The Italian Job

Proraso, $11

• When C.O. Bigelow's Ian Ginsberg was researching shaving creams, he loved Proraso so much, he simply outsourced their house label cream ($10) to Proraso's Italian factory.

Despite all the advances in blade technology (the multiple blades, vibration and aerodynamic handles), if you don't have a good shaving cream, you're not going to have a good shave. And Proraso shaving cream doesn't need any improvements. It's as good as it was when introduced by the Italian barbers of Florence in the 1930s. We'll admit, we were first drawn to the retro metal tube, but it was what's inside—a lush cream of eucalyptus, coconut oil and glycerine—that got us hooked. It smooths on like lotion with a subtle scent akin to Ivory soap and as you easily swipe the razor across your face, you feel a slight tingle. When you rinse with cool water, you get a chilling burst of morning relief. Which makes for an efficient and refreshing way to shave in the summer.