Even if you don’t follow the Tzemach Tzedek, who was the pre-eminent posek in Russia, the Chofetz Chayim writes clearly that in Eastern Europe Jews had a custom which has the force of halacha to not even trim the beard. Shaving is not a light matter and the fact that it is popular is no proof of anything as even being not shomer Torah and Mitzvos is CH”V popular among Jews.
Menu