The Shaving Set

A close shave is mostly preparation, and the preparation is two steps that do different jobs. The gel goes on first and softens the hair itself, so the blade glides instead of pulling. The cream goes on top of that and cushions the skin, building a dense lather that keeps the blade lifted away from it. One works on the beard, the other works on the face. Skip the gel and the cream is doing both jobs badly. This is the order we use in the chair. Shaving Gel, 8.4oz. Massaged into the beard before lathering. Rapidly softens hair so the blade moves with minimal friction. Fresh forest fruits. Shaving Cream, 4.2oz. Brush-applied. Builds a dense, cushioning lather that lifts the blade cleanly away from skin. Fresh, clean and woody. Suitable for sensitive skin. The routine: Massage in the gel. Build the lather with a brush and the cream. Shave. Four minutes.