Shaving Lubricants and Lathers

Razor?  Check. Long, unruly whiskers? Check. Something's missing. Ah, yes, the shaving cream.  No shave is complete without it. This is where to learn about the best of the best for a close, smooth, comfortable shave. It doesn't always have to be the old Gillette Foamy. In fact, there is a lot more to shaving creams than what comes out of a can. To learn about everything from creams  to gels,  shaving soaps  and even oils,  read on. This guide has it all just like your favorite shaving cream. 

Choosing Shaving Lather

• Know your skin. A crucial yet often overlooked step in choosing which type of lather you need is matching it to your skin type. Not sure what kind of skin you have? Click here for a quick test you can do to find out your skin type.
• Don't blow your budget. Shaving cream shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. Although there are times when you might want to invest in something really nice just to treat the skin once in awhile.
• Be versatile. There are so many brands and types to choose from so don't feel like you have to stick to only one. Take advantage of sampling and testing different brands if you travel often. Travel size shaving creams let you sample without spending too much.

The Right Lather for Your Skin

Dry Skin

Is your skin dry or rough with flaking, scales or peeling? Does it get itchy or feel tight after washing it? People with dry skin need as much extra moisture as they can get. Look for products with aloe vera, silicone, oils (jojoba, coconut, sunflower, olive), butters (cocoa, shea) and vitamins (A, E and beta-carotene). Alcohol-free lathers and those without sodium laureth sulfate (often organic shaving lathers) are great options for dry skin. Never buy lathers that contain menthol or "cooling agents" that can dry skin. It's a good idea to use pre-shave oils on dry skin to help moisturize. Some recommendations: Aveeno Oatmeal Shaving Gel  Cromwell & Cruthers Shave Oil  Geo F. Trumper's Coconut Oil Shaving Cream

Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you probably know it. It gets red, inflamed, itchy, dry or breaks out without warning. You also get razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs more easily than others. Most products irritate it, especially those with fragrances and harsh cleansers such as sodium laureth sulfate. You might want to try shaving powders if you frequently get ingrown hairs. Avoid lathers that list alcohol as one of the main ingredients (top three or four), menthol, camphor, peppermint oil or fragrance. You may enjoy the soothing effects of aloe or other moisturizers as mentioned above for dry skin. Organic and natural products are also an excellent choice. Some options: Alba Organics Cream Shave  Kiss My Face Moisture Shave

Oily Skin

Do you feel greasy around your t-zone (forehead, chin, nose) but normal to dry everywhere else? Sounds like combination skin. You could benefit from a variety of lathers. Avoid too much "moisture," especially any lathers that contain butters, oils or petroleum derivatives that will just add to the oils in your skin. Be sure not to over dry your face with harsh products. By going too dry and thinking that alcohol will clear up the grease you will only irritate the skin and cause it to produce oil in excess to compensate for the dryness. Shave soap might be an options to try if you have used creams and foams before and they clog your pores. Products to try: Jack Black Beard Lube  Head Blade Head Slick Shave Cream  Aveda Shave Cream

Acne-Prone Skin

Do you break out often? Does shaving cause more irritation? Triclosan and other antibacterials will help kill acne causing bacteria, so look for medicated shave creams. Bentonite (a clay derivative) can help dry out blemishes and benzoyl peroxide formulas can help an active blemish from getting any worse. Foams and creams are the best options. Avoid shave oils as they can clog pores. Some recommendations: ProRaso Shave Soap  Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Shave Cream  Edge Pro Gel Moisturizing  Clinique M Shave Aloe Gel

Shaving Lather Types

Pre-Shave Oil  Shaving oils can be used both prior to shaving and by themselves, although it's hard to see where you apply them, which might cause you to miss spots. They help moisturize and give a less irritating shave by protecting the skin from getting nicks and cuts. Comparable to baby oil. Avid Skinglider  Cromwell & Cruthers  King of Shaves  Pacific Shaving Company All Natural Shaving Oil  Somersets Original Shaving Oil  Total Shaving Solution  More Than $10 Anthony Logistics  Caswell-Massey  Jack Black  Taylor of Old Bond Street  Truefitt & Hill  Zirh	Shave Cream  The old school style shave creams that come in a tub container or tube instead of an aerosol can are comparable to lotions. They usually don't foam up, which allows you to see the surface that you are shaving. They are also great for dry skin. Most creams in a can are of the foaming variety. Alba Botanica  Head Blade Head Slick  Neutrogena  Proraso  More Than $15 Billy Jealousy Hydroplane  Bullie Shave  Castle Forbes  Caswell-Massey  D R Harris  Geo F Trumper  Men-U shave creme  Muehle-Pinsel  Taylor of Old Bond Street  Truefitt & Hill	Shave Gel  Shave gel is typically gel when it comes out of the can and it foams once you rub it in your hands. The problem with foams is that they may not be the best for moisturizing, and some lose their foam quicker than others. On the other hand, they do provide decent lubrication and are inexpensive. Alba Botanica  American Crew  Aveeno  Colgate  Edge  Gillette  King of Shaves  Neutrogena  Nivea  Norelco  Philosophy  Tom's of Maine	Shave Soap  Shave soap is reminiscent of the old, proper way of wet shaving with a safety razor  and badger brush.  It creates a slick, slippery foam, which is good for lubricating the skin, plus it is inexpensive and more environmentally friendly than other shaving lubricants. It has a glycerin base. Colonel Conk  Concord  Muehle-Pinsel  Williams  More Than $15 Caswell-Masse  Crabtree & Evelyn  D R Harris  Geo F Trumper  Truefitt & Hill

Related Buying Guides

Men's Electric Shavers	Razors	Shave Kits	Cologne	Aftershave