If you're beginning to take an interest in improving your look and making your shoes look their best, you have probably noticed two different types of shoe polish—cream and wax.

Depending on the amount of care you're looking for, you can use either version of polish or even both, as each one offers different advantages.

Using a Cream Shoe Polish
Cream shoe polish is more nourishing to your shoes than wax, both in the form of moisturizing and restoring color. If you're using both, you'll want to use the cream polish first. After buffing the shoes with a horsehair brush, apply the cream shoe polish that's closest to the color of the shoe—you likely won't find an exact match, just get as close as you can. Use a cotton chamois to apply the polish, covering the entire surface of the shoe. Be careful not to overdo it, however, as you shouldn't see the polish building up on the surface. You can let the polish dry and absorb overnight, and then buff the polish off with a brush the next day.

Using a Wax Shoe Polish
The purpose of a wax shoe polish is to give you a vibrant, glossy shine. Wax shoe polish contains beeswax and pine-base turpentine rather than petroleum, so it's easier on the shoe's material. Apply one to two coats with your cloth. Be careful not to apply too much wax to the vamp (part that covers the toes), as a buildup of wax can crack and cause white marks that you won't be able to get rid of. You only need to let the wax dry for about five minutes—then you can buff with a horsehair brush until you get your desired shine.

Red Moose has a variety of both cream and wax polishes available to give your shoes the best possible shine to last years to come.