D.C.'s Perfect Shave...At the Barber and at Home...

You know a man with my beautiful face enjoys the feel of a good shave.  There is something decadent when you can comfortably lay back in a chair and a pair of skilled hands takes the time to shave your face to a perfect buttery smooth.  If you haven't had a shave from a barber, book one now.


Up until a few years ago the only place in Washington to get a great shave was when you could find a call girl with "shaving" listed on the al a carte menu.  I am a germaphobe so I didn't get one until after The Grooming Lounge came on the scene - located on L between Connecticut and 18th Streets.


During what I refer to as the Revival of Shaving in the last decade, many at-home products improved and became available.  The Grooming Lounge sells a pretty decent private label brand of shaving products, although I wouldn't call them value products - they are pricey for the size and quality of the product.

I am now calling it for the best at-home products for shaving and the best shave in Washington.  The Art of Shaving makes both the best product for home use and gives the best shave in Washington.  Granted, the barber shave is a luxury, but one worth having before that special date, interview or as a divorce celebration...yes, Uncle Tony is single, sort of.


When you go to the Art of Shaving, there are two locations - Union Station and Washington Square - opt for the Royal Shave.  It runs about $70 with a tip.  For the seventy frog skins you get a pre-treatment, oil massage, brush cream, straight razor and a little post shave pampering.  It is an awesome 30 minutes and you feel like you do when you look out over a freshly mowed law, minus the stinky shirt and grass stained sneakers (or velvet slippers in my case).

For home use, get the Art of Shaving set, containing pre-shave oil, cream and brush.  There are better after shave balms on the market so skip those sold at The Art of Shaving.  I prefer an after shave balm called "The Cool Fix" by Anthony for post shaving.  The Cool Fix is available online or at Sephora.  A comment on the cream:  the cream is meant for a brush, if you don't like using a brush, and frankly I don't, buy the travel cream because it is creamed for no brush. If you get the can of cream without the brush, just add a dab of water to the cream when you dip it out and lather it in your hands.


As far as razors, I would advise you on a razor only after we are married...seriously razors are too personal a decision for advice.  Double blades are always easier on your skin, but some faces really need a straight razor while others are better with a single blade or a once-a-day disposable.