Here are two facts you need to know about me:

Coconut Oil is my “stranded on a deserted island” product.

I’m Greek and therefore obnoxiously hairy by default.

Here’s how the two relate:

Switching from a regular shaving cream or worse, from soap to oil ~CHANGED MY LIFE ~  and I unequivocally swear by shaving oils now.

For anyone that has ever had to shave from the neck down, consistently, every day, will tell you that doing so is not only annoying, it literally f***’s up your skin. I’ve suffered from outbreaks of folliculitis, dry itchy skin, ingrown hairs, acne in weird places, you name it but since switching to an oil I’ve had zero shaving related dilemma’s and as a bonus, I (hopefully) smell like a tropical holiday.

There are many reasons why incorporating oil into your bathing routine achieves a far superior result. For starters, oils form a protective barrier over the skin, which helps to prevent nasty irritations like razor burn. They also act, as a more effective lubricant so it’s easier to achieve the closest, smoothest shave possible.

As a skin benefit, oils are nourishing, promote healing and are highly emollient, helping to balance the absorption of moisture and inhibit water loss. Also, if you suffer from baby sensitive skin like myself, you’ll be happy to know most oils are hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and reduce inflammation.

Have I convinced you yet? Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry I have you covered. Here’s a list of notable products for your *NEW and IMPROVED shaving routine. You can thank me later.

Pre Shave

F Miller Shave Oil

Looks can be deceiving but this tiny powerhouse has more hydrating and invigorating ingredients than most of my facial oils combined. This shave oil is rich in antioxidants and nourishing botanicals that help heal dry sensitive skin while its reparative ingredients like Blue Chamomile, Clary Sage and Texas Cedarwood assists in reducing inflammation, calms redness and even stimulates cell regeneration. Think of this as a kind of shaving prelude, apply four to six drops on damp skin, massage thoroughly and either shave with this alone or under shaving cream. Another little hack of mine is to mix a few drops with carrier oils like Jojoba, Grapeseed or Apricot Kernel Oil to extend its use.

San Sceuticals Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil

Here’s another fact you need to know about me: I love multi-use products. I mean, who doesn’t, and there’s no denying that there is a small part in all of us that just wishes we could find one product that would just do it all. That’s where San Sceuticals comes in, along with my dazzling hard sell. Formulated with pharmaceutical grade botanical oils, this blend of dream-worthy ingredients does everything from removing make-up to treating eczema – and even repairs damaged hair. As for leveling up your shaving routine, when applied ‘Activator 7’ acts as a hydrolipidic film (a fancy term for skin barrier) that traps moisture for added protection and hydration.

Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil

You know those people who struggle to answer the “If you were stranded on a deserted island” question. I’m not one of them – I have it all figured out. Well. Almost. Anyway, I would bring this coconut oil, a whole lifetime’s supply if I could. Firstly, it’s edible and secondly, it is my number one beauty hack for, dare I say, literally everything: oil Pulling, hair masks, sunscreen (it has an SPF 4), an eye make-up remover. The thing I use it the most for, though, is shaving. Its pliable texture makes it easy to apply and it also has anti-fungal/anti-microbial benefits, which means saying goodbye to any folliculitis outbreaks or body acne. Now, I’m no doctor but personally, coconut oil has been super effective in treating all sorts of inflammatory skin conditions I’ve caused by over shaving. On application, I make sure my body is drenched with water and use a dime-sized amount over any areas I wish to remove hair from and then rinse thoroughly. Voila! This last step is key if you don’t want to spend the rest of the day feeling like an oil slick. It should leave behind only a lightweight coating that leaves you feeling silky smooth. Hot tip: If the smell of coconuts is off-putting, try mixing a small amount with your favorite essential oil.

Post Shave

Lauren’s All-Purpose Salve

Not quite an oil but not exactly a cream either, Lauren’s All Purpose Salve falls into its own buttery soft category altogether. Made with a blend of organic  ‘skin-foods’, it’s so richly moisturizing and so luscious, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. In fact, I’m wondering that myself right now.

Fur Oil

If maintaining baby-smooth skin were your ultimate goal, skipping the use of a post-shave oil like Fur would be the equivalent to going outside in the rain after a freshly done blowout. Its one-step forward, two steps back. Fur Oil helps to reduce inflammation after shaving with a potent concoction of anti-bacterial and anti-microbial oils that diminish any signs of ingrown hairs. If you’re someone who shaves as frequently as I do, invest in this. It’s a game-changer.

Words, Alex Niue.