# THE CHRISTMAS PARTY SHAVE _Published: 2026-11-12_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Subscribe](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Seasonal Guide · Festive Grooming THE CHRISTMAS PARTY SHAVE Work do, family dinner or a night out. Here’s how to look sharp without a red, sore face. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read · Seasonal Guide Early not last minute give your skin time to settle before you go out 4 steps plan, prep, shave, finish 4 SmartShave models SB3 and CB3 (3-blade), GG5 and BB5 (5-blade) £9.99 starter kit includes a premium handle and a cartridge December means one party after another: the work do, the family dinner, a night out with friends. A rushed shave ten minutes before you leave is how you end up with a red face in every photo. A little planning makes a big difference. ## Why Party Season Is Hard on Skin Redness A Late Shave Shows If you shave just before leaving, any redness is still there when you walk in the door. Weather Cold Air Dries Skin Winter air and central heating can leave skin dry, which makes a close shave less comfortable. Late Nights Tired Skin Is Touchy Little sleep and a few drinks leave skin dull and sensitive. See [shaving after a night out](https://smartshave.co.uk/shaving-after-a-night-out-hungover-skin-what-to-do/). Rush Getting Ready in a Hurry Last-minute shaving is when most nicks happen, usually from pressing too hard. ## Three Things to Get Right 1 **Shave Earlier Than You Think** Leave enough time for your skin to settle before you go out. Any redness has time to fade, and a nick has time to heal. Action: Shave before you get dressed. 2 **Start With a Fresh Cartridge** A worn blade tugs and irritates. For a night you want to look good, swap in a fresh one. See [how often to change your blade](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-often-should-you-change-your-razor-blade/). Action: New cartridge for the big night. 3 **Keep Aftercare Simple** Rinse with cool water, pat dry and moisturise. If your skin stings, skip anything strongly scented and go gentle. Action: Cool rinse, then moisturiser. ## A Simple Party Shave Routine Step 1 **Plan the time** Pick a time well before you need to leave, so you’re never rushing. Step 2 **Prep and lather** Wash with warm water and apply shaving cream or gel. See [how to shave before a big event](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-shave-before-a-big-event-without-irritation-weddings-interviews-dates/). Step 3 **Light strokes** Use short, light strokes with the grain and rinse the blade often. Don’t press. Step 4 **Finish and check** Rinse with cool water, moisturise and check for missed spots in good light. If you get a nick, press a clean tissue on it until it stops. ## Party Shave Mistakes vs the Better Way #### ✗ The Common Mistakes - Shaving just before you leave - Using a worn cartridge - Pressing to save time - Using stinging, heavily scented products on tight skin - Skipping moisturiser #### ✓ The Better Way - Shaving well before you go out - Starting with a fresh cartridge - Light strokes, however busy you are - Keeping aftercare gentle - Moisturising every time If you do end up with irritation, our [razor burn guide](https://smartshave.co.uk/razor-burn/) explains how to calm it down. ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit Look Sharp for Less: £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=the-christmas-party-shave&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=the-christmas-party-shave&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 before a party should I shave? Leave enough time for your skin to settle, so any redness fades before you go out. Everyone’s skin is different, but earlier is almost always better than last minute. What should I do if I nick myself? Rinse with cool water and press a clean tissue on the nick until the bleeding stops. Avoid picking at it afterwards. Should I shave the morning after a late night? If your skin feels sore or dry, go gently or wait. Our [hungover skin guide](https://smartshave.co.uk/shaving-after-a-night-out-hungover-skin-what-to-do/) has more. 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 Shave early, finish gently. The best party shave is the one done with time to spare. Use a fresh cartridge, keep strokes light and let your skin settle before you head out. #### 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=the-christmas-party-shave&utm_content=sidebar) Party Shave Checklist - Shave well before you leave - Fresh cartridge - Warm water and shaving cream - Light strokes, no pressure - Cool rinse and moisturiser SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - Shaving Before a Big Event - Shaving After a Night Out - Razor Burn Rated 4.5/5 See what customers say on [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ### Party ready. 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=the-christmas-party-shave&utm_content=footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=the-christmas-party-shave&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)