The Port Shaving Kit: Luxury Razors, Brushes and Grooming Products to Buy Now
An essential washbag edit for men of all ages
Every man remembers his first shave: A face full of foam; shaky hands coursing with pubescent hormones.
Most of us are taught by our fathers or brothers, using knowledge picked up from the previous generation. This ritualistic baton-passing is a way for men to bond, but in truth sometimes it can also result in some substandard practices being passed along. Once a man has settled upon a shaving routine, he can stick with it for the rest of his life. But oftentimes, innovative new products, lotions and potions can make for vast improvements to your daily routine.
So bring your routine up to date with our pick of the best razors, brushes and grooming products for the ultimate close shave.
The Instruments
Disposable multi-blade razors get a lot of flak, thanks to a propensity for supercar-like styling and extreme marketing machismo.
But strip away the artifice and what you're left with is a precisely engineered instrument. The Gillette Fusion razor head, for example, is the result of hundreds of millions of pounds-worth of research and development, and lives up to its lofty slogan: "The best a man can get."
The weak link is the handle. Gillette’s are often lightweight and – to put it plainly – hideous. Fortunately the likes of Molton Brown and Gentleman’s Tonic are on hand to rectify this, with classic design, high-end materials, and added heft for greater control.
The Products
Like any good refurbishment, a clean shave requires preparation. Begin with a deep cleanse, washing your face with hot water to open up the pores. Then apply shaving cream with a brush. Choose one with natural bristles, which will carry the correct amount of water for a proper lather, and a product with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Follow with a layer of protective shaving oil (which can also be used to tame longer beards) and then shave against the grain. To finish, splash with cold water and smooth in a soothing, moisturising balm.
May 17 2019 by Magda Kaczmarska