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10 best shaving products
From prepping oils to calming balms, up your grooming game
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Your support makes all the difference.It’s surprising how few people know how to shave correctly.
Often people leap out of bed and shave haphazardly – too quick, resulting in razor burn and ingrown hairs. The secret is not only to get the sequence right (cleanse, pre-shave oil, shaving cream, razor, after shave balm) but also to use quality kit.
One thing we’ve learned is that it’s important to get a wet shave by a professional and ask which direction your hairs grow. Murdock in London offer one for £45. It’s a pricey investment, but one that can make a world of difference.
1. Murdock Pre-Shave Travel Oil: £13, Murdock London
This travel-size sweet almond and bergamot oil is hands-down the best we’ve tested. Apply just a couple of drops before shaving to soften the hairs and help prep your skin for the razor.
2. Foreo Luna Men: £145, Selfridges
Using this gadget for just one minute helps prevent razor burn. The silicone brush works by directing 8,000 sonic pulses per minute into the skin, dislodging grime and unclogging pores, which helps to prep the skin for a more comfortable shave. It’s fully waterproof, so it can be used in the shower.
3. ClarinsMen After Shave Energizer: £23.50, Clarins
We swear by this energising lotion, which helps to soothe razor-burned skin. Apply it after shaving to tighten pores and reduce redness. It contains purslane, centella and blue thistle extract and has a pleasant alpine scent.
4. Kiehl’s Sky Flyin’ Foaming Multi-Gel for Shaving & Cleansing: £14.50, Kiehl's
Anyone who finds themselves regularly stuck for space when going away should consider buying this. The rich lather helps to lubricate your skin when shaving while the ginseng and bamboo extract cleanses and energises your face when you use it as a wash.
5. Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturiser: £37, Space.NK.apothecary
This vitamin E-rich moisturiser has been formulated to work with any skin type and is quickly absorbed by the skin without clogging pores. Use it after shaving and before bed. You only have to use a small amount to really feel the benefit.
6. Sabon Gentleman Kit: £22, Sabon
This compact shaving kit from the New York-based brand Sabon features three 30ml tubes – patchouli citrus-scented shaving cream, aftershave cream and hand cream – which are all paraben free. It’s ideal for anyone with sensitive skin who wants luxe skincare products when they’re travelling.
7. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Hydrating Shaving Gel: £4.67, Amazon
Gels are more concentrated than foams, producing a richer, creamier lather that lasts for a longer time. This one includes shea butter, which helps to keep your skin moisturised.
8. Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream: £7.73, Amazon
For its price point this is the best cream we’ve tested. It’s unscented, which means it’s great for both sensitive and oily skin and offers a close shave. Just be aware that you might have to apply it twice during a shave.
9. Anthony After Shave Balm: £22, Space.NK.apothecary
New York-based grooming brand Anthony’s lightweight formula is absorbed quicker by the skin than cheaper versions and really helps to reduce redness. Its mixture of botanical extracts help to hydrate the skin, while a range of vitamins nourish.
10. LAB Series 3-in-1 Post Shave: £32, LAB Series
Formulated for all skin types this gel not only soothes razor bumps and skin post-shave, it also helps to tackle in-grown hairs. Apply it after shaving and before bed.
Verdict
Our Best Buy is the Murdock shaving oil, which isn't too thick and provides the perfect base layer before shaving. The Clarins aftershave energiser is also not to be missed as it soothes without overly drying out the skin. The Malin + Goetz moisturiser is also the best of its kind that we tested, so if you want to splash out go for that.