To prepare for a shave, wet your skin and hair to help soften them. Cleanse your skin and use a facial scrub to help exfoliate and soften your beard. After a shower is a great time to shave as your skin will be freshly cleansed and damp.

Instead of using a dry razor, a wet shave will help you get a closer shave. When your facial hair is wet, it absorbs water into the hair shaft. The more water absorbed into a hair shaft, the softer the hair becomes and the easier it is to get a closer shave. Cleansing and exfoliating before shaving also help prepare your skin for a smooth and effective shave.

Using a brush to apply your shave cream helps lift the hairs to prepare skin for a comfortable shave. A brush also helps facial hair become more evenly coated with your shave cream. Look for a classic brush-on shave cream to help prep skin for a close shave.

If you have sensitive skin, look for an alcohol-free shave cream to help prevent dryness and irritation. An unscented shave cream for sensitive skin can also help ensure a comfortable shave. After shaving, use an after shave and follow with other skincare products for sensitive skin.

If you are a creative shaver, look for a lightweight, clear shave gel. These formulas can help soften facial hair for a smooth shave while giving more visibility for a precise shave.

After you shave, rinse skin with cool water and apply a skin-soothing after shave or facial toner. Follow with the rest of your skincare routine.