Originally posted on Polka Dot Bride September 22nd 2008

Today the boys from brand new Australian male groom products online store Himage are sharing their top groom tips for the Polka Dot Groom!

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Photo by Apertura

Now that you have made the decision to wed the love of your life it is important to LOOK SHARP on the big day. Photos and memories will stay with you and your loved ones forever so do your utmost to be the best looking groom possible. A few simple tips from the guys from Himage could help set tongues wagging about how great the groom looked….not just the bride!

In the month leading up to the big day try and develop a morning and evening, basic and fun, skincare routine. In the morning try and get into the habit of a five step routine of:

  1. Cleanse
  2. Shave
  3. Tone
  4. Post Shave
  5. Moisturise

Of an evening a quick cleanse, tone & moisturise should be enough to keep your skin looking bright and healthy.

If the above sounds like we are speaking a foreign language, let us at give you a quick five minute lesson in “How To” quickly and efficiently transform yourself into Brad Pitt for your wedding day.

CLEANSE: A good quality cleanser removes dirt, excess oil, pollutants and dead skin cells. It will also help un-clog pores and reduce acne blemishes.

Most cleansers are suitable for all skin types. For oily skin choose a stronger, acid based cleanser and lotion-type cleansers for dry skin.

Apply by mixing in hands with a small amount of warm water and then massage in a lathered form into your face and neck. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

SHAVE: Shaving cream/gel softens beard hair making it easier to cut. It creates a surface for your razor to glide over reducing the likelihood of razor burn and post-shave blemishes. If using an electric razor use an electric razor pre-shave oil.

The majority of shave creams and gels are appropriate for all skin types.

Wet your face with warm water and apply with fingers or a shave brush to lather onto the beard area.

Shave downward, the way your whiskers grow, from your sideburns toward your chin using long, even strokes. Apply light but firm pressure, pulling your skin taut before each stroke.

Rinse your razor with warm water after every stroke or two to keep it from getting clogged with hair.

Shave the area around your chin. Shave upward as necessary to make the area smooth. When shaving under your chin, pull the razor from your throat area toward your chin.

Shave your upper lip, keeping the skin tight by curling your lip over your front teeth.

Wash off any excess shaving cream and examine your face for straggling hairs. Check the edge of your jaw, around your ears, and near your lips and nostrils for missed hairs. Go back with the razor to shave any hairs you missed.

Photo by Bebb Studios

TONE: Using a toner restores the skins acid levels after cleansing and shaving and removes any cleanser or shaving residue.

Guy’s with oily skin should choose a toner-astringent whilst dry skin types should choose a hydrating toner.

Apply using a cotton ball to your face and neck.

POST SHAVE: A post-shave cream will help restore moisture to the skin after it has been shaved and relieves irritation.

A spot treatment can help eliminate ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

Most post-shave creams are suitable for all skin types, use liquid based products if you have oily or sensitive skin.

Apply by massaging a small amount into freshly shaven skin.

MOISTURISE: A good moisturiser will absorb into the top layer of skin to aid water retention.

Use an oil-free lotion for oily skin or an oil based moisturiser for dry skin.

Massage with finger tips into the face.

If you feel like going over-the-top and want to treat yourself to the full works you can consider from time to time using an Eye Cream, Scrub and Mask.

EYE CREAM: Using an eye cream will reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness caused by fatigue and dark circles around the eyes.

It is applied by dabbing small amounts of cream around the eye area and gently massaging in.

It should be applied after cleansing and toning.

SCRUB: Scrubs remove excess dead skin cells and help un-clog pores and reduce the development and appearance of acne blemishes.

Most facial scrubs are appropriate for all skin types.

Apply by mixing with warm water and massage into the face and neck as you would do when cleansing. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

It should only be used every two or three days after cleansing and before shaving.

MASK: A clay mask cleans pores and reduces excess oil build up resulting in an improved face tone and texture.

Most clay masks are suitable for all skin types.

Steam face over a bowl of hot water and apply clay in a thin layer to your forehead, nose and chin. Let clay dry to a flaky consistency and rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Masks may lead to small breakouts so it is advisable to use at least a week prior to your wedding day.

We hope the short lesson above will help you LOOK SHARP on your big day!

PS – after being married for 6 months you may want to check out our great range of Anti-Ageing products.

Cheers

Chris & Rick

Chris and Rick will be back later this week with their recommended products to keep you looking good! You can check out their website here or email them with further questions at [email protected]