10 grooming products our editors rely on to help them look their best, starting at $10

CNN

23-04-2025

Over the years, CNN Underscored editors have tested plenty of grooming products, whether it was for work or because we needed something for our own routines. If you're looking to amp up your men's grooming arsenal, you're in luck, because we're rounding up our top picks. From a beard trimmer that one of our editors has had for years to the volumizing hair powder our electronics writer loves, here are 10 grooming products our editors stand by.
Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion Cordless Beard Trimmer
I've had this beard trimmer for about four years now, and I use it nearly every week. I love its ergonomic feel, and it's great at both trimming bulk in my beard and sharpening lines on my jaw. When we tested the best beard trimmers, it was our performance pick, and after years of additional testing, I can still see why. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Read our review
Philips Norelco OneBlade 360
I love my Philips OneBlade. I have used this for years, and it still performs great. The 360 blade is great for getting all edges of my face, and the attachable comb is great for getting the perfect length. I have used tons of other razors in the past and somehow always manage to nick or accidentally cut myself, but with this razor, that has never been an issue. I also find that the battery life on this razor lasts a while, so I don't need to charge it very often. This is a major plus, especially when I'm traveling and need to touch up my facial hair but forget the charger. — Tyler Holender, social strategist
Kevin Murphy Powder Puff Volumizing Powder
The only way my hair ever looks as decent as it does is thanks to three things: my fantastic barber, Alexia Saras, and the two products I use whenever I need to impress. When it's time to get fancy, I sprinkle in a very light amount of Australian hair care brand Kevin Murphy's Powder Puff Volumizing Powder, which basically helps my hair come to life. Not to wax too poetic, but I always feel like this stuff is breathing a tiny gust of air into my hair. Then I put a little bit of that same brand's Rough Rider paste into my hair to lock that volume in. I've used the paste for a lot longer than the powder and have always loved how it keeps my hair looking matte and clean. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
Dollar Shave Club Shave Butter, 2-Pack
I didn't really care about what shaving cream I used until I tried Dollar Shave Club's Shave Butter. It becomes translucent when you rub it on your skin, so you can actually see where you're shaving. Plus, I've noticed no difference when it comes to smoothness from traditional shaving creams. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pet editor
Philips Norelco Multigroom Series 9000 21-Piece All-in-One Trimmer
The use I've gotten out of this all-in-one trimmer is terrific for under $100. Its main function is helping me maintain my beard when I rock one, but I've also used its attachments to shave my face, trim nose hairs and even pull off a full buzz cut. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer
Gillette Fusion5 Power Razor for Men
I've been a proud bald guy for five years and counting, and have relied on this cheap Gillette razor to keep my head as smooth as a baby's for almost that entire time. Paired with a good shave gel, the Gillette Fusion5 glides softly and comfortably around my dome; I can probably count on one hand the rare occasions where I accidentally nicked myself. Sure, I have to pick up blade refills every few months, but that's still cheaper than what I was paying my barber to cut what was left of my hair — and certainly a less costly investment than those scary-looking dome shavers I always see ads for. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer
This was the daily moisturizer that got me serious about skin care, and I still haven't found anything better. It doesn't leave a sticky or heavy feeling after it's applied, and it doubles as a great daily sunscreen. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer
Bevel Safety Razor
Most of the time I quickly shave my neck with my Wahl beard trimmer, but if I want to get a close, quality shave, I always reach for my Bevel Safety Razor. I love how simple its design is, how easy it is to clean and how close a shave I can get. Plus, replacement blades are ridiculously cheap, especially compared to more popular three- or five-blade replacements. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor
Leaf Shave Thorn Single-Edge Razor
There are pros and cons to shaving with a single-edge razor, and so far, Leaf has done the best job at convincing me it's a superior alternative to multi-blade cartridges. The angled head lightens the learning curve for new users. If you're looking to save money over the long haul with a sustainable shave, Leaf is worth a look. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer
SinkShroom Ultra Bathroom Sink Strainer
I'm always shocked at just how much hair comes off my face when I trim my beard, and this little gadget helps me keep all that facial hair out of my drains. I keep it in my sink at all times, and it makes cleanup after shaving that much easier. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor What grooming products should men have?
What grooming products should men have?
Everyone's grooming routine is different, so the products in one man's routine may look completely different from what's in anothers. Some common grooming products include razors, beard oils, trimmers and aftershave.
What is a proper grooming routine for men?
What is a proper grooming routine for men?
A solid skin care routine is the foundation for any beauty or grooming routine. If you're someone who also likes to shave, Jake Murphy, a senior barber and manager at Ruffians Covent Garden, said in our guide to the cleanest shave that properly prepping your skin by cleansing it thoroughly should be the first step in the shaving process. The experts in that article then recommend following up with a moisturizer or an aftershave.
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis rounded up some of the team's favorite grooming products.