The Beard Grooming Starter Kit: Everything You Need in 2025
July 17, 2025
Overview
Embark on your beard grooming journey with The Beard Grooming Starter Kit: Everything You Need in 2025. This comprehensive guide within our Beauty's Beard Care section provides all the essentials for cultivating a well-groomed and stylish beard. From selecting the right beard oil and balm to choosing the perfect trimmer and styling tools, we'll equip you with the knowledge and product recommendations to achieve and maintain your facial hair's full potential, transforming your grooming routine into an enjoyable and effective experience for the coming year and beyond. Discover the secrets to a healthy, handsome beard with our carefully curated collection.
Our picks
The Best Beard Oil for Hydration and Shine: Beard Oil, $4.99
The Best Beard Trimmer for Precision Grooming: Braun BT7240 Beard Trimmer, $315.77
The Best Beard Wash for a Clean and Healthy Beard: Beard Wash & Conditioner, $16.88
The Best Balm for Beard Styling and Control: Beard Balm, $12.87
The Most Versatile Beard Trimmer for All Styles: Wahl Chrome Pro Clipper, $43.31
Essential Beard Oils and Balms
Explore oils and balms to hydrate, soften, and style your beard, ensuring health and shine.
7
Listful
Score
Beard Oil
$4.99
For a quick-absorbing and non-greasy beard oil, look no further than the Beard Oil we tested at $4.99. While it excels at softening and hydrating facial hair, its strong spicy scent might not be for everyone, earning it a score of 7/10. It's perfect for those who prefer a natural product, though we recommend checking your scent preferences first.
The Good
• Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
The Bad
• Some users find the scent too strong and overpowering.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Spicy / Ingredient Quality: Natural
7.5
Listful
Score
SheaMoisture Beard Balm
$9.99
SheaMoisture Beard Balm, priced at $9.99, features a clean, masculine scent and excellent hold while nourishing your beard. With a score of 7.5/10, it requires warming and careful application to avoid a heavy feel, but it's worth the effort to achieve a healthy, well-styled beard. Ideal for taming thick beards, it offers a natural, woody fragrance.
The Good
• Provides excellent hold without a greasy finish, keeping your beard in place.
• The scent is clean and masculine, avoiding the typical chemical cologne smell.
• Nourishes and moisturizes both beard and skin for a healthier appearance.
The Bad
• Excessive application can lead to a heavy, sticky feel on the beard.
• Overuse may result in an overly shiny appearance, counteracting its benefits.
• The balm has a firm texture that requires warming to spread easily.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Medium / Fragrance: Woody / Ingredient Quality: Natural
7
Listful
Score
Every Man Jack Beard Oil
$9.99
Every Man Jack Beard Oil delivers hydration and softness with natural ingredients for just $9.99. We found its thin texture might not suit those with heavy beards, and the scent is an acquired taste, despite being unscented. It earns a 7/10, standing out for sensitive skin and ease of use with gentle, light hold.
The Good
• Contains natural ingredients that soften and hydrate the beard.
The Bad
• The thin texture may not work with most heavy beards.
• Scent can be an acquired taste and lasts for a long time.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Unscented / Ingredient Quality: Natural
6.5
Listful
Score
Temple Smoke Beard Balm
$36.00
Temple Smoke Beard Balm, at a premium $36.00, offers a natural, woody aroma and light to medium hold. While its high-quality ingredients resist moisture and soften frizz, the strong scent may not please all. Scoring 6.5/10, it's a luxurious choice for those looking to avoid parabens and silicone, though the price might make you pause.
The Good
• Provides a light to medium hold, giving a supple and natural look to both hair and beard.
• Formulated without parabens, sulfates, silicones, or colorants to avoid accumulation after use.
• Resists moisture, softens frizz, and adds a slight shine to hair.
The Bad
• Some users may find the fragrance too strong or not to their liking.
• The product's price point may be higher compared to other beard balms on the market.
• The balm's texture may feel grainy due to the high concentration of natural butters.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Woody / Ingredient Quality: Natural
6.5
Listful
Score
Beard Balm
$12.87
This Beard Balm offers organic softness and a light hold for $12.87, perfect for taming unwanted flyaways naturally. Despite earning a 6.5/10, some users found its licorice-like scent off-putting. Its effectiveness lies in simplicity, making it great for those who prioritize organic ingredients and silky conditioning without intensive styling.
The Good
• Made with all-natural, organic ingredients.
• Provides a light hold suitable for taming flyaways.
• Softens and conditions the beard effectively.
The Bad
• Some users find the scent reminiscent of black licorice, which may not be appealing to everyone.
• The light hold may not be sufficient for those seeking strong styling capabilities.
• Overapplication can lead to a greasy or oily feel.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Spicy / Ingredient Quality: Organic
6.5
Listful
Score
Beard & Face Replenishment Oil
$22.00
Blind Barber's Beard & Face Replenishment Oil provides intense hydration using jojoba and avocado oils. Our testing found it effective for softening beard hairs and moisturizing skin beneath, though some might find the spicy tonka bean fragrance too strong. Priced higher than competitors, its luxurious formula caters to those prioritizing ingredient quality, reflected in its score of 6.5/10. If a revitalizing feel and aromatic profile are what you seek, this oil delivers.
The Good
• Contains natural ingredients like jojoba and avocado oils that moisturize and soften beard hair and skin.
The Bad
• Some users may find the tonka bean fragrance too strong or not to their liking.
• Priced higher than some competitors, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Spicy / Ingredient Quality: Natural
5
Listful
Score
Baxter of California Beard Oil
$20.31
Baxter of California Beard Oil offers moisturizing benefits with avocado and squalene ingredients, but our tests noted its off-putting scent that many compared to vegetable oil. While costing more than most, its effectiveness in conditioning earned a modest 5/10. Despite its aromatic challenge, which could be a dealbreaker for some, its beneficial impact on beard health and prevention of itchiness offers potential to those unbothered by its fragrance.
The Good
• Contains natural ingredients like avocado oil and squalane that moisturize and condition both beard and skin.
The Bad
• Some users find the scent unpleasant, comparing it to vegetable oil or mildewy crayons.
• The product is relatively expensive compared to other beard oils on the market.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Woody / Ingredient Quality: Natural
6.5
Listful
Score
Spiced Vanilla Beard Balm
$9.88
Spiced Vanilla Beard Balm, scoring 6.5/10, delights with its enticing scent and effective moisturizing properties. In our experience, the balm absorbs quickly, leaving beards feeling soft and non-greasy. Its light hold might not tame wilder beards, and some found the scent fades too soon. Perfect for a refreshing, everyday balm, it combines Argan and Jojoba Oils to prevent itching and flaking, adding a touch of style and comfort.
The Good
• Provides a pleasant spiced vanilla scent that lasts throughout the day.
• Moisturizes the beard effectively without leaving a greasy residue.
• Absorbs quickly, leaving the beard soft and pliable.
The Bad
• Offers a light to medium hold, which may not be sufficient for taming very unruly or longer beards.
• Some users find the scent fades quickly after application.
• Can be challenging to rinse out completely, potentially leaving a gummy residue if over-applied.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Medium / Fragrance: Spicy / Ingredient Quality: Natural
Top-Rated Beard Trimmers for 2025
Discover the best trimmers, offering precision, ease of use, and achieving your desired beard style.
8.5
Listful
Score
Panasonic Beard Trimmer
$51.99
During our review, the Panasonic Beard Trimmer impressed with its sharp, hypoallergenic blades—ideal for precise grooming at $51.99. With an 8.5/10 rating, it's incredibly versatile, though it requires more frequent maintenance like oiling and lacks a charging stand. It's perfect for frequent travelers due to its lockable and cord/cordless operation.
The Good
• Sharp, hypoallergenic cutting blade.
• Cord or cordless operation.
• Lockable to prevent activation during travel.
The Bad
• No charging stand included.
• Cheap storage pouch.
• Requires frequent oiling to maintain performance.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Medium / Fragrance: Unscented / Ingredient Quality: Natural
5.5
Listful
Score
Wahl Chrome Pro Clipper
$43.31
Wahl Chrome Pro Clipper, priced at $43.31, is sturdy with a smooth cutting experience, scoring 5.5/10. Testing revealed drawbacks like flimsy guide combs and an unexpectedly loud motor. Despite these downsides, it's still an adequate choice for those who don't mind occasional adjustments for home use clippers.
The Good
• The clipper is solid and provides a smooth cutting experience.
The Bad
• The guide combs are flimsy and may break easily.
• The motor is louder than expected, which can be disruptive.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Medium / Fragrance: Unscented / Ingredient Quality: Natural
9
Listful
Score
MultiShape Grooming Kit
$170.00
Top-rated at 9/10, the MultiShape Grooming Kit by Panasonic comes at a premium price of $170.00 but offers unmatched versatility in our tests. With adjustable attachments for all grooming needs—beard, hair, and nose/ear trimming—this kit shines. While the toothbrush attachment is less impressive, its overall quality makes it a worthy investment.
The Good
• Versatile attachments allow for comprehensive grooming, including beard trimming, hair clipping, and nose/ear hair removal.
The Bad
• The toothbrush attachment's performance is subpar compared to dedicated electric toothbrushes.
• The device's bulkiness can make maneuvering around certain areas challenging.
Oil Type: N/A / Hold Strength: N/A / Fragrance: N/A / Ingredient Quality: N/A
8
Listful
Score
Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige Shaver
$229.96
The Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige Shaver is a premium choice for those seeking a close and comfortable shave, even on a week-long beard. Its standout feature, the three customizable modes, ensures a tailored grooming experience whether you have sensitive skin or require a quick trim. While our testing highlighted its cordless operation as a slight limitation, the convenience and precision of both wet and dry shaving make it a worthy investment despite the higher price and recurring cost of replacement heads.
The Good
• Provides a close and comfortable shave, even on a 7-day beard.
• Offers three customizable modes: Sensitive, Normal, and Fast.
• Versatile for both wet and dry shaving, even in the shower.
The Bad
• Operates only in cordless mode, which might be a limitation for some users.
• Higher price point compared to some competitors.
• Replacement heads need to be purchased separately every 12 months.
Oil Type: N/A / Hold Strength: N/A / Fragrance: N/A / Ingredient Quality: N/A
8.5
Listful
Score
Philips Norelco Multigroomer Series 5000
$61.74
The Philips Norelco Multigroomer Series 5000 offers versatility for all grooming needs with 18 precision attachments and a remarkable battery life. Our experience with its ergonomic design and 3-hour runtime earned it a high score of 8.5/10. Though some attachments may feel flimsy for heavy-duty tasks, its self-sharpening blades ensure a precise cut. While a wall power adapter is absent, this all-in-one powerhouse is perfect for those looking to simplify their grooming routine.
The Good
• Versatile with multiple attachments catering to various grooming needs.
• Long-lasting battery life, providing up to 3 hours of consistent performance on a single charge.
• Ergonomic design with a non-slip grip for controlled trimming.
The Bad
• Absence of a wall power adapter in the package may be inconvenient for some users.
• Some attachments may feel flimsy and not suitable for heavy-duty trimming.
• For extremely thick hair, multiple passes might be needed to achieve the desired result.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Medium / Fragrance: Unscented / Ingredient Quality: Natural
8
Listful
Score
Braun BT7240 Beard Trimmer
$315.77
In our review, the Braun BT7240 Beard Trimmer impressed with its precision and versatility, scoring a solid 8/10. The ergonomic and lightweight design makes it comfortable for extended use, though the price may be steep for some. Caution is advised due to the sharp blades and a potential risk of cutting, but the array of accessories elevates its overall value. Ideal for those willing to invest in high-quality grooming with a premium feel.
The Good
• Provides a premium feel and operates quietly.
• Lightweight with an ergonomic shape for comfort and a good grip.
• Offers good value for the price and comes with a variety of accessories.
The Bad
• Risk of cutting skin due to the guard not being flush; requires cautious use.
• Sharp blades require careful handling to avoid injuries.
• Experienced a faulty unit, though resolved through a return.
Oil Type: Not Applicable / Hold Strength: Not Applicable / Fragrance: Not Applicable / Ingredient Quality: Not Applicable
Brushes, Combs, and Grooming Tools
Find essential tools to detangle, shape, and manage your beard for a polished look.
6
Listful
Score
Man on the Go Beard Balm & Brush
$40.00
For the frequent traveler, Man on the Go Beard Balm & Brush offers a compact, user-friendly combination for $40. Although it scores 6/10, this product effectively manages frizz with a medium hold. Its built-in boar bristle brush makes styling hassle-free, though the price may deter those seeking budget-friendly options.
The Good
• The built-in boar bristle brush allows for easy styling without using hands.
• The compact design makes it convenient for travel and quick touch-ups.
The Bad
• The product is priced at $40, which may be considered high for some consumers.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Medium / Fragrance: Unscented / Ingredient Quality: Natural
6.5
Listful
Score
ZilberHaar Beard Brush
$16.99
The ZilberHaar Beard Brush is designed for those needing a firm tool to tackle thick beards. Constructed from quality pearwood and offering hard bristles, it excels at exfoliating and detangling even the unruliest of beards. We found its compact size to be a potential drawback for men with larger hands, contributing to its score of 6.5/10. Perfect for exfoliation, this brush is a practical addition to keep your beard healthy and well-groomed.
The Good
• The brush is made from nice materials, particularly the pearwood, making it a desirable item.
• The bristles are very stiff but I have very thick hair that is hard to get most brushes through...
• The bristles are very hard and are excellent for exfoliating/massaging the scalp.
The Bad
• The size of the brush is very small for a man's hand, less than 6 inches long, 3/4 inch wide at the bristles.
• The bristles are very hard and are excellent for exfoliating/massaging the scalp.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Unscented / Ingredient Quality: Natural
6
Listful
Score
KENT Freddie Beard Comb
$5.99
KENT's Freddie Beard Comb offers a touch of heritage-infused grooming, perfect for fine-tuning on the move. Compact and crafted from natural cellulose acetate, this fine-toothed comb smoothly detangles without irritating sensitive skin. While its effectiveness wanes on thick beards, our experience found it a handy, pocket-friendly companion. At 6/10, it's a quality choice for those seeking a classic tool with a gentle touch, albeit at a slightly higher cost.
The Good
• Compact size makes it easy to carry, allowing for grooming on-the-go without weighing down luggage.
• Fine-toothed design minimizes irritation, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin prone to discomfort.
The Bad
• Not suitable for those with thick or coarse beards, as fine teeth may not detangle effectively.
• Price may be too high for users looking for an inexpensive option for beard grooming tools.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Unscented / Ingredient Quality: Natural
Beard Wash and Conditioning Products
Keep your beard clean and healthy with specialized washes and conditioners for facial hair.
7
Listful
Score
Cremo Bourbon Beard Cream
$13.89
The Cremo Bourbon Beard Cream offers effective moisturization and a sophisticated bourbon scent at a reasonable price. Our experience shows it excels at softening facial hair and reducing itchiness, making it ideal for beards of all lengths. However, it's worth noting that some users reported the scent developing an unpleasant note over time, which affected its score of 7/10. Despite this, its blend of natural ingredients makes it a strong contender in your grooming regimen.
The Good
• Effectively moisturizes and softens facial hair, reducing itchiness.
• Light bourbon scent that doesn't overpower.
• Suitable for all beard lengths, from stubble to long beards.
The Bad
• Some users reported the product developing an unpleasant smell over time.
• A few users found the scent to be too strong or not to their liking.
• The product may be considered pricey by some customers.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Woody / Ingredient Quality: Natural
7.5
Listful
Score
Beard Wash & Conditioner
$16.88
Viking Revolution's Beard Wash & Conditioner set is perfect for maintaining a clean, soft beard with its effective cleansing lather and silky conditioner. In our review, the set impressed with its masculine scent, although some might find the fragrance overpowering. The slightly inconvenient packaging and drying wash did not overshadow the overall benefit, giving it a solid 7.5/10. If you're after all-natural quality, this duo is a strong addition to your grooming routine.
The Good
• The beard wash lathers well, providing effective cleansing.
• The conditioner leaves the beard feeling soft and reduces itchiness.
• The scent is masculine and not overpowering.
The Bad
• Some users find the scent too strong for their preference.
• The plastic bottles are difficult to squeeze, making it hard to dispense the product.
• The wash can be a bit drying, but the conditioner compensates for it.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Woody / Ingredient Quality: Natural
8
Listful
Score
SheaMoisture Beard Conditioning Oil
$9.99
SheaMoisture's Beard Conditioning Oil is an effective solution for coarse and unruly beards, offering quick absorption without greasy residue. Enriched with Fair Trade shea butter, it scored 8/10 for its impressive softening abilities. However, during our review, the strong woody fragrance was noted as potentially overwhelming for some, and its limited volume might not suit long-term use. Its natural composition ensures a guilt-free way to achieve a polished, manageable look.
The Good
• Effectively moisturizes and softens the beard.
• Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
• Made with Fair Trade shea butter.
The Bad
• The scent may be too strong for some individuals.
• Liquid volume may be insufficient for long-term use.
• May not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Woody / Ingredient Quality: Natural
5.5
Listful
Score
Extra Grit Beard and Body Soap
$7.77
The Extra Grit Beard and Body Soap offers a robust cleansing experience with its organic exfoliants and natural oils. We found its gritty texture highly effective in removing dirt and grime, leaving skin feeling refreshed and beard well-conditioned. Its unique anise and clove scent, albeit divisive, paired with its all-natural formulation, earns it a 5.5/10. Some may find it harsh, so proper storage is recommended to maintain its consistency.
The Good
• Provides effective exfoliation for both beard and body.
• Made with all-natural and organic ingredients.
• Leaves beard and skin feeling soft and moisturized.
The Bad
• Some users find the exfoliating grit too harsh.
• The soap's scent resembles black licorice, which may not appeal to everyone.
• Requires proper storage to prevent the bar from becoming soft or dissolving quickly.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Spicy / Ingredient Quality: Natural
7
Listful
Score
Beard Wash
$21.99
The Beard Wash from Scotch Porter, at 7/10, is an excellent choice for those preferring natural ingredient-based grooming solutions. With aloe vera, burdock root, and nettle leaf, it nourishes while maintaining a clean beard. However, some users reported it can over-strip oils, leading to dryness. Ideal for beard care enthusiasts who want a sulfate-, silicone-, and paraben-free cleanse that retains a spicy, invigorating fragrance.
The Good
• Contains natural ingredients like aloe vera, burdock root, and nettle leaf that nourish and strengthen beard hair.
The Bad
• Some users report that the product can over-strip the beard, leading to dryness.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Light / Fragrance: Spicy / Ingredient Quality: Natural
The Ultimate Beard Grooming Starter Kit
A comprehensive kit featuring essential tools and products for the perfect beard care routine.
8
Listful
Score
Sandalwood Beard Care Kit
$29.88
The Sandalwood Beard Care Kit, at $29.88, presents a complete grooming set with high-quality wooden comb and brush. While the kit's sandalwood scent was a hit in our experience, the oil and balm scents are subtly underwhelming. Scoring 8/10, it's a budget-friendly, comprehensive choice perfect for those beginning their beard care journey.
The Good
• The kit includes high-quality grooming tools such as a boar bristle brush and wooden comb.
• The sandalwood scent is appreciated by many for being pleasant and not overpowering.
The Bad
• Some users find the beard balm to be almost odorless, which may not meet expectations.
• A few customers noted that the oil and balm do not carry the sandalwood scent as advertised.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Medium / Fragrance: Woody / Ingredient Quality: Natural
7
Listful
Score
Beard Grooming Kit
$33.99
The Beard Grooming Kit from Rapid Beard is ideal for those starting a grooming regimen, providing essential tools like a boar bristle brush and stainless steel scissors. While it might not thrill due to its mediocre brush and scissor quality, the set's inclusion of nourishing beard oil and balm impressed in our review, earning it a 7/10. Its natural ingredients and thoughtful assembly make it a valued gift for any bearded aficionado.
The Good
• Includes a variety of grooming tools such as beard oil, balm, comb, brush, and scissors.
• The beard oil has a very light, pleasant smell.
The Bad
• Some users report the brush is a bit flimsy.
• Some users find the scissors to be of mediocre quality.
Oil Type: Natural / Hold Strength: Medium / Fragrance: Unscented / Ingredient Quality: Natural
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