The Art of Shaving

Shaving. It's a morning ritual that sometimes seems like a chore. At The Art of Shaving, however, the meeting of face and razor is no routine duty. Instead, it's a sublime experience worthy to be called "art."

At this distinctly masculine enclave in Mandalay Place, men can treat themselves to the incredible 45-minute Royal Shave.

You recline in a classic leather seat in a room replete with dark wood tones and cool jazz sounds—it's a scene that is inherently relaxing and cultured. The Royal Shave begins.

First comes a hot towel treatment to open your skin's closed pores. Then your master barber massages your face with mollifying pre-shave oil—this protects your skin and softens wire-stiff whiskers.

Next, warm shaving cream—whipped up with one of the Art of Shaving's authentic badger-hair brushes—is lathered onto your cheeks and neck. Then the master barber makes the first course, going with the grain of your beard. Your face is then lathered for a second time and the master barber shaves against the grain of your beard.

After these dual shaves, the master barber applies a rejuvenating and cooling after-shave mask. He then removes the mask with natural sea sponges soaked in fragrant lemon oil and follows with a cold, lavender oil-infused towel wrap.

Finally, your face is spritzed with bracing rose water and rubbed with a protective after-shave balm.

At the end of this experience, your incredibly smooth face will glow. You will feel wide-awake and energized. You will smile with ease.

After your visit to The Art of Shaving, you'll want to make the Royal Shave an oft-repeated ritual.

-- Review by Greg Thilmont

More information: Be sure to browse the attractive front retail portion of the Art of Shaving. The store carries a wide collection of natural shaving and skin care products. It also displays beautiful razor and brush sets, all of which are available for purchase.