“Most shave creams contain nutrients, which are great for making your skin feel fresh and look healthy,” Tucker says. “It creates a barrier between the skin and your blade, which helps prevent razor burn or taking a harsh top layer of skin when shaving.”

Anything including essential oils, like sandalwood and eucalyptus, will be gentle on the skin and smell far more pleasant than a chemically enhanced product. It’s also best to consider finding a brand that doesn’t include parabens or glycerine in their ingredients list.

Parabens are basically preservatives – we’re all trying to omit them from our diet, so why smear them on your skin? And glycerine simply dries the skin out – not what you want when there’s a razor blade in the vicinity.

How To Apply Shaving Cream

Shaving creams are better for a clean shaven look than shaving around a defined facial hair style. A gel is better if you‘re engaged in topiary around a moustache or beard because it lets you see what you’re doing. With a cream, you’ve got the opportunity to give yourself a classic appearance with some pretty vintage tools.

Using a shaving brush will not only evoke memories of watching your father shave, but also ensure the shaving cream is evenly and gently applied. “I’d recommend applying them with a shaving brush (and using a shaving bowl),” says Luigi Caterino, head of shaving training at The Bluebeards Revenge.

“A brush will ensure all your stubble is covered with shave cream and lifted from the skin, making it much easier for the razor to cut your facial hair. It will also make the cream go a little further, thus helping you to save money at the same time.”

If you’re hesitant to shell out on a brush, using your own clean hands works pretty well too, but don’t be too rough. It’s all about careful and gentle application.