Q: Should you use shaving foam, gel or cream?
MH’s Online Grooming Editor answers your grooming questions
(http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/grooming/should-you-use-shaving-foam-gel-or-cream)
Our Online Grooming Editor Lee Kynaston is
on hand to answer all of your grooming queries. If you would like to ask
Lee a question, email grooming@menshealth.co.uk.
So which is best? Well, each of the main shaving variants (foam, gel and cream) has the function: to prevent stubble from drying out and easing the shaving process by providing a cushion between your skin and the razor. And in truthfulness, it’s as much down to personal choice as anything.
What I would say, however, is that foams – whilst cheap, convenient and easy to use – tend to dry the skin more than the other two. Hence, they’re not so great if you already have dry or sensitive skin. Gels usually offer more lubrication, and transparent ones are useful if you have facial hair and need to see where you’re going with the razor.
My own personal favourite (and that of many of the experts I’ve talked to over the years) is shaving cream. Often, they provide the richest and most lubricating ‘cushion’ for the skin. Many are glycerine-based to reduce the chances of the cream drying your skin out, and their moisturising properties make them especially good if you have particularly tough stubble to contend with.
Most creams lather up a treat in your hand but if you really want to get the most out of them I’d suggest applying them with a shaving brush. Not only will you get better results (a brush will ensure all your stubble is covered and lifted from the skin, making it easier to cut), it will also make the cream go further, saving on your grooming bills.
Super-moisturising shave cream that’s formulated, like the whole Hydro range, to boost skin hydration during your shave.
Clinique M Shave Aloe Gel, £12 for 125ml from mankind.co.uk
This award-winning gel is one of the stars of Clinique’s men’s range. Its aloe ingredient calms razor burn and its excellent lubricating qualities ensure optimum razor-glide.
men-u Barbiere Shaving Brush and Stand, £8.95 from mankind.co.uk
Great value bristle shaving brush that comes complete with its own stand to ensure proper drainage of excess water.
Words by MH Online Grooming Editor Lee Kynaston
Q. What’s better – shaving foam, gel or cream?
A. Choosing a shaving lube is a bit like picking a football team – sometimes you choose it, sometimes it chooses you. More often than not, though, it’s down to what the lady of the household happens to throw into her shopping basket.So which is best? Well, each of the main shaving variants (foam, gel and cream) has the function: to prevent stubble from drying out and easing the shaving process by providing a cushion between your skin and the razor. And in truthfulness, it’s as much down to personal choice as anything.
What I would say, however, is that foams – whilst cheap, convenient and easy to use – tend to dry the skin more than the other two. Hence, they’re not so great if you already have dry or sensitive skin. Gels usually offer more lubrication, and transparent ones are useful if you have facial hair and need to see where you’re going with the razor.
My own personal favourite (and that of many of the experts I’ve talked to over the years) is shaving cream. Often, they provide the richest and most lubricating ‘cushion’ for the skin. Many are glycerine-based to reduce the chances of the cream drying your skin out, and their moisturising properties make them especially good if you have particularly tough stubble to contend with.
Most creams lather up a treat in your hand but if you really want to get the most out of them I’d suggest applying them with a shaving brush. Not only will you get better results (a brush will ensure all your stubble is covered and lifted from the skin, making it easier to cut), it will also make the cream go further, saving on your grooming bills.
What to buy
Wilkinson Sword Hydro Deep Hydration Shave Cream, £3.99 for 200ml from boots.comSuper-moisturising shave cream that’s formulated, like the whole Hydro range, to boost skin hydration during your shave.
Clinique M Shave Aloe Gel, £12 for 125ml from mankind.co.uk
This award-winning gel is one of the stars of Clinique’s men’s range. Its aloe ingredient calms razor burn and its excellent lubricating qualities ensure optimum razor-glide.
men-u Barbiere Shaving Brush and Stand, £8.95 from mankind.co.uk
Great value bristle shaving brush that comes complete with its own stand to ensure proper drainage of excess water.
Did you know?
Shaving brushes exfoliate skin in the same as scrubs, removing dead skin cells and helping prevent ingrown hairs.Words by MH Online Grooming Editor Lee Kynaston
No comments:
Post a Comment