A fast routine

Some simple tricks

Weekdays are often stressful and you can easily lose yourself. When we’re getting ready to get going in the morning more often than not we are in a hurry and before going to bed most are very tired. Here are some tips and tricks on how you can get control over your weekday routines so that they are both faster and easier.

IN THE MORNING

1.Start with a shower; this way you’ll properly wake up and also make the bathroom hot and steamy making the later procedures such as shaving much easier. Benjamin Barbers Black Oak Body Wash is both long lasting and fragrant. It also provides a great lather. Why not end with a Body Lotion from the same collection and don’t forget to use an effective deodorant.

2: Cleansing. Time to get up and sort out the creature you see in the mirror. Start with a refreshing cleansing of the face. First things first, begin with dampening your face with lukewarm water. Apply a small amount of cleanser into your hand, about the size of a hazelnut. Rub your hands together and apply it to the face. Continue by massaging it in with soft gentle motions until you build up a lather. Then rinse your face with lukewarm water. If you need to shave you shouldn’t dry your face just yet. Otherwise you may finish with rinsing your face with cold water and then pat dry. You should also use a scrub a few times a week to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. If you use one that is grainy you should note that you should massage with very gentle circular motions, do not rub to hard.

3A: For the bearded ones; cleansing of the beard. For whom might have a longer and/or fuller beard we recommend that you, in this phase, clean your beard with a beard shampoo, which is more hydrating than other cleansers and is also very gentle to your skin. Create a lather by massaging in the shampoo (for example Benjamin Barbers Black Oak Beard Shampoo) with warm water into your beard and then rinse thoroughly. After that you can dry your beard gently with a towel.

3B: For the ones who shave: Execute your shaving while your face is still warm and damp after cleansing or showering. If you have an old school safety razor you can, if you’re in a hurry, you can use your fingers to quickly apply some shaving cream, gently massaging it in. Although the quality and thickness of the lather won’t be as good as if you would have used a shaving brush, but this way you can get through it quick and easy. After applying the shaving cream begin to shave with light, gentle strokes without pressing onto the skin. Don’t forget to stretch out the skin of the area you are shaving. If you happen to use a Gillette razor, the shaving cream works just as well for it as for a safety razor. Otherwise you can get a lather in an instant with some of Prorasos Shaving Foam, that has a better texture and thickness than other brands in the same price range that usually consist mostly of air and water. A great glide and great protection is key for a good and comfortable shave.

4A: Moisturizing with aftershave balm. Benjamin Barber Aftershave Gel is a fast absorbing and cooling aftershave gel that soothes and treats skin irritation after shaving. It has a fresh, discreet and masculine fragrance and comes in a bottle fitted with a practical pump for easy dosage. If you enjoy a stronger scent we recommend  the new and delightful fragrance Oud - dark, exotic and a real statement.

4B: If you have a beard we recommend that you after shaving and/or shampooing take the time to thoroughly massage in a beard oil packed with beneficial ingredients for your beard. Start with a small amount and increase it a little bit at a time until the desired result for your beard is achieved. We recommend Benjamin Barbers Black Oak Beard Oil that penetrates even the thickest of beards. If you want a stronger scent we recommend the new and delightful fragrance Oud, but it’s also available in citrus version and a completely natural version.

5: Face moisturizing. After all the cleansing and cleaning you need to moisturize. Think about what type of skin you have and choose your moisturizer accordingly. If you on the other hand just want something quick and easy that still is effective. Then Truefitt & Hills Advanced Facial Moisturizer is a good alternative, that also works well with sensitive skin. If you need to liven up those eyes of yours we recommend Baxter Under Eye Complex or Dermalogica’s long lasting Age Reversal Eye Complex.

TIP: For the bearded man there is also Dr K Face Armour that effectively hydrates both your skin and beard. It contains loads of healthy and beneficial ingredients and substances. If you’re in a hurry this a perfect product that kills two birds with one stone.

6:  Choose a nice perfume, matching it to the situation, mood or time of year. It is like the cherry on top. If you need a last minute fix for your wrinkly shirt and simply do not have time to pull out the ironing board, we can let you in on a little secret. The ingenious Crease Release from The Laundress. A few sprays and the little wrinkles and creases are toned down or disappear completely.

Now you’re ready to face the world!

AT NIGHT

1. Hang your clothes on a lovely cedarwood hanger. It will protect your clothes from insects as well as providing a discreet fragrance fending off any odors. If you use a sandpaper every now and then you will refresh the cedarwoods pleasant fragrance.

2. Repeat the morning procedure (the only difference being the time of day) with a facial cleanser and moisturizers.

IMPORTANT: Don’t forget your beard at night. During the day you’ve probably touched your beard constantly and have run your fingers through it. Therefore it is equally important, to clean your beard when going to bed as it is in the morning. Finish it all off with a balm or oil and don’t forget to brush it.