Apply Your Shaving Barrier
The type of shaving formula you choose — oil, cream, mousse — is based on personal preference, but the important thing is you have one. "You don't want to shave dry or wet without a barrier because it'll irritate the skin, so having one makes for a more comfortable shave," says Sofronas. Her product of choice is the Pacific Shaving Company Ultra Slick Shave Stick ($20), which is a solid, transparent formula that lathers when introduced with water. "It's a shave stick in what looks like a deodorant container, so it's super easy to use. You just swipe it across your skin to create that barrier, but then unlike shaving cream you can also see any areas that you missed."
If you want something easier to spread across skin, the King C Gillette Transparent Shave Gel ($7) or Billie Shaving Cream ($8) are good options. For beginners, or if you want more of a guide to areas so you don't accidentally glide across the skin more times than you need to, an opaque formula like a cream or mousse might be best. Just make sure whatever you use is fragrance-free and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals that could cause an adverse reaction.
