Lately, I have a beard, so the only place a razor touches my skin is below my Adam's Apple, which also happens to be the spot where most men get bumps, red spots, and other unsightly marks that can draw unwanted attention to your neck. And if you've got coarse hair — something I'd write here, but never actually say out loud — the only solution is a lubricant (there's no other word for this) that goes under your usual shaving cream to protect the skin, soften the hairs, and prevent razor burn. Usually, these products are slick, oily, and slippery; if they seep into a beard, they make it awkwardly shiny.
That's why I really like this new stuff, from a company called Dermalogica, which turned their pre-shave guard into something that resembles a deodorant stick you get free with cologne at Macy's. It goes on thicker than other lubricants, like a white paste. And it smells like Vicks VapoRub because it has camphor as an ingredient, which is apparently good for both shaving and your sinuses. Best of all, it works — it gets rid of all those unsightly side-effects of shaving your neck — without getting all over your face or hands. Certainly smart to stock up on if, sometime soon, you find yourself with a date who hates your stubble. Problem solved.