A well-kept shelf is not a crowded one. Here is everything a man genuinely needs — and, just as usefully, what he can leave on the shop shelf.
The Essentials
- A good razor — a safety razor for the closest shave, or a quality cartridge razor if you prefer.
- Shaving soap or cream and a brush — the foundation of a comfortable shave.
- A gentle facial cleanser — not bar soap.
- A moisturiser — light, daily, for every skin type.
- A daily sunscreen — SPF 30 or higher.
- An aftershave balm — to soothe, not sting.
- A signature fragrance — one you love and wear well.
- Nail clippers and a small pair of scissors — for the details that betray neglect.
Worthwhile Additions
- Beard oil, if you wear a beard.
- A vitamin C serum and a retinol, if you have taken to skincare.
- A quality hair product suited to your style and hair type.
The test of any grooming product is simple: does it earn its place on the shelf by being used? If it sits untouched for a month, it was marketing, not need.
What You Can Ignore
Most "10-step" routines, novelty gadgets, and the endless stream of products promising to solve problems you did not know you had. Grooming is not about accumulation. A short shelf, used consistently, beats a crowded one used sporadically every time.
To make the most of your razor, read our guide to the traditional wet shave.