So I bought some AOS sandalwood pre-shave oil. Let's start by saying that the scent is amazing, I love it and would buy it again (or something like it, only cheaper)
First let's clarify the method here: I only shave every other day usually, sometimes I have three days growth. I use Proraso with added glycerin for better lather and these shaves were conducted with a Gillette Slim set at 9.
My first experiences with it were definitely a big MEH. Many sources have claimed that the pre-shave oil lubricates the hairs and help the razor cut it. I tried putting it on over my 2-3 day growth, but I gained nothing from doing this other than a nice scent after I was done and usually a few nicks here and there.
THEN, I considered the role of the oil from a fresh perspective: that of lubricating and helping the razor glide, and concluded that oil on the hairs did little to nothing to aid in cutting or smoothness, so I did my initial WTG pass without any oil present. Once I was done, I rinsed, dried my face a bit and applied the oil before my XTG pass. What a difference.
Second pass was like using a razor with no blade in it, I could hear it cutting, but after hairs were cut it would just glide over my skin like nothing was there, even as I applied more pressure than should be allowed.
Third ATG pass, I could tell that the oil had been removed to an extent and the pass is always a bit harsher with a razor set so aggresively, but it was still easy to shave and in the end I had no irritation and one of the best shaves ever.
Any of you gents who care to give it a shot and tell me what you think, your input is welcome.
First let's clarify the method here: I only shave every other day usually, sometimes I have three days growth. I use Proraso with added glycerin for better lather and these shaves were conducted with a Gillette Slim set at 9.
My first experiences with it were definitely a big MEH. Many sources have claimed that the pre-shave oil lubricates the hairs and help the razor cut it. I tried putting it on over my 2-3 day growth, but I gained nothing from doing this other than a nice scent after I was done and usually a few nicks here and there.
THEN, I considered the role of the oil from a fresh perspective: that of lubricating and helping the razor glide, and concluded that oil on the hairs did little to nothing to aid in cutting or smoothness, so I did my initial WTG pass without any oil present. Once I was done, I rinsed, dried my face a bit and applied the oil before my XTG pass. What a difference.
Second pass was like using a razor with no blade in it, I could hear it cutting, but after hairs were cut it would just glide over my skin like nothing was there, even as I applied more pressure than should be allowed.
Third ATG pass, I could tell that the oil had been removed to an extent and the pass is always a bit harsher with a razor set so aggresively, but it was still easy to shave and in the end I had no irritation and one of the best shaves ever.
Any of you gents who care to give it a shot and tell me what you think, your input is welcome.
