- Start with a clean face and warm water. Warm water softens the stubble and makes it easier for the lather to coat each hair.
- Take only a small amount of cream. A little product is enough to create a rich lather, so add more only if the lather feels too thin.
- Work the cream between your hands or in a shaving brush. A brush lifts the hairs and helps the foam reach the base of the stubble, but your hands work fine if you prefer a simple routine.
- Massage the lather over the area in circular movements. You want a dense, even layer rather than a watery one, because the foam is what softens the hair and lets the razor glide.
- Shave with the grain on the first pass to minimise pulling. If you want a closer finish, reapply a light layer of lather before a second pass against the grain on the remaining stubble.
- Rinse the skin with cool or lukewarm water afterwards and pat it dry. Avoid rubbing the face aggressively, as that can add irritation after a shave.
Try not to press hard with the razor. A sharper blade and a thick lather do most of the work; pressure is the most common cause of razor burn and nicks. Also avoid the eye area and do not apply the cream to broken or irritated skin. If your skin is prone to redness after shaving, finish with a simple, soothing aftershave or alcohol-free balm. Rinse the shaving brush and leave it in a ventilated place to dry if you use one.