A master stylist to the stars, Vaughn Accord created a grooming line that was as effective and hard-working as he is. Regardless of hair type or texture, Vaughns created something for everyone - here he dishes out his inspiration, tips and trends:

Describe your brand in three words:
Well-groomed, inspired, classic.

Youve got the quite the following, why do you think your products are so successful?
Its an artist-driven brand conceived from an experts point of view. Ive spent my entire career in this industry studying products and have put a lifetime of questions and thought into each product in the V76 line.

What is your approach when it comes to mens grooming?
I encourage keeping it simple as you find the look that works for you. Own it while knowing that throughout the years this look will change.

What inspires you?
Music is bigFor me it stands for rhythm and risks.

If you could only offer one grooming tip, what would it be?
Ask questions at your barbershop or salon. It's a safe place to talk about everything, including your hair, eyebrows, sideburns, hairline and complexion, so be sure to utilize it. Remember, it doesn't have to be complicated.

What are the looks this season?
This season we are seeing more length in mens hair, shorter beards and the continuation of the fringe trend. Also, everyone is wearing some product!

After years of city living, partners Oliver and Emily moved to Vermont where they created and developed an outdoors inspired line of all-natural products. Now, one of the most talked about natural brands out there, Oliver and Emily talk history and why Ursa Major is so damn good:

What drew you to make the move from NYC to Vermont?
Em and I both loved living and working in NYC, but after a while we wanted to simplify a bit, spend more time outdoors and be closer to family. Vermont was an easy choice. We love being here; its easy to get into a good groove at work while also maintaining a simple, balanced and healthy lifestyle. We still miss NYC but a lot of the more peripheral stuff has kind of melted away.

It seems your products draw a lot of inspiration from the outdoors - can you tell us more?
Thats definitely true - we love spending time outdoors and were big believers in the restorative powers of nature - so weve tried hard to weave these two elements together in our products and brand. When people use our products we want them to get that breath of fresh air feeling we get when we take a brisk morning hike in the woods. We think thats powerful and unique.

Men and women alike love your products, why do you think that is?
We have 6 women in our office and 3 men (and 3 office pups!)... everyone has 2-3 products they love. We dont really think about gender when we formulate - we might think about skin type, or usage context (e.g. travel), but at the end of the day were just trying to make awesome natural skin and body care products for whoever wants to use them.

People often rave about the scents of your products - did it take long to get that perfect scent, naturally?
This is often the trickiest, and most costly, part of our product development process; scents are really tough to get just right, especially when youre working only with whole essential oils. I think it helps that we have a strong POV around aroma and that we dont work off hard launch timelines - well keep tinkering with something til we love everything about it, even if it takes years to get there.

Editors Pick - Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes

Grooming should be simple, effective, and natural - with that doctrine, John Cafarelli founded his brand of utilitarian products. Following a basic grooming regimen, John discusses his packaging and why he chose to keep production in America:

Why are all of your products multi-taskers?
When we started Ernest Supplies, we set out to build skincare products that were easy and effective. Given that many guys are intimidated by overly-complicated skincare regimens, we sought to build complex efficacies into single application products to make them easier to understand and uncomplicated to use.  Bonus - they also save time and make packing for a trip or the gym a little easier.

Why the pouch package? 
The pouches fit perfectly into the active and healthy lifestyle we try to support with our brand. On a practical level, theyre not delicate, so, theyre easy to travel with or throw into a gym bag. From a design perspective, they help differentiate our products in the market and, because theyre food grade, are great at helping to preserve the active ingredients in our formulas, such as antioxidants and vitamins.  Last, but certainly not least, theyre an eco alternative to many traditional packages because they weigh very little and the product-to-package ratio is high, so, they require less fuel to transport.

People dont often think about where their beauty/grooming products are made, why did you think it was important to produce American made grooming products?
There are lots of reasons were committed to manufacturing our formulas in the USA but the biggest reason is because its a good business decision. Manufacturing in the USA helps us to maintain the high quality of our products and allows us to partner with our vendors on innovation and new product development. It also keeps production lead times reasonable. Of course, it goes without saying that were thrilled we get to support jobs right here at home.

Editors Pick - Ernest Supplies Protective Matte Moisturizer

Hear the stories from the founders of some of our favorite grooming brands.

Behind every great brand is a great mind, or two. From development to branding, were giving props to the founders behind some of our most loved brands by sharing their stories.

Not a BB Man subscriber? Sign up now. And for more style tips and grooming advice be sure to check out our YouTube channel.

This article is part of the Birchbox Man 31-Day Challenge for January 2015. Click to see all daily challenges and to learn how you can win sweet stuff all month.

Got a worn-out razor? Caught without a shave cream? No matter the hurdle, these quick-and-simple shaving hacks will keep you looking tidy. 

In our humble opinion, few rituals are more important (or more fulfilling) than a well-rounded shave. But whether youre caught without a shave kit, or trying to squeeze more life from your blade, every gent could use an ace up his sleeve. From shave cream substitutes to sharpening techniques, here are eight must-have shaving hacks to keep you looking tidy.

Shaving Tips and Tricks: 8 Easy Ways to Hack Your Shave

This nourishing treatment lays the foundation for a comfortable shave by softening hair and skin with a blend of organic oils. Aloe vera and Vitamin E prevent inflammation, helping reduce razor burn.

If youve ever had a professional shave, you know the sacred practice of relaxing under a hot towel before the barber gets to work. Recreate that experience with this shave tonic: Mist it over a towel and hold over facial hair for 30 seconds to let the blend of natural oils and vitamins hydrate and protect your skin.

Your face is in good hands with this iconic Italian brand, which has helped guys hone their looks for over 60 years. Whether you choose the original version with refreshing menthol and eucalyptus oil, or opt for the sensitive skin formula with calming green tea and oat extract, youre getting the best of old-world quality and modern style.

Scrub: Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub

A good exfoliator is an essential part of your skincare regimen, and that goes doubly so for your preshave ritual. Use this scrub to soften facial hair, gently sweep away dirt and dead skin cells that could clog up your razor, and prep skin with a cooling burst of menthol.

Cleanser: Heroes & Aristocrats by Royal Apothic Pre-Shave Exfoliating Cleanser

Listen up, multitaskers: This ones for you. This product combines two fundamentals of grooming in one sleek tubefacial cleanser and preshave treatment. Walnut shell particles clear away dirt and grime and lift facial follicles, grapefruit extract purifies, and caffeine boosts circulation to calm inflammation.

Great for both beard-havers and haters, this manly yet luxurious soap works up into a thick, generous lather that banishes dirt and grime without stripping skin of its natural oils. Use it as a beard shampoo, or to condition hair and skin before shaving; it even doubles as a travel-friendly shaving cream in a pinch.

Don't squander those critical moments before blade meets beard.

In the art of whisker removal, shaving cream and aftershave get most of the attention. But for a flawless jawline, properly prepping your beard and skin is just as importantespecially if you experience ingrown hairs, razor burn, and other pitfalls of grooming. We've rounded up some preshave products are so effective, they'll make aftershave an afterthought.

6 Preshave Rituals That Just Might Change Your Life

The Movember Foundation is the global charity raising funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer, poor mental health, and physical inactivity. Go to Movember.com to "Grow, Give, or MOVE."

Visit our Movember hub to pick up your own Survival Kit and to join the Birchbox Man Movember Team. You'll help us raise funds and awareness for these men's health issues.

Movember's own JJ Owen introduces our latest featured box, packed with all-star shaving essentials to keep your face in perfect form.

This November, we're partnering with the Movember Foundation to bring you a very special featured box, packed with all-star essentials to help you shave, sculpt, and condition your way to whiskered perfection. Here, Movember's own JJ Owen runs through the products in the box, from a heritage Italian shave cream to a truly remarkable razor. Use them in good health. 

Birchbox Man Unboxing: The Movember Survival Kit with JJ Owen

So how can a toner improve your shave? Well let us count the ways. First, one of toner's primary functions is to alleviate redness and irritation, which makes for a powerful one-two punch when combined with a postshave moisturizer. For best results, look for formulas with some combination of aloe, witch hazel, allantoin, or willow bark, all of which have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that will mitigate the damage caused by your razor.

A second, less obvious benefit is the prevention of ingrown hairslong the nemesis of men with coarse and/or curly stubble. When applied after shaving, a toner will clear away any lingering postshave residue: gunk, shave cream, and excess hair that can clog up pores and follicles, and cause ingrown hairs to form. Simply wipe your face down with a toner-soaked cotton pad before you apply your aftershave.

These are both benefits you can expect from any toner, but there are plenty of formulas out there that go above and beyond. Multi-purpose toners, like Ursa Major's 4-in-1 Face Tonic pack a host of additional benefits: Bamboo and birch sap keep skin firm to fight the signs of aging, and help regulate your skin's own oil production to cut down on excess shine.

Never heard of toner? If you suffer from razor burn, ingrown hairs, or postshave irritation, you'll want to pay attention.

When you think of typical shaving suppliesshave creams, oils, aftershaves, etc.the term "toner" rarely makes an appearance. However, if you've ever suffered from razor burn, ingrown hairs, or postshave irritation, you'll want to change your perspective.

Why Every Shaving Routine Should Include a Good Toner

If youre clean-shaven now, let your stubble grow at least 24-48 hours (maybe longer) in order to get it to a workable length.

Once your scruff is adequately commanding, hop in the shower to open up and prepare your pores. Before you trim the stubble, youll want to defineand shave belowyour beard neckline.

First, bust out the electric razor. If you dont have one specifically designed for beard trimming, get onetheyre fairly inexpensive and make this entire operation much easier.

Set the trimmer to between 1/8- and 1/5-in. and get to work. Start with a higher setting until you figure out the length that looks best on you.

If your desired length is 1/4 in. or higher (though you're pushing the bounds of a "5-o'clock shadow"), choose the next shorter setting and gently trim the edges of your stubble. This will give the hair a graduated look so that the beard neckline isnt so defined.

Repeat this every day or two, depending on how fast your facial hair grows.

Subscribe to Birchbox Grooming to discover personalized products for you, here!

If you want to grow and maintain some truly magnificent stubble, just follow these simple guidelines.

Simultaneously classic, hip, and rebellious, the 5-oclock shadow got its name from the stubble you sport after a long day in the office (itself preceded by a fresh shave). However, the tides have turned, and the look is now a signature style for many guys, providing a less irritating alternative to that daily razor cut. If you want to grow and maintain the perfect 5-oclock shadow, just follow these simple guidelines.

How to Have a Perfect 5 O'Clock Shadow Every Day

As you might expect, healthy skin starts with a good skincare regimen. A daily face wash with pore-purging extracts, like Blind Barber's Facial Cleanser, will help kill bacteria that can cause persistent razor burn. Regular exfoliation will also help, clearing away dead cells and grime that can clog up pores after shaving.

Both razor burn and nicks can be kept at bay by ensuring proper razor glide. (Smoother strokes mean less chance of irritation.) To get the cleanest cut, shave after a hot shower to soften up hairs, and apply a preshave oil to further soften scruff while lubricating your razor blade.

Not all shave creams are created equal, so you'll want to choose wisely. Any formula with aloe will help reduce irritation, but to pull out all the stops, you'll want to find a shave cream that's designed to cushion: Billy Jealousy's Super Slick Shave Cream features micro-silicone beads that offer an extra layer of protection between your skin and the blade.

Depending on your shaving woes, the type of razor you use can either help or hinder. If you suffer from nicks and cuts, you'll want a razor with multiple blades and a soft, flexible neck, like Harry's Truman Razor. However, multiple blades can also cause irritation, so if your skin is more sensitive and subject to razor burn, you'll want fewer blades running across your facewhich means a classic safety razor.

Once you've found your weapon of choice, you'll want to keep it in form. To kill off any bacteria (a common cause of razor burn), soak the head in alcohol after each shave. You'll also want to keep it sharp: This means swapping out blades on the regular, but you can also sharpen a multi-blade razor with a standard pair of jeans.

If there's one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: When shaving, limit yourself to short, gentle strokes, letting the weight of the razor do the workthe longer the stroke, the more likely you are to apply excess pressure. Try to shave with the fewest strokes possible, and always reapply shave cream if you take a second pass.

If you don't do this already, avoid alcohol-based splashes; though they serve as antiseptics, they also dry out skin. Instead, try a hydrating lotion with the right ingredient roster: Aloe, witch hazel, allantoin, and willow bark all help with irritation and redness, while rosemary and tea tree oil are great for fighting bacteria. For best effect, find a formula that features several of the items above, like Baxter of California's After Shave Balm.

No matter how many precautions you take, mishaps still occur. If you suffer from a bad case of razor burn, keep an aftershave handy that's specialized for healing, like Harry's Post-Shave Balm. If you've nicked yourself, don't reach for a tissue: You can seal the wound and stop the bleeding with a small dab of lip balm.

With a few solid tools and the right technique, you can banish your fear of the blade for good.

Shaving is often described as an idyllic gentleman's ritual, but the day-to-day reality is far more unpleasant: razor burn, nicks, itchiness, and a host of other maladies that wreak havoc on your face. Luckily, with a few solid tools and the right technique, you can banish your fear of the blade for good. 

Shaving Tips: How to Prevent Razor Burn, Nicks, and Cuts

Check out the Birchbox Man YouTube Channel for more grooming and style tips.

While that long, sharp blade looks intimidating, it wields a lot of good for your skinand for your mind, too. 

While that long, sharp, straight razor blade looks intimidating, it wields a lot of good for your skinand for your mind, too. In this video, [Blind Barbers](/men/brands/blind-barber) Rob McMillen outlines what to expect from a straight razor shave, and explains why you should request one the next time you visit your barber.

Here are some powerhouse products worthy of your limited sink-ledge real estate.

We admire a good grooming hoard, but clearing the clutter can make way for multitaskers that maximize both space and time. Here are some powerhouse products worthy of your limited sink-ledge real estate.

9 Multipurpose Products That Will Simplify Your Grooming Routine

In order to get smooth legs you need a sharp, clean razor. Though the trend today is upwards of five blades, Lipner recommends a razor with just two or threeyou only need one for lifting the hair and one for cutting the haira drugstore variety like Bics Soleil Triple Blade Disposable Razor will do the trick. A dull blade can drag on the skin causing bumps and nicks, so she recommends replacing it once a week if youre shaving frequently.

Is Your Shaving Product Drying Out Your Skin?

Step away from the bar soap and toss out any shaving creams that contain skin-drying alcohol. Instead, reach for a moisturizing product like Whishs Shave Crave Shaving Cream, a non-foaming formula that uses hydrating oils and essences to smooth skin and soften hair to prevent cuts and irritation.

Taking the time to prep your legs for shaving is just as important as any other part of the process, which is why picking up your razor immediately after hopping in the shower is a no-no. Lipner advises first washing your legs with a gentle cleanser (we like (MALIN+GOETZ) bergamot body wash) to remove dirt and oil, which prevent you from getting a close shave. Next, apply a layer of product and let it sit for two to three minutes in order to coat the hair. Once you start, avoid irritation by using slow, smooth movements. Your routine should take around five minutes totalroughly the length of Drunk in Love.

Pushing hard on your razor wont actually get you a closer shaveinstead, itll increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs and razor rash, says Lipner. While removing hair, let your razor glide over your skin in smooth, fluid motions. If you feel the need to press hard in order to remove hair, its a sign that youre not rinsing enough between strokes or that its time to replace your blades.

Are You Shaving in the Correct Direction?

You never want to shave up first, says Lipner. Instead, first follow the grain of your hair to avoid ingrowns, which form when short, sharp hairs curl back into the skin. If youre very sensitive, thats as far as you should go; but for an even closer shave, you can move against the grain afterwards.

Skipping moisturizer can lead to dryness, which causes irritation. Apply a targeted product like Whishs Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum, an alcohol-free gel that prevents razor rash with anti-inflammatory ingredients like willow bark and wheat germ. Follow with a soothing lotion like Whishs Three Whishes Body Butter, which hydrates and softens skin with shea butter and antioxidants like blueberry and acai.

Mistakes like using subpar razors, dehydrating lotions, and too much pressure may be to blame for your persistent bumps and redness.

We should be pros at shaving our legs by now. (How many years has it been since we first awkwardly guided a Schick up our shins?!) Yet we still occasionally suffer from the same razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and redness we did as pre-teens. Frustrated with the state of our stubbly legs on the eve of sundress weather, we talked to dermatologist [Dr. Shari Lipner](http://weillcornell.org/slipner) to find out which shaving mistakes we should correct to avoid razor-induced irritation. Ask yourself these six questions before you lather up again:

Springtime PSA: Youre Shaving Your Legs All Wrong

How to Trim Your Beard (If Youre Growing It Out)

How to Trim and Fade Your Beard Neckline

5 Tips and Tricks from Trimming Your Beard and Mustache

For more style tips and grooming advice be sure to check out Birchbox Man's YouTube channel.

If youre truly committed to shearing off your mane, make sure you do it right.

After months of care and cultivation, saying goodbye to your beard is more than a little climactic. If youre truly committed to shearing your mane, be sure to take the extra minutes to do it right. 

It Helps Prevent Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs

Instead of having multiple blades coming in contact with skin, the straight razor needs just one. Low-grade multi-blade razors can pull on hairs and cut them below the surface of your skin, often causing ingrown hairs. Similarly, if your skin is sensitive, having three blades run across the skin can cause painful agitation. A straight razor counters both of these problems, trimming each hair to the perfect length in a single, easy stroke.

We admit that the Sweeney Todd-esque razor is rather intimidating. However, while the lack of a guard does make it more risky than a safety razor, it's highly unlikely that a careful shaver will suffer more than a nick. Just avoid applying pressurethe weight of the blade does the workand ensure that every motion is perpendicular to the blade. Gravity (and your skin's own resilience) will take care of the rest.

If the act of using a straight razor isn't satisfying enough, consider this added bonus: A straight razor has to be sharp to achieve a quality shave, and the way to maintain this precision edge is through the use of a stropperhaps the most bad-ass tool this side of a double axe. The process brings to mind a medieval blacksmith's whetstone: If that doesn't immediately strike a chord, this video tutorial will demonstrate.

A straight razor may not be cheap, but you have to consider it a one-time investment. When properly cared for and sharpened, a high-quality razor could very well last you a lifetime. Disposable blades, on the other hand, can really rack up a tab: It's estimated that men spend $10,000+ on razors in their lifetime. The cartridges and packaging also generate plenty of waste (over 10,000 tons each year), so making the switch to a single blade would be good for the planet as well.

If you're one of the many men who grows a winter beardonly to shave it off come springa straight blade will come in handy. A big, bushy beard is often too much for a multi-blade razor to handle: Hairs will clog up the blades unless you start with a trimmer or scissors. A straight razor, on the other hand, has no spaces to clog, so you can cleave off your lumberjack's mane with a simple stroke of the blade.

A cutthroat shave is more than just a thrill ride. Here are five compelling reasons to make the ultimate grooming throwback.


The blade may cut an imposing figure, but a straight-razor shave is more than just a thrill ride. Here are five compelling reasons to make the ultimate grooming throwback.


The One-Blade Wonder: Why a Straight Razor Might Be the Key to Your Best Shave Ever

1. They save you precious time.

As the story goes, the first electric razor was invented by Colonel Jacob Schick, after too many long and freezing shaves on an U.S. Army outpost. He specially designed them to save you time: You don't ever have to bother with water, lather, or new blades.

2. They protect sensitive skin.

Whereas blades scrape and damage your face, electric razors glide over skin. That means no chance of cuts, less irritation after each pass, and no unsightly razor burn when you're done.

3. You can man-scape with confidence.

A razor never feels more unsafe than when it's on a spot you can't see. Thankfully, an electric razor can hit anywhere on your body without the threat of nicks.

4. Youll maintain your stubble sweet spot.

Every man's got his favorite spot between barefaced and bearded. Stay exactly where you want to with a set of electric clippers, which enable precise control over the length of your stubble.

5. There's always one to fit your need (or needs).

Most older electric razors only offer a simple shave, but today's technologies fit most varied grooming needs. No matter your prioritiesshaving in the shower, tackling body hair, or fading your beard necklinethere's an electric shaver that does it well.

Even if you love your standard shave, chargeable trimmers have multiple functions and benefits. Here are a few good reasons to add one to your arsenal.

While many guys look forward to their relaxing [shaving routine](/guide/article/what-is-the-best-shaving-regimen), other men fear the practice for a wide range of reasons, from sensitive skin to a shortage of time. This is why electric razors have risen in popularity, offering multiple functions and benefits that a wet shave can't provide. Here are a few good reasons to add one (or more) to your arsenal. 

5 Undeniable Benefits of Using an Electric Razor

BirchboxMan Q&A: Meet The Founders