The Taxonomy of Grooming
An elemental breakdown of everything your handsome face (and the rest of your body) needs right now
1. KING’S CROWN DOUBLE EDGE SAFETY RAZOR ($125)
Those amped-up, multi-blade cartridges you’ve been using could shear the wool off a goat — or, as a dermatologist will tell you, the skin off your face. A simple, quality safety razor — like your gramps had — will minimize irritation. This one, crafted from chrome in Germany, is weighted so perfectly it’ll do all the work for you.
2. AMERICAN CREW ULTRA GLIDE SHAVE OIL ($10)
Keep the alcohol in your snifter — shaving creams containing the stuff can severely dry out your skin. This no-grease solution from American Crew cushions the skin for a close, easy shave. Beneficial oils like eucalyptus and clove penetrate the pores to counter nicks, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs.
3. KENT H12 HORN SHAVING BRUSH ($165)
Yes, the shave brush actually serves a purpose beyond looking swell beside your sink. This one, boasting 100 per cent silvertip badger hair (trust us, it matters), helps create a nice lather while softening and lifting the hairs off your face, making them easy to lop off.
4. MIDNIGHT & TWO CITRUS ISLAND AFTERSHAVE BALM ($34)
Keep those dastardly ingrowns at bay with this all-natural aftershave balm made with aloe vera, witch hazel, argan oil, and hemp oil. The unique blend repairs damaged tissue caused by shaving and re-moisturizes the skin, sans any gross residue.
5. BRAUN SERIES 9 9095CC SHAVER ($400)
If you’re prone to abusing the snooze button, this is your runninglate, stubbleslaying saviour. It boasts intelligent Syncrosonic technology, with 40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, designed to capture different types of hair. What’s more, it cleans, lubricates, and dries itself.