JOE’s guide to Movember essentials

From wet shaving kits to what we need once we've finished up to take care of our skin, here are a few essentials for Movember.

While many of us will go around from day to day with what we like to term "designer stubble", the truth of the matter is that we're just really lazy and find that shaving irritates our skin. However, when Movember rolls around, both in order to raise some awareness about a great cause as well as experimenting to see what we would have looked like if we'd been a professional footballer in the early 1980s, we decided to grow a 'tache and start shaving ourselves a bit more to help it stand out. That means that we can either suffer through and endure the red raw uncomfortable feeling every morning, or you can try a few of JOE's Movember essentials that will keep your skin at its best, and feeling much more healthy to boot. They might not be given the Ron Swanson official seal of approval, but we're pretty sure he'd be behind it. Kiehl's Ultimate Man Razor Bump Relief More regular shaving might be needed for many of us to keep our mos on the grow, so that means looking after the parts of our face that are going to be in regular contact with the razor a bit better. With regular shaving also comes the risk of ingrown hairs, and Kiehl's razor bump relief cream helps with that too as well as soothing the skin when it's at its most sensitive. Available from Kiehl's online or their stores in Dundrum and Arnotts A shaving brush Putting together the accoutrement of a manly shaving kit can be an extensive process that involves getting lots of bits and pieces, but you will always need a good brush. It makes you feel like a gentleman, without doubt, and there are a number of options to choose from. You can get a basic one to start (€8.95) or move on and pick up a more fancy one (€24.95) both from Bluebeards Revenge. Available from Dapper.ie Dr. K Shaving Soap with Peppermint Handmade here in Ireland, Dr. K's products are great for everything from beard tonics and soaps to gift sets, but his shaving soaps are the real deal. The touch of peppermint will leave your skin feeling cool and fresh, and sure you might as well pick up a shaving bowl while you're there. Available from the Dr. K website MUHLE R89 razor Wet shaving with a quality blade will feel much more comfortable than any of the cheaper alternatives or disposable blades that cut the face off you. The MUHLE R89 is pretty reasonably priced (€41.95) for a good quality razor, and a real gentleman should always shave with something as classy as this. Available from 4men.ie Jack Black Face Buff Pre-shave Scrub Preparing your skin for a shave is something that a lot of men don't even consider, but in the long run it will not only make the process run more smoothly (no pun intended) but will also minimise discomfort. Jack Black's scrub will lift the dirt and dead skin off, allowing you to get a closer and more comfortable shave. It also contains vitamin C and licorice extract which will help keep the effects of ageing at bay so you get plenty of bang for your buck (€20.45). Not too shabby for waking up your skin first thing in the morning. Available from dapper.ie A starter kit If you want to get everything in the one place, then just grabbing a starter kit might be the way to go. You'll get your razor, a few creams and necessary foams to get yourself shaved and looking dapper in no time. Those stylish Italians at Proraso do a great kit for under €50 which has all you need to have your face as smooth as eggs in no time. What? Eggs are smooth. Available from 4men.ie