So far, we’ve sent you 12 Engines Humming, 11 Cards a-Swiping, 10 Sleepers Sleeping, and 9 Shoes a-Sneaking for our 12 Ads of Christmas series.
And, now, we’re going to send you 8 Hairs a-Trimming. While the original tune below speaks of “Eight Maids a-Milking,” MediaRadar‘s version prefers smooth shaving advertisements.
“On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me,
Twelve Drummers Drumming,
Eleven Pipers Piping,
Ten Lords a-Leaping,
Nine Ladies Dancing,
Eight Maids a-Milking,
Seven Swans a-Swimming,
Six Geese a-Laying,
Five Gold Rings,
Four Calling Birds,
Three French Hens,
Two Turtle Doves,
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree!”
While Santa Claus may not be a fan of a clean shave (we’ve all seen his long, white beard!), most find beauty in smooth skin.
That’s why so many razors and yearly subscription services are gifted during the holiday season.
With that, it’s time to grab the shaving cream and your tool of choice. Here are MediaRadar’s eight favorite shaving ads from this the year:
1. Gillette – “Shaquem Griffin: Your Best Never Comes Easy”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdJ5TyaDBVc
The holidays are an ideal time to show someone that you love them.
This commercial follows NFL star, Shaquem Griffin, and his father from the player’s early years as a boy until today.
Griffin’s dad knew that “Your best never comes easy,” especially for Shaquem, who is one-handed. He instilled a sense of drive and pride in his son, teaching him how to turn football into his career and, though seemingly easy, how to shave. This simple act of shaving gave Shaquem the greatest gift – the gift of feeling independent and confident.
Between October 2017 and November 2017, Gillette spent nearly $40 million on TV ads. The brand is on track to spend a similar amount between the same two months this year.
2. Dollar Shave Club – “Get Ready”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEU-MAZRhJs
New Year’s might bring up feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, but you have to be yourself because that is enough.
Just like this commercial states, please remember “I’ve got to be me” and “I can’t be right for somebody else if I’m not right for me.”
This brand wants you to know that, whoever you are, you’re welcome in the Dollar Shave Club.
During quarter four (Q4) 2017, Dollar Shave Club spent over $12 million on TV ads. The brand is on pace to spend around the same amount during the same quarter this year.
3. Harry’s – “Meet the Shaving Company That’s Fixing Shaving”
Of course we all love our family and friends and want to buy them presents to make them smile. But, we’re spending so much money during the holidays, it would be nice to save a little here and there.
Harry’s was founded by Jeff and Andy, two normal guys who “shave and don’t want to pay too much,” just like you! The reason they started their company was because Andy got ripped off by the one big razor company, who has been increasing its prices for decades.
Some may call them “The American Internet Cowboys,” yet we don’t think they’re that crazy. They have over two million happy customers for a reason.
While this film, styled almost like a home video, didn’t spend any money on TV ads in 2017 and 2018, we think that the ad was powerful enough to stay in people’s minds for years.
4. Schick – “The Man I Am – Kevin”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7S5Wm1T-0
There’s always an element of surprise when opening a present during the holidays.
And Schick uses that element of surprise to its advantage, taking shock value into account to make an awe-inspiring ad.
Kevin, a lanky kid, impresses us all when he actually wins an epic dance battle with a classmate at school. There wasn’t a need for the brand to throw money into another TV commercial last year or in 2018 following this.
The Schick commercial reminds us not to judge or label someone. Instead, we should allow that person to decide who they are for themselves. And Kevin, who expresses himself through dance, is decidedly a real man.
5. Nivea – “Essentially Enriched 48HR Lotion TVC”
Life is busy, especially during the holidays.
If you have dry skin, wouldn’t it be freeing to know that Nivea keeps your skin moisturized for two full days? You could attend every holiday party, caroling session, or tree lighting and not have to think about using lotion again for that whole time!
Between October 2017 and November 2017, Nivea spent almost $8 million on TV ads. The brand is on track to spend even more this year.
6. Barbasol – “Basketball No Brainer?”
“Barbasol‘s no-brainer? Finally making razors,” states the commercial, meaning that it makes complete sense for the brand to make disposable razors, in addition to shaving cream and aftershave.
The message in this ad is simple, but lasting, so there was no need for Barbasol to pay for another TV commercial last year or this year.
To compare, the ad also mentioned basketball’s no-brainer, which was “referees.” The holidays’ no-brainer could be “celebrating with loved ones.”
7. Philips – “OneBlade”
Why not gift yourself something this holiday? It could be the only way you receive your perfect present. Though it may be unorthodox, no one knows you better than you.
If you’re looking for a razor, Philips‘ innovative OneBlade is the way to go. It’s versatile – for both beards and stubble and for any shape or length. Plus, “guys love it!” According to the brand, if you buy one, you could be the very best you.
During Q4 2017, Philips spent over $20 million on TV ads. The brand has already spent more than that this year.
8. Venus – “My Skin. My Way.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTe0qoHcBo0
Taking charge of the new year means taking charge of your own life.
In its ad, Venus reminds you that “No one gets an opinion on how you live your life, why you shave, or how you show your skin.” You can do whatever you want and be whoever your want.
The brand spent $9 million between October and November of last year. Venus is on track to spend less during the same two months this year.
Perhaps, a clean-shaven, confident look is all you need to make the most of the new year.
Be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming 12 Ads of Christmas posts! Next up, we’ll focus our efforts on the seven swimming swans.
*All Q4 2018 predictions are made by comparing October/November spend YoY
