Proraso pre

[TheShaun]

Bought some Proraso pre, and now am a little unsure how to use it. It's not creamy like I thought it would be. Do I just grab some with my fingers and spread it on my face, then apply my lather on top? How much do I apply?

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Yes and the only real answer is...as much as you want. But most folks apply it prior to the first lather and rub it in.

There are a variety of ways to use the stuff.

I use mine before a shave only (not after) and under a warm towel. I then re-apply a second coat and apply my shave lather. After the first pass, I do not apply more pre for the subsequent lathers.

 

[Tommy Boy]

I use pre-shave oil before the shave and use the Proraso as a post-shave and find it to be awesome. This has resulted in better shaves for me.

 

[OldSaw]

Yes and the only real answer is...as much as you want. But most folks apply it prior to the first lather and rub it in.

There are a variety of ways to use the stuff.

I use mine before a shave only (not after) and under a warm towel. I then re-apply a second coat and apply my shave lather. After the first pass, I do not apply more pre for the subsequent lathers.

This is a good method. It even works if you don't do the second application after the towel.

 

[Alacrity59]

I mostly use it as a post shave thing. Three fingernail scratches worth . . . one on each cheek and one on my neck just after rinsing with cold water. Just smear it all around and grin as the cooling hits.

 

[Pike]

I keep the little jar in the shower, rub a little on the beard while my face is still wet.....works good for me. I don't really notice much difference in the shave if I skip the prorasso pre....but I do love the way if feels!

 

[Drubbing]

I wouldn't over do it as an AS - it gets tacky.

I use a decent fingerful as a pre-shave, lather, but don't add any more in between. As a post, I use an even smaller amount on a still damp face; this allows it to fully absorb with getting sticky, and leaves you very smooth.

 

[John Kreiner]

I normally use Proraso preshave rubbed into my wet warm face and leave it there while I build my lather.
Then I rinse my face with hot water prior to lathering the face.
It works very fine to me and much better than the few times, where I have forgotten the pre-shave...

 

[Mark T]

I use it post shave. Leave your face wet and work it in until you don't see it on your face. I then use another ASB to layer. I love the cool menthol feel after I shave my head/face!! Works great for me.

 

[Haiku]

As a pre, I splash my face with warm water, I rub some into my skin until it pretty much disappears. I then leave it for about 30 seconds to a minute, I then lather, right on top of the pre and leave the lather on for a minute or two.

I've used it with great success as a post shave. I don't really like the scent as a post though. While it does dissipate, I generally don't use it for a post shave.

 

[OldSaw]

I keep the little jar in the shower, rub a little on the beard while my face is still wet.....works good for me. I don't really notice much difference in the shave if I skip the prorasso pre....but I do love the way if feels!

The difference depends on several factors. If you do a thorough preshave prep with a hot towel, just about any lathering product or preshave product will give good results. The key being the time your beard has to absorb water. The thickness of your whiskers also plays a part. Thicker whiskers will benefit more from a preshave product as it helps the whisker to be more absorbant. Once your whiskers have absorbed all the water they can hold there isn't much more a product can do to help.

I believe the biggest benefit that a preshave provides is simply shortening the prep, therefore I have not replaced mine as they have run out.

Preshave oils, on the other hand, may offer some other benefits, such as extra lubrication. But there is a lot of debate on this.

 

[Mulie1]

I rub about 1/4 tsp on my wet face and let it sit while I strop up the razor. Then I wet lather over it. After the shave I rub in another 1/4 tsp or so and let it sit while I clean and put away the razor. Then I use the remaining lather to wash, then rinse hot --> cold. It really works well for me.

 

[Marco]

As a pre, I splash my face with warm water, I rub some into my skin until it pretty much disappears. I then leave it for about 30 seconds to a minute, I then lather, right on top of the pre and leave the lather on for a minute or two.

I've used it with great success as a post shave. I don't really like the scent as a post though. While it does dissipate, I generally don't use it for a post shave.

+1

That's exactly what I do, too.
Proraso is a great pre-shave treatment and a superb aftershave.
This powerful cream does the job.
And does it VERY well.

 

[dmcconnell]

I use it post shave. Leave your face wet and work it in until you don't see it on your face. I then use another ASB to layer. I love the cool menthol feel after I shave my head/face!! Works great for me.

+1 - This is exactly what I do and it is a must in my routine now. I have tried it preshave with no noticeable impact beyond shower / hot towels. After the shave I splash with Thayer's, then layer on Proraso pre/post, strop my blade clean up, then I add a final layer of aftershave balm or splash. This last step dissipates the layer of proraso that is left behind . . . love it.

 

[saltypete]

I use it as preshave and really like it. I read a thread on here recently where the poster said that he used a generous amount and massaged it thoroughly into his face before lathering. I tried this technique and can reccomend it.

Pete

 

[jdeville]

Thanks for the great thread. This should be part of the newbie prep stuff Can't wait to try the techniques mentioned here.

 

[Marco]

Yes and the only real answer is...as much as you want. But most folks apply it prior to the first lather and rub it in.

There are a variety of ways to use the stuff.

I use mine before a shave only (not after) and under a warm towel. I then re-apply a second coat and apply my shave lather. After the first pass, I do not apply more pre for the subsequent lathers.

+1

That is, in my opinion, the best way to use it.
And the technique used by many experienced Master Barbers here in Italy.

 

[Harpo]

I find that there is a noticable difference in the pre cream and the pre/post cream. The pre/post feels less hydrated, but man does the cooling feel good after a shave. Like the others I apply after splashing my face with cold water and rubbing it in until it disappears. In fact, so calming is its effects that applying it allows me to shave at night without showering. Otherwise I would tear up my face.

On the few occasions I use the pre cream I find very protective. I usually use it if I've had a rough shave the previous day.

Paul

 

[Drubbing]

I find that there is a noticable difference in the pre cream and the pre/post cream. The pre/post feels less hydrated, but man does the cooling feel good after a shave. Like the others I apply after splashing my face with cold water and rubbing it in until it disappears. In fact, so calming is its effects that applying it allows me to shave at night without showering. Otherwise I would tear up my face.

On the few occasions I use the pre cream I find very protective. I usually use it if I've had a rough shave the previous day.

Paul

?

There is only one pre/post cream, which can be used before and after shaving. There is a proraso liquid cream AS, which is something else entirely.

 

[GarageBoy]

Jars of Pre/Post are marked as Pre in English and Pre/Post in Italian
I use it as a/s only when I have a horrible shave. (too rushed) and I apply and rinse off