There is no shortage of men’s razors and other shaving tools on the market, but do any of them offer the perfect shave? According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s less about which tools you use, and more about your shaving preparation and technique.

“The perfect shave is a combination of art and trial and error,” said board-certified dermatologist Robert Anolik, MD, FAAD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine in New York. “That said, there are steps you can take to help ensure a clean and comfortable shave.”

For the best shave, Dr. Anolik recommends the following tips.