f we’ve learnt anything from James Bond, it’s that a closely-shaven face should be on the moodboard of every man looking for a polished look - and there’s no way to achieve a chiseled close cut without the help of a quality shaving cream. Especially if you want to avoid the many razor-related injuries that are easily inflicted with a blade alone.

Maybe you’re smartening up for a dinner date, or perhaps you’ve got an important presentation on the horizon at work, either way, they’re occasions where anything from an ungroomed five o’clock shadow to an unruly beard isn’t on the guestlist.

You may think the heavy lifting is in the razor, but the handy tool only gets you so far. Without the all-important cream with its protective, hydrating, and shave-enhancing properties you’ll either end up Sweeny Todd-ing yourself (eek!), or with a look à-la Edward Scissorhands - and we can’t be having that.

The best time to lather up your face with the foamy goodness is when you hop out of the shower, as your facial hair is at its softest and easiest to cut - if you’re feeling particularly extravagant, a shaving brush would make this task much more enjoyable. Then all you need to do is carefully guide the razor safely through to end up with a baby face glow.

So, wave goodbye to any nicks, cuts, or stray hairs with the help of a quality shaving cream.

Enriched with soothing aloe vera to reduce irritation and witch hazel for its antibacterial action, Grüum’s shave gel will combat potential post-shave problems. It can be used clear for maximum precision or gently foamed if you’re partial to a lather - and with extracts of orange and eucalyptus, it smells great too.

Formulated without silicone, and with 99 per cent natural ingredients, French brand Horace’s shaving cream will deliver a comfortable shave for all skin types. As this cream is very rich, it’s perfect for shaving the body’s more sensitive areas - it will even work on your noggin!

For a cool refreshing shave, go for Malin + Goetz’s Vitamin E shaving cream which contains a touch of menthol for minty freshness. Not only will your skin feel soothed and protected thanks to vitamin E, but extracts of shea butter will provide extra nourishment and hydration, leaving you with a baby soft finish. Its light, sheer texture, means you can easily see where you’re shaving for maximum precision.

A non-lathering formula, Neal’s Yard’s close shave cream is packed with skin-loving ingredients including organic oat extract, purifying red clay, and lavender. If you’re looking for a close shave that’s as enjoyable as it is exact, this is the cream for you.

Skincare aficionados Aesop knows its way around a well-groomed visage. With key ingredients of sandalwood, neroli blossom, and pantherol, it will leave you with a razor-close shave, and will calm and soothe your skin in the process. What more could you want? Oh yes, that’s right, a shaving brush.

With aloe vera to allow any razor to glide easily over the skin, Clinique’s oil-free formula will leave you razor burn and nick-free. A lightweight gel, it will give you a smoother, closer shave, as well as leaving your face looking hydrated and soothed. Suitable for all skin types, it’s a real crowd pleaser.

Unscented, aloe vera-infused, and enriched with sesame oil, Kiehl’s no nonsense shave cream ensures you’ll start your morning right with a smooth finish. With no water needed, it’s a convenient option that even works on sensitive or extra oily skin.

What’s a shaving routine without Gillette? You’ll prevent razor burn, ensure hydrated skin, and achieve your ideal facial hair style by using their shaving gel. The scent of patchouli, sandalwood, jasmine, peppermint and pink pepper will keep you coming back for more.

Chanel’s lightweight formula will give you a close, comfortable, and easy shave, leaving your skin feeling refreshed. All you need to do is lather the translucent gel on your visage and you’ll have protected, reinvigorated skin that’s ready to live its clean-cut glory days.