Some common mistakes men make when shaving include using too much pressure, shaving too quickly, using a dull blade, and not lubricating their face, according to shaving guru Jason SaintJohn of Classic Shaving. The best time to shave is either in the shower or right after. “The heat from the steam helps soften the beard hairs, allowing for a closer and more comfortable shave,” Sosnick says. MensFitness.com hunted down the top 10 hair-removal and grooming products to help you look fresh and clean.
Pre-Shave Oil
“A pre shave oil or shave cream will soften the beard hairs while allowing the blade to get a closer shave,” says Tony Sosnick, founder of Anthony Logistics For Men. The Art of Shaving’s luxurious Lemon Pre-Shave Oil softens the toughest of beard hair, resulting in a closer, better shave. Free of drying elements like alcohol and dyes, this oil surprisingly doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue. Not a fan of scented oils? Also available in unscented. $25.00; theartofshaving.com.
Whisker Lifter Brush
Anthony’s old-school style, classic Whisker Lifter Brush will make it seem like a 1950’s barbershop invaded your bathroom. The soft man-made bristles won’t irritate sensitive skin and are made with an antibacterial coating to avoid bacterial buildup that can cause breakouts and infections. $80.00; anthony.com.
Herbal Shaving Emulsion
Go green and opt for natural, paraben-free creams and aftershaves. “Shaving with a product that’s highly detergent and high in alcohol can lead to high sensitivity, dehydration and red, flaky skin,” says Noella Gabriel, Director of Product and Treatment Development at Elemis.
Try applying Organic Male’s Soothing Herbal Shaving Emulsion before you shave to protect and soothe the skin. Great for all skin types, it contains comfrey, an herb that prevents scarring, and peppermint and lavender to soothe irritation. $25.00; om4men.com.
Sake Infused Shave Crème
Kyoku for Men’s Sake Infused Shave Crème provides slick razor glide and cushioning, stopping stubborn razor burn at bay. Infused with Japanese Sake, derived from fermented rice bran, softens and moisturizes skin and increases oxygenation. Fragrance and allergen free, the silicone microparticles provides a slick surface for a closer shave. $27.50; kyokuformen.com
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Manual Razor
Great for men with sensitive skin or thick beards, the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Manual Razor takes all the work out of shaving. The four blades are thinner and finer than standard razors, so there’s less of a chance for cuts and nicks. The mineral oil infused Enhanced Lubrastrip protects the skin and allows the razor to glide more smoothly. Added bonuses: the razor is easy to clean and budget-friendly. $10.99; gillette.com
Caswell-Massey Safety Razor
The double-edged Caswell-Massey Safety Razor has a cool, vintage look to it (trust us, this razor won’t be hiding in your medicine cabinet). Made of high-quality chrome plate, the precision and sleek design provides a close, consistent shave every time. The comfortable, thick handle is easy to grasp, resulting in fewer chances for mistakes. $55.00; caswellmassey.com
The Bodygroom
The Philips Norelco Bodygroom BG2040 is the go-to razor for all your manscaping needs. Whether you’re trimming sideburns or shaving chest hair, (or both), the five-lenth settings allows for a close, smooth shave for any body hair length or thickness. The three-dimensional pivoting head contours to body, while the hypo-allergenic metal shaving foil and pearl tip trimmer prevents nicks, cuts and irritation. $69.99; usa.philips.com.
The Milano Beard Trimmer
This 2-in-1 Panasonic Trimmer Combo includes a beard/moustache trimmer as well as an ear/nose hair trimmer. Made of tough stainless steel, the beard/moustache trimmer features 14-length settings which can power through any thickness of hair, while the attachable detail trimmer is great for sculpting facial hair. The nose/ear trimmer features a safe rotary blade cutting system, eliminating nicks and cuts in those delicate areas. $54.99; panasonic.premiumstore.com.
Calming After Shave Balm
“An after-shave balm that not only soothes but helps heal the skin as sometime we shave off good skin cells,” Sosnick says. With skin-protecting antioxidants like calendula, lavender, witch hazel and olive, NYR Organic Calming After Shave Balm is the ultimate cool down for your skin after a shave. Great for all skin types, this balm contains certified organic ingredients and a unique blend of essential oils. This not only works well for the skin, but also for the senses. $27.00; nealsyardremedies.com
Ingrown Relief Lotion
Shobha’s Ingrown Relief Lotion is a quick-absorbing formula that can be used right after shaving as a post treatment balm to prevent bumps and ingrown hairs. Paraben, color, and fragrance free, this lotion is great for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Containing natural, non-drying ingredients like tea tree oil which protects and glycerin which moisturizes. $22.00; myshobha.com.
You don’t have to live with cuts, nicks, ingrown hairs, and razor burn from shaving.