A FLANNEL LIFE ENDORSEMENT: RECOVERY FROM NO SHAVE NOVEMBER

So, as I am sure that you peered proudly into the mirror this evening at the outward expression of manliness growing from your face, you felt a tiny twinge inside, as you realized your excuse for that face mane has came to pass.

Thats right folks... the ever popular, and increasingly trendy, month of facial hair growth, creativity, and dissmissal for even the weakest of facial hair growing fortitude, has came to pass.

No shave November will be finished come 12 o' clock tomorrow evening, which means you have a daunting task ahead.... getting the 30 days of growth of your face, while trying to maintain a face that doesn't look like you snuck into dads after shave before a junior high dance.

You will need luck, will, courage.... and most of all these simple tools.

A FLANNEL LIFE ENDORSEMENT: THE SHAVING TOOLS YOU NEED.

First things first.

You need to trim the excess growth.

In order to avoid a lengthy discussion of methods, simply implement scissors if it is more than 1 inch, and a simple beard trimmer if its shorter.... more on trimmers at a later date.

Now.... moving on.

The pores of you face react best to both cleansing and shaving when exposed to a hot, steamy environment..... I.e. Shower.

Not only should you be washing your face in the shower, it should a staple in your pre-shave routine as well.

So you're fresh out of the shower.... and it's it time to to take back that mug from that jungle of facial hair.

Step 1: Pre-Shave Oil.

An overlooked, and often unkown addition to the shaving process is pre-shave oil, pre-shave oils are a blend of natural botanicals and aromatic oils utilized to create a mystical potion for easy hair removal.

Simply splash you already shower primed face with hot water, pat dry, and massage a few drops of the pre-shave oil onto your face.

I recommend this from artofshaving.com

Step 2: Lather Up

This is the step that needs no explaining, press down the top of the can, foam comes out, goes on face.... You get the idea.

But wait.... If it's clear skin, less razor burn, and a flock of ladies admiring your freshly manicured face.... you need this. Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel: Available from almost anywhere.

It comes out like a gel, lathers up like a classic foam, contains natural oatmeal, all while being endorsed by dermatologists.

This is by far the best shave gel or cream I have ever used, it is like an oatmeal bath for your face, and when combined with the natural essential oils in the shave gel.... the hair practically falls off.

Step 3: Moisturize



Another mistep in the traditional male facial regime is the lack of lotion in the process.



In order to combat aging, reduce irritation from shaving, and pro-long the onset on wrinkles simply use some sort of facial lotion post-shave.



Although I do not particularly care for a certain brand over another, just make sure it facial lotion, as body lotion, as well as hand and body soap, will clog your pores.


Step 4: Go out and show the world.



As much as you wish to be model of manliness, and possible mimic the spartans of 300, you're better off shaved.


A clean shaven face mimics a man that looks like he cares enough to manage his looks, and caring about yourself shows you are capable or taking care of others as well. A primal quality of being a leader.

So when the neck hair starts to provide that " It doesn't look that bad" idea, or the patchy spots start to fill in with hairs you've never seen before, it's time.... so shave.


Unless you're this guy..... then by all means.... carry on.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE FLANNEL LIFE: THE MUST HAVE

First and foremost, welcome to THE FLANNEL LIFE. What you will find here are what I deem to be essentials in a mans life, it may be products, ideals, events, or really anything in between, I hope that you can find something here that interests you.

A Flannel Life? You might ask yourself..... " Why this title? " Well, it is a pretty simple answer. When creating the title for this blog, I found myself at a creative loss, I looked down, saw the shirt I happened to have on, and thought.... What can a man turn to for a staple when the weather gets tough, and, depending on which style you choose, look good in.... A Flannel Shirt.

In a nut shell.... I hope you can turn to this blog in hopes it makes you, your life, and the ladies in it, look much better.

In following this trend, what a better thing to address than how to choose the proper flannel shirt.


Kurt Cobain died in one, and Paul Bunyan never took his off, and as long as you're doing it right, you should be wearing a flannel shirt as well.

First some history....

The first flannel fabric is believed to have been of fine wool in Wales in the 16th century. The Welch used the fabric to make warm winter clothing. The world seemed to follow the welsh, as since this 16th century development, the fabrics has been used to make almost every type of clothing imaginable.

As a clothing choice for today's man, the flannel shirt can be a classic addition to almost anyones wardrobe, it's not only stylish, but functional as well.

I'm not saying you should go around looking like the National Canadian Hockey Associations ambassador to the United States, but walking your dog, going on a date outdoors, or working on your car, then slide on a checkered masterpiece and when you hear smells like teen spirit in your head for a moment, send up a thank you to Kurt, and carry on.

With that said.... Some words on which ones to choose.

Fit: A common mistake is that you should purchase shirts intended to be tucked in, in the same size and cut as ones intended to be worn out. This is not true, you should purchase shirts to be tucked in a length that you can raise your arms and the shirt does not come untucked, whereas you should purchase shirts to be worn out, only a few inches below you belt, as to not look sloppy.

And as always, the seams at the shoulder should be no more than an inch below you shoulder, and if you can't fit two fingers in the buttoned collar, you need a bigger size. Unless it's because your giant muscular physique, then you can take care of critics accordingly.

A big part of making the fitting process easier, is to invest in good quality to start, and the cut will more than likely be close enough to perfect you won't have to worry.

I reccomend this one:


69.95 AT JCREW.COM


Thanks for reading, now go live the flannel life.

- Andrew