What pre shave is everyone using?

[Fixxx]

I am still very new to wet shaving, and haven't experimented a lot outside of my AoS kit. But I'm curious, it seems there are multiple camps for pre shaving.

So what are your choices? Oil? No oil? Other pre shaves that don't involve oil? Just a hot shower and good lather? I'm all attentive ears!

 

[Lakebound]

I started wet shaving in June and right away thought that using pre-shave oil was what I needed. I have since then discovered that because I tend to be a face-latherer the majority of time, pre-shave oil was not for me.

Also, pre-shave oil for me was a crutch that kept me from concentrating on what I really needed to do and that is proper face-washing and moisturizing. I have since shelved the oils and instead, spend more time washing my face thoroughly and also taking more time soaking my beard. In addition, after those preps I lather my face and let it sit there awhile to continue softening my beard hair while I leisurely load up my razor or simply listen to music. I then face lather some more one last time and then shave the first passes after which in between passes I rinse, check my face for miscreant whiskers, re-lather then repeat until conclusion.

Wet shaving was given up years ago by generations who thought that carts were the gateway to getting shaving done in a hurry. I'm only speaking for myself but, I enjoy the ritual of the prep and the shave and I am not in a hurry anymore.

The entire wet shave experience is about "me time" for me. Time to relax, unwind and enjoy the feel and the scents of the shave ritual.

Best regards,

Frank

 

[uncarich]

I use Proraso pre shave. It's a bit like noxema.

 

[mmack66]

I shave before I shower, so I just wet my face and lather up.

 

[ironfist]

I've tried a couple of oils but up until recently i had been using the proraso's.

I gave up on using them as i think they were the cause of my constant face breakout

I just give my face a wash with soap and hot water in and when i come out the shower.

 

[Lmarkow]

I don't like pre-shave oils. I use Musgo Real Glycerine Lime Oil soap before every shave. I lather right on top.

 

[detroitreds]

I'm not sure if I had a bad batch, but when I tried the AoS pre-shave oil, the darn thing was so thick, that I had a hard time spreading it around my face. Also it caused problems with clogging the razor. Again, this might be an isolated incident. I've since stopped using pre-shave oils. I now face lather, so as mentioned above, pre-shave oils don't work as well.

If you experience the same thing, then you're not alone in the boat.

 

[deruitem]

I shower and wash my face before I shave. Sometime I use an apricot scrub and sometimes I use conditioner on my beard. Thats it

 

[moshidog]

I like the Art of Shaving pre-shave oil because it really softens up the beard, provides an extra layer of protection, and leaves the skin well moisturized. But it's messy and clogs even a DE razor.

I am currently using the Edwin Jagger pre shave cream. I am pretty sure it is just Noxema in an Edwin Jagger branded tub. It works OK, but not nearly as well as the AoS oil. However, it cleans up very easily and doesn't clog the razor. So for daily use its a good option.

I like the pre-shave step because its extra protection on the skin before shaving and means less aftershave repair for dry or damaged skin.

 

[will_i_ockham]

Recently I have been using Proraso pre shave, but I am almost out. I do like it but not sure I am going to buy another jar. I will porbably go back to just a hot wet towel.

 

[NSmalls]

I use Proraso Sensitive

 

[fsturnz]

I'm not really a fan of oils either. I swear by RazoRock Shave Gel...it's my favorite and I work it well into my beard, then lather on top. Makes for a great shave.

 

[CUSE69]

I use either Proraso pre/post cream or AoS Ocean Kelp AS Lotion. I enjoy then both but am not sure the AoS is worth the price.

 

[Cynomys]

Generally, I don't use a pre-shave. When I do, it is Castle Forbes which is a non-oil based pre-shave. I have come to use it only with a certain cream which seems to need it, or at least it seems to help with that cream.

I tried a sample AOS pre-shave, but it felt like spreading Crisco on my face, so no more of that.

 

[Icarium]

I'm not really a fan of oils either. I swear by RazoRock Shave Gel...it's my favorite and I work it well into my beard, then lather on top. Makes for a great shave.

+1
i don't use it anymore now that i'm making better lather and my skills improved [angle+pressure] but i found this one worked best for me too
can't say i was able to detect the lavender scent but it made a huge positive difference when i needed it
also tried floid preshave gel, prep, cromwell & cruthers oil and some other that i can't remember

 

[Toothpick]

I use Proraso pre shave. It's a bit like noxema.

I used to use this every shave. then I skipped a few shaves and realized I don't really need it. but while using it i swore up and down it was the best thing ever and made my shaves that much more awesome.

my shaves are just as awesome without it i've found out.

 

[BRITD]

Most times I don't use one but if I do its Proraso Pre-shave, Green tea & oatmeal.

 

[StansDad24]

I usually use Proraso Green before a shave. Not sure if it adds much but I like the menthol.

 

[ncundertaker]

I like using Proraso Pre-shave and T&H UC Pre-shave Oil. Good stuff.

 

[Ron Scott]

Wash twice with glycerin-based soap, usually Musgo Real Citrus, leaving the 2nd lather on while I wash everything else. I get a full 5 minutes hydration. Then I lather up the brush and face lather it over the face soap.

All in the shower.