Checklist · 12 picks · 3 categories
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Grooming doesn't need a 12-step routine. Get a good trimmer, wash your face, moisturize, and you're already ahead.
The beard trimmers and electric shavers here come from Reviewed's published tests, so pick a trimmer if you keep some scruff and a shaver if you like it smooth. BestReviews' top nose trimmers handle the stray hairs nobody talks about, and its beard oils fix that itchy, scratchy phase. For skin, NBC Select's cleanser and moisturizer picks keep it simple, plus Byrdie's favorite budget cream for dry skin. Each card shows the drawback its outlet called out. Start with a trimmer, a cleanser and a moisturizer, then add the rest as your routine grows.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you want a full skincare routine; the Skincare Starter list goes deeper on cleansers, SPF and acne care.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wahl Lithium Ion+ Stainless Steel Grooming Kit | mid | $50-100 | one trimmer that handles the whole beard | 1 outlet |
| Wahl Professional Half Pint Trimmer | budget | $25-50 | touch-ups and travel | 1 outlet |
| Wahl LifeProof Shaver | budget | $25-50 | a clean shave on a budget | 1 outlet |
| Philips Norelco 9500 | splurge | $200-300 | a close daily shave, wet or dry | 1 outlet |
| Wahl 2-In-1 Deluxe Lighted Ear, Nose, And Brow Trimmer | budget | under $15 | nose, ear and brow cleanup for cheap | 1 outlet |
| Zorami Ear, Nose Hair Trimmer and Clipper | budget | $15-25 | trimming in the shower | 1 outlet |
Best beard trimmermid pick · Kit with case
Best for one trimmer that handles the whole beard
Reviewed's best beard trimmer overall: a sharp, well-equipped stainless-steel trimmer that suits most people.
Heads up. Difficult to clean, and it isn't made for the shower
1 outlet. Reviewed best beard trimmer overall.
$50-100
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budget pick · Compact
Best for touch-ups and travel
Reviewed's best beard trimmer for travel: a tiny trimmer that runs on one AA battery, made for trips and quick touch-ups.
Heads up. It's loud, and the blade is only about an inch wide
1 outlet. Reviewed best Beard Trimmer for Travel.
$25-50
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Best electric shaverbudget pick · Foil shaver
Best for a clean shave on a budget
Reviewed's best value electric shaver: a tough foil shaver that charges quickly and works for all hair types.
Heads up. Poor wet shave performance
1 outlet. Reviewed best Value electric shaver.
$25-50
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splurge pick · Rotary shaver
Best for a close daily shave, wet or dry
Reviewed's best overall electric shaver: a strong rotary shaver that works well dry, wet or with shaving cream.
Heads up. Underwhelming pop-up trimmer
1 outlet. Reviewed best Overall electric shaver.
$200-300
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Best nose trimmerbudget pick · Handheld
Best for nose, ear and brow cleanup for cheap
BestReviews' best bang for the buck nose and ear trimmer: simple yet solid, with a rotary head that trims with minimal snagging.
Heads up. BestReviews notes it can feel lower in quality than other models
1 outlet. BestReviews best Bang for the Buck nose and ear trimmer.
under $15
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budget pick · Handheld
Best for trimming in the shower
BestReviews' best of the best nose and ear trimmer: portable and waterproof, and it handles brows, noses and ears.
Heads up. Batteries aren't included
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best nose and ear trimmer.
$15-25
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Best beard oilbudget pick · 2 oz
Best for softening a scratchy beard
A BestReviews top pick for a mineral-oil-free beard oil: argan, jojoba and six other oils to soften your beard and the skin under it.
Heads up. The bottle is quite small and leaks easily
1 outlet. BestReviews top Pick beard oil.
under $15
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mid pick · Bottle
Best for growing a beard without the itch
BestReviews' best of the best beard oil: a non-greasy, essential-oil blend that moisturizes dry hair and calms the itch of growing a beard out.
Heads up. Works best with repeated use
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the Best beard oil.
$25-50
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser | budget | $15-25 | skin that breaks out | 1 outlet |
| Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser | budget | under $15 | very dry or easily irritated skin | 1 outlet |
| Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer | budget | under $15 | a light, no-fuss daily moisturizer | 1 outlet |
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | budget | $15-25 | dry, sensitive skin on a budget | 1 outlet |
Best face cleanserbudget pick · Bottle
Best for skin that breaks out
NBC Select's best cleanser for acne-prone skin: a soothing foam-cream that isn't drying and leaves skin feeling soft.
Heads up. Not the best pick for dry skin
1 outlet. NBC Select best cleanser for acne-prone skin.
$15-25
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budget pick · Bottle
Best for very dry or easily irritated skin
NBC Select's best budget-friendly cleanser for dry skin: a glycerin cream-gel that's great for very dry skin, safe for eczema-prone skin and won't clog pores.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select best budget-friendly cleanser for dry skin.
under $15
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Best face moisturizerbudget pick · Bottle
Best for a light, no-fuss daily moisturizer
NBC Select's best moisturizer for sensitive skin: it absorbs quickly and layers under makeup and sunscreen without pilling.
Heads up. NBC Select gives no drawback detail for this one
1 outlet. NBC Select best moisturizer for sensitive skin.
under $15
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budget pick · Tub
Best for dry, sensitive skin on a budget
Byrdie's best moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin: a fragrance-free, gentle formula in a big, affordable tub that hydrates right away.
Heads up. A tub can get contaminated if you dip in with dirty hands
1 outlet. Byrdie best moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin.
$15-25
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
A trimmer keeps stubble or a beard at a set length, and a shaver takes it all off. If you switch between the two, Reviewed's top trimmer pick comes with a shaver attachment, so one kit can cover both.
Only if it's made for it. Reviewed says its top pick, the Wahl Lithium Ion+, isn't meant for the shower. The Wahl LifeProof shaver is waterproof, but Reviewed found it shaves poorly when wet.
Not on day one. It helps when a growing beard feels dry, brittle or itchy. BestReviews' top pick moisturizes dry hair and isn't greasy, and the budget pick softens both your beard and the skin underneath.