Shaving is one of the most stressful things you can do to your face.  A razor blade – or the foiled head of an electric shaver – can be abrasive and chafing, and can cause redness and soreness, and make your skin feel tight and uncomfortable. Votary is all about happy, healthy, resilient skin delivered in quick and simple ways. Our cult Super Seed Cleansing Oil and Super Seed Facial Oil are designed to be brilliant at both safeguarding your skin and keeping it hydrated and comfortable. It’s a great way to get a close, pain-free, excellent shave every time.

The Votary routine couldn’t be easier. It’s a speedy two steps to the feel of a traditional barber’s shave.

First, smooth some Super Seed Cleansing Oil over your skin.  It works to clean your skin by melting away any surface grime, and it creates a protective barrier between your razor and your face. The razor blade can then glide over the oil, which eliminates any redness-causing ‘tug and pull’. It means your stubble doesn’t catch in the razor or shaver, which can irritate the skin follicle. Also, by using a natural pure plant oil formula instead of a shaving foam or cream, you avoid smothering your skin in sulfates and surfactants, which means the pores of your skin aren’t clogged with synthetic chemicals. And, using oil instead of thick creams or lathers means you can see the contours of your face more accurately so you can shave closer and with more precision. Having shaved, your skin will feel smooth, soft and comfortable, without any of the tightness you associate with using foam or lather.

After shaving, splash your face with cool water, and then your skin is ready for the final step. Simply add four drops of Super Seed Facial Oil to your palms, rub them together and then press into your face. It cleverly hydrates where your skin needs it, adding hydration, tone and suppleness. Fine lines are lessened, and your skin is nourished and protected.  Some of our Votarists also like to use our Neroli and Myrrh Facial Oil after shaving, especially if they have more tricky combination skin.

At the weekend, or when you have a little extra time, you can extend the daily routine to include a moment of steaming your skin, which is part of the cult Votary cleansing ritual. After applying the Super Seed Cleansing Oil, soak the Votary facecloth in hand-hot water, wring it out, and layer it over your face. The warmth of the steam will open your pores, allowing your skin to be more deeply cleansed. Take two or three deep breaths to calm  and soothe. Then, after shaving, use the flannel to wipe over your face for added gentle exfoliation and extra glow. Your skin will look and feel beautifully clean and comfortable.

Votary Super Seed Cleansing Oil and Super Seed Facial Oil is just what your face is crying out for when you shave, because it’s packed with pure, potent, natural ingredients which work to feed your skin in the same way that healthy food feeds your body. Both products contain a powerful blend of 22 cold-pressed seed oils, including chia, green tea, pumpkin, pomegranate, rosehip, borage, broccoli, raspberry and blueberry. It’s also great for sensitive skin, as it is fragrance free, and carries only the natural, woody aroma of its botanical ingredients.

If your daily shave is a continual irritant for your skin, Votary pure plant facial oils are a soothing, speedy way to give you the smoothest of shaves and super-nourished skin.

Love, Arabella x

Read more about using the benefits of oil to shave here.

Read more about our Super Seed range here.

Read a review about men’s grooming and Super Seed here.