How long to give a new soap/cream?

[smrex13]

Hi Everyone,

I hope this message finds you all well and well shaved. I have finally settled in with a prep, razor/blade combo, and aftershave routine that I love. So, I'm now experimenting with various soaps, creams, shave oils, etc. I was wondering if any of the veterans here could recommend a length of time that I should give each product. So far, I've just shelved anything that caused irritation, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, etc. since I have several creams/soaps that seem to work well. Do you recommend giving a product more than a couple of days, or should I just judge it by the standard my best cream and/or soap has set?

In other words, do you find that the initial impression of a soap/cream is accurate, or have you found that something you didn't like to begin with turned out to be staple in your shaving routine.

Thanks for any input,
Scott

 

[DFrancis]

Unless a cream is total turn-off the first time around, I give it a few tries to see what I really think of it. Some things take time to grow on you.

 

[Latherdude]

Hey Scott!

From one relative newbie to another, I'd first say it's good that you 'shelved' those products rather than tossing them altogether.

I'd like to know which ones you're specifically referring to, in case I've got any of the same ones. In any case, check the reviews section on here for other pointers regarding the ones with which you had some trouble. I was about to give up on some CS Citrus Basil cream before finally figuring it out. On the other side of that, I was convinced that my technique was the reason my Burt's Bees soap wouldn't lather, until I read the reviews and saw how badly it was rated by so many members.

In a nutshell, I'd first check my technique before blaming the product, but either one could be at fault.

Lastly, I love your signature!

_lax

 

[DESkydiver]

Unless a cream is total turn-off the first time around, I give it a few tries to see what I really think of it. Some things take time to grow on you.

+1

I try to go a week to see if I like it, unless there is something really bad right away. Getting in travel size tubes might be the best way to go with it, If you find a few that are so-so, maybe mixing with other so-so creams... add a little PSO... experiment a little. As the expression goes, YMMV

Enjoy

 

[col conk]

Hi Scott
I agree with Darren and -lax.
The only time I stop ussing a product after 1st use is if it causes burning or irritation when applying it.

 

[BlackBard]

I recommend that you give any new soap or cream at least one week straight use before forming an opinion. Every soap or cream has its own individual characteristics which often require some experimentation to discern completely. Some soaps, especially, need a "breaking in" period before they perform up to their potential.

 

[mkevenson]

Use it till it's gone.

 

[Geordon]

...should I just judge it by the standard my best cream and/or soap has set?

I say "no". Everything should be judged on it's own merits, rather than being held up to a subjective standard.

For me, Proraso cream is one of those things that I refuse to judge in comparison to anything else. At first use, the scent was a little off-putting to me. I think it might have been the eucalyptus in it. Anyway, after a couple of uses, it has grown on me. I doubt that it'll be my "main" cream, but it's definitely something that's found a permanent place in my den. I live in a part of the country that gets quite hot and humid in the summer. The menthol coolness of the Proraso will be most welcome, come summer.

Or, you could go ahead and use your own criteria. Whatever works for you is what is best.

 

[karzbi]

Once you find a few really solid products, you'll be able to tell the stinkers immediately. Unfortunately, a lot of the products with solid reputations on B&B don't work for everyone.

For example, me and Tabac and MWF soap don't really get along. Whether it's the pH or a particular ingredient, both leave me a little red and blotchy. It's not razor burn, and there's no discomfort, it's just mild irritation.

L'Occitane soap, on the other hand, doesn't get much press here, but was a revelation for me the first time i used it.

Chances are if you're getting ingrown hairs, it's your technique and not the products. cut out against the grain shaving and do only with and cross grain for 3 days until your face heals up.

i found that i can get bbs with cross grain once i discovered the right technique. and no irritation.

don't try changing too many things too often. small changes and pay attention to the results.

good luck!

 

[vickywally]

In a nutshell, I'd first check my technique before blaming the product, but either one could be at fault.

+1

For any new product - I would say use at least 5-7 times (unless you have an allergic reaction).

 

[Heron]

I give it three tries but every soap in my rotation was good the first time.

 

[Black Adder]

Give stuff a shot, unless you are having an extreme reaction or the stuff just doesn't perform.

For me Gold Dachs soap lathered well, but the burning sensation I had from it sent it to the trash. I purchased a locally made shaving soap recently and the stuff just wouldn't lather. It went in the trash, too. There's nothing wrong with trying new stuff, but I do think you should have your old standbys always there if you need them in a pinch. You can always go back and play with your experiments when you're not so rushed for time, or when you don't need to look, and smell, good.

Don

 

[RobW]

Products that cause allergic reactions / burning sensations need to be discarded (or better, PIF'd) immediately.

As far as soap/creams go....everything else needs a solid week or two of continual use so that (1) you can better understand the necessary water/soap ratios that make a product perform well, (2) your face and sense of smell have the chance to adjust to the new product, and (3...this is a weird one...) for the soap to hydrate and "break in".

I admit I don't really understand why the third point happens, but it does....I hated DRH Marlborough the first couple times I tried it, but the soap - the scent AND performance - improved dramatically once I used it a few times and it's become a favorite. I've heard of people having similar issues with MWF...