Do-It-Yourself Barbershop Bliss

Sharp Shaving

Pro Shaving Strategies

Using a sharp blade to shave is just the beginning. Learn to turn replicate the luxurious feel of a barbershop shave.

Ouch! If you nick yourself while shaving, wet a tea bag with cold water and press it on the cut.

Apply sunscreen instead of aftershave to smooth your skin and shield it from the harmful rays of the sun.

After Your Shave

Make your own soothing and scented aftershave:

Combine 2 cups of rubbing alcohol, 1 tablespoon of glycerin (available at health food stores and some drugstores), 1 tablespoon dried lavender, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon ground cloves in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Put the jar in the refrigerator and let the mixture steep for three to four days, shaking the jar occasionally. Strain the mixture into a second jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid and discard the solids. The aftershave will keep in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Scents for Cents

While you’re at it, try making your own cologne. You’ll smell sweet at a fraction of the cost of purchased scents.

Classic Cologne

Pour 1 cup of rubbing alcohol into a jar that has a tight-fitting lid. Add 1/2 cup of dried lavender flowers and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cover and let the mixture sit for two days, shaking occasionally. Strain the liquid into a bottle, discarding the solids, and add 1 cup of distilled water and 3 drops bergamot essential oil. Cap tightly and shake to mix.

Lemon-Fresh Splash

Combine 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol with 3 teaspoons of lemon extract and the juice of 1 lime in a bottle that has a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake well. Store in the refrigerator.

Spicy Scent

Combine 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1/4 cup of whole cloves in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid; add 1 teaspoon of orrisroot (available at health food stores). Cover and shake well. Let the mixture stand for two days, shaking occasionally. Strain the liquid into a spray bottle, discarding the solids.

Odour Eaters

Instead of using pricey deodorants full of harsh chemicals, try one of these homemade solutions to unwanted body odours. But remember none of these controls perspiration.

Pat a little baking soda on freshly washed and dried skin under your arms. The moisture still on your skin will help the soda stick. If the soda isn’t soft enough, mix it with a little cornstarch.

Pat a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water under your arms. Or just pat cider vinegar, either diluted or full strength, under your arms and let dry.

Mash a dark-green leaf of romaine lettuce to extract a drop of chlorophyll. Spread it under your arms and let it dry.