The process- Couple of Confusions

[Jaybird180]

I'm working on my personal process and have a few confusing subjects that I'd like to have some help with

Pre-Shave:
Do I shower before I shave or after? or
Do I wash my face before I shave or leave it?

Lathering:
I got it on this one! Soap or Cream is a personal preference

Razor:
Straight or DE, personal preference

Blade:
Personal Preference, but YMMV

Post Shave:
Alcohol based or not?
Do I use A/S product and then moisturizer? or just one or the other

Since I also occasionally use an anti-bump solution should I put this on as the layer closest to my skin or on top of the other stuff? Do I use the other stuff if I use any anti-bump stuff?

Does aftershave get reapplied during the day just to maintain the "smell-good"?




I think that about does it for now.

 

[RichGem]

I'm working on my personal process and have a few confusing subjects that I'd like to have some help with

Pre-Shave:
Do I shower before I shave or after? or
Do I wash my face before I shave or leave it?

You will get a better shave and have to do less prep if you shower first as the shower will help hydrate your beard. However, good prep is good prep whether you shower first or not. So, your call. Personally, I get the best results from shaving in the shower after having completed the actual showering.

Lathering:
I got it on this one! Soap or Cream is a personal preference

Razor:
Straight or DE, personal preference

Blade:
Personal Preference, but YMMV

Post Shave:
Alcohol based or not?
Do I use A/S product and then moisturizer? or just one or the other

Again personal preference. Alcohol can help kill off skin bacteria (good), but will burn to greater or lesser degrees if/when you nick yourself. Some like the burn, others try to avoid it. Some find the alcohol drying and/or bad for their skin. This you'll have to work out for yourself. Moisturizer or after shave balm would be your last step, or second to last before cologne, but after aftershave splash.

Since I also occasionally use an anti-bump solution should I put this on as the layer closest to my skin or on top of the other stuff? Do I use the other stuff if I use any anti-bump stuff?

I tend to avoid anti-bump stuff as I find it irritating and not useful for the intended purpose. But, if you want to use it, do so as a last step or it will burn like a .

Does aftershave get reapplied during the day just to maintain the "smell-good"?

If you want. Or, use a matching cologne at the end of your shave which will last longer.


I think that about does it for now.

my answers in red above. good luck!

 

[kingfisher]

I'm working on my personal process and have a few confusing subjects that I'd like to have some help with

Pre-Shave:
Do I shower before I shave or after? or
Do I wash my face before I shave or leave it?

Lathering:
I got it on this one! Soap or Cream is a personal preference

Razor:
Straight or DE, personal preference

Blade:
Personal Preference, but YMMV

Post Shave:
Alcohol based or not?
Do I use A/S product and then moisturizer? or just one or the other

Since I also occasionally use an anti-bump solution should I put this on as the layer closest to my skin or on top of the other stuff? Do I use the other stuff if I use any anti-bump stuff?

Does aftershave get reapplied during the day just to maintain the "smell-good"?




I think that about does it for now.

I have better luck with shaving after the shower. Just don't use extremely hot water on your face during the shower, as the skin will swell a little, making a close shave more difficult. But you can hydrate the beard better by showering, IMO.

Personally, I don't use an alcohol-based aftershave. I prefer witchhazel-based splashes. If you want to use a lotion, you can put that on after the splash dries.

I use cologne to get the scent I want for the day, so I prefer either a matching aftershave, or, more commonly, an unscented or mildly scented aftershave that dissipates quickly so it doesn't compete with my cologne.

I don't know anything about bump fighters.

 

[Luc]

My answers in bold:

Pre-Shave:
Do I shower before I shave or after? or
Do I wash my face before I shave or leave it?
Having a shower before helps. I wash my face while in the shower. As it was pointed out, a good prep will result in a great shave

Post Shave:
Alcohol based or not?
Do I use A/S product and then moisturizer? or just one or the other
Depends what works for you. I use Alcohol and none alcohol based AS.

Since I also occasionally use an anti-bump solution should I put this on as the layer closest to my skin or on top of the other stuff? Do I use the other stuff if I use any anti-bump stuff?
I don't use it, if I would, I would mix the two as they will end up mixed anyways

Does aftershave get reapplied during the day just to maintain the "smell-good"?
Nope, It's usually a bit there at the end of the day. SWMBO is usually able to identify at the end of the day which AS I'm wearing even if I don't smell it anymore.

 

[Bobtrumpet]

As for the prep, I shave before I shower, without washing my face. I also use Kyle's Prep, except I use Proraso pre-shave cream instead of shaving lather. I've tried shaving after showering and it just doesn't work for me.

 

[gone down south]

The only rule is that there are no rules, you have to try everything both ways and decide what works best for you.