# SHAVE YOUR SIDEBURNS AND CHEEK LINE _Published: 2026-11-11_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Subscribe](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Shaving Technique · The Edges SIDEBURNS & CHEEK LINE Two small edges that frame your whole face. Here’s how to shave them clean and keep them even. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read · Shaving Technique 2 sides to match check both after every pass 4 steps look, mark, shave, compare 4 SmartShave models SB3 and CB3 (3-blade), GG5 and BB5 (5-blade) £9.99 starter kit includes a premium handle and a cartridge A missed patch on your cheek barely shows. A crooked sideburn or a wobbly cheek line shows from across the room. The edges of your shave matter more than they look like they should, and they’re easy to get right once you slow down. ## Why the Edges Are Tricky Symmetry Two Sides Have to Match Your eye spots a difference between left and right straight away, so one slightly higher sideburn stands out. Angles Awkward Spots Around the Ear The razor has to work around the ear and temple, where the skin is uneven and the angle changes. Light Poor Light Hides Mistakes A dim bathroom makes it hard to see where a line really sits. Shave near good light where you can. Pressure Edges Tempt You to Press Pressing to get a sharp line is how you get irritation. See [our razor burn guide](https://smartshave.co.uk/razor-burn/). ## Three Things to Get Right 1 **Decide the Line First** Pick where your sideburns end before the razor touches your skin. A common reference point is the middle of your ear. Hold a finger against it on each side to check they match. Action: Check both sides against the same point. 2 **Work in Small Steps** Take a few short strokes on one side, then look at the other. Going back and forth keeps the two sides level, and it’s easy to take more off but impossible to put it back. Action: Compare after every pass. 3 **Keep Strokes Short and Light** Gently stretch the skin with your free hand and use short strokes with no pressure. Let the razor follow the line rather than forcing it. Action: Light touch, short strokes. ## A Simple Edge Routine Step 1 **Look** Face the mirror in good light and decide where each sideburn and your cheek line should sit. Step 2 **Prep** Wash with warm water and apply shaving cream or gel. See [how to shave properly](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-shave-properly/) for the basics. Step 3 **Shave below the line** Use short strokes on the area below your chosen line, rinsing the blade often. Step 4 **Compare and tidy** Check both sides, tidy any difference with a few light strokes, then rinse with cool water and moisturise. ## Edge Mistakes vs the Better Way #### ✗ The Common Mistakes - Shaving one side completely, then the other - Shaving in poor light - Pressing to get a sharp line - Rushing around the ear - Using a worn blade #### ✓ The Better Way - Alternating sides in small steps - Good light, close to the mirror - Short, light strokes - Taking your time near the ear - A fresh, clean blade A worn blade drags on the skin. See [how often to change your blade](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-often-should-you-change-your-razor-blade/), and our [guide to pivoting heads](https://smartshave.co.uk/pivoting-head-razors-explained/) for how the head follows your face. ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit Get a Clean Edge: £9.99 - Premium handle with a quality rubber grip - Pivoting action head - Strip with vitamin E and aloe - Free UK delivery [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shave-your-sideburns-and-cheek-line&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shave-your-sideburns-and-cheek-line&utm_content=mid-5blade) One handle and one cartridge. Change, delay or cancel any time. ## What customers say ★★★★★ “Excellent product, handle has a real weighty and quality feel” Jonathan T. · Trustpilot · March 2026 ★★★★★ “My now razor of choice” Damion O. · Trustpilot · February 2025 ★★★★★ “Very good quality yet reasonably priced” Chrissy · Trustpilot · November 2020 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions How long should sideburns be? It’s a matter of taste. Many men end them around the middle of the ear. The key is that both sides finish at the same point. Where should my cheek line be? A natural line, where your growth thins out, usually looks best. Avoid shaving too high, because you can always take more off later. Should I use a trimmer or a razor for the edges? Either can work. A razor gives a closer finish, so use light strokes and good light. Our [face shape guide](https://smartshave.co.uk/shaving-face-shape-how-to-tailor-your-shave-to-your-jawline/) can help you choose a line. Can I try SmartShave without a long commitment? Yes. Start with the £9.99 starter kit, which includes a premium handle. You can change, delay or cancel at any time for free. → The Verdict Check both sides, often. Decide your line first, work in small steps and keep comparing left and right. A light touch and good light do most of the work. #### A Simple Way to Get Set Up SmartShave’s starter kit is £9.99: a premium handle and a cartridge, delivered free in the UK. [Get the Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shave-your-sideburns-and-cheek-line&utm_content=sidebar) Edge Checklist - Decide the line first - Good light, close to the mirror - Short, light strokes - Compare both sides often - Fresh, clean blade SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - How to Shave Properly - Shave Your Neck in Comfort - Razor Burn Rated 4.5/5 See what customers say on [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ### Sharper edges. Get a £9.99 SmartShave starter kit with a premium handle, delivered free in the UK. Change, delay or cancel any time. [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shave-your-sideburns-and-cheek-line&utm_content=footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shave-your-sideburns-and-cheek-line&utm_content=footer-5blade) © 2026 [SmartShave UK](https://smartshave.co.uk/)  ·  Starter Kit £9.99  ·  Monthly from £24.99  ·  Free UK Delivery  ·  Questions? [hello@smartshave.co.uk](mailto:hello@smartshave.co.uk)