this week’s onscreen styleThe film: Directed by David Cronenberg, Eastern Promises features Viggo Mortensen as Nikolai Luzhin, a member of London’s Russian mafia, in a role that earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the 2008 Academy Awards. When mob boss Semyon’s (Armin Mueller-Stahl) son Kirill (Vincent Cassel) finds himself in a serious jam, Semyon devises a plan to save his son. Nikolai agrees to help out and hatches a plan of his own.
The scene: Nikolai’s intricate plot continues to unfold as he works his way up in London’s underground crime world.
The style: Somber and business-like, Mortensen’s suit-and-trench look is as no-nonsense as his character’s personality in Eastern Promises. It’s the perfect look for when you’re off to an executive board meeting or any occasion in which you need to present your most polished self.
look like a russian cleaner
Prada windowpane check wool suit
Emulate Mortensen’s steely, suave Russian-gangster look in Eastern Promises with an Italian suit that fits like a glove. This lightweight, navy wool suit from Prada has a contemporary cut with sleek lines and is understatedly elegant. Don’t be put off by shelling out a bit of cash for a suit like this one, because a every well-dressed man should own a navy-colored suit. In fact, as mentioned in our style guide, it’s a good idea to stock up on midnight and navy blue suits since they’re more versatile than black suits, which should be reserved for more formal events. When you find a navy suit that you like, buy two. Slim-cut trousers and a two-button blazer are what make this suit a classic that can be worn in any season, and whether you wear the pieces together or separately, you’ll get years of wear out of it. Wear it with a confident attitude for a look that will kill.
Cole Haan three-quarter jacketTo cover up, Mortensen opts for an overcoat that oozes sophistication while remaining deceptively simple, just like this gorgeous black lightweight, wool-blend Cole Haan number. With a shell made from a mix of virgin wool and silk, this button front, three-quarter length coat is the kind of high quality item no closet should be without. If your suit is very fitted and you have a slim build, make like Mortensen and choose an overcoat that’s a half size larger than you would usually buy to visually bulk up a bit. Lots of pocket space means that toting around your bottle of Moskovskaya won’t be a problem, and a specialized pocket that’s made just for cell phones makes those all-important calls super easy to dial. No matter what you wear with this coat, it’s fabulous, but when worn with a suit, the combination is downright explosive, so prepare to be bombarded with compliments.
 Revo 2037 Flex Sunglasses
There’s no doubt that what really makes Mortensen’s ensemble stand out are his unusual ‘80s-inspired sunglasses. These tinted shades will protect your eyes, disguise late nights and help you stealthily scope out leggy lovelies. These ones from Revo have a square shape that’s reminiscent of the ones Mortensen sports in the film. Plus, especially if you have a rounder face, the sharp angles of these sunglasses will improve the appearance of your bone structure, making you look like you have a more defined and masculine jaw. 
Express Men Premium ShirtTo copy Mortensen’s cool and calculating look, you’ll need a shirt like this one from Express Men. It’s slim-fitting so it will hug your shape and lie flat underneath your blazer. This shirt is also easy to mix and match, which means that when you’re not in gangster mode, it’ll look stellar with a simple pair of high-end jeans. Additionally, gray has been somewhat of an "it" color lately, so you’ll really get a lot of use out of this piece, especially given its rather affordable price tag. Be warned, however, that this shirt has French cuffs, meaning you’ll need to buy some cuff links if you don’t already have some. Of course, having them customized to include a tiny microphone or a deadly laser is optional.
Forzieri Solid Pure Silk Satin TiePull your whole outfit together with a knockout tie like Mortensen’s. Made from 100% silk, this gray tie from Forzieri has a slight sheen to it that works well with the muted hues in the rest of the outfit -- it’ll also prevent your outfit from appearing too stuffy. On days when you don’t need to knock ‘em dead, forgo the suit and just pair this tie with a pale gray dress shirt and some jeans for a contemporary look that’s relaxed and shows that you’ve got great taste.
pockets full of shellsBoth Mortensen’s wardrobe and his character in Eastern Promises are quite powerful. Whether you can afford the actor’s whole look or just a few of the pieces from this list, rest assured that everything here is guaranteed to transform you into a dangerously good-looking man and will greatly facilitate your next pickup mission.
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If you value the sharp crease of trousers or the gentle drape of a well-made jacket (and you must if you're reading one of our fashion tips), you will understand the infatuation every well-dressed man has for clothes valets. Before closets were outfitted with rotating tie racks, shoe warmers and watchgentleman’s wardrobe consisted of one well-made suit, there were clothes valets. This simple tool allowed men to keep their clothes in neat order as they slept. Today, however, it allows the hurried man to prepare his wardrobe for the following day without fumbling through the closet in the dark. And while it may have become a status symbol so far removed from its humble origins as a utilitarian accoutrement, the clothes valet actually increases the longevity of your wardrobe by properly holding your clothes at the ready.
winders, before bedrooms were little more than four walls and a 
Charging Valet and Clothes OrganizerThe Charging Valet and Clothes Organizer may look modest and unassuming to the casual visitor to your abode, but within its simple construction rests modern sensibility. Tucked away beneath sliding tray panels, you’ll find storage channels for electrical cords and surge protectors that allow you to charge a cell phone, an iPod and the rest of your portable electronics without making your bedroom look like a cable guy’s nightmare.
Corby 4400 Automatic Pants PressForget trying to steam your trousers and banish the thought of taking an iron to them. If you wear slacks on a daily basis, you’ll appreciate this English clothes valet with a built-in press that automatically presses your trousers in 15 minutes. When the Corby 4400 is finished pressing your pants, it will automatically switch itself off, leaving you little to worry about except which pair of freshly pressed pants you’ll wear first. This clothes valet is handcrafted and made of walnut, and it comes complete with a jacket hanger and a coin tray.
The Valet StandMark Wilkinson has, without question, created a stylish alternative for the modern sartorial in us all with low-tech aplomb in The Valet Stand. While the drawer provides a neat and tidy place for storing all those accessories we like to carry, the best part of The Valet Stand is the post for keeping your fedora nice and crisp. Whether you opt for cherry, maple or walnut, you will be assured of The Valet Stand’s quality with the knowledge that each one is handmade. Each valet is also accented with nickel-plated fittings and the drawer is marked with a faux ivory handle.
Executive Valet with ChargerIf you want your clothes valet to blend with the room in which it resides, but you still want to have all the modern extras at the ready, the Executive Valet with Charger is the one for you. The economical design allows this valet to occupy space next to a dresser with little notice; however, the classic look, mahogany wood and leather-lined compartments might draw some attention. In addition to the modern accoutrements, such as room for electrical wiring, a surge protector and a charging station, there are also the standard features of a classic clothes valet: trouser bar, coat hanger, shoe shelf, accessory drawer, and pull-out bar for belts and ties.
Valet ChairA clothes valet that charges your electronic devices is nice, and one that presses your pants is super convenient, but sometimes a simple pleasing design that offers traditional function is all you want or need. Enter the Valet Chair; it won’t ramp up your electric bill, but it will store your watch, sunglasses, shoehorn, and many of your other fashion accessories under its seat. As a clothes valet should, the Valet Chair will also gently hold your suit over the back and, best of all, it gives you a place to put on your shoes like a man.
valet tipsThe perfect valet is a matter of choice and financial means, but one rule of thumb in all things fashionable is to never overlap the function one item has with another. For example, if you already have a desktop valet to store your personal items, you don’t need a clothes valet with a storage tray. The second rule is to match your valet with its surroundings and with the clothes you wear. It should look just as good with your clothes on it as it does in the nude
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If you’re a busy man on the go, you can minimize prep time in the morning and gain valuable minutes by creating a closet that’s as organized as your timetable. Putting the clothes in your closet together in a way that makes intuitive sense means that it’ll be easier to create outfits that look good and you won't have to agonize over what to wear. Plus, if you learn how to organize your closet, you’ll never again have to rush around frantically searching for your favorite shirt or belt while worrying about whether you’ll be late for a meeting or social event.
To find out how you can sneak in some extra time to read the last few pages of a company report or even just give yourself time for a more leisurely breakfast, read our top tips on how to organize your closet.
Don’t keep what you don’t needOne of the biggest problems facing overstuffed closets is that they’re full of clothes the closet owner doesn’t need. Some people are simply lazy and haven’t cleaned out their closets in ages, while others are attached to certain garments or feel wasteful throwing out items that are not full of holes.
The fastest way to organize your closet is to own fewer clothes because visually it will be easier to find what you’re looking for. To organize your closet, take everything out and dump it on your bed; go through each piece of clothing one item at a time and assess when you wore it last. Apart from formal wear, if you haven’t worn something in one year and it’s in good repair, donate it to charity. Most charities will come to your door to pick up your castaways, so don’t think giving away your clothes is going to become an arduous chore you don’t have time for. Every year, repeat this process to make sure your closet stays organized.
Another way to organize your closet clutter is to store seasonal apparel. In the winter, take all your summer clothes and store them in a suitcase, then do the same in the summer with your winter apparel.
Lastly, every time you go shopping and buy something new, get rid of another garment from your closet that’s looking a little old or is no longer trendy to ensure you maintain approximately the same volume of clothing.
Hang like garments togetherStop wasting time rummaging around in your closet by using two simple systems that will help you retrieve individual garments. First, hang all garments that belong in the same category together -- i.e., sweaters next to sweaters and dress shirts next to dress shirts. At all costs, avoid hanging clothes by color family. This system will simply make a big mess of your closet because people tend to think “I want to wear a sweater,” rather than “I want to wear something brown,” so use the more intuitive grouping system of clustering similar items together; this is the correct approach when figuring out how to organize your closet.
Within a category of garment, however, do maintain a color system. For example, hang all your dress shirts from darkest to lightest, and do the same with your pants, sweaters and T-shirts. Abiding by this rule makes it a snap to find specific items.
In addition to these systems, organize your closet by arranging classes of garments on a continuum from most formal to least formal so that all your suits are together (in color order of course) at one end, while your most casual T-shirts hang together at the opposite end of your closet.
Use closet organizersIf, after purging your closet, you still have a lot of clothes but not enough space to fit them in, consider using closet organizers. There are a lot of great models out there that are inexpensive, straightforward to install and likely available at your local hardware store. For heavy sweaters that will stretch out if placed on a hanger or for cashmere and other delicate fabrics, you’ll definitely want a shelf, so get one immediately if your closet doesn’t have one built in.
If you have two or more pairs of black pants or multiples of any other color of pants, use multitiered hangers to save space. When it comes to shoes, use a shoe rack so you can see all your footwear laid out instead of jumbled up. Make sure to buy a floor shoe rack, however, because the ones that hang over closet doors don’t provide proper support for men’s shoes. Squeeze as many shoes as possible onto your shoe rack by placing shoes in opposite facing directions.
Make small accessories visibleWhile it may seem like a good idea to place smaller accessories like ties, belts and the like in a drawer, the truth is that you might end up wearing them less often because when you can’t see them, you’ll forget you own them. Get the most out of your wardrobe by purchasing a set of hooks or even a small rack to throw over your door and hang your accessories. These sets can be extremely cheap, so don’t be reluctant to look for one even if you’re on a tight budget, and the ones that go over your door require absolutely no time or effort to install.
You can even inspire yourself to dress up a little more often by placing cufflinks that don’t cost a fortune in small sealable plastic bags on a hook attached to your closet door. Just don’t forget to group similar items together in this space as well because you don’t want to have to sift through all your ties to find your favorite belt.
Use the bottom of your closet wiselyThe bottom half of most people’s closets is a sorely neglected area that can actually double the amount of functional hanging space available to you, particularly if you have a small closet. To organize your closet, take note of where the bottom edge of your longest garments hang and install a rod a couple of inches below if your closet could use some extra space for hanging clothes. For those with more minimal wardrobes and not much to hang, you could install your shoe rack in this space instead. For sweaters that cannot be hung or underwear and socks, consider buying a small set of two or three drawers that could fit under your hanging clothes. You can also put your laundry hamper here so that your dirty clothes stay out of sight.
cleaning out your closetRearranging your closet is a task that may take a few hours, particularly if you have a lot of clothes. If you can find the time to do it, however, you’ll reap the rewards for a long time to come -- if you maintain your new closet’s organization, of course. A closet that looks nice also makes getting dressed more of a pleasure, especially in the morning, so try a few of these simple suggestions as soon as you can to make your routine more relaxed and stress-free.
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When you’re on a business trip, dressing for success is essential. You might be meeting a lot of people for the first time and need to make a good impression. In this scenario, let yourself be guided by the notion that clothes make the man. We’ll show you what the must-pack pieces are for a two- to three-day business trip. These essentials will let you create a multitude of ensembles that will get you through formal daytime events and meetings as well as evening dinner or cocktail meet and greets.
To help you pack for a business trip and learn the secrets for folding everything properly so that your clothes stay wrinkle-free while in transit, keep reading.
 Ted Baker Emptied suit
For a short business trip, there’s absolutely no need to pack more than one suit. Since you’ll literally need to wear it day and night, the suit you pack for a business trip should have a classic cut and be a neutral color like navy blue or gray because these hues are easy to match with different dress shirts and ties.
Ted Baker’s two-button, wool charcoal pinstripe suit is simple but refined and suggests the wearer is a self-possessed and ambitious man. When worn to a business meeting, it’ll definitely help you seal any impending deals you may have on the horizon. Modern fit, flat-front trousers with a tapered leg also mean that in the evening, all you have to do to make your ensemble appropriate for more casual get-togethers is remove the blazer and tie.
 Land’s End dress shirt
Bring no more than three dress shirts with you when you pack for a business trip, and try to cut it down to two if you can. Aside from a white dress shirt, pack a colored one for a bit of variety and to increase the number of looks you can get out of your travel wardrobe. Land’s End offer easy-to-iron fine cotton shirts that don’t cost a fortune. In addition to being easy on your bank account, straightforward, no-nonsense design means this shirt will pair nicely with a variety of suits and ties.
This one in light French blue with a straight collar will look smart but sufficiently relaxed when worn with Ted Baker’s pinstripe dress pants. For dressy evening events, put your blazer back on and add a tie with a subtle sheen that complements your suit and your shirt.
 Barba dress shirt
A plain white dress shirt is an unavoidable must when it comes to any trip you take, and it’s particularly useful on a business trip because it’s all-purpose and always looks stylish and tasteful. This one from Barba is a great example of a shirt you should pack for a business trip. Made from high-quality, woven grosgrain cotton, it has pearlescent buttons and a contemporary fit, and it will show others that you pay attention to details.
Of course, no one will be impressed when you show up wearing a shirt that looks like it’s been sitting scrunched up at the bottom of your closet for days. A particularly effective way for getting rid of shirt wrinkles without ironing is to hang your dress shirts from the shower railing as soon as you get to your hotel, then blast the hot water in the shower without wetting your shirt and close the door. It may seem wasteful, but five minutes of this steaming treatment will give you a perfect, wrinkle-free shirt.
 Thomas Pink silk tie
For the ultimate daytime dress-to-impress look, mix your suit with a crisp white dress shirt and a luxurious-looking tie in a rich hue, like this one from Thomas Pink. Over two yards of fine silk were folded seven times in the production of this tie, and although it has a traditional design dating back to the 1800s, it still manages to be incredibly posh in a modern way. Plus, a gray suit with a maroon-colored tie exudes power, and this time-tested combination will make you appear confident and capable.
Generally, when you pack for a business trip that’s only a few days long, you should include two ties: one for business occasions and another that can be worn on a night out if necessary.
 Forzieri silk satin tie
To add an interesting element to your work wardrobe that shows your unique style, try playing around with the second tie you bring on your trip. A metallic tie, particularly one with a slight shine that’s not overly bright, is a good choice to pack for a business trip.
Forzieri’s elegant solid silk satin tie will look amazing whether you wear it with a white or blue dress shirt. If you’re in a hurry while transitioning from daytime to formal evening events, simply put your tie in your bag in the morning and swap ties en route from one function to another. To pack ties so that they don’t get scrunched up, roll them and place them vertically in your suitcase.
 Aldo Plegmund loafers
A basic black loafer is your best bet when considering which shoes to pack for a business trip. Aldo’s black leather loafers have a slight heel, are extremely affordable and are easy to slip in and out of. With a gray suit, black shoes are pretty much the only ones you should be wearing, and once you’re back home, you’ll also be able to pair them with some dark denim and a blazer for a night out.
taking care of businessThe list of what to pack for a business trip may not seem very long and you might be concerned that you won’t have enough clothes to wear, but these items are truly all you need for a short stay elsewhere.
Make sure to bring a hanger for your suit and pack it properly. Get a small suit bag if you don’t already have one. Many airlines will allow you to bring your suit on the plane and hang it in the closet onboard, but call ahead to avoid any nasty surprises. If you need to fold your suit, invest in a suitcase designed to carry suits properly.
Preparing for a work-related trip is easy when you follow our tips and pack right. Even if it’s your first professional trip, you’ll seem like you’ve been taking care of business all your life.
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With ever-climbing real estate costs, the desire to live a more urban lifestyle and a decrease in family size, renting or owning apartments and condos is a reality for many people. Obviously, the square footage of these dwellings is significantly smaller than that of your parents’ five-bedroom house, so when you’re contemplating how to fill up your pad, you have to spend a lot of time considering how much space is available to you. What you don’t want to do, however, is sacrifice style for furniture you don’t really love simply because it fits in your place. That’s why we’ve decided to help apartment- and condo-dwellers by searching far and wide for fabulous furniture for small spaces.
To find out how to use your furniture to make the most of a small room without neglecting aesthetics, read on.
 Ikea Karlstad Sofa Bed
Chances are if you live in an apartment or condo, you may only have one bedroom. To increase the comfort of those who plan to crash at your place, a sofa bed is the most compact solution and the perfect type of furniture for small spaces. Ikea’s Karlstad model will add a touch of funky cool to your living room when you purchase it in a bright color like red or blue.
In addition to giving your home a style boost, this super-versatile sofa bed is a functional piece. Apart from being able to use it both as a sofa and a bed for two, it comes with a washable mattress pad and a removable cover you can dry clean so it should remain in good condition even if you have a parade of visitors coming through your place.
Underneath the sofa you’ll find space for keeping pillows and quilts, so this piece can double as a storage area for your linens if your home is short on closet space. Lastly, Ikea offers a variety of covers for this item, so when you get bored of one color, just buy another set of covers to completely and instantly change the look and feel of your small space.
 Puck nesting tables
Shelving that attaches to the walls along with tables that can be tucked away are your best friends when it comes to keeping stuff off your floor in a small space. This set of accent tables, available at CB2, can be used separately wherever you need an extra side table or two. The smaller table can be easily nested underneath the larger one when you need to clear out some space and make the room appear less cluttered.
Made and finished by hand, these simple but striking tables are useful and will infuse a modern minimalist style into any room they’re in. Plus, no matter what the current look of your abode, these tables are guaranteed to complement your existing furniture and any interior decorating you may have already done.
 Artelano Studio Eoos Collection Kitchen Table
With their Eoos collection, Artelano specializes in convertible designs, making this label one to take note of when shopping for furniture for small spaces. This sleek dining table with a white lacquered glass top is deceptively simple. Push one side up to evoke the feeling of a trendy café and save a good foot of space when you’re dining solo or when you’re throwing together an impromptu casual dinner for a visitor.
When you need to take things up a notch and do some entertaining or impress a girl with a romantic meal, fold the table down and voila -- you instantly have a proper dining table. Alternately, expand this table when you’re hosting a party because it will easily accommodate stacks of glasses and plates in addition to all the nibbles you lay out, along with several bottles of liquor if you don’t have enough space to install a separate bar.
 Broadway Condo-Sized Dresser
A dresser is a must if you live in a small space because less space overall usually means you don’t have many closets. Make more room for your clothes and avoid the problem of being unable to find anything in your closet by investing in a small dresser. This one from Broadway is specifically designed for condo-living. Style-wise, the smooth, polished, black finish on this wooden dresser will give your bedroom a subtly sleek lift.
Functionally speaking, with six drawers you’ll be able to store all your socks and underwear in this piece as well as garments that are best stored flat, like cashmere sweaters. Use the top of the dresser to stack items you don’t have space for elsewhere in your room. When you have an overnight visitor, simply slip these items into one of the drawers and display accessories like a large candle on the dresser’s top to give a relaxed ambiance to your room.
 Liberty Small Ottoman
An ottoman is more than a large cushion to put your feet up after a long day. It also makes your pad seem more like a home by imbuing your living room with cozy warmth, and it doubles as an extra seat when you’ve got a lot of guests. This pick from Liberty offers one extra advantage: You can lift the top to reveal a sizable storage space. Make use of this cleverly designed piece to store knick-knacks and tidy your place in a hurry or keep magazines, DVDs or video games here. While the exterior is designed to look like supple brown leather, it’s actually made from vinyl, so this ottoman is a snap to clean with a damp cloth, while having the look of a more luxurious piece.
tiny decorLess cleaning and proximity to the city center are just a few of the benefits of living in a smaller space. The challenge if you’re an apartment or condo resident is to find furniture that doesn’t crowd your place but is also easy on the eyes. As you can see from our finds, stylish options of furniture for small spaces exist and you can even find pieces that do double duty as additional storage spaces. If space is an issue for you, hopefully now you’re inspired to seek out selections like these to create a more organized and roomy look for your place.
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Most guys' shaving kits consist of little more than a blade and a can of foam. But obtaining a perfect shave that makes you feel like a new man requires so much more.
The shaving essentials described below are the basics you'll need to build a complete shaving kit. Sure, you may feel like you're on a Bravo reality show when you start stocking your medicine cabinet with oils and creams, but you will quickly see and feel the benefits of using a more complete shaving kit. pre-shave productsBefore shaving, use an exfoliant scrub and hot water to open your pores. Ideally, you should shower before shaving, but simply wrapping a hot, wet towel around your face for a minute also works. Whichever method you choose, the goal is to get your skin supple and warm, and your whiskers fluffed.
OilsUsing a pre-shave oil is a must. It will soften facial hair and open skin pores to ensure a close shave.
The best pre-shave oils and creams use natural oils, such as coconut, sunflower, olive or other oils drawn from plants. Unlike mineral oil, natural oils are low on the grease factor, so they won't clog pores and cause damage to your skin. Also, keep your eyes open for pre-shave oils that contain antibacterial agents; these will help guard against breakouts and painful cuts.
Oils for electric shaversAll electric shavers come with blade oil, so make sure to keep it in your shaving kit. It's in your face's best interest that you do. Just put a dot of oil on the shaver's cutting block or blades, turn on the unit, and let the oil work its way through. This will help the shaver work properly and protect your hair from being ripped out by rickety blades.
There are also skin oils like Lectric Shave and Jack Black that are specially formulated for electric shavers. These oils make the hair stand up for a smoother cut, as well as create a sleek surface for the shaver to glide across.
Shaving powdersThere are two types of shaving powders. One is a depilatory powder, which is used mostly by black men to avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs. The other kind is meant for use with electric shavers; it works like shaving oil, softening the hair and fluffing it up.
shave productsYou're almost ready to put a razor to your skin. But first, you need a buffer between the skin and the razor that's got a little more substance than mere oil. So, add shaving lather to your shaving kit.
LathersCream/foam: Shaving creams and foams are similar, but foams have more air and come in a can, while creams come in a small bottle or tube. Both soften whiskers like shaving oils, but they also moisturize and lubricate the skin. One of their biggest advantages is that they rinse easily from blades. To get the best results from both, be sure to massage them into your beard with your hands or a shaving brush for a full minute.
Many creams and foams also contain aloe to heal the skin and guard it from drying out. The best of these lathers are glycerin-based. Steer clear of creams and foams that contain numbing agents like benzocaine and menthol, as these will close your pores and prevent proper exfoliation.
Shaving soap: Ah, the classic. This is what old British generals used while shaving with a straight razor over a wash basin. Like shaving cream, it's made for application by brush, and must be mixed in a shaving cup or bowl. When properly lathered, shaving soap definitely does the job, but because it's soap, it might dry out your skin.
Gel: Shaving gels have become very popular over the past 10 years, as they create a slick surface that maximizes the razor's glide. However, their disadvantages are that they don't wash off blades or faces easily, and they can clog pores.
BrushesWhen it comes to obtaining a perfect, creamy lather, only a badger hair brush gets it right.
As it applies the lather to your face, its hairs exfoliate, massage and fluff out your whiskers to ensure they're "standing at attention" when the blade moves over them.
Boar bristle brushes are stronger and thicker (and cheaper) than badger hair models, but they're not as flexible or as soft on your face. razorsElectric shaversElectric shavers are convenient, fast and long-lasting. Nonetheless, despite years of innovation and advancement, they still result in a shave that's not quite as close as one achieved with a safety razor. Yet, because electric shavers don't shave off the uppermost layer of skin as do safety razors, they have the advantage of rarely causing razor burn or cuts.
There are two main electric shaver designs:
1- A rotary shaver has series of blades organized in a circular pattern on anywhere from one to three wheels. As you move the shaver across your face, the spinning wheels cut your beard like a lawnmower. Rotary shavers excel at cutting longer beards.
2- A foil shaver contains a thin sheet of metal perforated with hundreds of tiny holes. Underneath this metal sheet are one to four horizontal rows of tiny cylindrical blades. As you move the shaver on your skin, your whiskers enter the holes, whereupon the spinning blades cut them off.
Most fans of electric shavers believe that foil shavers provide closer shaves, but it's really a matter of personal taste.
Reusable razorsStay away from disposable razors and invest in a quality multi-blade cartridge safety razor or a double-edged safety razor. The old straight-edged razor is best left to the trained barber.
Razor cartridges (two to four blades) give the closest possible shave (next to a barber's straight-edge) and cut hair at an angle. However, this angle and the closeness of its shave can cause the hair to grow back with a slight curl, which can ultimately lead to razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
 Double-edged safety razors are classic with a single, well-sharpened double-edged blade. They don't cut as close as razor cartridges, but they still shave well, and they prevent bumps and irritation. Their one big disadvantage is a tendency to cause shaving nicks.
For a smooth shave, opt for the Gillette Fusion Power Phenom. This razor offers an irritation-free shave with its comfortable, barely there blades, and you can use its built-in Precision Trimmer to manscape all those tricky spots.
post-shave productsPost-shave products will relieve burn, dryness and razor bumps, and some will even help heal cuts.
To make it simple, look for aftershave balms and gels that contain vitamins C and E, natural oils to moisturize and aloe to help heal the skin. Post-shave products with built-in sunscreen are also a solid purchase.
Aftershave is heavy on the alcohol and will dry out your skin. Avoid it. If you are going to use traditional aftershave, though, pat it on gently. And don't overdo it; a little goes a long way.
If you don't want to buy expensive balms and creams, simply splash cold water on your face to close your pores, pat it dry and finish with a basic moisturizer. If you break out after shaving, stick with a water-based moisturizer.
And if you really want to nip razor burn in the bud, eschew the cold water in favor of ice cubes. Rub one over your face and you'll close those pores right up.
Finally, a styptic pencil is a good addition to any shaving kit. The pencil's aluminum sulfate stops shaving cuts in a pinch. The pencil's only drawback? It stings. If that's too much for you, try using lip balm on the cuts instead. shave it for laterWith the knowledge to put together your own shaving kit, you can now seek out the brands and products that best fit your beard and, perhaps more importantly, they will make you look and feel your best.
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