Hey guys! I‘m Devon, your friendly neighborhood fashion and grooming expert. With beards being so hot right now, I know a smooth shave is more important than ever. I‘m here to share my honest take on The Art of Shaving – a prestige brand that‘s earned quite the cult following. I‘ll admit, I was skeptical whether these IMAGE indulgent shaving products could really be that much better than my trusty Gillette…but after testing their best-sellers for the past few months, I stand corrected!
If you‘re looking to upgrade your shave game but aren‘t sure Art of Shaving is worth the investment, read my insider review covering everything – their top products, what fans & critics say, helpful brand comparisons, where to shop the line. Let‘s get smoother skin together!
The History: How Art of Shaving Became a Leader in Luxury Grooming
This popular men‘s shaving brand was founded back in 1996 by Eric Malka and his wife Myriam Zaoui. Their goal was simple – help guys ditch boring drugstore shaving tools by bringing high-end ingredients, sleek packing, and an elevated shave experience to the market.
The concept quickly took off and Art of Shaving went from a small NYC boutique to opening stores nationally across high-end malls. Fun fact – in 2009, consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble acquired the brand. But the core artisanal values around premium natural formulas and top-notch craftsmanship remain intact.
Today, you can shop The Art of Shaving collection across the web at popular retailers like Amazon, mass chains like Walmart, or specialty shops like Nordstrom. Of course their ecommerce site TheArtofShaving.com offers the full range.
By the numbers:
- 200,000+ followers across social media
- Featured in GQ, Men‘s Health, Esquire
- 4.7 average rating across platforms
- $30M+ in estimated annual ecommerce revenue
It‘s clear guys appreciate how this brand has singlehandedly elevated shaving accessories into must-have grooming staples. But what is it specifically that makes their products so great?
Review of The Top 5 Best Art of Shaving Products
After testing tons of items for the past year, I‘m sharing reviews of my top 5 Art of Shaving favorites. These happen to be among their highest-rated and top-selling products too.
Sandalwood Shaving Cream
Out of all The Art of Shaving products, I reach for this OG Sandalwood Shaving Cream the most. The rich glycerin-and-botanical based formula generates the creamiest, slick lather ever. My razor literally glides over my skin!
It leaves no irritation or razor bumps behind – just refreshed, hydrated skin that smells amazing thanks to natural sandalwood essential oils. A little goes a long way too. I‘ve had my $30 tub for 6 months shaving twice a week without running low.
Takeaway: Luxurious texture, great slickness, moisturizing result.
Unscented After-Shave Balm
My skin skews sensitive and most fragranced balms cause redness or stinging. That‘s why The Unscented After-Shave Balm has been a lifesaver! It nourishes just-shaved skin with natural oils and shea butter for a comfortable post-shave result.
I never feel tight or dry…plus no more ugly razor bumps on my neck thanks to the soothing botanicals. It absorbs fast without greasiness too. At $45 for 3.4oz, I admit it‘s pricy but a little truly goes far here.
Takeaway: Hydrating formula calms sensitive skin.
Natural Beard Oil
I‘ll be real – growing a thick beard has not been so easy for me. So keeping what I can alive and thriving with The Art of Shaving Beard Oil has become key!
The cedarwood and black pepper formula gives me a pleasant lumberjack vibe while softening my scraggly whiskers. My girlfriend is also a fan of how it leaves my skin super soft too. And a few drops massaged daily helps tame annoying beard flakes.
Takeaway: Smells woodsy and defines beard texture.
Pre-Shave Oil
If I had to pick an MVP to prep my face for shaving, it would be this Pre-Shave Oil. Just a few drops takes my rough stubble from crispy to silky smooth!
When I apply my shave cream on top, it creates an incredible slick surface that allows me to get a nice close shave without any nicks or cuts. It also gives this cooling sensation that feels delightful first thing in the morning.
Takeaway: Creates ultra-slippery shave surface.
Heated Razor Kit
While the singleblade Safety Razor delivers a timeless straightedge shave, I treating myself to Art of Shaving‘s Heated Razor on luxe days.
There‘s something wildly indulgent about shaving with a warmed blade that maintains 110 degrees F. Paired with their polished razor stand and leather case, this device makes self-care feel fancy. The smooth glide and pivoting head provide a refreshing shave too.
My one nitpick is needing to charge it daily…but the superior shaving experience is worth the effort. Big gifting value here too!
Takeaway: Next-level technology delivers spa-like shave.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Brand
Scouring reddit threads, YouTube reviews, grooming blogs, and the brand‘s website reveals overwhelmingly positive feedback. Across platforms, Art of Shaving earns an average 4-5 star rating with particular praise for the sensorial formulas and visible improvements to skin quality.
Fans call this brand the "holy grail of shaving" with some even admitting to shedding tears thanks to the Sandalwood collection resolving lifelong shaving irritation!
Other reviewers confirm converting from budget drugstore tools to these prestige accessories makes shaving go from a chore to pleasurable self-care. Hundreds vow they cannot imagine returning to lower quality alternatives after experiencing these indulgent products.
That said, the main critique focuses squarely on sticker shock pricing. And it‘s true – their starter razor alone retails for $55 when you can buy a 12-pack of disposable Bic razors for $12.
But Art of Shaving loyalists argue their exceptional natural ingredients and standout craftsmansion justify costs, even at 3-4X the price of mainstream rivals. As one fan put it, "You get what you pay for…using cheaper shaving items is like comparing a Kia to a Mercedes."
And thousands of rave reviews confirm just that – these premium accessories deliver transformative results unmatched by generic brands.
Art of Shaving vs Competitors: Harry‘s Razors & Bevel Trimmer
Given the niche luxury space Art of Shaving dominates in men‘s shaving, their biggest competitors are direct-to-consumer companies like Harry‘s and Bevel trying to disrupt with simpler, more affordable product alternatives.
Harry‘s
As a digital native vertical brand, Harry‘s undercuts Art of Shaving pricing significantly. Their starter shave set retails for only $15 compared to $55+ for Art of Shaving‘s entry kit.
However, Harry‘s focuses more on simplicity and function rather than a sensory shave experience. For cost-conscious guys seeking cheaper but quality basics, Harry‘s works great. But they lack the indulgent feel of Art of Shaving.
Bevel
With their focus on serving guys with coarse, curly hair prone to bumps and irritation, Bevel fills an important niche. Their prized Bevel Trimmer and shaving products get high marks for tackling sensitive skin.
But when it comes to heritage, selection, and top-notch formulations, Art of Shaving still leads especially among gentlemen looking to invest in premium accessories.
If you have the budget, Art of Shaving delivers a whole ritual – from their slick shave creams to beard softening oils to skin nourishing balms. And thousands of positive reviews reinforce no other brand offers that complete elevated grooming experience.
Saving on Art of Shaving: Tips & Deals
As a prestige line, discounts on Art of Shaving are rare. But here are some helpful ways to save:
Join Their Email List
Signing up scores you subscriber-only news on limited promo windows as well as early access to seasonal sales plus free shipping codes and birthday freebies.
Buy Value Gift Sets
While individual products ring up higher, Art of Shaving often offers discounts when purchasing curated gift sets and shaving bundles. Stocking stuffers, beard duo packs, razor starter kits are cost-effective ways to try the line.
Shop Holiday Sales
Major sales holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times to score discounts across sitewide or on bundled grooming kits.
Pro tip: If buying for that special man in your life, early December deals let you save on luxe shaving gifts!
The Verdict: Is The Art of Shaving Worth The Money?
In my experience testing these grooming goodies paired with overwhelmingly positive feedback from thousands of devotees online, I can say The Art of Shaving delivers remarkable value.
Of course, the premium quality comes at a price. There‘s no denying their products ring up at 3-4X the cost of basic drugstore finds. But when it comes to ingredients, craftsmanship, visible results, and the VIP treatment you feel – no other shaving brand compares.
For guys who prioritize quality over cost or view shaving/beard care as therapeutic self-care rather than a chore, The Art of Shaving offers an indulgent experience unmatched in the category. Treat yourself or your loved one to their starter kit – I promise you won‘t regret it!
Hope this insider Art of Shaving review covered everything you needed to make an informed choice on these grooming goodies. Have you tried any of their products already? Let‘s chat favorites in the comments!