Thread: What types of creams etc... do you use

Hey all,

All I'm using is shaving soap and aftershave. In some of the vids, I see people putting stuff on their face before putting cream, and afterwards putting stuff that is not aftershave etc...

What is all that? Couild someone be so kind as to name those types, and in what order they are applied and what the benefits are? I'm using tabac soap, and I noticed they have way more then just soap/aftershave, that's what made me wonder 'what the heck or those for?' :-)

I truly would like to know.

Kindest regards!

If they are putting stuff before lathering with soap or cream, it may well be pre-shave oil - I use some myself, from Truefitt & Hill, The Art of Shaving, the Gentlemen's Refinery, Origin and The Body Shop (I know, lots of them... don't laugh ok?) -; the benefit is to prepare the skin before shaving; as I have a very sensitive skin it works wonders on me.

After shaving and before the aftershave, it could be an alum block, a special moisturiser, or another aftershave; for instance, if I want to use aftershave splash with alcohol or cologne, I usually put an unscented aftershave balm first to heal the skin, and only after the one with cologne...

Went to the store today to check out those things It seems the pre-shave stuff is for when shaving with electronic razors?

And what's the differense between after shave Balsam and after shave lotion, and plain simple 'after shave' ?

Sorry to sound silly, but I truly never used this stuff :-)

Originally Posted by Jantjeuh

Went to the store today to check out those things It seems the pre-shave stuff is for when shaving with electronic razors?

And what's the differense between after shave Balsam and after shave lotion, and plain simple 'after shave' ?

I think you need special pre-shave oil that won't harm the brush. Would be a shame to make that super-absorbent badger brush into a waterproof one that can't make lather any more. I'd assume the wrong oil could make lather on your face break down quickly too?

After-shave balms/balsams soothe and moisturise, 'after shave' stings and dries skin. Generally speaking.
'Lotion' is a vague enough term that it could be either of the above, but would normally be on the sooth and mousturise end of the scale.

You can use pre-shave oil to prepare the skin for the shave; I wouldn't use it with an electric razor... I'll be too frightened that the oil could damage the rotating blades or the "engine". You can use pre-shave oil with a Gillette, a DE or a straight. For more info you can have a look at the T&H pre-shave oil (Truefitt and Hill: Pre-shave Oil). For me, it really protect my skin and decrease the risk of razor burn.

The difference between aftershave splash and aftershave balm is that the splash is more like water constituency and the balm like cream; some prefer the splash, others the balm; that is a matter of personal preferences.

The pre-shave oils are usually expensive and unnecessary. If you want to use something, olive oil will do the trick and you would find that it is the major ingredient in most of the pre-shave oils. Some folks use an alum block to tighten up the skin and close up any minor nicks or weepers. This should then be rinsed off with cold water. Next, you could choose to use to use some witchhazel for additional healing/cleansing properties. I like the Thayers withoug alcohol. I very seldom use an aftershave splash due to the alcohol content. However, the aftershave balm will be most beneficial for additional healing and moisterizing of the skin.