Brush with elegance

If you do anything often enough, it becomes mundane. Such is the central problem with shaving - what is for most men a daily routine, something that long ago had the novelty and fun drained out of it.

"Men usually refer to daily shaving as a curse and this is often because guys aren't educated from their first shave as teenagers," says Sarah Chung, general manager of men's grooming centre Gentlemen's Tonic.

"Following the correct steps ensures the beard is being prepped and shaved in the most comfortable way possible and the skin is also being taken care of before, during and after. Not following an optimal shaving procedure is the difference between an okay shave and a great shave."

Bearded hipsters and religious leaders aside, the majority of men need to shave at least a few times a week to keep looking fresh and sharp. If done right - not scraping a blade hurriedly across your face while half-asleep and in a hurry to get out of the door - shaving can be an invigorating experience that can shape your day.

A great shave, says Gary Tong, deputy manager of British fragrance and accessories retailer Czech & Speake, can "offer a more confident and presentable image, and allows a well-groomed gentleman a good start to the day".

With a little preparation - and perhaps a few special techniques - this humdrum activity can instead be something that adds a spring to a man's step, and adds a little luxury to the morning routine.