Simple pre-shave oil ... learned this trick on SRP

HI all,

I just wanted to share a little trick I picked up here on SRP.

During a conversation regarding pre-shave oils, which I questioned the value of, some of the ingredients were discussed.

It turns out, that pure virgin olive oil (naturally smells like Almond for some reason) used in very small amounts works fabulously. I use a 10ml drip bottle to hold some, and use about 4 drops per side of my face, after the face soak that is.

It really has made a difference in my shave quality. Some of my blades used to drag a bit, but not anymore!!

It's not cheap, but its not expensive as some shave oils either..

Just wanted to share!!

Happy Shaving!!

M

I have been using Sweet Oil. Found it near the shaving supplies at Rite-Aid. Works pretty well, but probably more expensive than EVO.

I have a little bottle of almond oil (about $10 per pint) on my sink. It works nicely. My guess is that anything you can put on a salad, you can put on your face.

As my blades have gotten sharper, and my pressure has decreased, I've been using it less.

Charles

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

My guess is that anything you can put on a salad, you can put on your face.
Charles

---

Not true! I once used Russian dressing on my face. For the next 24 huors, I couldn't stop addressing everyone I met as, "Comrad". And I drank way too much vodka.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by leadduck

And I drank way too much vodka.

---

I fail to see the problem, here.

Many preshave oils are based on grapeseed oil.

Wikipedia, see the shaving comment under the chapter Cosmetics

I add a few drops of bergamot to mine. It is cheap, great for your skin, and easy to come by.

I use a combination of Castor, Almond and Olive. Makes a nice shave oil.

I've started using Vodka for a pre-shave oil. I think it works pretty well, but I'm not sure because I can't remember the result. I did it at night, so I slept really well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ace

I've started using Vodka for a pre-shave oil. I think it works pretty well, but I'm not sure because I can't remember the result. I did it at night, so I slept really well.

---

Ok... I've been at this for a while, but I'm finding by the time I get the vodka on my face I'm waaaaay to drunk to.... oh... you mean to put the stuff on your face to start with?

Well, heck... that's just dumb!

:D

Seriously...

I have oily skin and have never used a preshave oil. I have a little trial bottle of lavender something. It seems to me like putting an oil on an oily surface would be counterproductive, but I might try it.... just because...

Does it really help?

I also have a little tin of Lloyds Shave Cream I haven't used. Is that any good?

Edit!

I took the razors for their monthly pass on the 8K and decided to try the Lloyds. I did not shower, but put the brush and the teacup in their regular molten hot water bath while I stropped Grandpappy's Larkin on the felt only... just for kicks.

I shook the brush a couple of times and dipped it in the stale bacon grease a few times then put it in the warm teacup and started whipping... In 30 seconds the lather blew out of the cup!

I got a wad and scrubbed it into my dry face really well into a 3 day growth... the lather blew up and went up my nose! I gave the Larkin 30 more on the felt while the stale bacon grease lather sat there then I started in.

Best dam shave I've had in 6 months!

I couldn't wait for the splash of Pinaud Clubman 'cause I was ready to brush what was left in the cup into my iron skillet for a pone of cornbread - the unscented aura is barftastic - but the end result is amazing!

Wellp... learn something new every day!

:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tonycraigo

Does it really help?

I also have a little tin of Lloyds Shave Cream I haven't used. Is that any good?

---

I was originally going to answer your queries directly, but then you posted your edit.

Firstly, I find that a small amount of pre-shave oil between passes leaves a lot less razor burn on ME. It seems to help the razor glide on subsequent passes that usually I get kind of sticky on. I can't speak for others there.

Secondly, I too had that little tin of Lloyd's. I'm not sure where I got it, I think maybe as a sample with a purchase from someone, I can't remember who/where though.. But just like you, I kept it hanging around for a while untouched. Just for variety yesterday I got it out and tried it. It was still very soft in the tin, and I was able to pull out a tiny amount and just threw it in the lather mug. Wet the brush and started whipping. I threw in 4 or 5 drops of glycerin half way into it, and kept whipping. It really did a remarkable job and I was highly impressed. But, just like you, the scent didn't do a whole lot for me, but what it lacked in fragrance, it made up for in lather and smoothness. It was supposed to be some kind of citrus scent, but it escaped me. I didn't know it was supposed to be scented until I read the tin lid closer. It really was just basically unscented, according to the Hammer sniff test anyway.

Thanks for posting up!!

Best!!

M

I received some unscented Lloyd's as a sample when I ordered a strop from Star Shaving. Tried it once and didn't like it. Left it sit for awhile and tried it again. While the lather is OK as far as shave quality. The smell (and it definitely had a "smell") was undesirably to say the least...Peeeuuw. Filed it in the circular file and good riddance.

Yep, I believe it must have been a sample that came with a strop I got for Christmas. It's stinky, but what got me was the amount of lather it produced with just the smallest wipe of the brush. I'll not throw it away, but it's not something I'll actually look forward to using...

:)

I use "Pam" You just spray it on, and a benefit is, the razor doesn't stick to my face....:rofl2:

Seriously, Any oil can be used, or combination there of, Olive, Almond, Vegtable, Castor, Grapeseed, JoJoba, etc...
I don't know if there's any benefit one way or another from oil to oil. I have a few, and some EO's and FO's. Made some pre shave oils a while back. They're no better or worse than anything else on the market. Less expensive.

Olive oil is a highly conditioning oil. In fact it's one of the few in which is recommended for babies skin. Believe me there are very few oils that is recommended for babies. This goes for lotions, soaps, ect.. Why not use it for a BBS shave.

I've used a mix of grapeseed, almond and peppermint oil which worked pretty well. I've also tried tea tree oil but it didn't work very well and smelled like turpentine.

I was hooked on the oils for awhile,but remembered that hair conditioner,especially Paul Mitchell (as it says it in the bottle) is like coating your face with WD-40,works great and all you need is a little dab,smear it on before lathering and your razor will glide like a hot knife through butter.
Give it a try,you most likely already have some in the shower.

I use a number of pre/shave's, Proraso is great, LLoyds of good used in moderation, and one of my fav's gents is Olive Oil[not Popeys girl] and Castor Bean Oil, in a 4 to 1 ratio. easy to make up and works as well as ANY expensive pre-oils. IMHO, thanks for your time!!

baby oil.... regular ole johnson and johnson baby oil....... and it smells great also...

When I first started I bought a bottle of Shave Secret and used it as a pre-shave oil. I apply it as per the directions, but, apply lather over it. Works great, for 2 passes, would have to re-apply a small amount for more passes. Haven't tried any others as of yet.

So once you smear oil all over your beard are you set to shave or do you still apply your normal lather over the top of the oil and if it is a soapy lather applied with the badger after each pass in the normal circular motion would that not whisk away a majority of the oil?