Thread: AOS Pre-shave Oil

Originally Posted by CowanX7

how do you prevent the lather from drying up? I find that after about 6-8 minutes, mine will start to dry and flake. Maybe i'm not doing it right, I have cream from AOS and just put a small amount on a damp, warm brush and apply it directly to my face

Sounds like you need to hydrate a little more. Once you do the first application, dip the tips of the brush in water and go back at your face with it...keep working at it until you build up a good lather

Originally Posted by CowanX7

how do you prevent the lather from drying up? I find that after about 6-8 minutes, mine will start to dry and flake. Maybe i'm not doing it right, I have cream from AOS and just put a small amount on a damp, warm brush and apply it directly to my face

Usually the lather isn't dry by that time but I reapply lather after stropping then shave. Some lathers certainly dry on my face quickly and I am still finding that perfect balance of water to cream.

Originally Posted by CowanX7

how do you prevent the lather from drying up? I find that after about 6-8 minutes, mine will start to dry and flake. Maybe i'm not doing it right, I have cream from AOS and just put a small amount on a damp, warm brush and apply it directly to my face

I found that the Cream can hold a lot of water, the more you use the longer the lather will stay good on your face. I also use a bowl it just makes everything easier, just keep adding a little at a time work it in and then add more. You might waist a cup lather by pushing it to far but finding that threshold will make a world of difference.

I've been using the lavender pre-shave oil for AoS myself. I have found a pretty direct corrilation between cuts on the days I skip it and smooth shaves on teh days I dont. The price is the only thing that gets to me but, I love the smell and the razor glides through my beard when I use it. It is a little thick I think, but a dab will do ya.

J

Because the ingredients are canola oil, olive oil, and some scent (EO), I don't reckon this stuff would be too hard to make. There's plenty of threads on the different kind of oils and what they do (or don't do) for some people and making your own pre-shave oil, but as someone trying to live as naturally as possible, I gotta wonder about canola oil-

"Canola oil is heavily refined, genetically engineered, and is derived from the rapeseed plant which is thought to be harmful to humans and animals."

Granted, it's probably healthier putting it on skin than drinking it, but it's good to be informed. I still use AOS' oil sometimes, but find glycerin does a fair job for a newb like me as well.

I have been making a sandalwood and lavender home made version of this myself for a few years now easy to mix up and works great and much less expensive.

Originally Posted by StillHand

Because the ingredients are canola oil, olive oil, and some scent (EO), I don't reckon this stuff would be too hard to make. There's plenty of threads on the different kind of oils and what they do (or don't do) for some people and making your own pre-shave oil, but as someone trying to live as naturally as possible, I gotta wonder about canola oil-

"Canola oil is heavily refined, genetically engineered, and is derived from the rapeseed plant which is thought to be harmful to humans and animals."

Granted, it's probably healthier putting it on skin than drinking it, but it's good to be informed. I still use AOS' oil sometimes, but find glycerin does a fair job for a newb like me as well.

Care to share your formula?

I've been using the AOF sandelwood oil. I too think it's a bit thick and almost feel like it is inhibiting the glide when shaving. It is the first time I've used a pre-shave oil, so I have no base for comparison. I've been thinking of trying grape-seed oil as it is pretty light. I am still trying to get the right setup to get a really slippery shave.

Originally Posted by aontko

I've been using the AOF sandelwood oil. I too think it's a bit thick and almost feel like it is inhibiting the glide when shaving. It is the first time I've used a pre-shave oil, so I have no base for comparison. I've been thinking of trying grape-seed oil as it is pretty light. I am still trying to get the right setup to get a really slippery shave.

i may be wrong with this...i use proraso preshave instead of oil...but i don't think oil is intended to be slippery, it's intended to soften the whiskers, so any glide would just be because your whiskers are softer. glycerin might be more in line with what you are looking for in regards to glide

I too have the sample pack from AOS, but I have the Sandalwood version. In reading this thread I took a look at the bottle of oil that came with the pack. It's ingredients include castor oil, olive oil, fruit oil (doesn't say what kind of fruit) and fragrance. I think the castor oil would explain the thickness and stickiness that everyone is talking about.
When I use this Pre-Shave oil, I usually soak the bottle in my homemade scuttle of hot water while I get all of my supplies ready and strop my razor. The heat thins the oil and warms the oil for a pleasant sensation while applying.

I ama huge fan of pre-shave oils and creams. This one is very good, not the best, but for the relatively inexpensive price it is very good. I'd definitely recommend trying the sample pack, there are some good products in there.