If you are like me, you hate shaving. That might explain why I seem to have a 5 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 7 o’clock shadow most of the time. It also might be the reason I keep telling myself that the winter is the perfect time to “give my face a break and grow a beard”

For a great shave and healthier skin, you have to go beyond gliding a razor over skin. Combine these tips with the right pre-shave, shave, and post-shave regimen for the ultimate shave.

• Shave after showering to pre-soften the skin.
• Pay attention to hair growth direction: The best time to determine the pattern of your beard is to run your hand along beard growth approximately one to three days after shaving.
• Avoid alkaline-based products and soap, which can dry skin.
• Avoid after-shave lotions containing alcohol – they not only cause pain, but contribute to irritation and fail to replace the skin’s natural protective barrier.
• Shave with the right pressure: pressing hard won’t deliver a closer shave, just more irritation.
• Use a steady, constant motion when shaving, making each stroke around 1 to 2 inches long.
• Rinse the blade clean before each stroke.
• Use a sharp, clean razor and shave with the grain.*

*If you have a heavy, coarse beard, shave against the grain only after first shaving with the grain (when the hair is shorter and less likely to curl back in on itself). Re-apply all necessary shaving mediums before shaving against the grain.

My two favorites in BuzzFeed Awful Parts Of Shaving are:

Check out 14 other awful parts of shaving by BuzzFeed

What are you most awful parts of shaving? Let us know in the comments section below.