Best women shaving creams, lotions & gels according to redditors

This works just as well!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0170Y97QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-ANYAbSSDQPFX

I landscape. Short, neat, shave underneath and the grow-out hasn't been as unruly. If you use an exfoliant it'll help minimize the ingrown hairs. Also, they make a specific shaving cream for the vagina you can find online that really does make a difference.

God I hope someone appreciates what I'm about to write.. which is from a combination of sources and personal knowledge. Honestly, shaving your significant other can be a really interesting and personal experience. I applaud you for reaching out to the community, even if it was using a throwaway account. This is a somewhat time consuming and laborious process, but it can be enjoyable if properly planned out in advance and approached as a pampering activity.

Ideally you'll want: a bathtub, scissors, 2 soft towels (small), a bowl of warm water, a loofah, a small dish with baking powder, new tweezers, a new female razor with 3-5 blades and 2 lotion strips on the top and bottom, Bikini Zone gel, Bikini Zone aftershave, baby powder, and a CD of Kenny G (kidding. but some music and a candle can't hurt). In total, you'll probably spend $20 - $30 as a first time cost (hey, it's your wife who you love doing something for you because you love it. come on).

Use a pair of scissors to trim the hair to a more manageable level, preferably down to 1/4 inch, by grabbing patches of the hair and simply cutting. Don't go native on me and start yanking at everything, be gentle. You want to do this before the bath, ideally, since afterwards it might be too soft to cut easily.

Have her take a nice warm bath for at least 15 minutes (or shower if need be, but I think bath is preferred to help her relax and enjoy the experience more). While in the bath, have her use a loofah to exfoliate the skin in the area (being careful to not use any abrasive soaps or getting anything inside of her). This removes dead skin letting the razor do it's job better while also aligning the hairs in the same direction to help you when you're shaving her. Ask her to use Dove or something soft and nonirritating (you don't want to stress the skin before you've even brought the razor into the picture).

The other comments recommending oil/nair/veet are on the right track, but if you want the absolute best product on the market for this.. it's called Bikini Zone. Tend Skin is a reasonably close second. They also have an after shave. You will want an aftershave that acts as a moisturizer; again, I recommend this brand. Let me re-emphasize: you will want the gel and the aftershave. These two products directly addresses her concerns about ingrown hairs and rashing.

You want a NEW razor with multiple blades and a soft lubricant strip on both top and bottom (the more blades the better), a bowl with warm water (warm, not hot), and a soft towel on hand.

Have her dry off as she usually does but have her lie down on your bed (facing up) with a towel under her and one on her head. Pamper her with some soft music and a scented candle too, I mean you're going to have your head and hands buried between her legs.. might as well make an evening out of it.

Wet the towel in the water and apply it to the area with hair to help get it wet and to soften it again.

Follow the directions on the packaging for the lotion/gel and apply it first, then briefly have the razor in the water to help it get wet/warm. Why use a razor with many blades? More surface area decreases the pressure per blade, making it hopefully less likely that any soft skin gets cut.

Place one hand on her pubic mound to help even out her hair (like tugging on your cheek when you shave, just a lot more gentle). Shave with long, slow strokes in the direction of the hair. I'd suggest working outside in so as to gain comfort and courage with the process. Avoid strong downward pressure on the skin, let the blades do the work for you. Rinse the blade with every stroke in the bowl of water.

If you have to get "close" to anything delicate for whatever reason, just be sure to use a bit more lotion/oil and don't lather it so that you can't see the skin below.

When getting the hinge where the thigh meets the pubic area, have her open her legs and bend her knees to help. Shave from the knee to the groin in long, smooth strokes, ensuring that her skin is taut.

Gently pat her off with the soft, dry towel you haven't used yet. You'll want to exfoliate her a second time (gets rid of more dead skin, aligns the hairs so as to prevent ingrown hairs, and it'll allow the aftershave to penetrate her skin better meaning it'll feel softer). You can make a paste out of baking soda and warm water to exfoliate using the soft and warm towel to help you (try not to use the loofah again, the fibers might irritate the skin). Don't work it for more than a minute.

Pat the bikini area off with the soft, dry towel again. If you see any stray hairs, now is the best time to get them. Use a new pair of tweezers (preferably a decent pair with an accurate tip) and take them out while the skin is still soft.

Use the aftershave on the area, again following instructions. Avoid anything with perfumes and colors. If you didn't take my advice earlier and skipped the Bikini Zone aftershave, you can lightly use some aloe vera (the real stuff).

Give it a minute or two to sit uninterrupted on the skin. Now, you'll want to give a very light dusting of baby powder on the area (too much will not let the skin breathe, leading to pimples), lightly spread it over the skin to help reduce the chance of any rashes. Don't use Gold Bond or anything, baby powder is the best for this. Avoid letting any powder into the vagina!

... ta da! You're done for today! It might take a little getting used to, convince her to try it for at least a week to give it a shot (this means you'll have to shave again in 3 days or so) If she wears anything lacy, it may take some time getting used to the stubble catching the fibers. Have her stick to cotton for her first day; after that, she should be fine (rashes/pimples generally only happen the first time or any time an old razor is used).

Feel free to mess around as well, she shouldn't be sore and you two will probably be worked up after spending so much time down unda'h. Be sure to compliment her on how it looks/feels etc, and address it the following day and day after that so she knows you appreciate it.

yes! I’m sorry. I’m a jerk.

i hope this works, i suck at reddit:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0170Y97QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_vRhRAbMBZWEHF

it’s literally called coochy

Fresh razor and I use this gel: Bare Intimate Shave Lotion for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XJV96XO?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf ( though note: my boyfriend just realized he’s allergic to it so I’m switching to something else, otherwise would still use it)

Afterwards I wipe a paper towel with rubbing alcohol over it and then put some neosporin on it to not get razor burn. I read that strippers do that NOT SURE IF ITS TRUE, but works for me I never get razor burn.

As for technique... just practice. Go slow and eventually you’ll know your body enough to go a bit faster.

I then trim the little triangle hair I leave up top with manicure/eyebrow scissors

I like leaving a little triangle. I think it makes stubble look less noticeable because there is already hair there or if you get any ingrown hairs. Plus bushes are “in” now a lot of pornstars have them vs 5 years ago it was all bald. Also feels a little “womanly” to me.

I'd say I prefer the lather made by Arko, just a little bit more, but then again I really like the menthol and eucalyptus added to Proraso. I regularly use both in my weekly rotation, and I'd recommend that you try them both for yourself. If price is an issue, Omega shave soap is the same thing as Proraso, made by the same people, but cheaper.

EDIT: Also, if you're sensitive to menthol, I'd test the Proraso on your arm first. Some people have an unpleasant experience with Proraso because of this.

Yep. I use it there and the sack. But test it out first. Sometimes when it touches my inner thighs I get a chemical burn. Kneecap is fine. Inner thighs are not. Link

I use BikiniZone products, should be available at most drug stores for cheaper and they have different types and formulations. Sometimes it does sting if my razor is getting dull or I didn't exfoliate first but overall it's effective and I use it often.

From Amazon reviews it seems they've changed their formulation recently. Have you used the new one?

My solution:

• Stainless Steel Straight Edge ($18)
  
  
• Shaving soap + bowl ($8)
  
  
• Badger hair Brush ($27)
  
  
• Cutting the shit out of my face the first 10 times (priceless)

A couple years ago I purchased a Parker 60R kit and Shaving soap. Along with it, I purchased a variety/starter set of razors that had varying razors from different manufacturers.

I've always had issues when shaving my neck. I can never get a close shave without causing pain and bleeding. I've watched and read multiple tutorials and tried many different blades out. I still cannot get a good and non-painful shave on my neck.

A while ago i switched back to using cartridge razors because I can get a closer shave with less (but still some) pain, but it still isn't a good shave imo. Is there anything different I can try in the realm of safety razors?

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Shaving-Powder-Strength-Depilatory/dp/B000142TJU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1537492913&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=shaving%2Bpowder&th=1

;) Life changing

Prep is so important. Make sure your skin is as ready as it can be before shaving..A hot shower, or a hot washcloth or towel wrapped on your face for a few minutes. Rub a little conditioner on your face as well during a shower or hot towel soak. Get your skin soft and those pours wide open! What kind of shaving cream do you use? If it's foam in a can or anything Gillette wonder color in a can, throw it away immediately! An easy alternative that makes a world of difference grab yourself a bottle of Kiss my face shaving cream. It will help improve the smoothness of a shave. If you wanna do one even better, grab yourself a bore shaving brush, a shaving bowl and some C.O. Bigelow shaving cream and learn how to lather it up properly and apply it with the brush. Using a brush will help stand the hairs up better so you can get a closer shave...Next, sign up for Dollar shave club and get their middle of the road package. They'll send you more blade then you'll need..I had to cancel my account for the time being because I have stacks of extra blade cases I haven't gotten to yet. You'll save a TON of money and their blades work great. Which leads me into my next tip. Maintain your blades! After every use make sure you rinse all the gunk out from between the blades and then dry it as good as you possibly can!..Most people just give it a quick rinse and toss it back on the counter or wherever while it's still wet..If you dry your blades and don't leave them face down on anything, they'll last much longer...And lastly, when you do all that and actually start to shave after all the prep. Always shave with the grain for the first pass then shave parallel then shave against the grain. Remember to keep your blade rinsed during the process and don't be afraid to lather on a bit more shaving cream, even if its after every couple of strokes..Keep your skin moist and lubricated..Take your time and try to make every pass count. The fewer passes you make the better. Some people will suggest an Alum block to use post shave, but with so many open wounds on your face, I'd hold back on those for now. Not only will it sting like hell for you, it could aggravate any conditions. Only grab one and use as a preventative once your face has cleared up as well as possible...

Also, it would behoove you to learn about Oil cleansing method. My tips may not suit everyone, but as someone who's face use to look like yours and had trouble shaving for so many years. So applying my tips if you haven't tried them already could provide similarly positive results like I had...Good luck!

In general, exfoliating before shaving should help.

Check out Tend Skin - they have different products, I have used the one I linked with much success.

Also, try using Coochy as shaving gel. Yes, it is meant for intimate parts. Yes, it is amazing at keeping you rash-free. No one has to know.....

I do have not used the following advice myself, but strippers swear by using Neosporin as shaving cream and then applying a thin layer of gel deodorant on the freshly shaved skin. I would be cautious and patch-test if you decide to try this.

There's Nair for faces...

http://www.naircare.com/en/Women/Products/Nair-Nourish-Skin-Renewal-Face-Cream?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlf_MBRDUARIsAD8Gj8CSN88ei3Dwtmv_f_7wW4AhTkQ2F2JqUOFR5gObsPMy4INaar8m2fUaAljSEALw_wcB

There's also this stuff, which has been around forever. It's usually in the "ethnic" cosmetics section. An elderly black man asked me to get a can of it off the shelf for him and I asked him if it was any good. Said he'd been using it most of his life, so yeah.

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Shaving-Powder-Strength-Depilatory/dp/B000142TJU

This is the best shaving gel that I have found. I use it on my face and my junk.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008RHO3C4/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_194_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PE8XVZGR7ND6B5BDE2KH&dpPl=1&dpID=61oMYWqaYbL

Depends on the stuff you use.

I (female) use the Dollar Shave Club 4X (https://www.dollarshaveclub.com/blades) with extremely sensitive skin shave gel (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4ZAPGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_U9i4AbWW22119) works great for legs and armpits too.

So firstly, I HAVE to shave in the shower- I think my skin only gets soft and pliable enough to shave without hurting after I've been in steam for a while. I'm a girl but I use the "extra moisturizing" purple label Barbasol with Vitamin E in it now- I used to use this product from the brand Skintimates that had Vitamin E but also shea butter in it as well, and though it's targeted towards women, it REALLY works well for moisturizing so start with that! I also shave with a cream from Lush called "Ambrosia." This is it and it's great because it has oat milk in it, which REALLY prevents my skin from getting rough and bumpy from razorburn. Afterward, I use a Johnson & Johnson product with shea & cocoa butter in it to smooth my legs more, to keep from getting razor burn, and to prevent from getting stubbly longer. I think it all depends on what kind of skin you have- mine's combination, but on the dryer side, so I need a lot of products that have creams, milks, and butter lotions in them but with minimal fragrance because that causes irritation.

I think the hair removal cream you're thinking of is Nair- I wouldn't recommend it personally because it can burn your skin and it smells VERY strong and very much like rotten eggs/sulfur. I used it back when I very first started shaving my legs, and while it worked well and lasted a while, it ultimately wound up irritating my skin to the point where even wearing loose sweatpants burned. Everyone is different, though, so maybe it would work for you!

Also you might already know this, but clean your razor out with water while you're shaving because it'll take the buildup of hairs out and you'll get a closer, more even, less painful and less razorburn-y shave!

And if you want your shave butter, the same chemical plant manufactures coochy cream

Magic Red Shaving Powder 5.0 oz. Extra Strength Depilatory works better than ANY shaving. It's cheap, it smells like rotten eggs, but it WORKS.

my skin is super sensitive-have to use special laundry detergent, can't wear scented lotions, etc. when i used to shave, i had to be hooking up with someone within 6 hours or so, because after wearing underwear for just a few hours it hurt to the touch until my pubes grew back enough and the rash went away, usually about a week, and once i became sexually active i realized this wasn't a sustainable option. Coochy shave cream (you can buy it at sex stores or on amazon) is literally amazing, i can shave multiple days in a row with it, i don't itch afterwards, and it doesn't hurt to touch me. they make it for sensitive skin https://www.amazon.com/Coochy-Rash-Free-Innocent-Fragrance-Free-Shaving/dp/B00BISHTD4/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1465959660&sr=8-5&keywords=coochy+cream+shaving and i swear by it. hope this helps!!

Aw, man, I've got this one. So, what'cha wanna do is shave somewhere where you can be wet. Wet the area you're gonna shave. Now cover that shit in shaving cream. Seriously.

To minimize razor burn, you're gonna want to shave with the grain of the hair first. If there's stragglers, perpendicular. If there's still stragglers, now is the time to go against the grain.

Make sure to rinse the razor after every single stroke. Also, always use a sharp razor! Everybody is gonna tell you to buy a fancy non-disposable razor, and I dunno about that. I'm a lady and I've always used (fancypants) bic disposables, and I dig them, and my partner has good luck with them, too. That said, I know nothing about fancy reusable razors, so I'm not qualified to speak on them. But if you are a disposables man, try out other disposables, instead of sticking to one brand forevaaa. I find that ladies disposables have a lot more variety in shape, and pivotyness, and all that jazz. Don't be ashamed to have a bright pink razor, if it ends up being exactly what you need!

If you still have razor burn, I'd try out Bikini Zone medicated anti-razor burn cream. I personally never had problems with razor burn when shaving my armpits or legs, but when I learned to shave my ladybits that was a different story. It looked like I had gone out of my way to find something I was deathly allergic to, and then rubbed it in. I had no idea what to do about it, and in an act of desperation, I asked my therapist. She pointed me in the direction of the Bikini Zone cream, and told me she'd heard good things about it, and that she and her husband had really good luck with it. This stuff killed my razor burn. It stopped hurting, the inflammation went down, I could - gasp - walk around without my bits hurting. So when the time came that I was I was teaching my partner how to shave his junk, I recommended it to him, too. He originally had really bad luck with shaving, and consequently his junk was covered in blotchy pink areas and red bumps. Seriously it was like a tiny civil war broke out and there was blood everywhere and razor burn everywhere and oh god. Anywho, I've heard good things about it from a bunch of people, and it's what I use.

If all else fails, you might want to look at waxing. Having a professional wax, while expensive, can really help if you're having problems with shaving. They last 4-6 weeks, and they're really not as painful as everybody goes on about. Keep in mind that a professional wax does not mean buying a kit at CVS and trying to fly this plane solo. I once tried an at-home bikini wax and glued my ladybits together. And then my partner tried one, and the whole area just turned into a giant bruise. But anywho, if shaving is not working for you, a professional wax might be something to consider!

I use this stuff. You only need a little bit and it doesn't lather. I hardly ever cut myself unless I accidentally go over my ankle or something.

Bikini Zone Shave Gel Anti-Bumps, 4 Ounce (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NFV7XUG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1VvhDbYVDZY57

I have the razor mentioned above and have clipped my sac a few times with it even while pulling tight.. Be careful.
I have used [Magic Shaving Powder] (http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Shaving-Powder-Strength-Depilatory/dp/B000142TJU/ref=pd_sim_hpc_2) often and find it good if you have at least two weeks of hair on the legs and "nether regions." Do a small test run on your privates first with this though, as it can lead to irritation but not for me. Also I suggest wearing gloves while applying and removing it otherwise you hands will get nice and soft, and possibly lose all the skin on them (not good)

What is your load data with this magic powder?

Shaving without shaving cream will definitely irritate your skin and give you razor bumps. Never do that. I use the brand EOS shaving cream and it's great:

http://www.amazon.com/EOS-Moisturizing-Lavender-Jasmine-7-Ounce/dp/B001MS7P1Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449074127&sr=8-1&keywords=EOS+shaving+cream

I use pure romance's coochy it's PH balanced and I love it, its originally used for shaving but because of its ingredients its safe a healthy to use down there!!

Sorry here it is. This particular vendor massively overcharges but look around on Amazon for a better deal. I paid about $5 USD per can

https://www.amazon.ca/Carson-Magic-Strength-Shaving-Powder/dp/B000142TJU

I've heard of rashes. Would not risk.

However, they make this stuff specifically for facial hair, it was originally made for black men with trouble with razor burn/bumps/ingrown hairs due to how thick and coarse their hair is. I'll try to find a link.

edit: I'm 75% sure this is it. I've never used it, but I hear good things. There are several types within even that brand only. Do some research!

Mug and brush is more of a European phenomenon than an American one, at least for now. But yeah, there are a whole bunch of different options regarding soap, brushes, razors, and blades.

A few years ago, I got a very nice, Chinese stainless steel razor free with a large pack of Derby blades that I'm still using. This was shortly after my foray into mug and brush shaving. Since then, I've tried Omega soap I still use the plastic container it came in for my "mug."

After that, it was some Herban Cowboy I got at the supermarket for $4; it lasted over a year of daily shaves. I liked it but they stopped carrying it. So, I bought a 12-pack of Van Der Hagen shave soap from Amazon for about $15 (price has gone up a bit since then.) This stuff is great; it doesn't have quite the longevity of the Herban Cowboy, but it's even cheaper.

I've been shaving this way for about the past 10 years, starting with a hand-me-down safety razor from my father. Along with the much reduced trash output compared to using compressed shave cream and disposable razors, the thing that really got my attention about the mug and brush method is how inexpensive it is. I'm spending less than $10 a year to shave.

They do, I used to use it in the shower in my cartridge days. It worked okay, but doesn’t hold a candle to the kind of stuff we use now.

With this!

I know the basic Omega Shaving Cream has menthol and eucalyptus in it. It's pretty similar to Proraso in that regard.

My future husband, /u/miketava is my favourite person because no matter how crazy I get, he keeps me grounded. He is my best friend and there is nobody I'd rather spend a lazy evening doing absolutely nothing or travelling halfway around the world mapless with.

<3

Either this shaving cream or this stress ball from his wishlist would be great!

A gift card to go towards a video game for him would also be wonderful! :D

Thanks you for the contest! I hope you have a lovely day! :)

https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-My-Face-Moisture-Shave/dp/B00H58PMG2/ref=sr_1_9_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1469129328&sr=1-9&keywords=kiss+my+face

When you get some money maybe look at this boar brush for $12. Here are some excellent cheap soaps that would last you at least six months Van Der Hagen Glycerin Shave Soap Omega Shaving Cream

You collect lip balms too?? :D What are your favorite ones? Right now I'm really liking the Etude House Honey Cera lip balm, and I use Pure Smile lip treatment (also in honey) as a lip mask at night. I can't handle EOS anymore - I like the shape but the fragrances are way too strong for me and they don't really do much for me in terms of lasting moisture.

LOL I had no idea about feminine washes being good for body soap! That's hilarious and amazing, and potentially embarrassing when you have house guests over maybe ;)

I've tried the Nivea in-shower wash with CoQ10 (blue bottle) and then I switched to using cold pressed sunflower oil in the same way, because it was cheaper and more moisturizing while I was braving a German winter. But since then I've been reading that oil is bad for your drain/pipes, so I've stopped doing that and have been looking for a better alternative to getting an extra moisture boost.

The most moisturizing body wash I've ever used is Dove Pro-Age Body Wash, which I believe is only available in Europe now. I can't find it in stores now that I'm back in the states and it's pretty overpriced online (I used to get it for €1.50 sometimes!), but I might just bite the bullet and order some from the UK for $6/bottle. -.- I'm not that concerned about anti-aging for my body yet, but it's was the most moisturizing thing I could find and that works for me!

I've also been trying a variety of different sls-free soaps and body washes as an alternative (Happy Bath is a good AB option), and what I find is that initially they don't feel as moisturizing as the Dove body wash, but my skin retains moisture for much longer. My theory is that the detergents in the Dove soap are very drying, which they cover up with a lot of "lotiony" ingredients, but those fade and at the end of the day, my skin feels a lot drier. I think in the long term, sls-free body washes are the way to go, and if only I could find one as rich and moisturizing as the Dove one, then I'd be sold! I've been open to trying non-foaming shower oils, but the problem is that I have been using salux cloths and italy towels pretty much since birth so I feel really grimy if I don't get to exfoliate in the shower, and in order for those to work, you need a little bit of foaming action.

I've also done the layering or mixing in oils with lotion to get an extra moisture boost! Argan oil is amazing but pricey, so I use sunflower oil and it works for me. It has a ton of vitamin e in it so that's a plus! (Cosrx also uses a lot of sunflower oil in their products btw!) I want to try sweet almond oil but I haven't figured out which one to buy yet. I feel like cold-pressed organic food-grade oils come at a pretty good price and are good quality so I usually get them from a health food store. Another option would be to get a lotion with a "cream oil" formula - Aveeno has one that I really like with a pink label. I really want to try the illi's Total Aging Care Body Oil & Lotion!! It sounds really amazing but I haven't found an excuse to splurge yet :P Let me know how you like it!! The Innisfree one sounds like a cheaper alternative that could be really nice - I'll have to give it a try! Camelia in a body lotion sounds dreamy :)

Kikumasamune (did i spell that right) is definitely on my list! It's actually in my cart because the price just dropped on Amazon ($12.98 rn!). I'm just waiting to get one more $5 gift card from Bing rewards so I can get it basically for free :) I've also been looking at [Naturie Skin Conditioner] (http://www.amazon.com/Imyu-naturie-Skin-Conditioner-500ml/dp/B000FQP2YS) as another option, maybe as a hydrating body mist for the summer. But there was a [recall] (https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/42tafu/psa_imju_naturie_skin_conditioner_recall/) recently for this product for some reason, which has me a little concerned...

Omg the struggle with shaving is so real! I've had pretty good luck getting rid of ingrowns by splashing on Thayer's toner on my legs, after shaving and before lotion. I've also repurposed an AHA toner for the same reason and it made my legs super smooth, but I would only do it on days that I don't shave, to minimize irritation. My favorite shave cream is this [Shave Cream from Trader Joes] (http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Moisturizing-Cream-Shave/dp/B002URZUZG). This stuff changed my life! I can't really shave with anything else and I even brought a bunch of tubes with me when I was living abroad. It doesn't foam - it has the consistency of a thick conditioner or hair pack and it's the best! I kind of want to try shaving with an oil cleanser or with a face wash like Shiseido Perfect Whip, but I feel like that could lead to a really expensive habit. lol I feel like which razor you use is really important - I recently got a pack of the Venus Embrace Sensitive with Aloe and I feel like it's not as nice, a little bit more scratchy, than the original.

Sorry for the wall of text! Thanks for all your recommendations!! :D :::Snail Hugs:::

It is! You can buy it on amazon!
Coochy Cream

EOS Shaving cream has really helped me. Keep the blades on your razor new-ish.

It sounds like I have similar facial hair issues as you. (note i’m still only in the shaving, sometimes-feminine presenting stage so my perspective may be very different from yours).

This is the depilatory cream I use: http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Shaving-Powder-Strength-Depilatory/dp/B000142TJU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

It cuts down on my beard shadow better than anything else I have used. Only problem is my skin is too sensitive to use it more than once every 3 days. But it at least helps to get ready for a particular day! And the day after using this is usually similar to what I look like just after shaving with a razor.

But you have to mix it with water yourself, I think irregularities in mixes make it not work 100% reliably (that, or it just needs to be used when the hair is still pretty short to really be effective—i haven’t fully determined why it’s more effective some times than others).

Same here.
I've found that this product is great for shaving.

Bikini Zone Shave Gel Anti-Bumps, 4 Ounce (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NFV7XUG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_T57HzbRZK85ME

If you have acne, it's generally a good idea to clean your face in the morning as well - unless you feel it's drying out your face. You can use your cleanser in the shower (don't use water that's too hot for your face though).

Any shaving cream that suits your skin will do - it's mostly a matter of trying things out. Avoiding actual soap is generally a good idea. I've looked around on /r/wicked_edge for you, and the Alba Botanica Natural Very Emolient Cream Shave seems like it wouldn't dry you out, just like the Lovely Body shaving creams. I'm sure you can find lots of other options, but those are just two I happened to come across. As with all skin care products, patch test before using :)

Some general skincare advice: add sun protection! BP makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing chances of sunburn, wrinkles and pigmentation spots (even in winter). Our sunscreen wiki has sunscreen recommendations; our moisturizer wiki has SPF moisturizer recs.

In addition, I'd check if your skin might be dehydrated. You describe your skin as oily, but it feels tight with your new shaving cream and you're adding jojoba oil over your moisturizer, so this leads me to think your skin may be dehydrated and therefore looking oily. If that's the case (check the link to see if the description fits), stop using the BP and any other drying products you may be using at night.

Get some of this:

http://www.amazon.com/Bikini-Zone-Medicated-Creme-28/dp/B0009R14YK

I use it and it works wonders when I shave.

I exfoliate before I get my legs wet and use a moisturizing shaving cream (right now I'm using this from Trader Joe's, I've also used EOS stuff from Duane Reade). I have one of those fancy Venus razors with the moisturizing strip and it really helps for a clean shave. I also put on heavy duity moisturizer immediately after getting out of the shower (whether I shaved or not) to help prevent my skin from getting irritated.
I am exceptionally pale and have very dark hair, don't let the naysayers get you down.
Stridex and witch hazel might help, and I've used them before with adequate results but I found them to be very drying.

What they said, lots of good creams out there. Recently got Gillette Pure and it's good. Can use a brush or not. Brush creams you can quickly lather by rubbing it between your hands.

My fave is Trader Joe's. A little goes a long way, incredibly slick, smells great. If you want something cheap but great, try Pro Shave. I was quite skeptical at first, never heard of it, looks very mom & pop. Smells like zinc oxide! But honestly this stuff gives a helluva good shave. I bought an empty tube to put it in when I'm traveling.

In the cheap brushless category there's also Stephan's. Haven't tried it but it's been around forever. Works, I think.

I use a mach 3 and http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Honey-Moisturizing-Vitamin/dp/B002URZUZG this shaving stuff from Trader Joes. It smells delicious and absorbs a lot of water to get a very nice shave.

Even though pores don't 'open and close' per se, it definitely did make some of my clogged pores and the occasional whitehead loosen up and come out right after steaming. But yes since posting this I've completely stopped steaming my face and using grape seed oil.

I will definitely look into getting an AHA, thanks! I had never really looked into those until now. I'm a bit hesitant on the CeraVe because I've heard of people having issues with it, but if OCM along with the AHA isn't helping enough I'll patch test it and see how that goes.

I've begun using a separate razor for my face, and I shave with just water. I do my upper lip once about every week or two, and my entire face about once a month. But for my body, I use Trader Joe's honey mango shave cream.

Serious answer from someone else who suffers from pseudofolliculitis barbae, albeit on a very mild level.

1)Electric razors

2) Use a DE razor, a fresh razor, and shave every other day max, shave in the shower at the end of your shower, use sensitive shaving cream with menthol and wash your face with castile soap afterwards or a salicylic acid treated facial wash and use a soothing medicated balm. Never shave against the grain. You will not get a smooth shave. Give up on it. Experiment with razor brands. Astra and Feather are good but might be too sharp.

3) You are a black guy, so I don't need to teach you the wonders of cocoa butter. Sooth your face, treat it like a baby's bottom.

4) Barium-sulfide based depilatories: http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Shaving-Powder-Strength-Depilatory/dp/B000142TJU

5) Grow a sexy beard.

6) Get some creams that contain allointin and retin-a. Smear that shit on your face. I suggest mixing up some cocoa butter, allointin cream, retin-a cream, and some salicylic acid cream and using it as an after-shave balm.

7) Laser hair removal. Sharks with frickin laser beams.

you're shaving with soap? wow, stop. stop using soap completely for everything its shite and will dry your skin out

shaving foam/gels actually suck, i really like this stuff: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ladies-Shave-TWIN-PACK-Queen-Shaves/dp/B01K4ICIY8/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542567194&sr=8-2&keywords=queen+of+shaves

but anything like that is cool. you can use conditioner instead, it's great

for moisturising your body afterwards, e45 is really good and cheap

use a decent razor too. i still use a mens multi blade one, theyre generally better value than the womens ones, i think its a wilkinson sword hydro 3. the cheap shit disposable razors are cheap and shit

physically exfoliate before you shave, a loofa or an... exfoliaty glove?

if your skin is still fucked up after all this, then just do it against the grain, and not every day. do that for a bit, see if it improves. if it does a bit, there's a bunch of stuff you can do to help, other people would know better than me

For the lazy and wanting to see reviews:

Amazon.com - "Dr. Bronner's Shaving Soaps" - ALL scents LINK

Amazon.com - "Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Shaving Soap" - 100+ reviews LINK

TLDR: Seems to rate well.