooth operator razor case, £19.95, Men's Society, www.amara.com