My quest for the perfect shave came from an unfortunate genetic trait: My facial hair is so patchy and blond that I actually look younger if I don't cut it off every morning. And with skin so sensitive it turns red if you look at it wrong, that much blade-on-skin action always leads to angry inflammation. Daily, I was forced to choose between looking like a peach-fuzzed teen or a talking Red Hot. So I tried every razor—from single- to quintuple-blades, LiquidGel Pad to UltraWet TorqueBall—hoping to find one that didn't ravage my fragile mug. No dice.

One day, my cheeks afire, it occurred to me that the blade might not be the culprit. I eyed my generic shaving foam, with its suspicious claim to protect “sensitive skin,” and started experimenting with new creams and gels—even a shaving oil. Any lingering heat I doused in a slew of new aftershaves. At last, I could tell I was approaching shaving enlightenment. I'd finally found a routine that kept my face happy: a hot cloth and a splash of tonic, followed by a concentrated shaving cream like Fulton & Roark's ($16), then an alcohol-free moisturizer. The blades started gliding instead of shredding.

My epiphany? Shaving is less about the razor and more about the stuff you apply before and after it hits your skin. So bring on the product!

But First, You Need a Razor

Harry's new Winston has an upgraded handle, meaning less pressure for each stroke—plus, there's a precision trimmer for sideburns on the back of the razor. They've teamed up with Target, so now you're not out of luck when your blade goes kaput during a business trip. $20

Best Shaving CreamWith the Fulton & Roark Shave Cream—made up of avocado, tea tree oils, and citrus oils—a little goes a long way. When your shaving cream is loaded up with this much moisturizing goodness, the aftershave is a bonus (and not a necessity). $16

Best Nick DefenderEven the best shavers mess up the basics; anything done in the morning is susceptible to error. When you eventually nick yourself—and grooming law dictates this only happens as you're on your way to a wedding, party, or job interview—take care of it with the Mr Natty Alum Bar. $6

Best All-Around Shave GelFor the ruddy-cheeked among us, turn to Nivea for Men Sensitive Shaving Gel. Swap it in your shaving routine, and say goodbye to the irritation you thought you'd have to live with forever. Added bonus: It's inexpensive and you can find it anywhere, so even non-sensitive folk should take notice. $4

Most Soothing AftershaveStop razor burn with Task Essential After-Shave. Despite what your ancestors might have told you, a good aftershave soothes the skin instead of drying it or making it smell like a musky cabin. $48

Best Bump DefenderSometimes, even the best shaving technique won't prevent 100 percent of ingrown hairs. Malin+Goetz Ingrown Hair Cream saves your neck. $34

Zestiest Before-and-After ElixirPerk up after shaving with Baxter of California Shave Tonic. Menthol, rosemary, and aloe team up to get the job done, working as a toner that works great paired with a moisturizer to complete the perfect post-shave routine. If you've got an extra minute, take Baxter's word and spray it on a hot towel pre-shave. We dig it. $18

Related Stories for GQGrooming AwardsShavingGrooming