Pre-shave Cream/Oil/Gel...

[Simcc]

Can you guys recommend a good pre-shave product that will soften my beard and allow for a smoother shave? I get decent results with my TOBS, GFT and MWF creams and soaps, but feel that my shave would benefit from some pre-shave prep in addition to hot water and towels - particularly around my chin area.

I am considering Proraso Pre/Post-Shave Cream but am concerned that the menthol may be a little too much and that it will clash with the fragrances in my creams and soap.

Yours thoughts and recommendations would be recommended fellas!

S.

 

[luvmysuper]

I have pretty coarse hair, and my neck hair pattern is all over the map.

The only pre-shave prep I do is to shower and wash my face. I've tried pre-shave products and oils, but found that it made no real difference in the quality of the shave or how the shave felt, in fact it was just additional hassle to put on, deal with, and clean up.

Net Loss from using the stuff - my valuable time and the cost of the product.
Net gain from using it - Nothing.

Good luck on finding something that works for you.

 

[meglad]

I have poraso pre-shave, taylors pre-shave, T & H preshave. They all work good for me and I like them and think they work for me. Evidently, they don't work for everyone, though. The skin food from Trumpers is great stuff and that's what I plan to use, a little dab will do you (sounds like a commercial). Poraso is a great menthol.

 

[tleiland]

I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It's cheap, readily available all over the world, and it works for me. This made a world of difference in razor burn for me. The scent also doesn't seem strong at all either. I was told to buy the cheaper brands because they don't have as strong of a scent.

It's a little weird using something to shave with that I like to dip bread in.

 

[TheShaun]

do you apply the proraso, let it sit, then apply lather directly on top of it?

 

[petr]

If you have a problem with the mess ole boy, then use Castle Forbes. It is marvelous stuff. However, I find that it does more for the shave than protecting the skin. That is, it softens and fattens the hair and lets you get a closer shave. I dunno how, but it definatly does. It's a great product that should be tried.

Skip thick stuff like aos, gents refinery, but try them from samples if you can.

Thinner stuff that I like is Pacific Shave Oil, and it is cheap. Not messy like the others either. I use it on my neck sometimes when I know I am gonna be in a suit on a podium.

The verdict is still out on T&H for me. Still seems a little messy and thickish although others don't think so. I like to use something thicker like this for my third pass. That way my brush is put away and there is extra lather to mix with it on my neck area. It's great for hunting down stragglers without removing too much skin rather than hair. I use feathers so it becomes a concern not to make too many passes no matter how careful the technique. Your skin will thank you.

best of luck.