Thread: Soon to be out of Proraso pre-shave, any recommendations?

Musgo Real makes the Glyce Lime soap. Lather up with that in the shower and it really seems to soften the whiskers. I have used a few of the oil pre shaves, like AOS, but I never liked them. I am not saying they were not beneficial, just did not like putting oil on my face. Castle Forbes is good but it is not cheap. I think for some folks a pre shave is more than an indulgence. You might not really need them. I did not for awhile and managed to get by just fine. Still, I like to do whatever possible to soften the whiskers up. I do not have sensitive skin so really a pre shave is just to soften the barbed wire hair I have.

BTW, I wasn't saying it doesn't DO a lot, I always found it added a lot to the glide factor...

The question of need when discussing pre-shave products is IMO not the right one to ask. If you goal is a minimalist shave then use cold water, soap and a razor. The question is that for most of us, shaving is a pleasure and anything we try that enhances this experience is good thing to add to ones routine. I don't like pre-shave oils so I don't use them, but many others do. I have tried shaving without a pre-shave and did not enjoy the shave as much, so I use them. I have two at the moment, Proraso green tea and oat and Floid Sandolor. I enjoy what they bring to my shaves so I use them. You get to decide what works for you. Remember, enjoy the process. It is not just about efficiency.

Actually, a lot of oils are well suited as a preshave oil. Olive oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil, sunflowerseed oil.. they all work just fine. In fact, a lot of commercially available preshave oils contain olive oil. Sometimes, castor oil is added as well. Olive oil can be a bit greasy and according to some it tends to interfere with certain lathers. I never noticed, though. I know it's not the main focus on this forum, but it is a whole lot cheaper than some oils from the shelf.

The fun thing is that you can get an odourless oil and add your own essential oils, to make your own, custom preshave oil. As a rule, never apply pure essential oils to your face as a preshave oil. Not only will you make sure everyone smells you coming from a mile away, it also won't work because it isn't really oil and most of them will make your skin have a very bad day. So always use a 'carrier' oil.

Another tip is massage oil. It's smooth, moisturizing and often smells great as well. I had some massage oil with Ylang Ylang from Dr. Kneipp here. Put it in a tub of hot water so it can warm up a bit and used it as preshave oil. Works marvelously.

I would second Obie's comment about Edwin Jagger Natural Hydrating PreShave Lotion, it doesn't make my skin so astringent, is creamier and not such an over-whelming menthol "hit" as the ProRaso.
You might check out the Musgo Real Glycerin soaps as well. I've been really enjoying the slick, slippery glycerin feel they leave on my face. It's a large puck, only about $6. They're advertised as a pre shave cleaning soap and do the job well.