Trader Joe's Moisturizing Cream Shave (for Men and Women)

I used to use Alba's super-luxe cream shave (from Whole Foods), which left my legs feeling luxuriously smooth & moisturized. When I came across TJ's cream shave--which has an almost identical bottle, but which costs 50% as much--I decided to give it a try. I've never gone back--except for the price tag, I can't detect any difference between the products.

That said, a few tips on how to use the cream effectively.

First, don't expect any lather at all from this product. That's just not how it works (which is fine with me, since I don't see the point in using needless propellants).

Second, just a very thin layer of the cream is sufficient. You won't be able to see it very well, since it goes on pretty much clear. That means it's a bit harder to tell where you've already shaved. But that's true of most any shave creams.

Third, the creme adheres a bit more than regular foam (to your skin and your razor), so make sure you rinse well.

My husband reports that it works well on his face as well, but he finds the strong scent a bit TOO strong (although he says it smells nice on me ;) ).

This is a good product for travel, since a little 3 oz. bottle of it (you have to put it in your own re-usable travel bottle, since TJ's doesn't sell a travel size) goes further than travel-sized foaming products.

You might not find any difference between the product at Whole Foods and Trade Joe's because it might be exactly the same. Trader Joe's, Kirkland brand at Costco have a huge variety of private label products. It's not a bad thing, it just shows you that as consumers we are subjected to a lot of marketing and often buy more expensive products; when not only are there cheaper alternatives, but there are exactly the same thing wrapped up in different packages. It's almost impossible to figure this out, but it's something to be aware of.

Although I love Trader Joe's, I do not like this shave cream.  It just doesn't do a very good job with my thick beard.  The razor just slides over the beard and doesn't cut effectively.  Sorry....I can't recommend it.

One bottle of this stuff lasts a surprisingly long time...you only need a bit to shave (I've used it on my legs). It doesn't foam (just creates a very thick, lubricating layer to protect against razor burn, etc.). I personally prefer a foaming shaving cream, but if that doesn't matter to you then this is a great, affordable product (TJs always has winning products). I also totally agree that it smells great!