Hair's the Scoop

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Jennifer Lopez has just been announced as the first-ever Global Brand Ambassador for Gilette Venus, and will begin appearing in the brand’s print and TV advertisements later this month.

The partnership also includes a charitable component, Venus Goddess Fund for Education. In honor of Jennifer's belief that "there’s a Goddess in every woman – whether she’s a mother, sister, friend, career woman, community advocate, or does it all," Gilette will make a donation for every woman who visits the Venus website and shares their story.

Gillette Venus Spa Breeze razors are the first disposables with built-in shave gel bars, so there's no need to use a separate product for lather. Just add water, and get to it!

They're remarkably easy-to-use, convenient, and safe for sensitive skin. Highly recommended.

Gillette Venus Spa Breeze Disposable Razors, $6.99 for two. Available online at Drugstore.com.

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Maybe it's my laid-back, West Coast background, but I love a bit of scruff on a man's face. I find it terribly attractive when paired with jeans and a tee, and even more so with a suit.

What's your weakness? Do you prefer a soft, smooth look like LL Cool J's, a barely-there shadow like Robert Pattinson's, a well-groomed patch like Johnny Depp's, or a full-on beard like Bradley Cooper's?

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Looking for a luxurious Father's Day gift that won't break the bank? Kiehl's has just the thing.

Starting today, through June 7th, they're giving away full-sized tubes of Kiehl's best-selling Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream at free-standing boutiques, nationwide. All you'll need to take advantage of this promotion is any old tub of your dad's shaving cream (or a new, inexpensive alternative).

It's a wonderful opportunity to treat any of the men in your life, and a great product to try yourself as well (I adore Formula #31, an uplifting, mint-scented cream that's safe for sensitive skin.)

Click here to find a participating store near you.

The Shave Swap includes a complimentary consultation with a Kiehl's representative, 5 oz. Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream (for a minimum 4 oz. trade-in), and three additional product samples. Limit of one trade per customer.

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Which methods should you try? What works best? There are loads of options and opinions floating around the web, so I thought it best to test them myself to see which hair removal products, methods, and treatments really reign supreme. First up? The art of shaving.

Top tips for a clean, close shave:

- Pre-treat your skin a few minutes before you shave if you’re prone to irritation, nicks/cuts, or ingrown hairs. I adore The Art of Shaving’s Pre-Shave Oil, but you could just as easily use your favorite body oil/cream (or even hair conditioner) to soften the hair and protect your skin.

- Always opt for a 'wet shave', as the moisture and heat will allow for a smoother shave.

- Experiment with shaving creams, balms, and gels to find what works best for you. Whether it’s a splurge/steal or formulated for men, the right product can make all the difference. In a hurry (or hotel)? Try using your hair conditioner- it’s a fast, effective alternative.

- Change your razor blade frequently. If you prefer disposable razors, try to limit your use to no more than two to three shaves per razor, and if you use replaceable blades, it’s best to toss them after four to five uses.

- Splurge on a razor with a pivoting head (to avoid nicks).

- As for the blade, choose one that has multiple blades (for the closest possible shave opt for 3 or 4), and a moisture-strip for added protection.

- Moisturize the area as soon as you’ve stepped out of the shower/bath (for maximum absorption). If you find body creams or oils too heavy, try a lightweight gel formulation like Shave Savour from Whish.

- Lightly exfoliate every day/other day to ensure you avoid any ingrown hairs. I love the Ingrown Hair Eliminating Peel Pads from Bliss, but you can also use your favorite body scrub (or a body wash with salicylic acid/body lotion with glycolic acid) to keep the area clear.

Have any shaving tips/techniques of your own? Do share!