If you’re one of the many men who prefers a clean shave (but are fed up with redness and irritation)  it’s time to learn the trick to getting the perfect close shave. Most people are unaware of the importance of preparing the skin before hair removal. In fact, the pre-shave prep work is just as important as the shave itself.

Our Pre-Shave Conditioner is a smooth gel that can be applied to wet skin before shaving cream. This soothing product includes Lavender to reduce redness and Chamomile to reduce shaving irritation. It also helps soften the hair before shaving. For the closest shave possible, move the razor across the skin in more than one direction, finishing with one stroke against the direction of hair growth to remove any leftover hairs above the surface of the skin.

Complete your shaving regimen with products from The Executive Collection, which includes this and other items from our popular shaving line.

What’s your favorite razor?

Originally published as The Secret to a Close Shave from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Have you ever noticed that after a clean shave, once your hair begins to grow back, it feels different? The truth is that shaving does not cause the hair to grow back thicker or darker. It simply puts all of the hairs in the same growth cycle, causing them to grow at the same rate, which gives the illusion of a thicker beard. Shaving also blunts the ends of the hair, which can appear lighter due to sun exposure. With the less pigmented ends gone, your hair may appear darker when it grows back in.

Stubble causing you trouble? Check out our shaving products to ensure a smooth finish each time. Ladies, you can use these products too!

Originally published as Does Shaving Make the Hair Thicker and Darker? from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Mario Badescu’s own Jessika McGinnis once again shares her experiences in skin care!

Jessika writes:

Bearded men. I live with one, and continue to complain – and always will – when he shaves off his beard (seriously, I enjoy the beard). Patrick, my wonderful fiancé (and the man with the beard) is constantly trimming, adjusting, growing and shaving his hair, beard and face.

Patrick loves a good scent and shaves and showers with anything that is peppermint scented. He managed to start a love affair with our Peppermint Shaving Cream. Patrick’s skin is fair, sensitive and easily irritated.  More often than not he gets ingrown hair and razor burn. Bringing him this jar of love has changed his shaving routine.

Whenever he gets the urge to alter his facial hair, he will start with Pre-Shave Conditioner after his normal skin care routine, immediately followed by Peppermint Shaving Cream. A little bit of moisturizer after he rinses and his skin is smooth. Not only does he use this on his face and neck, but he uses it to shave his head as well. And that wonderful peppermint smell also calms any irritation that might start while shaving (and sometimes mine too, from having to hear about his face).

Guys, we want to hear about your beards and your shaving and skin care routines! Comment below or visit our Men’s Skin Care Board.

Originally published as Badescu Guys: My Fiancee’s Beard and Skin Care Stash from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Aren’t fathers the hardest people to shop for? I’m hit with a double-whammy every spring because my Dad’s birthday is in the beginning of June; just weeks away from Father’s Day.

What are you getting your dad for Father’s Day this year? Instead of the old standbys of father’s day gift ideas (a tie, a box of monogrammed golf balls) why not try giving him something that you know for sure that he’ll use and that could improve his daily routine?

This year, I’m going with this, our kit of men’s grooming basics.

My favorite product in this kit is the Pre-Shave Conditioner, which softens the hair in preparation for the smoothest shave possible. I know he can’t possibly have the easiest time shaving since my own genetic predisposition for coarse, curly hair was inherited from him.

Maybe your dad uses an electric razor. In that case, let me recommend the Electric Shaving Lotion  Have you ever heard of anything like this before? It preps the beard for a super-close shave—something that’s often elusive to users of electric razors.

To see more Father’s Day present ideas, check out this list! 

Originally published as Father’s Day Gift Ideas from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

All you need is friends, music, and good skincare to get you through music festival season…

WHO: Logan Horne. Not just any MB regular, but a New York City based stylist whose sartorial influence has the likes of Leighton Meester (also an avid MB fan!), Jessica Stam, and Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated models.

WHAT: The more natural, the better, Horne says. Coachella necessities include deodorant, toothpaste, Creed cologne, hair wax, Crest white strips, and a few MB products…

WHERE: In his bag of essentials for Coachella!

WHY:

• Aloe Moisturizer (SPF 15). “I love this face lotion because of its light texture and it’s healing properties.”

• Silver Powder. “Spending three days in the desert can take a toll on ones face. That’s why I choose this powder to help remove oil and congestion from my pores.”

• Suncare SPF 30. “Every time I go into Mario Badescu’s NY spa I love coming away with a fresh face and these little travel-sized capsules of sunscreen. These are great to throw in your purse or pocket to reapply as the day goes on and perfect for Coachella.”

• Enzyme Cleansing Gel. “This is by far my favorite day to day face wash. It’s mild enough to keep my skin happy while still giving me the cleanest feeling skin. After a day of concerts and crowds it’s the perfect way to rejuvenate and exfoliate.”

• Cucumber Cleansing Lotion. “After washing my face, I like to use this toner because it leaves my pores feeling clean and tight without overly drying me out. The cucumber concoction has a cooling sensation that wipes away all the heat from the day.”

We love hearing about your MB festival essentials, Logan!

.   .   .

We want to know – are you attending any festivals this season?

What are your concert skin care essentials?

Tell us in the comments below!

Originally published as IN HIS MEDICINE CABINET: THE COACHELLA EDITION from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

We’ve taken steps in bridging the gender gap over the past few generations, and while there have been great strides in men’s self-grooming and skin care, it’s a wonder that some men refuse to invest more time and care in their skin care regimen.

Skin is skin. We all have it. We should all take care it. Put your best face forward!

The little bits and bobs – powders, masks, emulsions – aren’t just for women. Men should use serums, too. Never forget that it’s that extra step that makes all the difference, gents. There’s nothing like a healthy complexion.

For example, our Vitamin A & E Hydrating Balm: an aftershave balm and moisturizer all in one little bottle of blue. Formulated with Peanut Oil, an emollient high in Vitamin A, to repair and hydrate skin post-shave, along with Cucumber Extract to help soothe sensitive or irritated skin, this serum is the ultimate addition to any regimen, day or night.

It’s easy to use. Just 2-3 drops after shaving and toning massaged onto the face and neck, and perfect under a moisturizer, night cream, or on its own.

.   .   .

Originally published as SHAVE SPEAK: MEN SHOULD USE SERUMS, TOO from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

We all know what shaving creams and gels are; they’re essential to the process for the smoothest shave possible. It’s a given.

But a pre-shave conditioner?

This isn’t just for the gentleman – ladies, listen (or, technically speaking, read) up.

Simplicity is always a beautiful thing, but never underestimate the power of adding that extra step to your regimen for a truly complete pampering of the skin. The results are in the extra effort.

The Pre-Shave Conditioner, packed with Chamomile and Lavender extract to reduce redness, is the key to helping prevent skin irritations and razor burns that come with shaving. Most associate it with men’s skincare – to tackle that beard for an ultra-smooth, morning shave – but it’s perfect for women too. Be it facial hair or the bikini lines, underarms, and legs, this soothing gel softens course hair to allow for a truly close and comfortable shave.

Massage into wet skin prior to your favorite shaving cream, and let it soak into the skin for a few minutes. Then apply your shaving cream and shave as usual.

The difference is in not only the feel, but the touch.

.   .   .

Do you feel the difference?

Originally published as LET’S TALK: PRE-SHAVE CONDITIONERS & WHY YOU NEED THEM from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

As we know, men and women have different skin care needs.  Father’s Day is the perfect time for men to consider proper mens skin care needs, and get problems like razor bumps and proper electric shaving techniques under control.

Check out these skin care tips picked out just for dad:

• Want to avoid getting an irritated face when you shave?  Try using a pre-shave conditioner to prepare your skin for a close, comfortable shave.

• You’ll never guess the #1 cause of razor bumps and razor burn.  Dull razor?  Nope: shaving too closely.  Getting a close, clean shave is what every man wants, but there is such a thing as too close.

• Still irritated after your shave?  Try using an after shave balm to help your skin heal.

• The number one skin care tip for men is the same as the number one skin care tip for women: be sure to use adequate sun protection to keep your skin healthy and happy

• Be sure to supplement your healthy mens skin care regimen with products that focus on specific skin conditions, such as acne, aging, and discoloration.

Mario Badescu Skin Care offers a number of products specifically designed for mens skin care needs, including the Mens Grooming Basics gift package.  The gift set includes a cleanser, a pre-shave treatment, a shaving cream, an after shave lotion, and a face scrub.  Each product is specifically crafted to tailor to the individual skin care needs of men.  The entire regimen retails for $63 in an attractive men’s travel bag.

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Originally published as SKINCARE TIPS FOR MEN from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.