I am new to B&B and I have been using VDH deluxe soap for a couple of weeks and I find it to be a very good soap. I went through a couple of pucks of these to practice lathering and getting my technique down.
Today, I purchased two pucks of VDH deluxe soap and melted it with a double boiler. I put in a sugar jar from walmart. I got the idea from a thread on B&B. The extra room that the jar provides makes loading up the brush incredibly easy and I think I will continue to use this method forever.
I also had a soap named Sallyeander Evergreen & Spruce Shave Soap, which is the brown one. It is tallow based, i believe and I had to grate it and push it into the cup. This soap was one of my purchases at a small specialty store and I expected it to be good. I am very disappointed. The soap barely lathers, and is very soft. However, I enjoy the smell very much and I am looking for other soaps that have similar smell.
I also, purchased two creams and a shaving stick today. The Speick shaving cream is AMAZING. It lathers so easily and is very slick and has alot of cushion. I was amazed how easily this built mountain peaks of lather with very little product. The smell is wonderful and I the price is not bad at all ~ under 10 bucks for both the cream and stick. The shaving stick, I am surprised it works very well. I never tried face lathering, but this seemed to build very decent lather, not as great as the cream. I think I will save this for quick shaves or for a travel kit. I also might buy another and mill into another glass jar. Last but not least I also purchased Kiss My Face Key Lime Moisture Shave. This cream is amazing as well but not like the Speick. It lathers very well but is very watery at first with many bubbles. I enjoy the smell, but it fades very quickly. I don't even smell the lime after its been applied to my face. It is very slick also but not as much cushion as the Speick.
Wet shaving is truly an addiction. I want to try as many soaps and creams as I can. I started using soap but I think I might prefer the cream because of the convenience and lathering capabilities. Please recommend me any creams or soaps I should try. Thanks
