Here's the link to last year's post about shaving: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=44128&view=findpost&p=1319284
Picked up this lovely, pomegranate and raspberry scented shave cream a couple months ago and it smells good enough to eat. Well, almost.
Once upon a time, a friend was/is in the pyramid scheme business called Usana. They have this amazing product made from rice bran that is a natural skin brightener and exfoliator. I had a difficult time tracking down something similar (and more affordable) until recently. Bonus: You can make your own!
I tried this scrub today. (Picked it up since I saw poms on it and I'm kind of obsessed with pomegranates.) It worked beautifully and the scent is clean and delicate.
You can use the rice bran by filling a little cotton sachet, soaking the bag in tepid water, and scrubbing your face GENTLY with it. Or you can mix it with a light serum or carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil) in a little bowl or your palm, and use your fingers to make light circles on your skin. (It can be used to exfoliate the skin all over your body as well. Use it on the backs of your arms if you get those annoying red or white bumps on the backs of your upper arms. These are usually caused by irritated hair follicles where dead skin and sebum pile up and clog your pores, allowing bacteria to thrive.)
I'm currently into this facial scrub for my face:
I prefer the one in the tube rather than the tub to keep the product as germ free as possible. My face is so smooth and velvety after using it! ( I use it 2-3 times a week since I'm getting older and my skin needs the extra help!)It is best to exfoliate at night, before bed. Of course, every day, wear a broad spectrum SPF.
Feel free to share your own ideas and experiences.
We'll be covering grooming as well since some of the guys (and ladies!) forget that to cross/cosplay successfully, one must groom hair, skin, and nails properly, and well in advance.
One of the best ways to care for your skin is to pay attention to what goes into your body. Minimize sugar intake (believe me, I know the Sysiphian task of pushing the boulder up that mountain), take care to avoid drinking your calories (so imbibe plenty of water or green tea), and eat lots of tropical fruit to help skin fight off UV rays, and blueberries and pomegranates to achieve a glowing complexion.
Nutrition:
If you know you are deficient in some vitamins or minerals, take some supplements. (I'm iron deficient, so I take chelated iron pills every day.) Need to fortify hair, skin, and nails? Take hair, skin, and nail supplements available at your local CVS and Walgreens.
Eating well and nourishing your body with the proper nutrition helps you feel good and energized! Begin with small changes and you'll notice your body craving more good changes.
We'll start with something simple: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/buff-smoothie-recipe.html (One of my favorite pre-workout breakfasts) I use almond milk instead of soy. I freeze the rest into ice pops and then eat one to cool off post-workout. Eat or drink three times a week or everyday. Change it up with other fruit or add chia and flax seeds.
Fitness: Do a plank every night before bed. Add 5-10 seconds every day.
Once that becomes a habit, add more exercises to the routine. 
Thank you for your continued wisdom. 
