Summer is just around the corner! Spring day is on September 1st, and every day inches us closer to warmer weather, beach days and outdoor activities. If you’re anything like me, you’ve pretty much been hibernating this winter. We’re talking layer upon layer of clothing! Honestly, shaving is the last thing on my mind during the winter. I have very little shaving routine and only shave my legs in a mad rush when I somehow remember last minute I have some event that forces me to wear something short. So, getting back into a shaving routine in summer can be annoying! Here’s a little list of five common shaving mistakes you could be making, and how to avoid them!
We all know the story so well. It’s the first nice spring day, and you want to wear some of the cute dresses that have been wasting away in your cupboard. You’re in a hurry so you don’t have time to hop in the shower, so you end up shaving dry over the bath tub. That’s just one of the common shaving mistakes people make. And there’s actually a few. Let’s dive in!
Five common shaving mistakes you could be making!
1. You skip any form of shaving gel or cream.
We’re all guilty of this – even me! You’re in a rush so you shave over the basin. Just make sure to always add some sort of gel or cream to avoid skin irritation! Shaving creams or gels were designed to help you razor glide across your skin without tugging the skin. Shaving dry can lead to with razor burn, cuts, skin damage, and irritation. Personally, I enjoy using the Loving Touch Shave Gel (R51,99 from Clicks). I love that it is formulated with aloe vera to nourish and protect and skin during shaving. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin. I also find that it foams really easily, but still washes down the drain efficiently. Some shaving creams/ gels I’ve used in the past are really thick and I find they don’t drain nicely.
2. Pressing too hard on your skin.
Logic thinks that the harder you press, the closer the shave. Applying such firm pressure can cause trauma to the skin and cause cuts. A light touch actually does the job! Replacing your blades is also key here. New blades are more flexible which allows them to move over the curves of your legs and underarms easier.
If you’re in a rush and shaving too quickly, as well as pressing too hard on your skin, you’re more likely to nick yourself, irritate your skin, or miss spots.
I’m really enjoying the Loving Touch Shaving Gel. It contains aloe vera which is very nourishing and protects the skin as well.
3. Not changing the blade often enough.
Change up those blades, girl! With dull blades, not only are you more likely to have to run over the area multiple times (Causing irritation), you’re also more likely to get razor bumps and nicks. Furthermore, old blades can house more bacteria. Eewww.
Recently I’ve been using the Loving Touch Glam Disposable Razors (R29,95 for a pack of five from Dischem) and they’ve been working so well. Honestly, I actually had a bit of a negative predisposition towards disposable razors. I had a mental block that they cause irritations. However I have experienced none of that with using these! I also found them super convenient for travel. And because they are so well priced, you won’t feel guilty to use a new one when you feel the other one is dull.
If you prefer a non-disposable razor, I’ve previously used the Loving Touch Allure. It’s ridiculously well priced and works like a charm. It’s one of my top budget buys for sure!
4. Leaving your razor on the shower ledge.
One of the quickest way to wear a razor blade is to let it rust. Water causes the metal blade to oxidize and then tiny particles of rust form on it. Not only does this kill the shelflife of your razor, it’s also not great to be using a rusty razor on your skin! No thanks!
You should hang your razor somewhere in the shower that is the least exposed to water. If you want to dry it, pat it dry instead of rubbing it vigorously.
5. You don’t moisturize afterwards
To prevent irritation, make sure you take time to apply lotion after you shave. This step is important because the top layers of your skin can become dry and dehydrated from exfoliating and shaving. Make sure to try use products that don’t use alcohol. Many products can contain alcohol which robs the skin of it’s moisture. I personally love anything from Lush (like the Dream Cream) because I find it’s very rich and moisturizes really well.
I love the Loving Touch disposable razors! I’ve never been someone who uses disposable razors, but have jumped ship and converted! These are fab.
{WIN} with Loving Touch
I have some exciting news! I’ve partnered with Loving Touch to spoil one of you with a gorgeous hamper of some Loving Touch shaving goodies! Here’s how you can enter:
- Follow me on Instagram and tag two friends in the comments of this competition photo here.
- For bonus entries, comment on this post with your favorite summer activity!
Loved reading your tips.
My favorite summer activity would definitely be hiking, taking walks or jogs, swimming or tanning when I’m outdoors and dancing, exercising and doing joga when I’m indoors. I have a fitness shoot around the corner and this would do me good ?❤ . I love this post aswell, I definitely got some pointers out here – one common mistake I think girls make is shaving over the same place multiple times when it’s not necessary and then leaving the skin red and irritated, I know of a friend that did this and when I suggested to her rather not doing it, it actually did work and she has a beautiful shin now with no red spots! ❤
Thank you for these amazing tips???❤️ this is really handy ❤️
Favorite summer activity is definitely lazing around at the pool, sipping on cocktails and getting my tan on.
Thank you for sharing.
My favorite summer activity is swimming.
This was such a helpful post! I sometimes skip the shaving cream or gel so I’ll definitely start and try the one you mentioned!
My favorite summer activity is swimming and basically just being in the pool to cool down from the heat of summer ??♀️
My favourite summer activity is swimming ? I love being in water. Wow I really enjoyed reading this. You have improved my knowledge about shaving, because I would always ask myself do I really need a shaving cream/gel? and why is it so necessary to always change my disposal razors? You have helped me understand all my questions. Thank you? I’m so guilty of number 1 & 3 now I understand why I get razor burn ? will definitely be giving the Loving Touch shave gel a shot ?
My favourite summer activity is swimming ?. Wow you have improved my knowledge in shaving. ? I truly enjoyed reading this ? Now I understand why it is necessary to use a shaving cream/gel and why it is important to always change your razors. I’m so guilty of numbers 1 and 3 now I clearly understand why my skin hates me after shaving ? and why I get razor burn. I’m definitely going to be giving the Loving Touch shave gel a shot ?. Thank you for these tips.
I’m guilty of 1 & 5. Thanks for great article !! I love swimming and yoga
I love your article , I love yoga and swimming
Summer is for exploring the outdoors with my family, lounging around the pool and having picnics.
Awesome article. I make most of these mistakes.
My fave summer activity is going to the beach and chilling under an umbrella!
Favourite summer activity is definitely being at the beach swimming and just being outdoors in general enjoying nature
My favourite Summer activity for me is a swim and surf at my favourite beach