Total Shaving Solutions Shaving Oil €5.36

Highs: Just ten millilitres of this concoction, made up of natural oils, lasts three months, and three drops rubbed into a beard offers a comfortable shave. Its size makes it the best option for travel. It doubles as aftershave balm and the company hails from Castlebar.

Lows: Because it is oil-based it has a tendency to clog up blades. Then there is the temptation to disregard the three-drops instruction and splash it on liberally - wasteful.

Verdict: Great product, great value.

Star rating: *****

Simple for Men Silicon Gel €5.15

Highs: Like almost every gel, this promises to take the irritation out of shaving with special unguents. This gel does not generate much foam which means it's easier to avoid blobs of soap. The plastic tube makes it lighter and more compact.

Lows: With just 175 millilitres, it contains less gel than any of its rivals (with the exception of the Total Shaving Solution oil) yet comes in only 14 cent cheaper than the Mach 3 Turbo gel. It feels a little greasy.

Verdict: Just a little pricey

Star rating: ***

Nivea for Men Sensitive Gel €3.71

Highs: Although by no means cheap, this is the cheapest of the shaving gels tried. It lathers pretty well and delivers as close a shave as any of its rivals. It also comes with all manner of soothing balms.

Lows: It is open to debate whether or not these ointments make a difference. Nor does it make shaving the blissful experience you'd hope for after reading the bumph. It's also hard to see this lasting more than a couple of weeks.

Verdict: Fairly good.

Star rating: ***

Gillette Mach 3 Turbo Gel €5.29

Highs: This is being marketed as a high-end product. The sparkling new can matches its battery-powered razor and the deployment of the company's patented "anti-friction plus system" promises a closer than ever shave. The gel does facilitate a fairly comfortable shave.

Lows: The slick packaging and David Beckham ads come at a cost. This is almost €1.50 more expensive than the cheapest brand tried and it is hard to find any difference.

Verdict: Not the best a man can get.

Star rating: **

*****Excellent **** Great ***Fine **Below Par *Awful