GB2594271A

GB2594271A - A pre-shave mask

Info

Publication number: GB2594271A
Application number: GB2005771.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bath Christopher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-04-21
Filing date: 2020-04-21
Publication date: 2021-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2040-04-21
Also published as: GB202005771D0; GB2594271B

Abstract

A pre-shave mask 100 suitable for preparing the skin of a face of a user for shaving comprising a moisture retentive layer (230, Figure 3) a thermally reflective layer (220, Figure 3) and a retaining means, which may be straps 140,150, for retaining the mask 100 adjacent to the face. In use the mask 100 is arranged adjacent to the face, for conditioning the skin prior to shaving. The mask 100 may have an elastic layer (210, Figure 3) for moulding the shape of the mask 100 to the face. The thermally reflective layer (220, Figure 3) may be arranged between the moisture retentive layer (230, Figure 3) and the elastic layer (210, Figure 3). The mask 100 may further be provided with a shape adjustment means in the form of a drawstring 180 and cord lock 190. A breathing aperture 160 may be provided in the mask 100 arrangeable proximal to the mouth when the mask is in use. In use the aperture 160 would facilitate breathing with the mask 100 fitted over the face. A method of preparing the skin of a face of a user for shaving comprising providing a pre-shave mask 100 is also disclosed.

Description

A PRE-ST TAVF. MASK The present invention relates generally to a pre-shave mask and a method of preparing the skin of a face of a user for shaving Applying warm water to the face prior to shaving is a known technique for improving the quality of the shave. There are many benefits derived from the application of warm water: hydrated facial hair may be softer and therefore easier to cut with a razor, and facial hair may stand out from the skin surface so that the hair may be cut closer to the root. A towel is often used for the application of warm water, where the towel is moistened with warm water and placed over a user's face. However, towels are not shaped to match the shape of a user's face, and are difficult to maintain in the correct position if the user is moving their head. Additionally, once moistened with warm water, the towels can quickly lose their heating effect due to evaporation and convection from the permeable fabric of the towel.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a pre-shave mask for preparing the skin of a face of a user for shaving, the pre-shave mask comprising: a moisture retentive layer; a thermally reflective layer; and a retaining means for retaining the mask adjacent to the face; wherein in use the mask is arranged adjacent to the face, for conditioning the skin prior to shaving.

In this way, a user may add relatively warm water to die pre-shave mask to moisten the moisture retentive layer. The user may then apply the mask to the face with the moisture retentive layer proximal to the skin and the thermally reflective layer distal to the skin. The retaining means may then be used to releasably retain the mask adjacent to the face. The retaining means may comprise a cord, harness and/or fabric portion that the user arranges around their head to keep the mask in place while in use. The thermally reflective layer may comprise a low emittance material that emits low levels of radiant thermal energy, thereby reflecting relatively high levels of radiant heat. The layer may also comprise a thermally insulating material that reduces heat transmitted across the layer via conduction and/or convection.

The thermally reflective layer may reduce the loss of heat from the mask to the air round a user and/or facilitate the transfer of heat from the moisture retentive layer to the face, with the mask arranged adjacent to the face.

The mask may be applied to the Face of a user to condition clic skin prior to shaving. Conditioning may mean that facial hair is hydrated, softer and therefore easier to cut with a razor, and facial hair may stand out from the skin surface so that the hair may be cut closer to the root. Also, facial hair may be more easily temporarily pulled away from the surface of the skin by a first blade, prior to cutting by a second blade, to thereby cut the hair below the level of the skin. Furthermore, the skin may be moisturised and relaxed. Once the mask has been applied to the face for several minutes, or as long as the user desires, the mask may then be removed before shaving.

in this regard, the type of shaving is expected to be of the "wet shaving" type, rather than dry shaving with an electric shaver. However, it may be that a user also uses the mask prior to shaving with an electric shaver.

Once shaving is completed, the user may then reapply the mask for post-shaving conditioning of the skin. Relatively cold water, aftershave, moisturiser and/or other cosmetic products may he applied to the moisture retentive layer prior to placing the mask once again over the face, post-shave.

The mask may be substantially planar and configured to match the shape of the face, for example substantially square, rectangular and/or semi-circular. The mask may be shaped to match the lower portion of the face, in particular corresponding to the area defined by the beard of a user. the mask may comprise darts, that is folds sewn into the mask, to shape the mask to match the lower portion of the face. The darts may facilitate the shape of the mask to curve to match the curve of the lower portion of the face. Arranging the mask adjacent to the face may mean that portions of the user's skin are in direct contact with the mask, so the moisturising/conditioning effect of the mask is transmitted directly to the skin. For users with particularly large or bushy beards, arranging the mask adjacent to the face may mean that the user's beard is in direct contact with the mask, so that the beard is softened/conditioned, whether or not it is subsequently shaved. The mask may be machine washable, for example by selecting materials for the moisture retentive layer, thermally reflective layer and/or retaining means that are suitable for cleaning in a washing machine.

The moisture retentive layer may extend across an entire side of the mask, or a portion of the mask. There may be more than one portion mad/or more than one layer of the moisture retentive layer. the thermally reflective layer may extend across an entire side of the mask, or a portion of the mask. There may be more than one portion and/or more than one layer of the thermally reflective layer.

The pre-shave mask may comprise an elastic layer for moulding the shape of the mask to the face and/or maintaining the mask adjacent to the face. The user may stretch the mask and thereby the elastic layer to fit the mask over the face, and the elastic layer may subsequently contract, thereby conforming the shape of the mask to the shape of the face. the elastic layer may extend across an entire side of the mask, or a portion of the mask. There may be more than one portion and/or more than one layer of the elastic layer. The elastic layer may comprise an elastic material, for example elastic, elastane, neoprene and/or spandex.

The thermally reflective layer may be arranged between the moisture retentive layer and the elastic layer. In this way, heat loss from the moisture retentive layer into the elastic layer and the surroundings is minimised, thereby maximising the amount of heat transferred from the mask to the face of a user.

The retaining means may comprise at least one strap. The at least one strap may be pliable and/or elastic. The at least one strap may have two ends, each of which may be attached to two lateral edges of the mask. In this way, a user may pass the at least one strap over and behind the head to retain the mask adjacent to the face. The at least one strap may comprise length adjustment means for adjusting the length of the strap, for example a buckle and/or clip. The retaining means may comprise more than one strap, for improving the durability and fit of the retainment of the mask adjacent to the face. The retaining means may comprise two straps, one strap for passing below the ears and behind the neck, the other strap for passing behind the back of the head.

The pre-shave mask may comprise a shape adjustment means for adjusting the shape of the mask to match the shape of the face. The shape adjustment means may comprise components that mechanically alter the shape of the mask when manipulated by a user, for example hook and loop fastener, :Kips and/or snap fasteners.

The shape adjustment means may be configured to vary the distance between two lateral edges of the mask by varying the concavity of the mask, each lateral edge of the mask being arrangeable adjacent to each ear of a user, in use.

The shape adjustment means may comprise at least one drawstring, wherein tightening or loosening of the at least one drawstring facilitates adjustment of the shape of the mask to match the shape or the face. In this way, a user may position the mask adjacent to the face and tighten the at least one drawstring to adjust the shape of the mask to fit closely against the shape of the face, facilitating the moisturising and heating effect Of the mask. Once the mask has had its desired effect, the user may then loosen the at least one drawstring and remove the mask. There may be more than one drawstring, for example two drawstrings. The at least one drawstring may comprise a cord lock for clamping the at least one drawstring at a desired position.

One end of the at least one drawstring may be attached to the mask, and the other end of the at least one drawstring may extend from the mask through an aperture in the mask. In a configuration with two drawstrings, one end of each of the two drawstrings may be attached to the mask adjacent to each lateral edge of the mask. There may be one drawstring arranged on either lateral side of the mask, with the drawstrings meeting in the middle of the mask.

One end of the at least one drawstring may be attached to the mask between the elastic layer and the thermally reflective layer. In this way, a portion of the drawstring is concealed within the body of the mask and does not directly contact the face of a user when the mask is attached to the face.

The pre-shave mask may comprise a breathing aperture in the mask arrangeable proximal to the mouth when the mask is arranged adjacent to the face, wherein in use the breathing aperture facilitates breathing with the mask fitted over the face. the breathing aperture may penetrate the moisture retentive layer, the elastic layer and/or the thermally reflective layer. The breathing aperture may be a continuous hole from one side of the mask to another. The breathing aperture may be between 1 cm and 2 cm in diameter, although other dimensions are contemplated. There may be more than one breathing aperture.

The pre-shave mask may comprise a portion of relatively soft material arranged to cover a portion of the mask along a top edge of the mask, the top edge being arrangeabic proximal to the nose, in use. The portion of relatively soft material may be integrated with the moisture retentive layer, or may be separate from it. *the portion of relatively soft material tnay be shaped to match the contour of the bottom of the nose, to facilitate breathing. the portion of relatively soft material may reduce the friction between the top edge of the mask and the face, thereby increasing the comfort of the mask when worn.

The pre-shave mask may comprise a compartment for housing a thermal pack therein. The compartment may be arranged such that the thermal pack is removably insertable therein.

The compartment may be arranged between the moisture retentive layer and the thermally reflective layer. In this way, the heating and/or cooling effect of the thermal pack may be reflected by the thermally reflective layer onto the moisture retentive layer, thereby altering the temperature and/or regulating the temperature of the moisture retentive layer and the face, in use.

The pre-shave mask may comprise a thermal pack for insertion into the compartment. The thermal pack may be substantially hotter than ambient temperature or substantially cooler than ambient temperature, and may be selected dependent on the skin conditioning effect required. For example, a substantially warm thermal pack may be used to heat the skin before shaving. The substantially warm thermal pack may then be exchanged for a substantially cool thermal pack for use after shaving. There may be more than one thermal pack. Each thermal pack may comprise individual modular components. The thermal pack may be permanently installed within the compartment, or the thermal pack may be removably replaceable within the compartment.

The thermal pack may comprise temperature regulating means. The temperature regulating means may be chemical and/or electrical. the temperature regulating means may be manipulated by a user to regulate the temperature of the thermal pack, and thereby the heating or cooling effect of the mask on the face, in use.

The moisture retentive layer may be impregnated with a solution for conditioning the skin. The solution may be a moisturiser, oil, aftershave, and/or shaving serum. The solution for conditioning the skin may have at least one of many uses: moisturising the skin and/or facial hair pre or post-shave, decreasing the friction between a razor blade and the skin/facial hair on shaving after the mask has been applied and removed and/or applying a fragrance or cosmetic product to the face.

The moisture retentive layer, the thermally reflective layer and/or the elastic layer may be attached to one another via stitching. The moisture retentive layer, the thermally reflective layer and/or the elastic layer may be attached to one another by adhesive and/or welding. The stitching, adhesive and/or welding may be located around a perimeter of the mask and/or at portions of the interior of the mask. In this way, the attached layers may retain their correct position relative to one another in use.

The thermally reflective layer may comprise a flocculent metallised film. The flocculent rnetallised film may be a plastic film with a metal coating, covered with soft insulation. The soft insulation may be a fluffy textile fabric. Til this way, the thermally reflective layer may provide thermal insulating properties as well as thermal reflecting properties.

The pre-shave mask may have a width of between 10 cm and 40 cm and/or a length of between 10 cm and 50 cm, the width of the mask may be arrangeable in use across the face of a user, substantially between the ears; and the length of the mask may be arrangeable in use from the cheeks to the chin of a user. The pre-shave mask may be configured to fit users with different sized faces/beards, for example being provided in different sizes such as small, medium and large.

The moisture retentive layer may have a thickness of between 1 mm to 5 mm, and/or the thermally reflective layer may have a thickness of between 0.5 min and 4 mm, and/or the elastic layer may have a thickness of between 0.2 ram and 1 mm.

The pre-shave mask may comprise a pocket configured to enclose a beard extending substantially below the chin of a user, in use. The pocket may comprise the same material as the rest of the mask, (i.e. the moisture retentive layer, the thermally reflective layer and/or the elastic layer). In this way, a user with a longer beard may insert the end of their beard into the pocket in order to condition their whole beard. The conditioning effect of the pocket may be desirable whether or not the entire beard requires shaving.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of preparing the skin of a face of a user for shaving, the method comprising the steps of: providing the pre-shave mask of any preceding claim; moistening the moisture retentive layer; arranging the mask adjacent to the face and retaining it there for a set period of time; then removing the mask in preparation for shaving.

The moistening of the moisture retentive layer may be achieved with relatively warm water. Alternatively, the moistening may he achieved with relatively cold water, moisturiser, shaving serum, aftershave, oil, fragrance and/or another cosmetic product.

Arranging the mask adjacent to the face may mean the moisture retentive layer is positioned adjacent to the face, with the thermally reflective layer positioned away from the face.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a first view of one side of a pre-shave mask.

Figure 2 is a second view of the mask of Figure 1, in use, retained adjacent to the face of a user.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pre-shave mask of Figure 1.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. it is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and fortn yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

in the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

in the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying bemeen said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term "at least one" may mean only one in certain circumstances.

The use of the term "any" may mean "all" and/or "each" in certain circumstances.

The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a first view of one side of a pre-shave mask 100. The mask is substantially polygonal in shape, having a substantially flat top edge 110 and two lateral edges 120 on the left and right-hand sides that taper down towards a substantially flat bottom edge 130. the mask comprises two straps: a first strap 140 and a second strap 130. Both the first strap 140 and the second strap 150 are long, curved members with two ends. One end of each strap is attached to the mask adjacent to each top comer of the mask, where the top edge 110 meets each lateral edge 120. Both the first strap 140 and the second strap 150 are shown in perspective, looping above the mask between their attached ends. The straps may be substantially equivalent in length, or one strap may be longer than the other.

The mask comprises a breathing aperture 160 positioned at the horizontal middle of the mask, adjacent to the top edge, so as to be arrangeable adjacent to the mouth. The breathing aperture 160 penetrates through the fabric of the mask. Pt he mask comprises Iwo drawstring apertures 170 positioned adjacent one another towards the middle of the mask 2u-id adjacent to the bottom edge 130. The drawstring apertures 170 penetrate through at least a portion of the fabric of the mask. Each of the drawstring apertures 170 has a drawstring 180 passing through its centre. Each drawstring 180 is shown in broken lines where it passes behind a layer of the mask. Each drawstring 180 terminates and is attached to the mask at a point adjacent to each lateral edge 120 of the mask, approximately halfway along each lateral edge 120. The drawstrings 180 are shown in solid lines where each drawstring 180 passes out through each drawstring aperture 170 and over the bottom edge 130 of the mask. The drawstrings 180 then pass into a cord lock 190, which is used to clamp the drawstrings 180 in a desired position.

Figure 2 is a second view of the mask 100 of Figure 1, in use, retained adjacent to the head of a user shown in profile. "bhe main body of the mask is positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the user's face, with the top edge 110 extending between the user's ears and underneath the nose at its midpoint. The visible lateral edge 120 extends from below the user's ear and follows the contour of the user's jawline down to the chin. The bottom edge 130 of the mask is positioned underneath the user's chin. The breathing aperture 160 is positioned over the user's mouth, to facilitate breathing while the mask is being used. The first strap 140 is positioned behind the back of the user's head, and the second strap 150 is positioned behind the back of the user's neck. The two straps used in conjunction effectively retain the mask adjacent to the face. One of the drawstrings 180 can be seen extending from the visible drawstring aperture 170 positioned adjacent to the user's chin. The drawstring 180 extends over the lower edge 130 of the mask and into the cord lock 190, before terminating after it extends out of the other side of the cord lock 190. Where the drawstring 180 passes behind a layer of the mask, its outline is shown in broken lines.

In use, the user may add warm water (or another solution) to the mask prior to positioning the mask adjacent to the face. The user then passes the first strap 140 behind their head and the second strap 150 behind their neck, while ensuring the rest of the mask is correctly positioned relative to the lower portion of the face. If the user has a beard which extends beneath the base of their chin, the user may insert their beard into an integrated pocket (not shown) in the body of the mask. The pocket may be arranged adjacent to the bottom edge 130 of the mask, arrangeable adjacent to the chin in use.

Once the mask is effectively retained against the face with the two straps, the user may ensure they can breathe adequately through the breathing aperture 160. Once satisfied with the arrangement of the mask, the user then depresses the cord lock 190 and pulls the two drawstrings 180 through the drawstring apertures 170. This pulls the two lateral edges 120 of the mask towards each other, thereby increasing the concavity of the mask and adjusting the overall shape of the mask to match the shape of the face, decreasing any gaps between the mask and the user's face. Once satisfied with the shape adjustment, the user may then release the cord lock 190 to clamp the drawstrings 180 in the desired position.

With the mask properly positioned adjacent to the face, the warm water (or other solution) is then able to condition the skin and facial hair. After a user defined length of time, the mask is then removed by loosening the drawstring 180 and passing the straps back over the head and neck. the conditioned face can then be shaved. if so desired, the user may then apply another post-shave product to the mask and reapply the mask after shaving.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mask marked by the broken line 200 in Figure 1 bisecting an upper region of the mask, with the breathing aperture 160 positioned centrally in the Figure. The mask comprises three layers: an elastic layer 210 positioned on the left-hand side of the Figure, a moisture retentive layer 230 positioned on the right-hand side of the Figure and a thermally reflective layer 220 positioned in between the other two layers. The breathing aperture 160 is shown penetrating all three layers of the mask, with the layers extending from the boundary of the breathing aperture 160 towards the top edge and bottom edge of the mask. The extreme upper and lower edges of the layer boundaries are shown in broken lines to indicate they continue outside the bounds of the Figure. in use, the moisture retentive layer 230 on the right-hand side of the Figure would be located adjacent to a user's face, with the elastic layer 210 on the left-hand side of the Figure facing away from the user's face.

Claims

CLAIMSA pre-shave mask for preparing the skin of a face of a user for shaving, the pre-shave mask comprising: S a moisture retentive layer; a thermally reflective layer; and a retaining means for retaining the mask adjacent to the face; wherein in use the mask is arranged adjacent to the face, for conditioning the skin prior to shaving.
2. The pre-shave mask of claim 1, further comprising an elastic layer for moulding the shape of the mask to the face and/or maintaining the mask adjacent to the face.
3. The pre-shave mask of either one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the thermally reflective layer is arranged between the moisture retentive layer and the elastic layer.
4. The pre-shave mask of any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means comprises at least one strap. 20 5. the pre-shave mask of any preceding claim, further comprising a shape adjustment means for adjusting the shape of rhe mask to match the shape of the face.6. The pre-shave mask of claim 5, wherein the shape adjustment means is configured to vary the distance between two lateral edges of the mask by varying the concavity of the mask, each lateral edge of the mask being arrangeable adjacent to each ear of a user, in use.7. The pre-shave mask of either one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the shape adjustment means comprises at least one drawstring, wherein tightening or loosening of the at least one drawstring facilitates adjustment of the shape of the mask to match the shape of the face.8 The pre-shave mask of claim 7, wherein one end of the at least one drawstring is attached to the mask, and the other end of the at least one drawstring extends from the mask through an aperture in the mask.9. the pre-shave mask of claim 8, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 2, wherein the one end of the at least one drawstring is attached to the mask between the elastic layer and the thermally reflective layer.10. the pre-shave mask of any preceding claim, further comprising a breathing aperture in the mask arrangeable proximal to the mouth when the mask is arranged adjacent to the face, wherein in use the breathing aperture facilitates breathing with the mask fitted over the face.11. The pre-shave mask of any preceding claim, further comprising a portion of relatively soft material arranged to cover a portion of the mask along a top edge of the mask, the top edge being arrangeable proximal to the nose, in use.12. The pre-shave mask of any preceding claim further comprising a compartment for insertion of a thermal pack therein.13. the pre-shave mask of claim 12, wherein the compartment is arranged between the moisture retentive layer and the thermally reflective layer.14. The pre-shave mask of any preceding claim, further comprising a thermal pack for insertion into the compartment.15. The pre-shave mask of claim 14, wherein the thermal pack comprises temperature regulating means.16. the pre-shave mask of any preceding claim, wherein the moisture retentive layer is impregnated with a solution for conditioning the skin. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.The pre-shave mask of any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein the moisture retentive layer, the thermally reflective layer and/or the elastic layer are attached to one another via stitching.the pre-shave mask of any preceding claim, wherein the thermally reflective layer comprises a flocculent metallised film.the pre-shave mask of any preceding claim, wherein the mask has a clth of between 10 cm and 40 cm and/or a length of between 10 cm and 50 cm.The pre-shave mask of any one of claims 2 to 19, wherein the moisture retentive layer has a thickness of between 1 mm to 5 mm, and/or the thetinally reflective layer has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, and/or the elastic layer has a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 1 min. The pre-shave mask of any preceding claim, further comprising a pocket configured to enclose a beard extending substantially below the chin of a user, in use.A method of preparing the skin of a face of a user for shaving, the method comprising the steps of: providing the pre-shave mask of any preceding claim; moistening the moisture retentive layer; arranging the mask adjacent to the face and retaining it there for a set period of time; removing the mask in preparation for shaving.23. the method of preparing the skin for shaving of claim 22, wherein the moistening of the moisture retentive layer is achieved with relatively warm water.