After receiving the Art of Shaving Starter Kit as a gift, I fear I may have inadvertently entered the world of getting a proper shave... and I can never go back. Perhaps you've wandered into their store that opened a while back in Galleria, and you've marveled at how beautifully designed their products are. Then you glanced at the price tag and went running out that door from sticker shock. Fear not! Their starter kit is the perfect introduction and unfortunately, gets you hooked on their product from the very first use.

First let’s begin with the shaving ritual. For those that shave nearly every day, shaving is a tedious task that takes up just enough time to be annoying when getting ready in the morning. This kit adds a few extra steps, but by no means an amount that will make you late for work. You begin with applying the Pre-Shave Oil. This softens the beard and prepares the skin for a close shave without leaving an oily residue.

You next apply some shaving cream lather over the oil using the Shaving Brush. This is perhaps the most enjoyable part of the shave because it's a break from the monotonous routine of putting some lather in your hand and rubbing it all over you face. Using a dish, your hands stay clean and with a circular motion you get a nice lather over your entire face.

Next you grab your razor. This is where the Art of Shaving looses me. While their razors are very handsome and beautifully made, they are just handles that you swap out your 1-3-6 or however many razor blade head you prefer. Use a razor you like. Or buy one of theirs. Etsy has some incredible razors with stands for a fraction of the price which are definitely worth checking out.

After you've completed your shave, apply the After-Shave Balm. Almost immediately after your shave you'll notice that your skin doesn't feel tight. There's no burning sensation or redness. A couple of hours into your day, you'll be amazing at how incredible your face feels! Perfectly moisturized without a bump in sight.

This was not a sponsored post. This is an honest account of my experience with Art of Shaving and I cannot recommend it enough. Unfortunately, like I said, you get hooked. The kits I've found are the best way to go. But you'll run out of certain products before others. They start at this small one for $25, but then quickly increase to $60 for the full size kit, and upwards to $225 for the finer quality brushes, etc. Thankfully, there are plenty of other shaving products out there that work pretty much the same, for much less.

Take Kiehls for instance. Their starter kit is much larger and includes other products like soap and face wash for $42. Wegmans also carries a fine array of established shaving products, so finding something to fit your budget shouldn't be a problem.

All I know is this: as men, we should enjoy shaving. For many, it's something we must do, so why not treat your face instead of punish it by using the best products possible and enjoy the art of the shave.

$25