Shaving Preparations

Shaving preparations cover the full skin and lather routine around the shave: pre-shave, shaving creams, shaving soap and post-shave care. They help soften the beard, build glide and leave the skin feeling more comfortable afterwards.

Start with a pre-shave such as Jack Dean Pre-Shave Cleansing Cream or Proraso Blue Pre-Shave Cream, lather with a cream or soap, then finish with a balm, lotion, alum block or styptic product from post-shave care.

About Shaving Preparations

Before, During and After the Shave

Shaving preparations cover the products used before the razor, while the razor is working, and after the shave is finished. That includes pre-shave, shaving cream, shaving soap and post-shave care.

Match the Product to the Step

Use Jack Dean Pre-Shave Cleansing Cream or Proraso Red Pre-Shave Cream before shaving, choose a lather product such as Proraso Red Shaving Cream, and finish with a balm or alum product when the skin needs settling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are shaving preparations?

They are the grooming products used around the shave itself: pre-shave to prepare the beard, cream or soap to create lather, and post-shave products to settle and finish the skin.

Do I need pre-shave before every shave?

No, but pre-shave is useful when the beard is coarse, the skin is sensitive, or the razor needs extra glide before the first pass.

What should I use after shaving?

Use post-shave care according to the finish you want. Alum and styptic products target small nicks; balms feel softer; lotions give a more traditional brisk finish.

Let customers speak for us

from 457 reviews
Great small case

Great small case to hold a 34C and a few blades . Brought it to protect my limited edition leather case from 1896 inox set .

S C.M.
Merkur Plastic Case for Safety Razor
Merkur Plastic Case for Safety Razor
Needed metallic grey in my collection

Love my 34c and decide I needed the metallic grey option in my collection. Product is perfect and the service was great keeping me informed of delivery.

Alan T.
Merkur 34C Metallic Grey Safety Razor
Merkur 34C Metallic Grey Safety Razor
Absolutely stunning razor in titanium

Absolutely stunning razor in titanium. I chose the mild plate and it gives a wonderfully smooth shave.

Shane M.
Henson Ti22 Titanium Safety Razor
Henson Ti22 Titanium Safety Razor
Great travel razor , slightly more aggressive

Great travel razor , slightly more aggressive than Merkur 933 , also case is larger but does seem like a better quality case than the Merkur .

S C.M.
Parker A-1R Double Edge Travel Razor
Parker A-1R Double Edge Travel Razor
It’s a waste to use it only for travel.

This razor is designed for travel, but I've added it to my daily rotation.
This is because, in addition to a level of craftsmanship that makes you want to gaze at it every day, it delivers the superb shaving performance you expect.
Although it is not a designated stand for this razor, the 4011 Stand fit perfectly.

H.Seki
Merkur 933 INOX Travel Razor with Leather Case
Merkur 933 INOX Travel Razor with Leather Case
Great customer service

Great customer service. The brush I initially selected wasn’t available and the team helped me to choose a perfect replacement and ensured I received it on time. Very good customer service and great selection of high end shaving products. Great place for finding gifts for men.

Anonymous
Semogue SOC-C5 Finest Badger Shaving Brush – Butterscotch
Semogue SOC-C5 Finest Badger Shaving Brush – Butterscotch

The best DE razor I've owned. Smooth, and adjustable from very mild upward I don't experience razor burn or nicks with this one. Excellent quick delivery too.

NF
Merkur Progress 500 Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor
Merkur Progress 500 Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor

Outstanding brush and customer service.

William
Cyril R. Salter Solid Shaving Soap 70g Refill
Cyril R. Salter Solid Shaving Soap 70g Refill

Outstanding seller and shave brush

William
Simpsons 'The Chubby' Shaving Brush
Simpsons 'The Chubby' Shaving Brush
My favourite blades

These blades have become my favourite quickly. They are much smoother than feather blades. They retain their sharpness for a long time while remaining very gentle to the skin.

Kalman T.
Personna Platinum-Chrome Super Stainless Double Edge Blades Pack of 200
Personna Platinum-Chrome Super Stainless Double Edge Blades Pack of 200
Snapped post on cap , ordered this and a new top

Snapped post on cap , ordered this and a new top plate with the retaining clips and returned razor to new ! It will serve me for many more years .

S C.M.
Merkur Replacement Top Plate Futur 701 Bright Chrome
Merkur Replacement Top Plate Futur 701 Bright Chrome
Love this razor

Love this razor. Adjustability is very straight forward and a useful feature

G S.
Merkur 500 Progress Bright Chrome Adjustable Safety Razor
Merkur 500 Progress Bright Chrome Adjustable Safety Razor

This is the first time I have used a safety razor and this is amazing, far better than the cartridge razors I'm used to

Lee
Henson AL13 Safety Razor V2.0 - Copper
Henson AL13 Safety Razor V2.0 - Copper
Great Company

Great company with a wide range of products at good prices. Quick delivery too.
Highly recommended.

Guy T.
Male Grooming Supplies
The Undisputed King of the Post-Shave

If wet shaving has a lie detector, it’s the Osma Laboratories Pierre d’Alun.

John R.
Osma Alum Stone 100g
Osma Alum Stone 100g

What customers think about the store

Highly regarded for exceptional customer service, fast delivery, and competitive prices. Wide selection of quality shaving products including razors, brushes, soaps, and creams. Customers praise prompt communication, careful packaging, and next-day delivery. K...

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