When it comes to beard care, there's a very fine line between slick and scruffy.

And despite what you might think, the difference between the two isn't the amount of facial fur you can grow, it's the products you use on it. From beard trimmers, to beard wash to beard oil, here are the three best beard products you need to buy to keep your chin insulation under control all-year round, whatever length you're sporting.

 1. Beard trimmer

Much like the hair on the top of your head, the easiest way to give your beard a quick tidy is to trim it. Ask your barber the exact length he chops your beard back to when you get your next haircut, then find the correct setting and run a trimmer through it every couple of days to keep it uniform.

The best beard trimmers for men:

Braun BT5050 beard trimmer (left)

If you're the kind of guy with exacting standards, this trimmer features a super-precise dial with up 25 different length settings(1 - 10 mm with 0.5mm steps and 10 - 20 mm with 2mm steps).

Panasonic ER-GB40 beard trimmer (centre)

Not only does this model have a foolproof length gauge (that can't get accidentally knocked to another setting like many other models on the market), but the Panasonic ER-GB40 is also completely waterproof, so can be used both in and out of the shower.

Remington MB6550 vacuum beard trimmer (right)

Comes with an in-built vacuum to suck up your trimmings. No more blocked plugholes or bathroom surfaces covered in a fine mist of stubble.

2. Beard wash

According to a recent study your beard could be harbouring a whole petri dish's worth of bacteria. Washing it every other day will help to keep these germs in check, plus it will foam away any dead skin and oil lurking in the hairy depths. Crisis averted.

Grizzly Adam Beard Wash (far left)

A fresh, lemony beard cleanser made with over 80 per cent organic ingredients (and sulphate-free).

Murdock Beard Shampoo (second left)

From the grooming lab of one of London's coolest barber shops, this wash contains ingredients that help to untangle beards and reduce static frizz.

Mr Natty Face Forest Soap (centre top)

A creamy soap bar that lathers up nicely, smells incredible (thanks to shea butter and peppermint oil) and comes in its own travel-ready tin.

Lush Kalamazoo (centre bottom)

Not just for your beard, this thick cream can be used over your entire face - fresh pineapple juice will help to cleanse away dirt, while almond oil, jojoba oil and cupuaçu butter will soften your facial fur.

Percy Nobleman Beard Wash (right)

A fine, fizzy foam with a citrusy scent that's guaranteed to wake you up in the morning.

3. Beard oil

To keep your newly trimmed and washed beard looking the slickest it can, invest in a good quality beard oil. Not only will this tame, smooth, soften and protect those hairs, but it will also moisturise the skin underneath. A couple of drops every other day will do just nicely.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanilla Conditioning Beard Oil (far left)

Not only supremely conditioning thanks to its blend of grapeseed oils and vitamin E, but also designed to complement your favourite Tom Ford fragrance. We're big fans of the musky Tobacco Vanilla, but if you're looking for something more summer-appropriate, go for Neroli Portofino.

Acqua di Parma Collezione Barbiere Shaving Oil (second left)

The latest addition to the Italian scentmaster's superb Barbiere line is as pleasantly scented as you'd expect, with sweet almond oil, Sambucus Nigra flower extract, and pomegranate oil all in the mix.

Penhaligon's Bayolea Beard & Shave Oil (centre)

Zesty and rich thanks to notes of lemongrass, cardamom and sandalwood, this is also quite possibly the most handsome bottle of beard oil you can have in your bathroom cabinet.

The Brighton Beard Company Black Pepper & Grapefruit Beard Oil (second right

For those just getting started in the beard oil game, these small bottles from The Brighton Beard Company are great - plus they come with a dropper so you won't end up applying too much at once. We particularly like the spicy 'n' juicy black pepper and grapefruit iteration.

Elemis Smooth Result Shave & Beard Oil

Don't be worried by the small stature of the bottle - just a couple of drops will suffice to soften even the toughest hairs.

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[Via GQ UK]

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