Preparation is everything when getting ready for a makeover. This will help you to achieve fantastic results.
Skin:
Let?s start with the skin. Even though we have products and techniques to make your skin glow and appear smooth you can?t beat a good canvas to start with. Primers, pore fillers and full coverage foundation will only take you so far. Look after your skin. Get a good skin routine you are happy doing every day. Exfoliate, tone and moisturise. There are some great products out there and not all cost a fortune. Take a look at face masks and use them at least once a week. Again there are lots of different types to try. Enjoy your 15 mins of relaxing in a mask.
Lips:
If you exfoliate your lips before you set off for your makeover the lipstick will apply smoothly and neatly. Some lip products, which are fashionable, can emphasise cracked flaky lips. The process is easy by using a sugar and oil mix. Sugar being a natural abrasive, can remove dead cells easily and so, it is one of the best natural skin care exfoliant. To get best results, mix equal amounts of olive oil in sugar and stir till if forms a paste. Put the mixture on your lips and leave it for a minute. It?s as easy as that.
Brows:
It makes for a much better look if you?re brows have been shaped. We don?t like to do the old trick of brow blocking which is the process of gluing down your eyebrows as this can look quite drag looking. It?s great for film or on stage but not the best look for day to day life or a night out. We appreciate not everyone can have their brows completely shaped as it can look odd when in your male mode if you can?t be female full time. There are people out there that can achieve a great brow shape without it looking too feminine. We have techniques to deal with a thicker brow but you will get a much better result if your brows have some shape to them and have been trimmed.
Nose hair:
Simple, get rid of it. There is nothing worse than a beautiful looking makeover with hairs sticking out of your nose. It?s easy to get rid of them and you can even have them waxed which is simple, lasts longer and is painless.
Shaving:
If you haven?t had laser or electrolysis to remove facial hair have the closest shave you can just before setting off for your makeover. Don?t have a shave too early. You can even shave here at Born if required. Just bring your kit with you. We find a wet shave gets the best results. Here is a guide on how to get the best out of your wet shave:
Wet shaving may seem like a more complicated or expensive method of shaving, but you will find that with practice it is easy and in the long run, actually cheaper than disposable blades. In addition, it is better for your skin and will make the shaving process easier. A wet shave removes dead skin cells because of the protection and lubrication that a wet shave offers, you will have less knicks, cuts, and razor burns.
Set aside enough time. You will not want to rush your wet shave. Make sure you have enough time to do a thoughtful shave. Quickly shaving your face can lead to razor burn and skipping important prep steps can make all the difference in your shave.
Use a good razor. A wet shave demands a good-quality razor, not disposable blades or cartridge blades. There are two main kinds of razors recommended for wet shaves:
Safety double-edge razor [pictured below]. This is easier to use than a straight razor and you can switch out the blades depending on which one is best for your skin.
Straight-edge razor [pictured below]. This is a more expensive and more dangerous option. Professional barbers use them in barbershops. You should probably wait until you are more experienced before using a straight razor, even though it delivers the closest shave. Also keep in mind that this razor requires care and upkeep, such as sharpening.
Use a shaving brush. There are many reasons to use a brush. It lifts hair follicles up while exfoliating your face by removing dead skin cells. Plus, it not only creates a thicker lather, it creates a lather more efficiently than your fingers would, so your product will last longer. Here are the different kinds of brushes you can buy:
- Badger brush. This brush is made from the hair of a badger and is generally considered the best for a close-shave. They range in price, but you can probably buy a mid-range one that will be just as good as an expensive one.
- Boar brush. A boar brush is a cheaper option. Unlike badger brushes, boar brushes do not absorb water so you will need to soak it in warm water ahead of time.
- Horse brush. This brush is made from the hair of a horse?s mane and is also generally cheaper, and may be good for beginners.
- Synthetic brush. These brushes are generally cheaper, and are a good option for someone who is vegan.
Use a good-quality shaving cream. Foams or gels are not good for wet shaves. A good cream will prevent shaving rash and razor burn. You will want a glycerin-based gel since an alcohol-based gel will dry your face out.
Soak your brush warm water. You can either soak it in the warm sink or in a small cup with warm water.
Make sure your face is completely wet. Wash your face, after a shower. Consider putting a hot wet towel around your beard and neck area. This trick will help soften the hair follicles and make it better for the razor to take off the hair and will be easier on your skin.
Apply pre-shave oil. Use a few drops of oil on your beard. It will moisturize and help soften the hair before shaving. It also works as an antiseptic and as lubrication for the blade.
Apply the shaving cream. Pick your brush out of the warm water and hold it over the sink until it is finished dripping. Now gently swirl it in your shaving cream until it is covered with a light lather.
Use a circular motion and go lightly, making sure to cover every single place that you want to shave.
Shave with the grain of the hair. The grain of the hair is the direction it grows. This generally means shaving up to down.
Place the razor on your face at a 90-degree angle. Then, as you start to shave, move it down at 30-45 degree angle.
Do not apply pressure. If you are accustomed to using cheaper, disposable razors, you probably pressed down when you shaved. However, now you are using a high-quality blade that does this work for you. Pressing down will cause knicks and cuts.
Once you are better at wet shaving, you can re-shave against the grain for a closer shave.
Remember to rinse your blade after every stroke. This will keep the blade clean and the stroke sharper.
Re-lather for a second pass. That’s right?all of it. You will need to prep your face again for contact with the blade if you want to avoid irritation and razor burn. A second pass is when you can consider shaving down to up, against the grain of the hair.
Rinse your face with cold water. The warm water from earlier was meant to open your pores and relax your face. Now you want them closed so they can regenerate.
Use a moisturizer. This will add a layer of protection since you just lost hair and skin cells. Avoid alcohol-based products as these will actually dry your skin out, cause a ?burning? sensation, and cause your face to secrete oils, which can lead to ingrown hairs.
Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Be gentle and do not rub it dry?rubbing will increase irritation.
Rinse and put away your brush. Store it handle down with the brushes in the air so it will air dry. This is a crucial step to ensure your brush will last for a long time.