In a perfect world, it wouldn't matter what a genius JavaScript programmer or top-flight professional looked like. In this world, though, coming across as an unkempt schlub won't do anything good for your career, your social life, or your luck with that cute guy or gal from marketing. Luckily, it doesn't take a lifetime of primping practice to get good at looking decent. A few clever grooming hacks can give you a new and improved look, or help you prep when you've got almost no time before a meeting. Read on for our list of 10 low-fuss ways to upgrade your appearance. Photo by Jaako.

Read More »

Maintain your leather shoes with the occasional military-style deep shine. The Art of Manliness blog runs down how. First, spread newspaper underneath the pair of shoes you're working on. With a horsehair shine brush, remove all dirt from the sides and toes of the shoes. Add a liberal amount of polish to the shoe but be sure to match the colour of the polish to your shoe as closely as possible. Let the polish dry, and then focus on giving the toes and heels that extra shine using cotton. Rinse and repeat until your shoes look brand new. The article suggests practical gear to build a solid shoe shine kit, which could come in handy before that big wedding or formal event. Photo by abchbum.

Read More »

DIY web site Instructables goes step-by-step on how to shave with old-timey style using a straight razor—you know, like Sweeney Todd but without the blood. The tutorial includes lots of photos and several videos (including the one above) demonstrating the straight razor methods. The video makes it seem daunting and a bit expensive, but you may be saving money in the long-run on disposable razors. Then again, my disposable razor turnover has slowed significantly ever since we highlighted how to extend the live of your razor blades. That said, if you've ever wanted to learn the art of straight razor shaving, this tutorial should have everything you need.

Read More »

If razor burn and bumps are a common part of your daily shaving routine, DIY web site Instructables details how to avoid those nasty bumps when you shave.

Remember which direction the grain of your hair went, and how you shaved along with it? Changeup. Now we're going to go across. If you shaved down, shave to the side. If you shaved to the side, shave up or down. Absolutely don't go against the grain. You'll be smooth, but you're dooming yourself to a week of ugly red dots, especially around the chin.

Read More »

Dress for success with a perfectly tied necktie. The Kinowear blog teaches you how to tie any type of tie from the Windsor to the Four-in-Hand to the St. Andrew Knot, complete with video demonstrations and step-by-step photos. Further, learn which ties better complement the shape of your face. The article states:

If you have a strong, angular face you look better in striped ties. Dotted and paisley printed ties go well with a round or baby face. Solid colors can be worn by everyone.

Read More »

With the the mass-production of disposable shaving products, the Art of Manliness blog claims that traditional shaving of our grandparents' time no longer the norm. Perhaps, however, it should be. A classic wet shave reduces costs, decreases the impact on the environment, and allows for more consistent shaves. All you really need is a double-edged safety razor, sharp blades, a shaving brush, and the proper soap or cream. After you've stocked up on supplies, aim for technique:

The four keys to a successful shave with a safety razor are 1) use as little pressure as possible; 2) angle the blade as far away from your face as possible; 3) shave with the grain; and 4) go for beard reduction, not beard removal.

Read More »

You were introduced to wet shaving and decided that was the route for you but your razor and brush remain strewn about your bathroom sink? DIY web site Instructables posts a simple guide to creating an old-timey razor and shaving brush stand with nothing more than a wire hanger and a pair of pliers. Between the wet shaving, your new razor and brush stand, and recently discovering how to drastically increase the life of your razor blades, keeping your skin baby soft has never been better.

Read More »

The Zen Habits weblog has a guest post by wet shaving enthusiast John Koontz, who offers both an introduction to the concept of the most traditional way to lose the stubble and a few compelling reasons to try it. Among the incentives:

Outside of the $100 initial investment (of a straight razor and bowl), the daily consumables cost pennies a day. For instance, where a marketing driven cartridge razor can cost over $3 a piece, a typical double edge blade costs a quarter, a savings of over $140 per year on blades alone.

The Zen Habits blog has a guest post from old fashioned shaving advocate John Koontz, who offers some ways to save money and have a more comfortable shave in the process.

His secret? Ditch the disposable razors and go for the double edge razor. He estimates that after the initial $100 or so investment in the razor, you can save $140 a year from not having to buy razor cartridges. It also means no discarded cartridges going into landfill.

Now I'm a fan of clean shaven men, but if the thought of learning to use a double edge razor (they're called cut throat razors for a reason!) is a little much, here's some tips for getting a more comfortable shave from standard shavers.

1. Prepare, prepare prepare your skin. Koontz suggests shaving after a shower, which is fine but I would suggest that if it's not a long, hot shower, that you dampen a face washer with hot water and hold it on your face for a few minutes. The key is *hot* and *hydrated* - it can really make the shaving process less painful.

2. Shave gently, and with the grain of the hair. You don't need to press hard - if you do you're removing layers of skin along with the stubble. And shaving with the grain of the hair (ie in the direction the hair is growing) makes it less likely that you'll get uncomfortable ingrown hairs and shaving rash.

In case the Zen of Shaving article didn't convince you, I'd also point out that a nice clean shave reduces the chance of giving your loved ones stubble rash (ouch!). And it makes you look and feel good. :)

The Zen of Shaving [Zen Habits]