Pre-Shave Oil - Which one?

[llyamahII]

Hi All

I know the merits of using a pre-shave oil have been debated at great lengths on several threads here, so I'm not asking whether I should use one; rather I have decided that I would like to try using one and would like a bit of advice on what to get.

Is 'Truefitt and Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre Shave Oil' a good choice?

I'm not rich enough to tell you that money is no object, but I don't mind spending money on a quality product. Given that I have never tried it before, I may be being a little silly purchasing something for £16.50/$25...

How do I use it? I plan to shower, massage a little into my wet face using my fingers, then later (using a cream and badger hair brush).

Cheers

 

[jcblough]

It is either loved or hated here, but I use the Art of Shaving oil. Since you are applying it to a wet face, the viscosity of it that people gripe about isn't an issue. It is $25 for a 2 oz bottle, but I use 4 drops a day so it isn't like you'll run through it fast.

 

[dpm802]

I went through a few months of experimenting with PSOs, and came to the conclusion they are more trouble than they are worth.

I concluded they work better as an additive to lather rather than putting them on as a stand-alone product.

Of all the various brands I tried, T&H led the pack by far.

There are a lot of members that have concocted PSOs at home from various formulae. Grapeseed oil seems to be the dominant ingredient.

 

[u2u]

I have a rotation of several pre-shave items including T&H. While it is pleasant I find it doesn't fully make the grade. Seems too thin and doesn't add much to the shave results. I have a stock of a Zirh oil, no longer available, that is a top performer. Recently I purchased a tube of Simpsons. It will replace the Zirh when the Zirh is done. In the interim I use the Simpsons every other day while working through the others. I apply the oil to my beard after a few minutes of warm water softening things up. Apply lather from cream (usually) or soap, let sit while stropping the blade, and then get to it. A good oil adds to your shave, others just empty your wallet.

 

[llyamahII]

Thanks for the replies. I see someone (I think a member by the name of Christoph) advocates using plain old EVOO. Have you guys given that a try?

 

[JerYnkFan]

I've been using the Shea Moisture one and like it. Also used Shave Secret.

 

[kubotta4]

Hi! I'm using Total shaving solution which is much cheaper and comes from Ireland. It's the only one I've tried so far and it's ok. Rinse your face with warm water, add a few droplets of shaving oil and rub it on your skin. I use it for my polish pass

 

[parapaul]

Have you thought about a pre-shave cream instead of an oil? I use the Proraso white one with the white soap.

I tried using a few drops of baby oil but it didn't seem to make any difference to my shave, and the oily stubble clogged up my razor horribly.

 

[SocalRick]

I've used Pacific Shaving Company Shave Oil, which I like, and Body Shop Maca Root Shave Oil, which is just ok. I'm currently using Somersets Maximum Glide, which I picked up at Bed Bath & Beyond (they were out of Pacificc and it was cheap). It's menthol, which I'm not crazy about, but is pretty effective. Dermalogica Close Shave Oil is next up - it was on sale at Drugstore.com not too long ago.

I also have a sample of T&H that I have to get around to using...

 

[OMEN]

Eshave make many preshave oils including a scentless one. I am biased as I've only ever used eShave and the price is high, but I wouldn't shave without it. Proraso also do a cream that acts as a pre and post shave so you save money there and it's cheaper. Personally I prefer oil to start and Proraso at the end.

 

[BigWill]

I've used AoS Lemon pre-shave and Musco Real pre-shave oil. The AoS was much heavier on my face than the Musco. Musco is lighter and has a distinct smell, which I like. Also, the Musco is a better buy than the AoS. Though if someone gave me a bottle of AoS, I'd certainly use it.

I find, using my R-41, that pre-shave oil is a must. For me, I can't jump right out of the shower and start shaving. So I apply Musco/AoS and let it sit on my face and wiskers while doing other tasks before shaving. If I go straight to the R-41 without pre-shave oil, I irritate my skin.

 

[chrisf8657]

I use Taconic Pre Shave Oil. Does the job, and it costs less than Art of Shaving.
Find it on Amazon.

 

[Wingnut]

I don't often use a PSO anymore, but when I did regularly, I used Shave Secret. Cheap, effective, and available at just about any US WallyWorld for a couple of bucks.

 

[Ron Scott]

After hydrating my beard for a few minutes I apply Jojoba oil and like the results.

I'd say it's very important to thoroughly hydrate before applying any oils since oils will coat the hairs and prevent further hydration.

 

[The Dean]

Preshave oil is pretty much a MUST for me. As you can see, they aren't for some others, here. And, unlike many, I like the thicker oils.

Art Of Shaving oil is my very favorite...quite thick and viscous. Anthony Sport is decent, too, but I don't like the scent. AOS is a bit pricey at about $15 for 1 oz/$22 for 2 oz. Anthony Sport is a real bargain at $12 for 2 oz (Amazon). Both last a very long time for me. So the cost per shave is minimal.

On the lighter side, I have tried Pacific Shaving Company oil and Shave Secret. You can get Shave Secret at Walmart or Target for under $4 for 0.63 oz and I think I paid $7 for 1/2 oz of Pacific Shaving Company oil. These turn out to be more expensive for me than even AOS as I have to use more of this and reapply more often. Many however prefer the lighter oils.

Another heavier oil I have tried is King of Shaves Kinexium. I didn't like it at all, But it was reasonably priced and might be something to try as it seems to be fairly readily available.

Then of course, you can make your own preshave mixtures (which requires you to buy several oils and--you know---work) or simply use one oil like jojoba or even olive oil. Me, I'll pay the penny per shave to enjoy a pre-made product I really enjoy and that I know works for me.

 

[John Von Wuggz]

Back when I started DE shaving I would apply 3 drops of Anthony Logistics right before I got out of the shower. It never clogged up my razor which was great.

 

[EloquentRune]

I actually make my own pre-shave oil and I love it. It is really simple to make.

1 part higher end Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 parts Castor Oil
Essential oil scent of your choice 4 drops per ounce (I use Dragon's Blood)

It is basically the exact thing as TAOS's pre-shave oil but at a fraction of the cost.

 

[llyamahII]

Thank you for all of the replies guys. I am in the UK, so not all of the options that you outline are available to me (or maybe not as easily accessible). You've all given me something to think about though, so thank you. I'm still tempted by the T&H, but primarily because it is easily accessible. Also considering the Proraso.

 

[The Dean]

Thank you for all of the replies guys. I am in the UK, so not all of the options that you outline are available to me (or maybe not as easily accessible). You've all given me something to think about though, so thank you. I'm still tempted by the T&H, but primarily because it is easily accessible. Also considering the Proraso.

I'd jump on the T&H. I'm tempted to try it myself when I run down a bit on my stash.

 

[Alphonse]

+1

i fill a small hand sanitizer bottle with 1/3 castor(the more you use the thicker it gets, your choice), 1/3 olive, 1/3 grape. Then add essential oils(aroma-pure.com). I use lavender and neroli combined, mainly. This is the cheapest and best way to go. Purchasing a preshave oil for what they're asking is ludicrous. This will not clog a razor.. ever. The oil is absorbed by the skin and is a protectant. With this setup you can make pre-shave oil for quite a while. You may even start giving bottles of it to friends to try.

I actually make my own pre-shave oil and I love it. It is really simple to make.

1 part higher end Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 parts Castor Oil
Essential oil scent of your choice 4 drops per ounce (I use Dragon's Blood)

It is basically the exact thing as TAOS's pre-shave oil but at a fraction of the cost.