Lather going dry on my face
I've been using Mitchell's Wool Fat soap, and it seems to dry out on my face. Last shave I finished the right side of my face, and by that time the left side did not feel wet. I relathered and went forward, but by the time I was done with the left side, the neck suds didn't feel wet.
Here is how I do my lather. I've got a glass bowl with the MWF squished into the corners. I let my brush soak in hot water while I shower. When done, I give it a quick single flick to get some of the water off, and stick it in my MWF bowl and mix away. A quick, thick foamy lather whips right up and when the brush is loaded up I start lathering my face.
I don't want runny lather, but I don't want the lather drying on my face either. How much water should I be using?
Water not the only culprit
Hi Mark,
It may be that water is not the issue. From your post, it seems like the lather feels just right (in the bowl, at least).
That leads me to believe:
1. Face Temp: Your face may be too hot (evaporating the water quicker)...try warm rather than hot water. I do like warmer water too.
2. Ingredients in creme: The ingredients in the creme may not be too conducive of supporting an "extended" period of moist lather. I found this to be the case with some cremes I use (some of Trumper's lines, The Shamrock line). Some of these cremes contain different proportions of similar ingredients...this, may be enough to change the moisture characteristics when applied to skin compared to bowl.
What I found to do the trick is:
1. Glycerin: I squirt ~1ml of it in the bowl with the creme. I whip up the lather and viola...not much difference in looks, but the glycerin, being a natural emollient, will keep the moisture in the lather longer.
2. Pre-shave regimen: I also found the longer I prep my beard, the longer the lather stays moist on my face. I spend a good 5-10 minutes prep time (after shower) and I get amazing results.
I am not sure if this helps, but wanted to give you my $0.02 and what works for me.