Final answer:
A close shave is achieved with a razor and lather shaving creams for a very smooth finish, while a standard shave may use any shaving cream and does not necessarily achieve as close of a shave.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms close shave and standard shave refer to different shaving experiences. A close shave is generally achieved with a razor and techniques that provide a very smooth finish, often with the help of lather shaving creams that contain an emulsion of oils, soaps, or surfactants like triethanolamine steatrate, and water. This type of shaving cream softens the hair and skin, providing lubrication and moisture which allows for the razor to cut very close to the skin's surface, leaving the skin exceptionally smooth.
On the other hand, a standard shave may not get as close or might imply a quicker, routine shaving process using any form of shaving cream, including brushless or aerosol types. While brushless shaving creams are designed to be applied without a brush, forming an oil-in-water mixture, they might not provide the same level of lather and therefore may not facilitate as close of a shave as lather shaving creams.
Furthermore, shaving preparations differ in their consistency and components, with some containing humectants for a softer consistency, while others do not produce lather due to the lack of soap. The effectiveness of a shave often depends on factors such as the type of shaving cream used, the sharpness and quality of the razor, and one's shaving technique.