It’s finally almost here: SUMMER! Rooftop pool parties and sun-soaked beach days are just around the corner. So, let’s talk body hair! Hair removal is a personal choice, but for those of us who desire a silky-smooth bod, the true cause of summertime sadness is… stubbly legs. And nothing can throw a wrench in your hot girl summer like a nasty case of razor burn.
For years, I battled constant skin irritation while on my journey to achieving a smooth shave. After much trial and error, and with the help of Athena Club, I have finally discovered a routine that delivers a smooth shave every single time. Here’s how.
Step one: get yourself a clean, sharp razor.
I cannot lie. In my ill-advised youth, I used any old subpar razor, and I used it until it couldn’t possibly be used anymore. That’s a big no-no. You want a super-sharp razor, and you want to replace it frequently to get the closest shave and avoid skin irritation.
Enter the Athena Club razor. This aesthetically pleasing razor (one extra blade included) will run you $9 (but, you can use code MSA to get it for $5), with a customizable delivery option for every two, three, or four months. And get this: zero pink tax. You can add other shaving essentials to your delivery, like shaving cream, body lotion, and blade refills, the schedule of which can also be customized. I live quite a fast-paced, busy life, and having my essentials delivered straight to my door every month saves me a lot of time and stress. I highly recommend it.
Step two: exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!
I cannot stress this enough. I know it sounds basic. We’re all grown women here, and we’ve been shaving for a long time. But knowing you’re supposed to exfoliate and actually doing it are two different things. What’s been a game-changer for me is always making sure I take the time to slough off the dead skin on my legs or any place I’m planning to shave.
If you’re especially prone to razor bumps and irritation, like me, you’re definitely going to want to make sure you always take some time for this step. Now, Athena Club doesn’t have a scrub yet, but honestly, I can’t wait ‘til they do. In fact, I’d like to put in a special request for a super-fine, gentle exfoliant, with a hydrating base.
Step three: for the love of God, USE shaving cream.
I know this sounds ridiculous. You’re like, “C’mon, Naomi… Using shaving cream? Is that really a step?” But stop and think about it. How many times have you just slapped on some body wash or God forbid dry shaved those legs, or even worse, the pits? I used to do this quite often, and yet, I was always complaining about razor burn.
Once I started using shaving cream each time, I noticed a drastic difference. Even more so using Athena Club's ‘Cloud Shave Foam.’ It is seriously a luxurious, thick foam that glides on smoothly and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. I’ve tried many shaving creams in my day, and I have to say, this one really impressed me.
Step four: Finally, you’re ready to shave.
You’re shaving, and hopefully, you’re shaving against the direction of hair growth. If you’re using an Athena Club razor, you’ll notice the nice heft of the handle that makes each stroke smooth and clean. Since the blade is also curve-friendly, it’s super easy to get a cleaner shave around the ankle and other curved surfaces. When you’re done, you can store the razor in its nifty holder that seamlessly adheres to the shower using a sturdy waterproof sticker that is more on the level of a Command strip, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping.
Step five: moisturize.
Now that you’re got a pair of fresh, smooth legs, grab a hydrating lotion or serum. I highly recommend the ‘Dewy Body Lotion’ from Athena Club, but whichever type of moisturizer you choose, don’t forget to nourish that thirsty skin!
