According to Mr. ANDREW T. VOTTERO of Brooklyn, NY, shaving cream is a fraud. Not only does one not need it to shave; he claims it is actually better to not use it at all. “Shaving creams soften the skin, weakening it and it becomes sensitive to temperature,” he writes. “The skin often gets nicked and blotchy. The best shave is with the very hot water and a very sharp razor, and nothing else.” To do so, wet the skin and beard with hot water, and shave in small strokes in the direction of hair growth. Use a fresh razor, and rinse it in hot water often. The whole thing will be super quick, easy, and neat, and will leave one’s skin strong and fresh. (Additional note from ANDREW: “The first week of transition will be painful. Use a few drops of mineral oil to act as a lubricant till your skin gets used to the new shaving technique. It will be worth it in the long run.”)
THE DAILY RECOMMENDATIONS
SHAVE WITHOUT CREAM
THIRTY NOVEMBER, TWO THOUSAND AND NINE
THE MAGAZINE
THE MAGAZINE
N° 14
AUTUMN & WINTER 2011
The new, 14th issue of FANTASTIC MAN features the phenomenal fashion designer Mr. RAF SIMONS on the cover. Photographed at his home in Antwerp, RAF is seen wearing select pieces by RAF SIMONS and JIL SANDER – both brands he designs for. Other interesting men profiled in this issue include: the fabulous magician Mr. DAVID COPPERFIELD, the interior-decorator extraordinaire Mr. RICKY CLIFTON and the hailed London-based chef Mr. YOTAM OTTOLENGHI. Furthermore, FANTASTIC MAN explores new grounds in CHINA through a 37-page fashion reportage inspired by the stylistic characteristics of the men of Beijing. The remainder of the 268-page issue is full of absorbing stories, photographs of some gloriously useless PAPERWEIGHTS, style investigations, tips and tricks for the upcoming Autumn and Winter seasons, and a delightful new format in which we have conducted insightful conversations with three gentlemen of note: KIM JONES, DIRK SCHÖNBERGER and JOHNNY MARR, the famed guitarist of THE SMITHS. This new section is aptly titled ‘THE CONVERSATIONS’. Order now
FANTASTIC EVENTS
A REVISIT OF FABULOUS EVENINGS HOSTED BY FANTASTIC MAN
Periodically, FANTASTIC MAN hosts a marvellous dinner, proper cocktail or a full-out rumbling party. Please find below a small selection of past events that took place at rather exquisite locations around the globe.
An Intimate Cocktail, New York 2011 Disco Dance Party, New York 2011 The Super Show, Berlin 2010 The Super Show, London 2010 Absolut Fantastic, London 2009 No Labels, Stockholm 2009 Fantastic Man Fragnance Launch, Paris 2009 Fantastic Man No. 8 Dinner, London 2008 The Gentleman’s Jeans Launch, Paris 2008 Fantastic Man No. 2, NYC 2005 Fantastic Man No. 2, Paris 2005
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CURRENT & BACK ISSUES
FANTASTIC MAN may be purchased conveniently online. Most recent issue No. 14, for Fall and Winter 2011, features Mr. RAF SIMONS on the cover. A number of back issues are also available, including issues No. 13, No. 12, No. 10, No. 9 and No. 6. All orders are handled by Bruil & van de Staaij and can be delivered worldwide. Order now
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UNDERWEAR
Underwear is generally worn beneath another layer of garments and thus aptly called ‘underwear’. These delicious mesh numbers, seen above on three particularly athletic chaps, are the result of a collaboration between THE WHITE BRIEFS and FANTASTIC MAN. Made from lovely organic cotton the briefs, vest and T-shirt, are available to order from The White Briefs, and are available to purchase in shops round the globe. Whether they are received as presents, or bought for one’s self, they are to be worn – in any case – with utter joy. Order now
SHOPPING TIPS
The fourth edition of THE GENTLEWOMAN features fascinating conversations with women who are masters of their respective crafts, like actress Olivia Williams, author Jennifer Egan, fashion recruitment mogul Floriane de Saint Pierre, CEO Apollonia Poilâne, jewellery designer Gaia Repossi and actress Sofie Gråbøl. On a different note, the BUTT 2012 calendar features 47 hot guys, 3 particularly handsome statues and one suggestive helmet photographed by twelve BUTT friends such as Wolfgang Tillmans, Alasdair McLellan and David Benjamin Sherry. Furthermore, after a two-year hiatus, BUTT 29 is here. The extra thick, double issue is spread out over 144 pink pages. This issue of BUTT is a gay guy's A-to-Z of hot and fascinating homos.
(All orders are handled by our distributor Bruil & van de Staaij, or Vrolijk.nu)
COMMENTS
aTreasuryOf.com:
Sir, I am skeptical.
And if you have to use mineral oil to make it not so disastrous anyways, then that, more or less, is your cream.
But each man’s skin and beard is very different so…to each his own!
ignacio:
Andrew is right… I allways shave under a hot shower it is the best
Milan T:
I agree with the one above. I don’t know if I want to risk this one.
Jeremy:
I shaved recently without cream because I ran out and didn’t have the time to refill. I used a nice sharp blade and smeared a bit of soap on my face… The job got done. I go to a Dominican barber for my fade, they only use a fresh blade and water to clean me up. It’s totally plausible, but, I don’t have their talent with a razor and until I do cream will be a part of the process.
JDB:
Just tried this and IT WORKS. It works really good and the fastest shave I’ve ever had. I’ve got a medium beard. Used a tiny dab of almond oil (unrefined) before. Just rubbed it between my palms and massaged it into my face. Sure virg olive oil or unrefined sesame would be just as good.
About ten years ago Aveda had come out with a shaving balm that was beyond excellent. It was incredible. But no foam, so it just didn’t sell, but it did basically the same thing as my dab of almond oil which helps if you have dry skin like me. Will try it next week sans oil. Great tip! Thanks FM!