Our mission is to get you enjoying your morning routine. No more staring blurry-eyed into the mirror as you rush to get ready for work. Taking pride in your appearance means using the best quality tools and ingredients. No short cuts. For shaving, that means learning to use a proper razor and brush.
This month, we've put together this exciting collection of traditional shaving gear to give you the most luxurious shave possible.
Taylor Of Old Bond Street Jermyn Street Sensitive Shaving Cream
A very old and traditional producer of high quality shaving goods. Taylor of Old Bond Street was originally a salon, founded in 1854 by Jeremiah Taylor in Bond Street, London (hence the name). This shaving cream is part of their Jermyn Street collection, named after their now flagship store on Jermyn Street. Designed specifically for sensitive skin without any parabens or allergens. It has a beautifully fresh and modern fragrance but isn’t so strong that it will clash with this month’s pre-shave. A solid performing cream in all categories, it creates a voluminous lather very easily without fading, good cushioning protects the skin, and leaves it feeling moisturised. We particularly like the light compact tub that it comes in, perfect for travelling or just throwing in your wash bag.
To use: Using an almond sized dollop of cream, lather as normal, Try not to apply a damp brush direct to the cream tub as this will effect its longevity.
Proraso Eucalyptus & Menthol Pre-Shave Cream
Possibly the most iconic wet shaving brand on the planet. This traditional Italian company was founded in 1908 and has long been a favourite amongst wet shavers for its quality products. Though their formulas have changed slightly over the years, they have stayed true to their original principle to use natural and trusted ingredients. The pre-shave cream was an innovation in 1948 when it was added to the line-up to soften the beard and protect the skin in preparation for a close shave. It has a very strong eucalyptus and menthol scent that immediately hits you as it is applied. The menthol scent is incredibly refreshing and a great way to wake you up in the morning. Eucalyptus oil has healing and antiseptic properties that make it perfect in a shaving product because it soothes the skin and relieves any irritation.
To use: Wet your face and rub a small amount all over your bearded area. Leave for a full minute before applying your shaving lather. Use this soaking-in time to build a thick yoghurt-like lather. You can rinse it off just before applying your lather if you don’t want the scents to clash but it’s most effective when left on.
Muhle Pure Cotton Waffle Piqué Shaving Towel
We featured a hot towel last year and got such great feedback we thought we’d do it again. For those days when you really want to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your morning routine. Nothing quite beats the feeling of sitting back and relaxing as a steaming hot towel is left to sit on the face, softening the hairs and leaving the skin ready for a great shave. We’ve tested a number of towels and think this pure cotton waffle pique shaving towel from Muhle is the perfect tool for the job. The square relief structure is designed to absorb a lot more moisture than a regular towel as well as more efficiently retain heat.
To use: Soak in very hot water for 15 seconds, wring out the excess and then apply to the area to be shaved until it has cooled down. It takes a minimum of 3 minutes for your beard hairs to fully absorb water so you may need to repeat this process 2 or 3 times to reap the full benefit of a softened beard. If your tap isn’t hot enough you can use water from a kettle. Let it cool until it is safe to touch. Obviously, common sense must apply when using hot water. Please DO NOT apply a scalding hot towel to the skin, always double check it is safe to touch first.
We have put together our full guide on achieving the perfect hot towel shave here.
May Subscription Box Replacement Double-Edge Razor Blades
What a difference a blade makes. Every month we feature blades made from all parts of the world and every one shaves differently. This month we have Rapira Platinum Lux, which we've not featured in the subscription before, and BIC Chrome Platinum which we featured over a year ago!
Bic Chrome Platinum DE Razor Blades
The BIC Chrome Platinums are an excellent blade. They are relatively sharp compared to most blades, making them ideal for even the thickest beards, however they’re somewhat less forgiving. Proper technique is encouraged, short strokes with minimal pressure. Will last at least 3 shaves with a tough beard, up to 7 for finer hair.
Rapira Platinum Lux DE Razor Blades
Another fantastic blade from Russia. We featured the Swedish Steel version of the Rapira blades in December of last year and got great feedback. The Rapira Lux have a platinum coating and are thinner than the swedish steel version. Overall a great blade that is very forgiving for a pleasantly smooth shave. Lasts roughly 4-7 shaves before you’ll need to replace the blade.
