We know trying to decide a shaving lubricant is liking picking your favorite sports team – you have to let it choose you. It all boils down to personal preference and looked at subjectively. After reading, you have to ask yourself: what exactly do I look for in shaving?
We look for main shaving variants to provide the two important functions: preventing drying out of the skin & giving the smoothest shave and buffer between the skin and the razor.
Skin sensitivity is a common concern when we talk about shaving. Nobody wants the constant nicks, bumps, or skin burns. We’ve come to find that shaving cream has the best overall performance when it comes to a quality shave. From the richness and general application on the skin, its the perfect cushion needed. It usually comes in a tube or tub and works nicely with a shave brush. The shave brush is the key tool ensuring you cover all the grounds of facial hair you want removed. It also does the job of lifting the hair (when brushed in circular motions) guaranteeing the tough stubble is lifted & covered. Most experts say it may be healthier on the skin but be mindful of certain alcohol-based ones which may result in creams drying faster on the face thus re-applying already covered areas.
If you’re like me, time sensitivity is everything when using a product. If I can grab Dunkin Doughnuts coffee, drop off laundry, and squeeze a quick shave in, I’m a happy man. If you’re anything like that then I’d direct you over to shave gel. For those with a goatee or facial hair, shaving gel’s transparent texture allows you to know exactly where you wish the razor to go. It also prevents you from shaving over an area you already covered. I find shaving gel is a bit more travel friendly too. It’s a easy clean up for those accident spills and does not lather up. Ultimately, the best shaving lubricants are those that contain ingredients that not only protect your skin but also soothe and repair it. They provide moisture to keep your face soft and vibrant.
Shave Cream:
- You have the additional time of lather preparation (and clean up) during your routine.
- Thick & full lather.
- Willing to purchase a shave brush to fully maximize the cream’s application.
- May be a bit more expensive.
- Observant of the ingredients that makes the cream.
- Mostly scented.
- Generally longer clean up process.
Shave Gel:
- You’ll need less of the product during the shave.
- Aiming to clean up a beard line. Easier to see.
- It does not dry up.
- Easier to avoid cutting into sensitive skin (breakouts etc.)
- Unscented most of time.