Opinion: Mens razors are better than womens razors

After a lengthy membership on Team Epilation, I’m temporarily back on Team Shaving and I have to say…women’s razors suck. Like, big time sucky mcsuck-suck. Perhaps they’re too busy trying to make them pink and add in stupid creamy shaving bars (which just get in the way, FYI) to actually think about the quality of the razor. Geez, lift your game, shaver brands!

Meanwhile, I was sent a parcel of Gillette Fusion ProGlide products for my dude reviewer to play with, but since he was overseas at the time, Fiance and I decided we might like to play with them ourselves. The Fusion ProGlide Power razor is battery powered so that it vibrates as you use it (there’s also a non-vibey razor called Manual). Fiance didn’t like it at all – he said it felt like he didn’t have any control over the razor because of the vibrations, and it irritated his sensitive skin. I, on the other hand, loved it. Still love it, since I use it once or twice a week. I quite like the gentle vibrations, and the 5 blades gives a really close shave without any sort of irritation or rash. Plus, those women’s brands could learn a thing or two from the little lubricating strip that quite amply does the job without getting in the way.

Pictured: Intense Cooling Balm and Fusion ProGlide Power Razor

We also played with a bunch of the Gillette Fusion products and I found a new favourite – the shaving gel. Fiance prefers shaving foam (he has an unnatural attachment to Nivea Shaving Foam, which I really don’t like) but even he admitted the shaving gel was good. I, on the other hand, re-purchased when it ran out. Dedication to the (smooth leg) cause.

The other product Fiance really liked was the Intense Cooling Balm, which I didn’t try, for obvious reasons. He doesn’t normally use an aftershave lotion, but he said he enjoyed using it because it made him feel manly (I feel like I’m going to cop a beating for writing this). To be fair, he also said it was refreshing and soothing. And he doesn’t like using grooming products, so this is a huge compliment.

The details:
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power – $16.99
Gillette Series Intense Cooling Lotion – $11.99
Fusion HydraGel – $7.34
From: Priceline, Coles, Woolies etc
Why you need it: For a smooth, easy shave

These products were offered to Stuff That I Bought for editorial consideration – for more details, see our disclosure policy
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- by Paul

On the subject of established female cosmetics brands venturing into the fickle world of male grooming, it would seem that Dermalogica have also taken the plunge.

I had seen Dermalogica cleanser in my gf’s bathroom, but hadn’t paid it much attention apart from occasionally swiping some when I forgot to bring my own toiletries. So when she saw the men’s range on my basin and started whimpering like a – very cute and lovable – puppy that wants a piece of your hamburger, I realised that perhaps I hadn’t given it the respect it was due.

The men’s range is tastefully decorated in Dermalogica’s trademark white, but with a bold crimson to differentiate it from the formal grey of the women’s. I sense a woman’s smarts somewhere in the design – they’ve obviously tried to make it distinctive enough that no bloke will be able to mistake it for his gf’s Dermalogica products, thus preserving her stash.

I tried the Pre-Shave Guard (RRP $32.50, 170g), and the Invigorating Shave Gel (RRP $28, 180ml).

Firstly, the Guard: I generally like the idea of a pre-shave application. Anything that softens and smoothes the surface before you apply a razor to skin is always welcome. The problem is, tons of products promise this, but there have been few that I’ve found that really make it worthwhile.

I opened the tube. Thick and unctuous, it exuded odours of essential oils. I was suspicious. Normally product that is essential oil based leaves you reeking of day-spa; all aromatherapy rather than man-about-town, and damn near impossible to cover up, whichever aftershave you use.

It turned out to be awesome. Great to put on, made my skin feel tingly and alive, and actually did what it was supposed to on my three-day Mediterranean bristle. And best of all – after the shave was complete, I was left with no residual pine-needle/ tea-tree/ lemon myrtle/ eucalypt/ mint oil smell!

So, the process I followed: smear on the Pre-shave Guard, then apply some of the Invigorating Shave Gel. Dermalogica recommends use of their shaving cream after the Guard, but I have found that the Gel works equally well, if not better. The Guard gives a thick buffering base, whilst the Gel is light and lubricating, and together they produced the best shave I’ve had for ages.

The plusses for me were the fact that even with several days growth, it all rinsed easily off the blade, so there was no annoying clogging. The approach, however, works equally well with only one day’s growth. My skin felt supple afterwards; smooth, but not tender and meringue-like, even with a close shave.

Bottom line: Pre-shave Guard + Invigorating Shave Gel = great shave. And I’m fussy. (Elise’s note: Yes he is. Believe me.)

Buy when: your man is enlightened enough to respect the fact that he will need to use two products to
shave with, rather than one.

You can buy Dermalogica at salons nationally
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