The right shaving cream changes everything. Here’s how to pick yours.
If you shave regularly, it's likely just become a daily chore and you're not alone in that type of thinking. Most men treat shaving cream as an afterthought—just another staple product tossed into the cart along with deodorant or toothpaste. But ask any barber and they'll tell you: the cream you choose is just as important as your razor. It's not just about creating foam. A good shaving cream softens coarse hair, cushions your skin from sharp blades and helps you avoid the irritation that leads to razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs. In other words, the right cream can turn a daily chore into a smoother, more comfortable routine.
The problem? Shaving creams aren't one-size-fits-all. The thick, drugstore foam that works for your buddy with baby-smooth cheeks may wreak havoc on your sensitive skin. Likewise, a clear gel made for trimming precise beard lines won't cut it if you're trying to tame a thick five o'clock shadow. That's why it pays to rethink what you're lathering up with. From sensitive skin to thick beards, quick shaves to indulgent rituals, there's a formula designed to meet your needs. Take a look below, make the swap to a cream that actually smells good, protects your skin, and gives you a nice, close cut.
One of the OG millennial direct-to-consumer brands, Harry's has become a trusted name in men's grooming. They're known for high-quality products and wallet-friendly prices. The whipped cream works into a rich, conditioning lather that helps the razor glide easily over skin. Essential oils of eucalyptus and mint refresh and cool your face while aloe vera and licorice root extract soothes, calms redness and prevents irritation.
Shave cream, $8 by Harry's
Aloe-rich gels and fragrance-free formulas calm irritation and reduce redness. They hydrate without clogging pores and help your razor move over skin without friction or catching on hairs. Aveeno's Therapeutic gel is a dermatologist-recommended, budget-friendly option, but if you're serious about skin care, you should try Omorovicza, the Hungarian brand built around harnessing the country's legendary thermal water. Infused with Vitamin E and mineral-rich water sourced from Budapest's thermal springs, it leaves skin soft, hydrated and smooth.
Soothing shave cream, $38 by Omorovicza
Dense creams and traditional soaps deliver a cushiony lather that softens coarse stubble and protects against tugging. Taylor of Old Bond Street's sandalwood cream is rich, aromatic and whips into a thick lather to cover heavy growth. It's a cult favorite but is a touch pricey. Proraso's shaving cream is a barbershop classic with eucalyptus and menthol that softens coarse stubble to help reduce irritation and to make the hair easier for the razor to cut.
Shaving cream for coarse beards, $13.99 by Proraso
If you suffer from repeated ingrown hairs after shaving, you don't want to skimp on your shave cream. Invest in the right formula that delivers a close, comfortable shave while protecting against nicks and razor burn. And according to our experts, Ursa Major's concentrated, non-lathering cream does just that. Packed with powerhouse botanicals like shea butter and peptides along with sunflower seed oil to reinforce the skin barrier and birch sap to calm redness, this will leave skin smooth and hydrated and never like you shaved with a cheese grater.
Stellar shave cream, $26 by Ursa Major
Advertisement
If you have active breakouts, a clear gel will help you avoid knocking any active blemishes. You also should look for a formula that's infused with calming ingredients that will soothe redness and avoid drying out your skin. Bevel's gel has aloe vera and cucumber extract to soothe skin and prevent razor burn and bumps while shea butter conditions skin to keep irritation at bay.
Clear shave gel, $9.95 by Bevel
Lightweight, transparent gels let you see exactly what you're doing, making it the perfect choice for beard shaping, edging or maintaining your five o'clock stubble. Anthony's popular shave gel is infused with soothing aloe and carrageenan while rosemary extract works as a natural antiseptic to prevent razor burn. But it's also slippery and ideal for defining lines around a beard or mustache.
Shave gel, $24 by Anthony
1
Or, apply a warm towel first. Heat and steam soften hair and open up pores, making the razor’s job much easier
2
Massage your cream or gel into the beard and let it sit for 30 seconds. This softens stubble and reduces tugging.
3
Barbers never drag the blade in long sweeps. Short, controlled strokes with light pressure keep the shave smoother and safer.
4
Then, reapply cream and go against the grain only if needed for closeness.
The Daily Valet. is your cheat sheet to what's happening, what's cool and what's making headlines. It's your secret to being the most interesting man in the room.
Advertisement
