BACK TO WORK
It’s been a crazy summer, but soon enough we'll all be back at work again, with a bit of a tan on our skin and a warm wind lingering in our memories. But it’s back to business now, and it’s high time to tame all feral holiday beards and to wash away the scents of salty seas.
It’s a time of new beginnings. At work, but also in the bathroom. However, that doesn't mean your entire holiday beard needs to go. Just making sure your beard is sharply styled and well trimmed is easily enough transport you from planet vacation to your business meeting. But times like these are also an opportunity to try something new, something outside one’s normal comfort zone. And if that piques your interest, why not try the trend looming on the horizon for next year, the moustache!
Greatness begins beyond your comfort zone "
- Robin Sharma
Recycle your holiday beard into a 70’s ‘Porn ‘Stache’, a stylish ‘Van Dyke’ or a debonaire Pencil Moustache. Or take the safer route and just trim everything down to a well-defined five-day-stubble. But whatever style you choose, remember to go for sharp lines in all edges of your beard – except maybe the neckline – and a well-groomed skin, because the male beauty ideal of the year is about being naturally fresh and restrained.
TAME YOUR VACATION BEARD
If you’ve let your beard run wild for weeks during your vacation there are 3 things to consider once it’s time to get it back under control.
- Accept that your skin isn’t used to your razor anymore. But you can avoid showing up at work with red spots on your first Monday morning, by starting out with just a careful trim. Come Friday it’s time to try a gentle shave, then give your skin another break before shaving it again on Sunday evening.
- Since your skin is extra sensitive it’s important not to rush the shaving process. Make sure your beard is properly softened by warm water before applying both a pre-shave and a firm shaving foam or lather. Finish off with a calming and protective After Shave Balm.
- Did you grow your beard extra large this summer? If so, keep in mind that your facial hair has been absorbing a lot of sunshine, stopping it from reaching parts of your face. As long as you have a tan you’re better off not trimming down or shaving off your beard unless a two-tone look is just the style you’re going for. Shaping your beard into a smart design is a much better option, but make sure it has the well-defined beard lines that will give you the polished look you want. Your other option, should your company not allow large beards, is to even out the tan with a self-tanning product
PREPARE TO START FRESH
Getting your holiday beard in shape is one thing, but there’s more to your reboot then that. To avoid the Monday Blues and perform at peak capacity from the start it’s important to feel properly reinvigorated, as being ready to go is mostly about feeling refreshed and ready to go.
7 PRODUCTS, THAT’S ALL YOU NEED
1. A Fresh Breath. A tasty business lunch might not smell as tasty on your breath a few hours later. Keep fresh all day with this delicious and luxurious Italian toothpaste by Marvis. Marvis Toothpaste Amarelli Licorice.
2. A Gentle Shave. This protective pre-shave crème will act as an added barrier between your skin and the shaving implement of your choice. Works especially well on sensitive holiday skin. Proraso Shave Sensitive Green Tea.
3. Follow the path of least resistance with a smooth shaving foam. Pick one that's fragrance-free if you want to avoid starting scent battles with your pre-shave, aftershave or perfume.
4. Solid Quality. This is a safety razor that, properly treated, will happily act as your loyal servant for the rest of your days. Merkur 34c safety razor.
5. Skin Repair. A good aftershave is considered a must-have. Normal skin needs care and remoisturizing after shaving, and sensitive skin benefits from the antibacterial effects of salicylic acid found in some aftershaves which reduces folliculitis (hair follicle infections).
6. The Lifesaver. An alum pen lets you avoid shoving up at important business meetings with blood and paper tissue on your face. Benjamin Barber Alunstift.
7. The smell of success. Kick-start your working season with a true business-scent, preferably one that keeps you from smelling just like everyone else at the meeting table.
