Smooth Moves: How to Survive Shaving (for Women)

Adapted from the article:Smooth moves: stubbly legs? Never-smooth underarms? Bikini line speed bumps? Not this summer!
by Kelly White
June-July, 2005
Girls' Life Articles
If you've shaved before, you know it's not always an "I'm your Venus!" experience. Rashes, bumps, redness, cuts--it all happens. Whether shaving for the first time or the fiftieth, ya gotta know how to defuzz the right way. Here are all the tips, tools and take-no-stray hairs tricks to super smoothness.

1. Start with a clean razor. Disposables are good in a pinch but reusables (you keep the handled holder, then replace blades with refill cartridges) are more Earth-friendly. Check out the kind with a pivoting head--great for ankles and knees. Toss the blade when it doesn't glide as smoothly or cut hair as closely.
2. Lather Up: Without a sudsy, creamy, foamy or oily lubricant, you can give yourself razor burn or rash. Shave as soon as you get into the shower or tub. Soaking in warm water swells skin slightly, making it harder to get a "this close" shave, resulting in faster-than-usual stubble.
3. Step Up: A slippery shave posture can be very unsafe. Prop your foot up on the bathtub ledge. In a shower, be sure to have a bathmat to prevent slippage.
4. Start with the ankle area, using small delicate strokes. You don't have to put much pressure on the razor. Lightly--and slowly--glide the razor along the skin. Rinse the razor in water every few strokes to shake off hairy lather.Shave the calf-and-shin area with long strokes from above the ankle straight up to below the knee (careful with the shinbone). Bend the knee and use short strokes on and around the kneecap. Shaving the thighs isn't necessary (thigh hairs are often finer, lighter and shorter). Run your hand over your leg to feel missed patches of hair. Rinse and repeat on the other leg.

When you remove your leg from the water to shave, the exposure to the air can cause goosebumps. Unless you want a red post-shave rash, wait to shave after the goosebumps have disappeared.
You want to keep legs silky, right? Be sure there's no redness, then apply a light moisturizer with no heavy perfumes.
Hate to break it to ya, but even the slickest of shaves only lasts a day or two. To keep those legs hairless, shaving needs to be part of your regular routine.

Pits and Panty Lines


For underarms, lathering on mild soap and water can be less irritating than gels on the sensitive armpit area. After rinsing, skip the lotion but put on a pat of baby powder or cornstarch. Wait awhile before doing deodorant.
Shave "down-there" hair wherever it's exposed when you wear a swimsuit. Put fragrance-free cream, gel or lotion only on those sections. Use careful strokes, then rinse well. No post-shave lotions or potions (except maybe aloe vera) on this portion of your body.

The Bikini Line Genie


The Bikini Line Genie is made from Hypo-Allergenic, safe for skin contact materials and provides a protective shield that, when properly fitted, blocks off the most sensitive of areas so you can perform the most delicate of tasks. It works by tucking between the labia majora to cover your more sensitive labia minora, clitoris and blocks off the vaginal opening so no foreign materials may enter. Now you may perform your personal grooming more quickly and safely. The Bikini Line Genie has a convenient tab for easy removal and disposal. The printed and illustrated instructions that come in every box will help guide you step by step through its proper use.
The Bikini Line Genie can be used During Tanning, Waxing, Grooming, Or Any Type Of Personal Hygiene Care while sitting or standing.

Click this link to learn more about the Bikini Line Genie: http://www.bikinilinegenie.com.