The Cooling Effect

[mbneville]

I've always been a fan of shaving products that provide a cooling effect like Proraso, or Tom's of Maine Peppermint shaving cream. This August I am beginning a new job in Okinawa, Japan. Since I'll be living in a hot and humid sub-tropical climate where it never gets out of the 80s in the summer, I've decided to try to stock up on some Proraso products to bring with me, since it will be more difficult and expensive to get quality shaving products once I arrive.

My question is, do you gentlemen have any other recommendations for any creams, soaps, or aftershaves that provide a cooling effect similar to the one from Proraso? I have not come across any others so far besides Tom's of Maine Peppermint cream. I also found Nivea Cooling Aftershave balm at the drugstore, but I'm not a big fan of it. I don't have a major problem with just using Proraso stuff all the time, but I'd like to get some more variety. I know that Taylor does not have any creams or soaps like this.

Thanks!

Brannon

 

[Scotto]

QED Peppermint/Patchouli/Tea tree shave stick. Makes Proraso seem like a visit to the desert.

 

[Englandmj7]

I too love a strong 'cooling effect.' Baxter of California's Aftershave Balm, available at:

http://www.baxterofcalifornia.com/

and various other retailers is an excellent product in this regard. I have tried at least 10-15 other shave balms, and this is by far my favorite. Plus, for $12 a pop, you can't go wrong. One bottle usually lasts me a year.

 

[mbneville]

I too love a strong 'cooling effect.' Baxter of California's Aftershave Balm, available at:

http://www.baxterofcalifornia.com/

and various other retailers is an excellent product in this regard. I have tried at least 10-15 other shave balms, and this is by far my favorite. Plus, for $12 a pop, you can't go wrong. One bottle usually lasts me a year.

Ah yes, I forgot to mention Baxter's Aftershave. I think it is my favorite summer aftershave. I will defintely be bringing some tubes of it. For an intense cooling effect it's fun to put on some Proraso Pre/Post while your face is still wet and then put Baxter's on a few minutes later.

 

[phishkabob]

I really like the Minty Menthol aftershave from Em's Place: http://www.emsplace.com/grooming/mens_grooming_toiletries.aspx#after_shave

I know that a lot of guys here are not a fan of alcohol based aftershaves and/or C.O Bigelow, but this is my "go to" aftershave: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2095280&cp=2073258.2079003.2185731&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&parentPage=family

Both of these aftershaves produce a very nice cooling effect. I live in South Florida and it feels like a tropical sauna here all year. These aftershaves definitely help!!!

Sam

 

[PottyDoctor]

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave is available in a Cool Mint version. Gives a great cooling shave and is widely available at a great value!

 

[Leisureguy]

The Proraso Pre- and After-Shave Cream really leaves my face cool and tingly. Use a small amount rubbed into the wet beard before lathering, and another small amount rubbed into the shaved face after rinsing and drying. Very nice.

Cyril R. Salter Mint is quite nice as a summertime shaving cream, IMHO.

 

[TomH]

Hello,

for this hot summer I use, PRORASO shaving cream and -soap, DENÚ shaving cream(a Columbian brand is much more cooler than PRORASO... ) and as after shave the PRORASO pre e dopo barba or the Spanish Floid a/s, really cool with a higher amount of menthol.

Thomas

 

[guenron]

I do not know whether you use a tonic or hydrosol after shaving, but if you do QED has a fresh peppermint hydrosol that is extremely refreshing and chilling!

 

[mbneville]

I do not know whether you use a tonic or hydrosol after shaving, but if you do QED has a fresh peppermint hydrosol that is extremely refreshing and chilling!

I use Thayers because it is easy to get, but I was not aware of QED having a peppermint hydrosol. I thought they just carred DaVinci water and Rose and Lavender hydrosols. Thanks!

 

[mbneville]

I really like the Minty Menthol aftershave from Em's Place: http://www.emsplace.com/grooming/mens_grooming_toiletries.aspx#after_shave

I know that a lot of guys here are not a fan of alcohol based aftershaves and/or C.O Bigelow, but this is my "go to" aftershave: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2095280&cp=2073258.2079003.2185731&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&parentPage=family

Both of these aftershaves produce a very nice cooling effect. I live in South Florida and it feels like a tropical sauna here all year. These aftershaves definitely help!!!

Sam

I've heard good things about Em's Place but I have never bought anything from her. Unfortunately she won't ship to Japan. That other aftershave actually looks nice and the price is great for the size.

 

[crackstar]

I love Proraso shaving cream or soap, or Cerrus, which by the way smells wonderful, (made in France and sold all over Europe) and Arko Moist, or even Arko Sensitive provide a delightful cooling effect. Another nice cream with a good cooling effect is Kappus Nautik.

Jeff

 

[fret]

Osage Rub is a cooling skin bracer. Seems sort of short-acting, but is pleasant.

 

[DEF]

King of Shaves Alphagel "Supercooled Menthol" is the coolest medium I know. It's a brushless gel, but it contains Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Spearmint, Menthol, and Camphor. I keep meaning to use that with the Proraso Pre, but I haven't got around to it yet.

Also, I haven't tried it yet, but I just received a QED Peppermint soap; it smells great.

Good luck in Japan!

Doug

 

[mrob]

I'd second the recommendations for Proraso pre/post, Toms of Maine, and the QED Peppermint/Patchouli/Tea tree shave stick--I don't know that this last one is more cooling than Proraso, but it certainly smells a lot better!

If you're looking for a shampoo, I'd recommend Paul Mitchell's Special Tea Tree Shampoo, which is mighty close to Proraso in terms of cooling power.

I also enjoy the cooling effect of EO's peppermint foot lotion--nothing better than a nice soak followed by an application of this foot cream--chilly!

In fact, I think I deserve a nice soak right now!

 

[rossination]

Mama Bear's Rosemary and Mint is FIERCLY cooling, for my face at least. Smells nice, too.

 

[mbneville]

Thanks for all the great recommendations. There's alot more stuff out there than I had thought! I didn't mention since it's not really shaving related, but my favorite soap in the shower is Dr. Bonner's Peppermint liquid castile soap. It's great high quality soap with essential oils. It lathers up great with a sponge and there is also a Eucalyptus version that is good as well.

http://www.drbronner.com/index.html

 

[Leisureguy]

BTW, if you have young boys, watch out for the tea-tree stuff (and lavendar oil stuff as well).

 

[mrob]

Thanks for the info--I've got 2 boys (3 & 5) and will keep them away from the PM shampoo.

On the other hand, this will become my wife's only shampoo, and she will be washing her hair 3 times a day from now on.

 

[Kyle]

Thanks for the info--I've got 2 boys (3 & 5) and will keep them away from the PM shampoo.

On the other hand, this will become my wife's only shampoo, and she will be washing her hair 3 times a day from now on.

HAHAHA!