Shaving Products: Variety of Questions

[JABacchetta]

Hello, I'm looking for a few new products to complete my shaving kit and was hoping to get a few questions answered here.

1. I'm looking for a good pre-shave oil that is preferably $10 or lower. Do they exist?

I don't have a problem spending money on other shaving products since they usually last quite awhile, but I like to lather my pre-shave oil on thick, and paying $20+ per bottle is getting expensive.

2. I'm going to order Thayers Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free Rose w/Aloe Vera). What's the best way to apply this? Cotton ball? Spray it on? Pour in hands and splash it on? I guess I'm more concerned with how much I should be using. Should I apply an after shave balm immediately after, or wait 10 minutes? Also, if I'm using it as a toner as well, is it safe/smart to use over the eye area?

3. I'm getting ready to order Proraso Liquid Cream After-Shave. Is this the same product as the Proraso balm that so many people seem to recommend?

4. I'm a huge fan of C.O. Bigelow Proraso Shave Foam (in a can). Is there any benefit in trying the tube cream?

5. Why do the multi-blade razors get so much heat here? I gave the whole DE shaving experience a shot for about 3 months and wasn't a big fan. I'm currently using a Gillette ProGlide, and a DE razor just doesn't compare in my opinion. The ProGlide is smoother, easier, and faster... and I don't get any irritation (I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin). The DE had a very slight advantage in closeness, but it was almost irrelevant. I'm beginning to wonder if all the hype surrounding a DE shave is just a band-wagon effect.

6. I've never used an electric shaver in my life. I'd like to give it a shot, at least for my off-days when I don't need a close shave. Is there a "best" electric shaver? Are there any products I should be using with it? I've heard something about oils and powders?

Appreciate any suggestions!

 

[Silky Glide]

1)I do not use pre-shave oil (although I have tried samples and found that they did not do much for me). However, in the summer I use Proraso pre/post and find that it does soften the beard a bit and moisturize the skin a bit

2)I sometimes use Thayer’s unscented w/aloe and containing alcohol as well and find that it really works – I think the aloe really makes my face feel good. The bottle does not have a stopper so I just put a little on my still wet face and just sort of smooth it around. I wouldn’t bother with a cotton ball. And yes, I would definitely try to avoid getting it in your eyes – after it dries, I do not think you have anything to worry about.

3)Proraso liquid cream is the balm (and it is that BOMB as well).

4)I never tried Proraso shaving foam (it’s against my religion to use that stuff), but you can either try smooshing the cream around on your face or get yourself a brush and do it right. You will enjoy it.

5)Like smoking cigars, hang-gliding, scuba diving or big game hunting, DE shaving is not for everyone. If pro-glide works for you then stick with it. However, for many, DE shaving is the real deal – definitely not a bandwagon movement. I enjoy the process, collecting the works, and the way it makes my skin feel. Not a fad for me – I have been doing this for over three years and will probably never go back to canned goo and disposable cartridges.

6)You are probably on the wrong forum to be asking about electric shaving – maybe there is an electric shaving website – I don’t know. Are you sure you are not a troll? Anyway, there are two basic types of electric shavers - the rotary (you remember the Norelco commercials where Santa rides around on one of these) which has three rotating heads, each under a thin metal housing with holes in it that cut your hairs, and the vibrating shaver which has a thin metal screen under which is a vibrating set of blades that cut your hairs. The ones that you can buy today are all pretty good but can be a bit harsh on your skin at first. That's where the powers and splashes come it - they are intended to lubricate and protect you face a bit. When I was younger, I used a vibrating model - I found it to be not too comfortable.

Anyway good luck with your shaving.

 

[Go West Young Man]

1. I'm looking for a good pre-shave oil that is preferably $10 or lower. Do they exist?

I don't have a problem spending money on other shaving products since they usually last quite awhile, but I like to lather my pre-shave oil on thick, and paying $20+ per bottle is getting expensive.

Olive oil or grapeseed oil works just as well (since that's basically all the fancy oils are anyways.)

2. I'm going to order Thayers Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free Rose w/Aloe Vera). What's the best way to apply this? Cotton ball? Spray it on? Pour in hands and splash it on? I guess I'm more concerned with how much I should be using. Should I apply an after shave balm immediately after, or wait 10 minutes? Also, if I'm using it as a toner as well, is it safe/smart to use over the eye area?

Whatever works best for you. I'm a splasher, it just seems easier and involves less additional steps.

4. I'm a huge fan of C.O. Bigelow Proraso Shave Foam (in a can). Is there any benefit in trying the tube cream?

Dude, night and day. It'll take you a few times to get a handle on the proportions of the cream/water mix, but the cream is a far superior product.

5. Why do the multi-blade razors get so much heat here? I gave the whole DE shaving experience a shot for about 3 months and wasn't a big fan. I'm currently using a Gillette ProGlide, and a DE razor just doesn't compare in my opinion. The ProGlide is smoother, easier, and faster... and I don't get any irritation (I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin). The DE had a very slight advantage in closeness, but it was almost irrelevant. I'm beginning to wonder if all the hype surrounding a DE shave is just a band-wagon effect.


Like ex-smokers, new DE shavers tend to get religious about the topic. You can use any razor that gives you a good shave, no-one here will bag on you for it. Personally, the cost of cartridges and the amount of plastic I was throwing out convinced me to make the switch, but there's no rule saying you can't shave with a pointy stick if you enjoy doing do.


6. I've never used an electric shaver in my life. I'd like to give it a shot, at least for my off-days when I don't need a close shave. Is there a "best" electric shaver? Are there any products I should be using with it? I've heard something about oils and powders?

My last electric did a nice job of hacking and chewing up my skin, so I'm not going to recommend them to anyone. That being said, liberal application of Lectric Shave beforehand seemed to help.

 

[Drubbing]

4. I'm a huge fan of C.O. Bigelow Proraso Shave Foam (in a can). Is there any benefit in trying the tube cream?

5. I'm beginning to wonder if all the hype surrounding a DE shave is just a band-wagon effect.
Appreciate any suggestions!

Using canned product and a DE isn't the ideal way to do justice to a DE blade. Canned stuff just does not compare to a good lather. Even Proraso's canned stuff is just canned stuff.

It certainly is not a bandwagon, but of course, there is inherent hype on a site dedicated to the topic. People with problem skin having had significant turnarounds in fixing skin and shaving issues. Others, like myself get better shaves and enjoy the process.

No one can outright claim a DE shaves significantly closer or quicker, but you get to customise your products all the way through. I much prefer that, to using what Gillette has deemed is good enough for everyone.

 

[LuckyR]

OK I will jump in and comment on the electric question. I used a Braun for a couple of decades. Very easy, very safe and a pretty close shave with little time commitment. Though to get a very close shave, it is quite time consuming (not to wet shaving levels, though), necessitating many, many passes.

 

[Snargle]

It's the need for those "many, many passes" that irritated the hell out of my face and finally convinced me to go back to DE shaving after 30+ years away. My Norelco and Braun electrics are now buried in a drawer somewhere...I forget.

OK I will jump in and comment on the electric question. I used a Braun for a couple of decades. Very easy, very safe and a pretty close shave with little time commitment. Though to get a very close shave, it is quite time consuming (not to wet shaving levels, though), necessitating many, many passes.

 

[LuckyR]

It's the need for those "many, many passes" that irritated the hell out of my face and finally convinced me to go back to DE shaving after 30+ years away. My Norelco and Braun electrics are now buried in a drawer somewhere...I forget.

I don't disagree with your experience but Braun has redesigned their foils (which were always pretty darn good) so it would not suprise me if you haven't used one in awhile, that your face didn't do that anymore.

 

[akokandy]

I used electric before finding DE/SE/Injector (now mostly a SE shaver). I do not have sensitive skin. I found that Braun electrics did a much better job of shaving than the Norelco rotary-type shavers. Braun electrics actually cut hair, while the rotary-type literally pulled the hairs out of your skin.

One of the main benefits of wet shaving is that the lathering-type soaps and creams really do benefit your skin. I found that shaving every day with a real razor blade actually improved my skin, not because of the actual shaving at first, but mostly because of the benefits given to the skin by the quality soaps and creams. Even if you stick with the Fusion, I recommend you change your lathering software.

YMMV

 

[umm_bacon]

I think that for most people on this forum the whole shaving thing is at least 50% hobby. If you are not interested in the hobby aspect of it, then not much of it will make sense. It is kind of like a gear head driving an old Chevelle. On the surface it does not make much sense, but to that guy or gal it is part of how they define themselves.

Here is the secret. A Gillette Fusion will give you a safer, faster and more reliable shave than a DE or SE or straight. Many here will deny that, but that is really the dirty truth. Once proficient with your "old school" razor(s) of choice, you can get awsome shaves that might actually be a bit closer, but I know it will never be as fast. Most people (non shave-geeks) do one pass with a Gillette Mach 3, Fusion or whatever, and call it good. Shave-geeks will usually do around 3 passes with a DE, SE or straight. Add to that all the lather rituals, and it easily takes 2-3 times as long. Does it make sense for most people? Nobody else I know (sans my dad) seems to think so. I don't care. I like the eternal quest for the perfect shave.

The other two arguments are cost and skin care. I can almost guarantee you that a majority of folks on here might start out thinking they are going to save money over cartridges, but that quickly gets overshadowed by acquisition disorders. Most people see this as some sort of slight mental illness. Shave-geeks, well...we see the logic in it somehow. This is where the hobby part comes in. I enjoy spending crazy amounts of money on shaving stuff. My girlfriend, coworkers and my friends think that I am nuts. Again, I am alright with that.

The strongest selling point for "wet shaving" is the benefits to your skin. Foams and gels are like eating at McDonalds. You will get full, but it is not like a fine meal at a nice restaurant. You will get a shave that works for all intensive purposes. When you start entering into the shave-geek world of quality soaps, creams, badgers and boars, it is like gourmet dining compared to the Big Mac you previously lived on. Believe it or not, you will actually enjoy shaving and the benefits to your skin. I do not get ingrown hairs anymore. My skin is not dry and my complexion is much better. I credit this to quality product. I have fairly decent and hardy skin no matter what I use, but I do notice differences. Some people have pretty severe skin sensitivities, and they would be more suited to discuss the benefits they see.

I know that I hijacked this thread a bit, but I guess this is part of the shavemania therapy process. FYI, STAY AWAY FROM ELECTRICS if you ever want a quality shave. Period.

 

[cymric]

1. I'm looking for a good pre-shave oil that is preferably $10 or lower. Do they exist?

Personally, I'd save the money and work my *** off on technique. Some say they get better shaves with oil or just oil, and I don't disbelieve these reports: the ancient Egyptians did just as well with only oil. But the margin for error is very slim. If you absolutely insist, get some cheap neutral almond or jojoba oil.

2. I'm going to order Thayers Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free Rose w/Aloe Vera). What's the best way to apply this?

Dump some in your hands, massage gently on the shaven visage after you've rinsed the latter with cool or even cold water. Really, don't overthink this .

4. I'm a huge fan of C.O. Bigelow Proraso Shave Foam (in a can). Is there any benefit in trying the tube cream?

Canned stuff is, as has been said already, canned stuff. Even simple creams and soaps kick the living daylights out the canned goo. It's called 'goo' for a reason at this part of the net.

5. Why do the multi-blade razors get so much heat here? I gave the whole DE shaving experience a shot for about 3 months and wasn't a big fan.

Marketing, marketing, marketing, and price. I am one of the few proclaimed cartridge users around here. They're expensive, without doubt, but applying the same methodology of a DE they get the job done just as well. Personally, I don't like the big head of the DE; and given my poor eyesight I have a dickens of a time finding the optimum blade angle. With a cartridge I don't have to worry about that aspect. And it eliminates one variable from the shaving process.

I'm currently using a Gillette ProGlide, and a DE razor just doesn't compare in my opinion. The ProGlide is smoother, easier, and faster... and I don't get any irritation (I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin). The DE had a very slight advantage in closeness, but it was almost irrelevant. I'm beginning to wonder if all the hype surrounding a DE shave is just a band-wagon effect.

I am willing to bet a considerable sum that your skin is not at as sensitive as you think. Unless you have visited a dermatologist and received medical treatment, it is just your shaving technique which is... well, ****. Newbie shavers ae remarkably similar in voicing this statement. I too thought that my skin was sensitive; then I learned to shave properly, and realised that my technique was **** too, just like the countless others.

A band-wagon effect is something I've wondered about. Many make the transition from goo + cartridge to cream + DE in a single step, and then attribute all improvement on the DE. But it's not just the DE. It's prepping, shaving with attention to technique, proper after care, using quality lather, the works. A cartridge blade is still a sharp metal edge near your skin, and although the blade angle is fixed a lot of the basic principles still apply. I am comfortable enough in my technique these days that I will happily challenge any DE user to a shave-off.

 

[binowatch]

Make your own shave oil-1/2 castor oil, 1/2 olive oil -cheap and works great-I only use oil on my straight razor outings. I like to splash-why waste money on cotton balls or pads? Creams just work better than foam-this is a universal truth. All foams are cursed!!! To be honest, the key part of wet shaving is the prep, after care and technique. Only a poor workman blames his tools! For me DE, SE, Injector razors are more of a hobby that adds a nice dimension to shaving. Electrics are interesting, I've never found one that worked for me, some love foil razors (Braun etc) others rotary (Norelco)-they all shaved OK but irritated like crazy. The problem is trying one out is a big investment you are stuck with.

 

[Snargle]

I don't disagree with your experience but Braun has redesigned their foils (which were always pretty darn good) so it would not suprise me if you haven't used one in awhile, that your face didn't do that anymore.

My Braun electric razor is less than two years old. Don't know when they redesigned it, but the foil is still a layer of metal between your skin and the blades. To get a really close shave (which is my preference), I had to make multiple passes over the same area, never really achieved that quality I was seeking, and found it to be extremely irritating to my skin. Not to the point of blotchy and infected, but within a couple of hours after shaving, my face was sore, itchy, and uncomfortable. Now that I'm using a DE, good lathers, and nice aftershave products, my face is happy all day long!