Cream recommendation

[minibeezy]

I think I've got my brother hooked on the idea of wetshaving. Right now, he's asking for my help building a starter kit for himself. The biggest hang up for me right now is a cream for him.

He lives in a very dry climate and has been having trouble with the canned goo drying on his face before he can finish shaving. He's complaining about red bumpy skin when he's done shaving and says he needs a cream for sensitive skin, but I'm thinking that just keeping his face wet and a high quality cream with a DE razor will be enough for a comfortable shave (I could be wrong, though). He is also complaining about dry skin overall and says he has to use a moisturizing body wash or his skin dries out too much.

Anywho, my first thoughts were TOBS avocado or Jermyn St. I've also seen a couple people say the Body Shop maca root cream is pretty good for moisturizing. I just want to be able to throw a few links out there, and being newer to wetshaving, I want to make sure I'm not overlooking something that might be good for him.

TIA

 

[DanOK]

Body Shop maca root was my first thought follow by any of the Castle Forbes creams. I have the lavender and it is one of the best moisturizing creams I use.

 

[RichGem]

It's been my experience that the British creams tend to be drying. Nothing drastic mind you, but (at least in my case) one does need a little moisturizer or ASB after shaving to combat a tight/dry feeling to one's face. So, I'd recommend avoiding the Brits for now.

 

[minibeezy]

Dan - given this is his first shot at wetshaving, I'm not sure he'll be willing to throw down the money on the CF products. However, if I can convince him to get it and he doesn't like it, I would be first in line to take it off his hands. Might be worth a try.

Rich - thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of that. Given his problems with dry skin, I was going to recommend he get an ASB regardless.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[nole1]

...but (at least in my case) one does need a little moisturizer or ASB after shaving to combat a tight/dry feeling to one's face.

+1. I would say make sure to get a good ASB instead of a splash to help keep the face moisturized. Maybe look into T&H ultimate comfort?

 

[Gruder]

I actually like your T&H Avocado idea. Another good option for him would be Nancy Boy.

 

[norton]

JM Fraser's has outstanding moisturizing properties as well.

 

[atomb]

before going to different creams make sure his technique is solid. Tell him to really really take his time go much much slower . I have had neck irritation for years turns out it really was technique. Razor burn from trying to take too much off all the obvious offenders to a good shave.

 

[minibeezy]

before going to different creams make sure his technique is solid. Tell him to really really take his time go much much slower . I have had neck irritation for years turns out it really was technique. Razor burn from trying to take too much off all the obvious offenders to a good shave.

Given he's never used traditional creams or soap, I'm going to assume his technique will be terrible.

I'm just trying to get him started with something that wont leave his face too dry when he's done.

As for the rest of the suggestions, I've forwarded him the list, so we'll see what happens. Thanks for the replies.

 

[jakespoppy]

Several good suggestions already, and I also think the TOBS Avocado is very moisturizing.

Since you mentioned he's complaining about dry skin overall and using a moisturizing body wash, I'd suggest getting him a bar of Pre de Provence Milk soap. Great moisturizing, and it rinses clean just as easily as liquid soaps. You can get it on-line, or you might find it at a Whole Food store. I haven't had any problems with dry skin since I switched.

 

[beginish]

Don't forget Musgo Real. The lanolin will make his face feel like a million bucks.

 

[PhatMan]

Hi,

TOBS Avocado, Musgo Real or Godrej would be fine creams to start with.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

 

[filedog]

before going to different creams make sure his technique is solid. Tell him to really really take his time go much much slower . I have had neck irritation for years turns out it really was technique. Razor burn from trying to take too much off all the obvious offenders to a good shave.

I was just going to say the same thing......

 

[oversaturn]

Don't forget Musgo Real. The lanolin will make his face feel like a million bucks.

+1 on Musgo Real!

 

[wimbouman]

Learn from the warm countries, I suggest.

So, Musgo Real.
or Proraso.

Or Veleiro, or O Melhor.

Those should work!

 

[DaveNJ74]

Body Shop maca root was my first thought follow by any of the Castle Forbes creams. I have the lavender and it is one of the best moisturizing creams I use.

The Castle Forbes Lavender is my choice. Next would be Trufitt & Hill lavender and then Art of Shaving lavender. I have dry sensitive skin also... or had.

 

[wilsonent]

Not too familiar with the other creams recommended here, mostly a soap guy these days. However, I was shaving with Proraso soap today, and thinking how forgiving both the soap and cream with regards to amount of water, amount of brush loading, and how easy it is to get a good lather. I believe Proraso would be an excellent starter cream. That way, if he doesn't like it, you are not out a bundle. Should be easy for a newcomer to get an excellent lather, which may be more important than the moisturizing properties of the brand. JMO


Jeff

 

[Gugel]

TOBS Avocado is my current favorite.

 

[Sueto]

Before getting tubs of creams, I would try to get samplers or travel sizes. Trumpets and T&H have great sample kits you can get and try a variety. A few of the vendors here do TOBS and other samples.

 

[Akoni]

Dan - given this is his first shot at wetshaving, I'm not sure he'll be willing to throw down the money on the CF products. However, if I can convince him to get it and he doesn't like it, I would be first in line to take it off his hands. Might be worth a try.

Rich - thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of that. Given his problems with dry skin, I was going to recommend he get an ASB regardless.

Thanks for the replies.

Thats why I would agree with getting a tube of the Body Shop Maca root cream. Readily available at a b&m and would not break the bank for someone who may not fully continue with wet shaving.

I know when I first started DE shaving one of my first creams was the Body shop original formula and I was just worried going home thinking about how much I spent on shaving cream. Oh those were naive and innocent times

But the creams from the body shop have been some of my most moisturizing
creams. Even though I feel its always good to apply some lotion/balm post shave if you have dry skin regardless of what cream you use.