Thread: Almond Massage Oil - Preshave

I have never really used pre shave except for Proraso's green pre shave cream. And I didn't see that that made any difference except for the tingly sensation.

I ended up buying some almond massage oil and a dropper bottle to oil my straight (I live in a humid environment). I had been using Eucalyptus oil on a recommendation but I have been finding it to strong and it overpowers the scent I use in the bathroom, so I have ditched it.

Almond oil doesn't really smell of much at all. Its used as the base oil for massage. You just add your favourite essential oil and off you go. I chose not to add a smell as I don't require a competing smell.

Last evening I applied four drops from the dropper bottle to my wet skin and rubbed it in. I let it sit for a few minutes and then applied my Arko stick. I lathered up with my Simpsons Wee Scot and shaved. I have to say I didn't really notice the oil on my skin at all. I though the Arko had probably removed it when I applied that directly, and my Wee Scot showed no trace of oil either.

However when I shaved I noticed the difference, things just felt a bit smoother. The big difference for me was after. I had a three pass shave and I always get a little irritation following on my lower cheeks and neck pockets, but not this time. Also I usually have to moisturise at this time of year (hot, sweaty and humid) but my skin just felt great after the oil. I applied so little.

So my question is, is Almond massage oil a good thing to use long term?

Also whats your favourite pre shave oil? how much do you use? and I understand that longer lasting effects are noticeable please explain? Also if you hate pre shave oil please explain why?

I'm sure going to evaluate this subject on the feel of last nights fantastic BSS, hydrated face feel…….

I use a vanilla massage oil from bath and body works and I mix it with caster and olive oil. About equal 3rds. Works pretty good and relatively pretty damn cheap too. I used to use just the massage oil and that worked good too. Don't know that mixing them really improved anything but I like to try new things so..…

Wow I had my second shave today using Almond oil as a pre shave. 4 drops again applied to wet skin. I have to say today my face has felt great and I usually don't shave two days in a row and if I do I have to be super careful to avoid irritation. but I was keen to see what would happen.

Tonight was different I did a three pass hybrid with my usual face lathered ARKO. The straight razor glided across my skin as I cut in all directions. When I finished I washed the soap from my face and it felt hydrated and very smooth.

Now usually as a creature of habit I apply a balm after I have applied and washed off the Alum, but tonight I just wanted to add some more almond oil. I massaged in 4 drops (the same as my pre shave) and it made my skin feel super soft and smooth, not a hint of an oily feeling at all. Wow no irritation, no red marks just clean matt smooth skin. So far Im impressed. If I don't break out in spots from the added oil I could be on to something.

Almond oil - pre shave post shave and razor oil. Could be a winner?

I spent a bit of time reading up on almond oil and I was surprised at its uses. Almond Oil for Face: Benefits and How to Use the Oil

give it a try and tell me what you think…

I'm all for giving it a try. I believe your words.

That link however is vested in the selling of almond oil, their words i take as "optimisms" from the commercial we-gotta-sell-it world. It's very important that we recognize the difference.

I'll keep an eye out for some locally. Never tried pre-shave stuffs. thanks for posting your experience.

If u use tiny amounts is good makes things easier, but if not it makes harder...

Originally Posted by WadePatton

I'm all for giving it a try. I believe your words.

That link however is vested in the selling of almond oil, their words i take as "optimisms" from the commercial we-gotta-sell-it world. It's very important that we recognize the difference.

I'll keep an eye out for some locally. Never tried pre-shave stuffs. thanks for posting your experience.

Give it a go, I got mine at the local drug store. I also bought a dropper bottle, which was about $2. It makes it easier to use small amounts. I found 4 drops is enough. Make sure your hands and face are wet and apply to your hands then face. If you have enough you'll hardly even notice. But wow it makes a difference.

Yep I guess that website is selling it and promoting it, but its a simple oil and it seems to work well for several things.

I woke up this morning and my skin is really clear, not a mark in sight, no irritation, no dryness. I am amazed.

Yeah, i just forgot to stop on the way home today. Not used to working in the "big city" next door where almost anything can be found. Lucky to find good olive oil in my tiny town.

But then i just looked at a quart for 16 bucks delivered. That'd be enough to do for a while! If i don't care for it as an oil, i can saponify it and try it sudsy!

My favorite preshave routine is a stupid-hot Epsom salt bath with about 1/4 cup of almond oil in the bath water. I take a rag or small towel and keep my beard soaked while I watch a few episodes of "The League." I don't use a preshave oil, but my shaves are always smoother after this bath. You skin is a bit oily and moisturized and the razor just glides over my skin. One of these days I do want to try some coconut oil as a preshave though.

Personally, I've never even considered a pre shave oil/ lotion etc, seeing as how I'm still doomed to use the accursed disposables. I think I might try this route with the Almond oil though when I manage to get my hands on my first S/R. I Might as well think about a little pre shave pampering before I actually get started with a straight and make it a little me time. Thanks for getting me thinking Kevin.
Benny.

Originally Posted by WadePatton

Yeah, i just forgot to stop on the way home today. Not used to working in the "big city" next door where almost anything can be found. Lucky to find good olive oil in my tiny town.

But then i just looked at a quart for 16 bucks delivered. That'd be enough to do for a while! If i don't care for it as an oil, i can saponify it and try it sudsy!

The bottle i bought cost $16 but with use as pre shave and post shave and oil for the straights It should last years..