Brushless Shaving Creams Revealed and Compared

[brothers]

I've prepared reviews of 23 main stream products that I have shaved with, not using a brush. It'll take me a few days to post them all.

I've conducted brushless shaving reviews of 23 most commonly known products, and am happy to report that my own boundaries have expanded in a most delightful way. Many of them are products that we take for granted as requiring a brush, and no doubt, there are many aspects of shaving that benefit wonderfully from the contribution of the brush. I just wanted to move away from convention, and see what happened.

I will only post a small number of reviews every day or so.

Never hurrying, nor wasting time, each shave took 10 minutes, more or less from prep through cleanup. I attempted to follow manufacturer's suggested means of application, except to openly ignore any suggestion of a brush. This was creams only, no soaps. Also, I only used double-edge razors, no straights. I refrained from using any superlatives or high praise. We each know what we like and don't like, what works for us and doesn't. My objective was to pay attention and record the results.

These are products that are, in my opinion, main stream. These manufacturers know what they are doing, and they all have sophisticated customers who love their products and use and enjoy them. So I'll leave the high praise to the marketing people and the satisfied customers. I'm not a nay-saying self-appointed critic either.

I've tried to just use "yes" and "no" to describe and evaluate whether or not a quality of performance is present, in each case. Same for fragrances. Most have a fragrance, and whether a given individual "likes" a given fragrance is solely up to that individual.

Having said all of that, then let me say this too: YMMV!

All of the reviews are being posted in random order, so here's the first one to come up,

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave

1. Product name: Kiss My Face Moisture Shave
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 11 oz 325 ml plastic dispenser bottle
4. Price: $8.15 Akins Health Center of Oklahoma City
5. Cost per ounce: $0.74
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Peaceful Patchouli
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick slick lotion
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 8 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless, contains olive oil and aloe vera. Instructions on the bottle are: Wet hands, lather in palm and apply. Shave and rinse. My shave was close and smooth, and my face was moisturized, in keeping with its name “moisture shave”. The fragrance was pleasant and mild. This product comes in a convenient pump dispenser bottle. This product has been appropriated by my college age daughter, and this one will probably be replaced when it is used up. Another benefit to using this product is the fact that it is relatively inexpensive, and easily available locally in a variety of fragrances.


#2, Truefitt & Hill

Product name: Truefitt & Hill
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 5.8 oz 165 g tub
4. Price: $30.00
5. Cost per ounce: $5.17
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Rose
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Pink, stiff cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 7 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Everyone who experiences one of the classic English Rose products forms his or her own opinion. Regardless of the chosen fragrance, Truefitt & Hill shaving creams are top performers.


#3, Cremo Shave Cream

1. Product name: Cremo Shave Cream
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 6 oz 177 ml plastic tube
4. Price: $6.75 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $1.13
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light citrus (Bergamot)
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick lotion.
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as “The Best”, brushless, and super lubricating. The directions recommend rubbing the product into the whiskers for 30 seconds before shaving. With this product my brushless shave was close, smooth, and well moisturized. The fragrance was mild and pleasant. When I was testing for brush lather I noticed that Cremo tends to respond quite well to the brush, so following the brushless trials, I’m going to give this product a couple of tryouts with a brush and a hot scuttle to see how it shaves through multiple lathering passes.



#4, Stephan Stay Smooth Conditioning Shave Cream

1. Product name: Stephan Stay Smooth Conditioning Shave Cream
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 16 oz 450 ml tub
4. Price: $3.25 Appleton’s Barber Supply
5. Cost per ounce: $0.20
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Light blue-green, thick liquefied cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 8 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless. Contains cocoa butter, lanolin, and shea butter. Stephen has unique directions and makes some impressive statements, so here it is in full --- Directions: Wet face, apply Stay Smooth Conditioning Shave Cream liberally-massage into skin thoroughly. Now you are ready to shave. After shaving, rub the balance of the cream directly into your skin and pat dry with towel. If needed, repeat process. Feel the difference, the conditioning agents are now working. Stay Smooth Conditioning Shave Cream will give you the “World’s Smoothest Shave”, and leave your skin soft and smooth. So how was the shave? I followed the directions to the letter. I also have a habit of going ahead and rubbing the shaving cream of the day on the rest of my face while I’m cleaning up afterward, and did so in this case. After the shave and cleanup, I didn’t wash my face; instead, in keeping with the instructions for use, I rubbed the remaining Stephen’s into my skin, patted quickly with a towel, and was good to go. I was not disappointed with Stephen’s. My shave was close and smooth, and my entire face felt well-moisturized. The consistency, texture, and fragrance of Stephen’s are unique. As with most of the other products, I have a 16 ounce container that hasn’t been used much, and will continue to use it. Actually, because of the thickly liquefied nature of Stephen’s, it seems to takes more product on the face to be effective. So it will probably go pretty fast.

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

Thanks for the info. Keep up the good work!

 

[Tzar]

Wow, this is going to be quite an informative thread. I look forward to your other reviews, I like the details and especially your comments.

I have tried a sample of Cremo Cream and didn't like it. It does provide a lot of glide, but I just could not get used to the fact that I had basically no lather on my face...Now I got again another sample. Perhaps I'll try again...

 

[Darjeeling Express]

Brothers, I'm taking my hat off to you for undertaking and executing this monumental task. I have thoroughly enjoyed what you've posted and look forward to the rest. Congratulations and many, many thanks!

 

[jsrdrnr]

This is awesome!!! Thanks so much for taking this on. My husband will be really happy with this thread. I will be sure he knows it is here!

 

[cfriend]

Great work so far, hats off for what's to come! I'd like to mentioned that I finally nailed down what I don't like about Cremo: I initially described it's scent as Alka-Seltzer, and unpleasant to me. Scent memories and such. I now know the aspect I don't like is the Bergamot, after an experience with a body lotion from BBW and a quick review of the label. Bergamot, to my nose, apparently translates to Alka-Seltzer. That said, performance of Cremo was decent enough when I used it, just couldn't get past the scent!

 

[brothers]

#5, Lucky Tiger Molle Brushless

1. Product name: Lucky Tiger Molle Brushless
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 16 oz 454 g tub
4. Price: $5.95 Appleton’s Barber Supply
5. Cost per ounce: $0.37
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 6 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? No
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless, since 1935. Recommends applying with fingertips. Contains lanolin. Label promises a smooth, clean, and comfortable shave, and that describes my shave with this product. I guess they’ve got it like they want it after 74 years. One thing I’ve learned during this brushless project is to always use a sufficient quantity of the product for the best results. I have a nearly full 16 ounce tub of this product, and will continue to use it. Molle is a firmer cream than Shavex, and the ingredients are probably all different, but the performance of the two products is similar.


#6, Jake's Sport

1. Product name: Jake’s Sport
2. Country of origin: Canada
3. Container size: 8 oz 225 ml tub
4. Price: $12.49 Shoebox Shaving
5. Cost per ounce: $1.56
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Produced by JM Fraser’s. The ingredient list is slightly altered from the original Fraser’s, adding 4 ingredients (vitamins) for the stated purpose of contributing to healthy skin. The product looks and performs just as well as the original. The fragrance is masculine and distinctive, but not intrusive. I did receive a noticeably close and smooth shave, and my face felt moisturized afterward. The tub doesn’t mention using a brush, encouraging the brushless use of this product. I will continue to use Jake’s Sport regularly, with or without a brush, as my mood dictates. Fraser’s is to be commended for introducing this new product.


#7, Coate's Superior

1. Product name: Coate’s Superior
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 5.5 oz 165 ml tub
4. Price: $30.00 ......... Shaving
5. Cost per ounce: $5.45
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Sandalwood
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Light gold, thick cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 6 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: It is absurd that this line is no longer produced, but I’m quite certain that the competition are very relieved. A superior product prepared to perform well no matter how it gets on the whiskers in the first place.


#8, Shavex

1. Product name: Shavex
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 4 oz 120 ml tub
4. Price: $3.52 Auravita
5. Cost per ounce: $0.88
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth light cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 6 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? No
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as deluxe brushless, with glycerine and almond oil. The tub recommends using the fingertips to apply the cream to the beard. The product feels slick and protective on the face during the shave. My shave was close and smooth with this product. The product left my face feeling moisturized afterward. I did not apply any after shave products, and the pleasant but mild fragrance remained for around for an hour or so following the shave. PS: Since I conducted this review a couple of weeks or so ago, I have decided this stuff may have been discontinued or something. Try googling! Anyway there was a lady in England that invented it and became very wealthy sometime early in the 20th century. There is a claim that she invented brushless shaving cream when she invented Shavex. Very interesting.

 

[rockchucker]

Glad to hear the Jake's worked out well for you, and with a brush too. I'm looking forward to trying it. Could you elaborate on the scent some?

 

[jpkunst]

I don't understand the "Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes?" point. You are shaving it off, right? So wouldn't it by definition "require reapplication" between passes? Or are you simply using leftover slipperiness on the second (third, etc...) passes?

 

[brothers]

I don't understand the "Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes?" point. You are shaving it off, right? So wouldn't it by definition "require reapplication" between passes? Or are you simply using leftover slipperiness on the second (third, etc...) passes?

Good question Jan. Had I been shaving with a straight razor, I'd certainly reapply the product between passes, with or without a brush. However, since I was using a DE exclusively, I wanted to know if the product was substantial enough that the agents that make a given product slippery during a shave would withstand more than one pass of the blade across it.

 

[brothers]

Glad to hear the Jake's worked out well for you, and with a brush too. I'm looking forward to trying it. Could you elaborate on the scent some?

Rockchucker, I'm the worst to try to describe a fragrance. It's not anything bold or strong, not offensive to me at all, just something I might call "friendly", or "sporty" if that means anything. I wouldn't expect a female to have that fragrance, so I guess that's what they mean when they say it smells "masculine". It wouldn't hit you in the nose or make you want to hold your breath if somebody on an elevator smelled like that. Pretty bad description, I know! BTW, In addition to Fendrihan and Shoebox, I think John at Shaving Essentials has a couple of cases of it, and might already have it listed. If not, you can email him.

 

[Left Coast DJ]

Great thread! Brushless is always fantastic for travelling. One quick question: Do any of these creams gunk the razor... especially to a point where you have to loosened the TTO to rinse between passes?

 

[brothers]

Great thread! Brushless is always fantastic for travelling. One quick question: Do any of these creams gunk the razor... especially to a point where you have to loosened the TTO to rinse between passes?

Hi DJ, I kept rinsing the razor by holding it under the running tap water pretty often, once or twice during each pass, and didn't find it necessary to have to stop and loosen the TTO to rinse. I made sure that I removed the blade and thoroughly rinsed it off at the end of the shave though.

 

[brothers]

#9, JM Fraser's Original

1. Product name: JM Fraser’s Original
2. Country of origin: Canada
3. Container size: 16 oz 450 ml tub
4. Price: $12.42 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $0.78
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light citrus
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyments: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: The tub does not recommend any method of application. I put it in my palm with some water, rubbed it between my hands and then on my whiskers. This was my first time using the Original. The shave was as good as any, and left my face smooth and moisturized. Now that I have it, I will use it regularly with and without a brush, and it will last me a long time.

#10, Truefitt & Hill

1. Product name: Truefitt & Hill
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 5.8 oz 165 g tub
4. Price: $30.00
5. Cost per ounce: $5.17
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Sandalwood
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Dark gold, cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 m
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Truefitt & Hill shaving creams are top performers regardless of whether or not a brush is involved in the shaving process.


#11, Bert's Bees Natural

1. Product name: Bert’s Bees Natural Shave Cream
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 6 oz 170 g plastic tube
4. Price: $8.00
5. Cost per ounce: $1.33
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick lotion.
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless, ph balanced, sodium laurel/laureth sulfate free, paraben free, phthalate free, with calendula and chamomile. I had initially not included this product in those I was interested in reviewing, but my son-in-law suggested I review it, and loaned it to me for this review. He has stated that he will replace it when it runs out. My shave was close and smooth with this product. The product left my face feeling smooth and moisturized afterward.


#12, Jack Black Beard Lube

Product name: Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave
2. Country of origin: Canada
3. Container size: 3 oz 88 ml plastic tube
4. Price: $11.00 Essentials of Oklahoma City
5. Cost per ounce: $3.67
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? No
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Pale gray, lotion.
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? No
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? No
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? No
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? aborted
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Greasy residue
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? No
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless. Contains jojoba, macadamia, and eucalyptus.
Following instructions on the tube, I squeezed a sufficient quantity of the product onto my hand and rubbed it over my slightly moistened whiskers. The razor was grabbing and pulling when I (twice) tried to go across the grain, so the shave ended early. Then I began to realize my face was burning. I understand why some guys don’t like to shave if they have to use such products.

 

[jakespoppy]

Great thread, Gary. Thank you for such a detailed description of how these creams do in "brushless mode". I use the Cremo Cream occasionally to save time, and am looking forward to your seeing your thoughts on all of the creams you plan to cover here. Thanks for sharing!

 

[brothers]

#13, Castle Forbes

1. Product name: Castle Forbes
2. Country of origin: Scotland
3. Container size: 6.8 oz 200ml tub
4. Price: $35.00 Vintage Blades
5. Cost per ounce: $5.15
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Cedarwood & Sandalwood
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Light amber, dense sticky cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 8 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: The product was simple to apply without a brush. The shave was noticeably smooth, as was the moisturizing and lubrication.


#14, Provence Sante

1. Product name: Provence Sante
2. Country of origin: France
3. Container size: 6.8 oz 200 ml plastic tube
4. Price: $14.45 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $2.13
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Verlaine
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth lotion
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? See Remarks
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? Yes
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Tube recommends applying directly to a wet beard, and claims superior moisturization and lubrication. I soaked my beard with hot water and applied the product by rubbing thoroughly for about a minute. I did receive a noticeably smooth shave; the mild and pleasant fragrance of the product remained for about two hours following the shave. My face was well moisturized, as claimed. Considering the quality of the shave I received and the pleasant and lasting fragrance, I will continue to use it. This product is also available in Green Tea fragrance.


#15, Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave

1. Product name: Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 5 oz 150 ml plastic bottle
4. Price: $18.00 Essentials of Oklahoma City
5. Cost per ounce: $3.60
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Very light
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, creamy lotion
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Moderately easy
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless, natural, botanical, and organic. As a brushless product, used as directed, performance was equal to any other. I had used it without a brush before, but I don’t think I used enough of the product, and found it unremarkable. Also, I have used this product with a brush once previously, and enjoyed it. For this review, I placed a sufficient portion in my palm, vigorously rubbed my hands together and applied it to my face. The shave was noticeably smooth, as was the moisturizing and lubrication. This product was provided to me by my daughter. I would purchase this product for my own use.


#16, Taylor of Old Bond Street

1. Product name: Taylor of Old Bond Street
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 5.3 oz 150 g tub
4. Price: $11.32 ......... Shaving
5. Cost per ounce: $2.14
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Rose
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: One of the added bonuses of this brushless review is the affirmation that all of the top shelf shaving creams that everybody uses with a brush are capable of providing excellent shaves with or without a brush.

 

[Tzar]

However, since I was using a DE exclusively, I wanted to know if the product was substantial enough that the agents that make a given product slippery during a shave would withstand more than one pass of the blade across it.

That's an interesting point. You mean that everytime you answer "No" to your question about the need for reapplication between passes, you never applied another layer of cream for the following pass ?

Do you at least wet your face before starting a new pass ?

 

[brothers]

That's an interesting point. You mean that everytime you answer "No" to your question about the need for reapplication between passes, you never applied another layer of cream for the following pass ?

Do you at least wet your face before starting a new pass ?

I rinsed the razor frequently, and the water from the razor seemed to reactivate the residual shaving creams, and it is a fact that I did not find it necessary to reapply between passes on any of these.

 

[Tzar]

I rinsed the razor frequently, and the water from the razor seemed to reactivate the residual shaving creams, and it is a fact that I did not find it necessary to reapply between passes on any of these.

That's impressive since I never found there seem to be much cream left after the razor has passed on the skin. I would never have thought about doing a pass without lather on my face but your experience shows it can be done !

 

[brothers]

#17, Institut Karite

1. Product name: Institut Karite
2. Country of origin: France
3. Container size: 2.53 oz 75 ml metal tube
4. Price: $12.75 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $5.04
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Pale gold, smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: This was my first time to use and review a French manufactured shaving cream. Label suggests the use of a brush. For this review, I put an almond sized portion in the palm of my hand, added some water, and rubbed my hands together vigorously before I worked it into the previously moistened whiskers. Contains 25% shea butter which contributes to noticeable long-lasting smoothness and high moisturization. This was a gift given to me for this review, and I will continue to use it.

#18, George F. Trumper's

1. Product name: George F. Trumper’s
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 7 oz, 200 ml tub
4. Price: $23.75 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $3.39
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Sandalwood
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Trumper’s box recommends application with a badger brush. For the review, I put the cream in the palm of my hand, added some water, rubbed my hands together then on my wet whiskers. I used this same method with all of the classics, and they all performed flawlessly.


#19, Head Slick

1. Product name: Head Slick
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 8 oz 237 ml plastic bottle
4. Price: $6.51 Amazon
5. Cost per ounce: $0.81
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light, almost undetectable
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick lotion
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Mentholated but not harshly. Bottle does not say to use a brush to apply it. I rubbed it between the palms of my hands then on the wet whiskers. This is a good shaving cream that gives the user confidence. For some reason, maybe because a lot of guys say they use it for shaving their head, and it comes in a bright yellow plastic bottle, until now I had not thought of it as a traditional facial shaving cream that I might use. My son loaned me this product. After I used it for the review and gave it back to him, I went out and bought my own.


#20, Speick

1. Product name: Speick
2. Country of origin: Germany
3. Container size: 2.5 oz 75 ml metal tube
4. Price: $6.35 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $2.54
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Spikenard, distinctive but pleasant to me
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Light amber, cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 min.
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Tube does not suggest any preferred method of application. I rubbed it between my hands then onto the previously moistened beard. I have not used Spieck before, but I’ve read about it. I did enjoy the shave and the unique fragrance. The shave was smooth and moisturizing, and the fragrance lingered mildly for a little while following the shave. This was given to me for this review, and I will continue to use it.