Looking for pre-shave recommendations

[iankh]

Recently returned to DE after about 38 years or so. I've been using Proraso (green) preshave and am getting to the bottom of the jar. Almost ready to go shopping and wondering if anyone has any recommendations for pre-shave preps I should look at/try.

 

[itsmedave]

I like MRGLO (Musgo Real Glyce Lime Oil Soap). It's cheap and a bar lasts forever. It seems to work better than most anything else I've tried

 

[LovingLather]

I'm into Proraso pre lately. Used various oils for years but I really prefer the tingly, conditioning feeling of the Proraso. I've read in here that Noxema is virtually the same thing.

 

[tfinch]

I've tried several and Proraso green is the best of them that I've found. I've been using RazoRock's glycerine pre-shave soap to wash as my first step in the shave routine as well lately. I'm not sure if it contributes to softening the beard prior to applying the Proraso and my lather or not, but the smell of it is so nice I look forward to it.

 

[gash]

I haven't found anything that softens the whiskers more than a long, hot shower.

 

[superkreep]

I've used Proraso for ~2 years and was looking for something new. Here's what I found: African Black Soap

Haven't tried it yet, but have a block en route.

 

[pipskicks]

If you're looking to save money, look up the DIY pre shaves. If you're looking for companies, the ones listed or maybe an oil this time would be a nice change and give you a view on the balm vs oil pre shave.

 

[Giant Kiwi]

floid pre-shave oil works pretty well

 

[BroJohn]

Noxzema cleansing cream does a bang-up job as a pre-shave. The generic store brands of this stuff work just as well. You can get a large jar of this for cheap, recommended.

Also, Corn Huskers Lotion is excellent as a pre-shave.

-- John Gehman

 

[Syncdim]

If you liked the proraso, try the green tea & oat version. I am liking it so far, a milder but nice scent that complements different creams well.

 

[iankh]

Noxzema cleansing cream does a bang-up job as a pre-shave. The generic store brands of this stuff work just as well. You can get a large jar of this for cheap, recommended.

Also, Corn Huskers Lotion is excellent as a pre-shave.

-- John Gehman

Funny, I've wondered about Noxema. The Proraso green reminds me both in smell and feel of Noxema.

 

[mikelz777]

Both Noxema and baby oil (even the non-name brands) have worked well for me. The beauty of both is that they are cheap, effective and have other uses as well. Why look to spend more for something that does the same thing as the cheap stuff?

 

[iankh]

Also, I meant to say that I'm not necessarily unhappy with Proraso, just wondering if there anything else I should try.

 

[Syncdim]

The silver & white is nice enough a scent to have me impatiently awaiting the version of the cream. I will be trying out the red / white tube today for the first time to tide me over though

 

[TGilly]

I like the Truefitt & Hill pre-shave oil. Been using it for a month, I enjoy the lemon scent. Makes the first pass smoother.

 

[pipskicks]

Sounds like noxema will do the trick. I prefer oil based pre shave, you can make your own for very cheap too...

 

[NYShaver]

Noxzema.

 

[ackvil]

I use either my own recipe or T&H pre shave oil.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

Try RazoRock "Pre-Shave" Gel

- DD

 

[blzrfn]

I've used Proraso for ~2 years and was looking for something new. Here's what I found: African Black Soap

Haven't tried it yet, but have a block en route.

Black soap is good for your skin, or even as a shampoo, but I would not recommend it as a pre-shave. The manufacturing of the soap is essential ashes and raw oils, which means it is a little bit gritty and can cause irritation if scrubbed to much. I found that the use of black soap in addition to the scraping action of the razor left my face much more irritated than just the shaving experience itself. I believe that pure shea/coconut oil (unprocessed) would probably make an excellent pre-shave but I haven't tried it yet.