Pre-shave....Use it!

Well, I finally got me some preshave. I ordered some Proraso pre/post-shave creme and gave it a try yesterday, and I have to say that it was a significantly different. My shave was much easier and smoother than without. As a post shave creme I can only say it is like peppermint on the face. It felt a bit warm but every time that there was a breeze it was cool, almost cold, I kinda liked it. But a very little goes a LONG way, I only dabbed my finger in and that was more that enough. If you've been skeptical about preshaves all I can tell you is give it a try.

Certainly helps the shaving process. I have been using Baxter of CA pre shave for a few months now. I think no matter what pre you use, a hot towel is a must, at least for me anyway.
Kurt

Can you explain a little bit about how it helped with having a smoother shave? I've been meaning to try some pre-shave cream but never knew how it helped.

Why do you need it? use your brush whit lather ans swirl longer on your face. Gives the same affect als a pre shave creme.IMO

Timebomb, I just found that the razor seemed to have an easier time cutting through the beard and seemed to glide over the skin easier. I had much less irritation and didn't have the razor burn that I usually get. I don't know if that was the intention but that was my experience.

Kalerolf, opinions vary. That was just my experience. Like you said IMO it helped.

I'm a big fan of using good ol' Noxzema in the blue tub as a pre-shave. As far as using a pre-shave or not, I see it like I see uber lather. Not necessary but it certainly enhances the experience.

I like proraso pre when I shave with a DE. With straights I prefer pre shave oil; the shaves are more comfortable.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dorado

Timebomb, I just found that the razor seemed to have an easier time cutting through the beard and seemed to glide over the skin easier. I had much less irritation and didn't have the razor burn that I usually get. I don't know if that was the intention but that was my experience.

---

Thanks for Dorado. Can you also tell me how to use it? Do you just apply it then apply the shaving cream/soap over or do you let it dry first or do you wash it off before applying? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

You wet your face with hot water, then apply the pre-shave cream, you really only need a little, just two or three 'finger fulls'. Just rub it in, then make your lather and then apply your lather straight over top. I then strop (30/70) which gives some time for both the pre-shave and cream to 'soak in'. I can feel the Proraso on my skin quite distinctly under the lather; I really like the tingly feel...

[EDIT] I myself don't think one really NEEDS it, but it's nice on the skin, probably has a good effect on the skin, and ensures a nice glide...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timebomb

Thanks for Dorado. Can you also tell me how to use it? Do you just apply it then apply the shaving cream/soap over or do you let it dry first or do you wash it off before applying? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

---

Work it in until gone, then leave it while your stropping and making lather. I usually let sit for 5 minutes while I'm getting ready.

Thanks guys. It sounds like I should give this a shot. After I shower my skin feels dry and gets some drag (especially if I'm using a DE).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timebomb

Thanks guys. It sounds like I should give this a shot. After I shower my skin feels dry and gets some drag (especially if I'm using a DE).

---

EXACTLY! You've washed the oils off your skin, the razor is skipping, not sliding. Give it some lubrication. I do find that SOME oils effect my lather, (basically I think by acting as a surfactant (pops the bubbles; but I might be wrong on that)). I don't find that Proraso effects the cream at all.

I want to try natural Aloe Vera plant. I saw some in the garden the other day and wondered how it'd go as a pre-shave (just squeezed on to the skin) or even if it COULD work as a shaving cream all by itself.

I find a DE will drag a LOT more than a straight (greater surface area on the skin, you know)... :-)

Agree completely. Been using it for a long time with some added oils and menthol. Can't beat it!

You know Carl, you might be able to find natural aloe vera with out needing to buy a plant. I find a lot of that stuff in either the pharmacy or the organic healing stores. Sounds interesting. I should try that. It'd be good on the sunburns I have at any rate. lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dorado

You know Carl, you might be able to find natural aloe vera with out needing to buy a plant. I find a lot of that stuff in either the pharmacy or the organic healing stores. Sounds interesting. I should try that. It'd be good on the sunburns I have at any rate. lol

---

Yeah, you're right, but I'd actually like to get a plant; they're really easy to find, of course, and quite ornamental. I wouldn't mind making some oil at some stage too. My Father in Law has a still. Not sure how alcohol from a still stacks up against alcohol used for infusion, but it's be interesting to grab some rose hips off the roses and maybe a bit of this and that, and see what I can do! :-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Yeah, you're right, but I'd actually like to get a plant; they're really easy to find, of course, and quite ornamental. I wouldn't mind making some oil at some stage too. My Father in Law has a still. Not sure how alcohol from a still stacks up against alcohol used for infusion, but it's be interesting to grab some rose hips off the roses and maybe a bit of this and that, and see what I can do! :-)

---

You never know until you try. Give it a go and see what comes of it. Heck, you may just find that your stuff is better than anything else on the market.