Reviews of The Best Shaving Creams For Men – Guaranteed to Get You a Close Shave

In the world we live in today, grooming is everything. The internet and mainstream media are filled with images of young men who are well dressed and groomed. Their hair is well trimmed, and they have an enviable close and smooth shave.

Sure there are those who look good with scruffy beards, but this look is certainly for the minority of modern men.

Celebrities and TV commercial sell the story that getting a close and clean shave is easy and anyone can do it when they command it to be so. While there is some truth in that, you should also note that you play the leading role in getting the best shave possible.

That said, getting a close, smooth shave boils down to two crucial tools; your shaving cream and razor. Yes, there are several other factors including hair texture, shaving technique, and your attention span, but all these are secondary to your razor and shaving cream.

Now we have already looked at the role blades, and razors play in getting you a close shave. In this piece, we shall look at shaving creams. We also will review some of the best shaving creams on the market this year. The reviews will give you an easy time picking the best for your needs. We start of with our top pick the Classic UK made Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream .

Best Shaving Cream  – Our Top 7 Reviews (Updated 2018)

		Container Size	Scent/ Country Of Origin	Pros	Cons	Amazon Rating	Best Deal
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream		5.3 fl oz/ 150 g	Sandalwood/ England	Quality ingrediens, Gentle on the skin, Perfect lather, suitable for all skin types	A bit more expensive than others - but worth it		See It
Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave Cream		6 fl. oz/ 177 g	Relatively Unscented/ Canada	3-in-1 product that acts like a shaving cream, conditioner, and pre-shave oil	Does not work well with straight razors		See It
Cremo Astonishingly Superior Shaving Cream For Men		1 fl. oz/ 30 g	Citrus/ USA	Budget friendly, A small amount will go a long way	No major downsides		See It
Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream		8 fl. oz/ 237 g	Relatively Unscented/ USA	3-in- product, Doesn’t contain ingredients that cause skin irritation	Slightly expensive		See It
Proraso Shaving Cream		5.2 fl oz/ 150 g	Menthol and Eucalyptus/ Italy	Rich and thick lather, Revitalize and refresh the skin	Fragrance containing assorted chemicals		See It
The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream		5 fl oz/ 150 g	Sandalwood/ USA	Great for lubrication and cushioning	Slightly more expensive than most creams		See It
Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream		3 fl oz/ 90 g	Minty Spearmint/ USA	Natural ingredients, No animal testing	Not all men will like the scent		See It

Things You Should Consider Before Paying For Your Shaving Cream

When I mentioned the reviews would help you have an easy time when choosing a shaving cream you probably raised your eyebrow and wondered what in the world I was talking about. But before you laugh at me, please understand one thing. The market is flooded with all kinds of shaving creams – all of which claim to be the best in the industry. But despite their claims, they are all different and excel on different levels.

So yes, the process of choosing the best shaving cream is not easy. In addition to considering the price and packaging, there are other factors you need to consider. Below is a short list to get you started.

1. Skin Type

Before you purchase any shaving cream, the first step should be determining your skin type. There are three types of skin, namely dry, oily and sensitive. If you are one with sensitive skin, you should stay away from shaving creams that are harsh on the face. However, if you have oily skin, astringents in the shaving cream will help to reduce the oiliness of your skin and keep your pores from getting clogged.

2. Ingredients You Should Avoid

The components that shaving creams contain are also critical. This is because they make the shaving cream what it is. They give it its efficiency, scent, and color. While all the ingredients listed in this section are approved by the relevant authorities, it is advisable that you understand and probably avoid them as much as you can.

• Parabens

  There are no two ways about it. Parabens are synonymous with trouble. There is really nothing else one can say about a product that has been linked to different health issues in the past including allergies and asthma.
  Parabens are one of the active ingredients in most skin care products. They are used to help prevent the growth of bacteria. But you can get a close shave without this ingredient.

• SLS

  The acronym sounds like one you would hear in a James Bond movie right? Well, while it has a nice ring to it, SLS stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Its full name is shocking, right? I know, it knocks you back to reality. SLS is included in shaving creams to help in cleaning the skin before shaving. While it does a good job in what it was designed for, it also works to strip the skin of its natural oils. Even worse, professionals state that the compound stays in the body for up to 5 days.

• SLES

  This is yet another ingredient contained in most shaving creams. It is added to shaving creams to try and counter the effects of some petroleum-based products used on the skin. It does, however, come with its own fair share of side effects as well. These side effects include organ toxicity.

• Fragrance

  Today, almost all beauty and skin care products contain fragrance. As a matter of fact, to differentiate their product and increase sales, companies are increasingly using ‘fragrance-free’ or ‘no scent’ phrases to lure people into buying their products. We have identified that it can be slightly difficult to avoid these ingredients. But it does not mean it is the best to simply give up. No. Also, note that all ‘fragrances’ are not the same. The term is used to refer to over 3000 different chemicals in the industry. You should try as much as you can to make intelligent choices.

3. Ingredients to Include

We have looked at the ingredients you should try and stay away from. On the other side of the rainbow, there are some ingredients you want your shaving cream to include. These are nature’s gifts such as almond, jojoba, sandalwood and the like. These ingredients (natural ingredients) prove to be great for the skin, usually are not oily and best of all they evaporate fast from the skin.

In addition to this, you should be on the prowl for shaving creams that include eucalyptus, sandalwood, rose, and lavender. They have proven to be gentle on the skin and leave a sweet natural scent on your face.

Now that you know what to be on the lookout for when choosing the best shaving cream, let’s proceed and have a look at our reviews of some of the best shaving creams 2018 has to offer.

Top 7 Men Shaving Creams

Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood 

Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream. Click on the photo or the link above to check the price on Amazon.

There is no way a buying guide and review of the best shaving creams for men can be complete without featuring this shaving cream. The Taylor of Old Bond Street is to some the yardstick with which to measure the best shaving creams. It is the golden standard that has existed for the longest time.

The company was formed back in 1854 and was well known for botanical extracts which it specialized in when it started out. Since then, however, the company has diversified and produced lots of other products that are fine and of high quality. It is the high quality of the products that it produces that lead to such popularity and fame.

Reviewing this product, it is hard not to fall in love with it. It has so many great features to offer. Its customers stand by it.

Below are some reasons why you should buy this product.

• The consistency resembles that of lotions. However, it is significantly easier to work up a luxurious lather. This shaving cream comes with a shaving bowl made from sandalwood adding to the overall convenience of lathering the shaving cream.
• Given the time the company was formed, some might argue that its products are out of style. No one likes to be associated with a product his grandfather used making them feel out of touch and out of style with the current generation. But contrary to what trendy persons believe, Taylor products are timeless and are perfect for modern men looking to have a smooth face and great shave.
• The lather this shaving cream produces is perfect and provides ample cushioning ensuring a delightful shave. The experience with this shaving cream is comfortable. It leaves the skin moisturized and smooth. The Sandalwood shaving cream achieves this effect courtesy of its glycerin, one of its active ingredients. Glycerin provides ample moisture to your skin and enhances its smoothness.
• This shaving cream is best used with straight razors and double-edged safety razors. Yes, you can use it with electric and cartridge razors, but the effect and results will not be as good. Speaking of safety razors, this shaving cream ranks among the top for use with safety razors.
• The name sheds some light on the scent the shaving cream sports. Sandalwood is one of the most popular masculine scents. Sandalwood is an Indian type of wood that has been used for over 4000 years because of its great fragrance and has become very popular in shaving creams. Taylor combined this scent with a couple of other tones from light vanilla to cedar. However, if you feel sandalwood does not work for you (your choice), you could try different scents available from Taylor of Old Bond Street. These include coconut, almond, lavender, grapefruit, lime, lemon, rose, and peppermint.
• It is important to point out that this shaving cream fetches a higher price than most shaving creams. While this might cause some to shy away, you should also note that it lasts longer than most shaving creams. As such, in the long run, it makes for fair value.
• If you still are not convinced, you should probably watch the video below. It is a testament to the wonders this shaving cream will work on your skin.
• Please note that shaving cream from Taylor of Old Bond Street is very thick, so it may look as if the box is not completely full, but the weight of the shaving cream is always correct.

Verdict

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Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning 

Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave Cream. Click on the photo or the link above to check the price on Amazon.

If you are looking for a shaving cream that will serve more than one purpose, then Jack Black Shaving Cream is the product for you. Unlike most gels and foams, this product is a 3-in-1.

Its quality and versatility are just two of the number one reasons why it is popular with the masses and has made this list. Jack Black is a brand that has worked hard to make a name for itself and produces a wide variety of grooming products for men. Of the many products in its inventory, this Lube Conditioning shaving cream, designed to act as a shaving cream, pre-shaving oil, and conditioner, is the best display of their innovative prowess and attention to quality.

I love this shaving cream because it does not dry the skin when applied. On the contrary, it helps to prepare your face for a great shave by penetrating to the hair roots and softening. In addition, the product withholds moisture which facilitates a smooth shave. Your safety razor will glide with ease across your skin.

Last but not least, this cream also works to improve your shaving experience by getting rid of skin irritation. This is the reason for often being labeled as the best shaving cream for men with sensitive skin.

This quality cream is formulated with unique ingredients which include phospholipids. Phospholipids are rich in fatty acids which help to retain moisture by binding it to your skin and at the same time supporting the foundation of the skin.

Other ingredients include jojoba oil, glycerin, and macadamia nuts. The glycerin is essential as it provides lubrication and protective cushioning for the face while you shave. With this shaving cream, nicking your chin will be a thing of the past (except for those who are excessively clumsy).

What’s more, eucalyptus, menthol and peppermint have been added to provide a revitalizing and refreshing feel after a shave. You should note that this shaving cream is alcohol-free and fragrance-free. It also features no colorant, is tested and approved by dermatologists and is created using vegan products.

The shaving cream has a ‘see-through’ texture. This characteristic allows one to see the area being shaved making for an efficient and cut free shave. It is perfect for mustaches, sideburns and even the head.

Verdict

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Cremo Astonishingly Superior 

Cremo Astonishingly Superior Shaving Cream For Men. Click on the photo or the link above to check the price on Amazon.

Cremo Astonishingly Superior cream is a rather special product. Most have fallen in love with it for its price. It is budget friendly, and it stomps all other shaving creams in its budget range.

This shaving cream has carved out space for itself in wet shaving. Using this product, you will notice that it does not produce a thick lather as most shaving creams do. Working with this cream, you only need to use your finger to apply it – brushes are not required.

Does its lack of lather cause it to be an inferior product? Of course not. As a matter of fact, some argue that creams that lather easily to a thick foamy paste increase the number of air pockets and as such also increases the number of cuts, nicks and general irritation when shaving. The absence of air forms a protective layer on the skin.

Instead of dead air, this product is full of molecules that ensure a close shave without causing any irritation. This cream features no gimmicks or games. It is straightforward and is crafted to provide the best possible grooming.

The shaving cream ingredients include Aloe, Lemon Extract, Macadamia Seed Oil, Olive Leaf Extract and Papaya Extract.

The cream comes with a subtle citrus scent that is not too overpowering. The cream is free of paraben and is not tested on animals.

The Aloe Vera contained in the product works to moisturize the face after a shave. It keeps the skin from drying and flaking.

You will be pleased to note that the cream works with almost all types of razors including electric razors for a wet shave.

Those who prefer straight razors will benefit from this cream as it provides a thin covering allowing you to concentrate on the area you are shaving and your technique.

Verdict

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Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super-Slick 

Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream. Click on the photo or the link above to check the price on Amazon

This shaving cream prides itself on being a sophisticated option. It has one thing in common with the Jack Black Beard – it is a 3-in-1 product and is a perfect blend of a skin conditioner, shaving cream, and pre-shave oil.

This shaving cream creates a foamless lather. The lather is rich and clear. It ensures you get a clean and smooth shave. Reading the list of ingredients, most people gain confidence with this product.

It contains dimethicone as an active ingredient. This is silicone water-based oil that is designed to provide a thick barrier across the skin making it possible to get a close shave without nicking or cutting yourself. Another active ingredient is silica which has a molecular structure resembling sand. This ingredient works to reduce the chances of skin irritation and the razor drag.

Billy Jealousy does not contain alcohol or perfumes. You will, however, find some natural fruit oils that offer great moisturizing and a mild fragrance and citrus effect. Unlike most shaving creams, it does not dry up and a few drops of water are sufficient to keep it super thick throughout the shaving process.

This shaving cream features a clear texture as well. It might require some getting used to, but when you do, you will appreciate it as it helps you see the area you are working on and the progress you make.

Last but not least, you will be pleased to note that the cream does not clog the razor. A simple rinse and it flows out leaving you ready for the next stroke.

Verdict

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Proraso 

Proraso Shaving Cream. Click on the photo or the link above to check the price on Amazon.

Proraso – the legendary barber cream from Italy! This shaving cream is a product presented to us by an Italian company that has been around for close to a century. It, however, developed its very first pre-shave cream back in 1948.

While the Proraso shaving cream comes in many versions, in this review we shall focus our sights on the green version. It is the general use pre-shave cream. It also comes highly recommended for those who are new to wet shaving or have just discovered the brand.

As for its features, the Proraso comes with Menthol and Eucalyptus. These two ingredients work to refresh and revitalize the face. I should point out that the menthol scent is rather strong. When you open the cream, you will not fail to notice it the good news being that its effects dissipate quickly.

Proraso is designed to provide a super-rich and thick cream which protects and provides great comfort while getting a close shave. And not only is the lather formed thick but it also foams and lathers fast.

The shaving cream works with all bladed razors whether straight edge, safety or cartridge razors. Formulated with vegetable oils and natural ingredients. In the list of ingredients, it is important to note it is free of silicones, parabens and artificial colors.

Verdict

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The Art of Shaving Sandalwood 

The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream. Click on the photo or the link above to check the price on Amazon.

On average, every shaving male stands in front of a mirror over 20,000 times. Yes, this is too many times. But then again, it is a lifetime, probably between 70 and 100 years. And with so many hours spent shaving (collectively), it is only logical that one may get a little complacent. With complacency comes sloppiness and accidents. The Art of Shaving (the company presenting this one of a kind shaving cream) does not want this to be your story.

When creating the Sandalwood Shaving Cream, they envision a product that would provide a superior shaving experience. To them, the process of getting an enviable close shave includes ample preparation and lathering as well shaving and moisturizing. One can achieve all these four steps with great ease using the Sandalwood Cream. The cream creates a foamy lather which protects you from skin irritation. Additionally, it works to nourish and moisturize the skin.

In its list of ingredients are essential oils, coconut oils, and glycerin. One of the essential oils is Sandalwood which provides the cream with a subtle scent that remains with you all day long without getting allergies.

The Sandalwood oil also doubles up as an antiseptic agent which helps in healing nicks and spots on the skin, slow down aging and relieving inflammation.

For a shaving cream company that is fairly new in the industry, this unit is pretty badass. That said, it should be noted that it is costlier than most shaving creams. But on the bright side, you only need to use a small amount of lather for every shaving session.

Verdict

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Pacific Shaving Co. Caffeinated 

Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream. Click on the photo or the link above to check the price on Amazon.

We all love our morning coffee, right? To most of us, it gives us the much-needed jolt to kick-start our day. But before you wonder what I am doing talking about coffee in a shaving cream blog review, note that my interest is not in the coffee but the caffeine it contains. This is the magic of coffee. But what if you could get your caffeine from another source? Well, you can.

The Pacific shaving company’s shaving cream is laced with caffeine. Sure it is not the same as getting it from our morning coffee, but caffeine nonetheless. The caffeine in the cream is great for the skin.

How so? It comes packed with antioxidants that help to reduce the swelling and puffiness of the skin in the morning which is great for those who have had a long, seemingly unending night.

But caffeine is not the only benefit you derive from using this cream. It also contains spearmint, aloe, and shea butter all of which help to nourish and protect the skin. At this point, it should be pointed out that all ingredients in this product are natural, animal testing free and fragrance-free.

You will absolutely love the fact that with cream, less is more. It is affordable compared to most creams in its quality range.

Verdict

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The Art of Applying Shaving Cream

When you take time to actually think about it, applying shaving cream is not exactly a complex calculus problem you need to solve. No, it is not that hard. However, there is an art to applying the cream.

The first step of nailing a close and clean shave is getting a high-quality shaving cream (we have already established this).

The second step is to learn the application technique. Having the best shaving cream and lacking in application technique will have you missing your goal.

Below is a breakdown of the process and techniques. It is divided into two; using your hand or using a shaving brush.

Using a Shaving Brush

Ask any shaving expert, and they will say that the best cream application method is by using a shaving brush. Why is this?

• For one, when using a brush, it means you will have to mix the cream in a bowl prior to its application. Working the cream in a bowl means that you have better control of the heat and moisture and can produce a richer lather.
• Shaving brushes lift hairs from the skin which gives the blades an easy time to cut the hair without pressing down on the razor. Consequently, you have far fewer chances of nicking, cutting and causing skin irritations
• With shaving brushes, you also can apply the cream more uniformly

Shaving brushes vary widely and feature varied fibers including boar hair, synthetic material, badger hair and horse hair. Horsehair is considered to be the very best of all shaving brushes. But despite this, most newbies to wet shaving love starting with the synthetic brushes. Badger hairs, on the other hand, are the most popular and have different grades.

When mixing your cream in a bowl, you need to be cautious not to make it too thick or too thin. It should just be right. It may take a while to get the hang of this. After getting a rich lather, the next step is to apply room temperature water on your face. This will help the lather retain its quality and integrity and do a great job in softening the hair follicles.

The last step involves using the brush to spread the cream on your face. Place some cream on your cheeks and then use the brush to swirl the cream on the area you intend to shave. You should be thorough as you want to have a smooth shave in the end. Do not apply too much as this, instead of providing great cushioning will cause the hair to lie flat on the skin making it difficult to shave without applying pressure.

Using Your Hands

Put a smallish drop of cream in both hands and rub them in circles. Add several drops of water and continue rubbing. Apply the cream to your shaving area evenly and ensure that it does not clump.

Whichever method you choose to apply shaving cream it is recommended that you do so after taking a shower. The heat and moisture will help soften the follicles and prepare your skin and hair for shaving.

Shaving Soap or Shaving Cream – How Are They Different?

Both of these products are designed to achieve the same goal. They, however, are different products and have some slight differences. Understanding these differences will help you achieve the best shave you can.

Shaving Soap

Needless to say, it is a rather old school. It has been in existence or more than a century and represents a method of wet shaving conducted by our grandfathers and great-grandfathers.

The major difference from the cream is probably the fact that shaving soap comes packed in a hard puck. And since to create lather you need a shaving bowl, they require that water is added prior to creating a thick lather. Using soap, the best way to create thick lather is by using a shaving brush.

Many of the wet shaving gurus prefer the triple-milled soaps. Sure they are harder than most shaving soaps, but once you dedicate some extra time to them, the results obtained are through the roof. Another benefit of the triple milled soap is that they are designed to last longer in comparison to most shaving soaps. They can last for even four months.
If you are a newbie, note that there is a learning curve to using shaving soap. But with some work, you can nail it with ease.

Shaving Cream

These have been in existence since the 1940s. Nonetheless, they represent the modern shaving technique. Most of the high end and quality shaving creams are contained in jars or tubes. Gone are the days when they came in spray cans.

Modern creams are thicker and require some bit of effort to lather up. They also contain some natural ingredients including shea butter and aloe which help in nourishing and protecting the skin.

Do not forget about shaving gels which are also packed in cans. They take a few seconds to lather and are recommended to those with sensitive skins.

Differences

One of the differences already mentioned includes their packaging. Creams are packed in cans while soaps are packed in puck-like discs. But aside from this, there are other differences to be noted.

Fragrance

First, let us demystify the deep rotted myth that shaving soaps are unscented. On the contrary, they come in a wide variety of scents. It is the same thing with shaving creams. This is an important fact to know for those who have sensitive skin and think their problems are solved when they use shaving soap.

Before you make a purchase confirm if the soap is scented or unscented. You always have a choice.

Lubrication and Cushioning

Now back to lathering.

Shaving creams take a little effort to lather. The lather provides ample lubrication and cushioning. The same is available when working with shaving soaps. However, experts say that the lather, lubrication, and cushion is way better with soap.

You will, however, have to work slightly harder to get the lather needed.

With shaving soap, you will also need to add some water. Sure it will take some practice to get it right (especially the perfect amount of water).

Price

Shaving creams tend to be slightly more costly compared to shaving soaps. The difference is however not really significant. With high-end shaving creams, you can part with close to $30. However, you still can find quality creams in the price range of $10-$15. Shaving soaps are also in this latter price range.

Method Used to Compile the List of Best Shaving Creams

We take this opportunity to state this here and now, we take our job of reviewing shaving creams seriously. There is a host of products available on the market these days and given a chance the list would be insanely long. We spend most of our time researching, reading reviews and putting together every bit of useful information we come across on the specific products.

In addition, we consider the price points and try to pick products that are affordable to most men. Yes, there is no doubt that some of the best things in life are priced high but thankfully this is not always the case. When coming up with the list, we pay close attention to the ingredients in the products. We prefer those that sport natural ingredients as we think they are better for your face and overall health.

Yes, we are dedicated to reviewing shaving creams as they are introduced into the market – it is our fulltime job. However, regardless of how much time we put in, we cannot possibly go through all products available – they are just too many and overwhelming. Nonetheless, we think we did a great job on this list. It will serve you well in your search for the best shaving cream in 2018.

And with that, our review ad guide comes to an end. However, take some time to look around the site for other topics that might interest you relating to wet shaving.

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