What is the best shave cream for men? Do premium shaving creams really offer a noticeable difference?
Here, I attempt to answer these questions.
I was first made aware of Dreadnought Shaving Cream by @HeyClurra.
While I’ve used some higher-end shaving creams before, I usually stick to the Aveeno Active Naturals stuff — it’s about $4, so a little on the higher end for the store. There’s no added scent, and it smells a touch like an oatmeal cookie — a hint of vanilla and a fragrance that quickly dissipates post-shave. It’s a good, solid shave and it’s not that expensive.
Dreadnought shaving cream comes in at $18. Not the most premium price point, but not cheap, either.
Dreadnought shaving cream comes in a delightful canister. It’s perfect for using a shaving brush, but I just added a dot to the palm of my hand and used some warm water to work up a lather.
I was impressed by how thick and rich the lather was. The scent was definitely present. It’s a light, soapy scent. A traditional men’s shaving smell to be sure. After working the stuff into my face, I shaved as I normally do.
My initial impression was positive. The glide was smooth and nice and the stubble cleared nicely. Plus, the scent made me feel fresh and clean. I noticed less irritation than normal, so that’s a plus.
I applied my normal aftershave balm and went about my day.
I noticed my skin felt soft and smooth, seemingly more so than usual.
I used Dreadnought Shaving Cream for a full work week and found it pleasant. Certainly, a good experience.
But, worth $18?
I decided to return to my old standby. I used the old stuff for the weekend. Still, a good, rich lather. But the shave was slightly painful. The irritation post-shave more apparent. After two days, I went back to Dreadnought.
I love it! The shave is clean, the glide is great, the irritation is minimal, the scent is welcoming and I’m imagining will be even better on a warm summer morning. I’d also imagine a woman leaning in for a kiss or to whisper something sweet might find the aroma inviting.
Is it worth 3 times what I used to pay for shave cream? I think so. It is supposed to last through 50 shaves, so about 2 months. If it does, it’s definitely worth it. For now, I’m using Dreadnought and loving it every single day.
For more on the gentleman’s lifestyle, follow @SterlingGent