Thread: Pre-Shave Oils

I tried Origin's Easy Slider for a bit until the samples gave out, then started using this stuff called Aveda Energy Composition Oil that my girlfriend has a big ol batch of. It's mostly jojoba and some essential oils, but just a dab 'll do ya, the stuff works the best so far. I've never had a problem with gunk on razors, brushes, hands, etc... The stuff works like a good conditioner does, softening the hair and moisturizing the skin.

Originally Posted by bassguy

I tried Origin's Easy Slider for a bit until the samples gave out, then started using this stuff called Aveda Energy Composition Oil that my girlfriend has a big ol batch of. It's mostly jojoba and some essential oils, but just a dab 'll do ya, the stuff works the best so far. I've never had a problem with gunk on razors, brushes, hands, etc... The stuff works like a good conditioner does, softening the hair and moisturizing the skin.

I've got an aftershave balm by Aveda that my sister-in-law gave me last Christmas. It's lemon scented and it feels so nice on the skin.

I've tried a few of the KOS pre-shaves, Hackett of London pre-shave oil, & a few others. They don't affect my shave detrimentally, but i never feel that they add much either. I certainly find that a good quality hair conditioner has a better effect for me.

Let's see. I've used a bunch. Proraso, Castle Forbes (I really like the CF), AOS Sandalwood, and Truefitt and Hill. They're all good. I think the Proraso is the most economical as far as price goes and quantity. As Lynn said, A little goes a long way. It's easy to go overboard on these. The Art of Shaving Sandalwood is the thickest so far. It's damm near 10w-40 compared to the others. I find it hard to use anything less than a dimes worth on my palms with AOS due to it's thickness. I may try heating this one up a bit under hot water and see if loosens it up a bit. Proraso reminds me of the old Cold Cream "Noxema" I remember my Mom using it. It looks and smells identical to that...I do find I get a much better shave with oils than without. They have become part of my ritual and are here to stay.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

I've used several. The ones worth noticing are AOS's pre shave oil (I own lime and lavender) and CF's pre shave balm.

I've used them prior to applying the first round of lather. The aim was to soften the whiskers (particularly in the lip and chin areas), and to provide an additional cushion (important for a DE, negligible for a straight).

They can be an interesting complement to not-so-great soaps/creams. Interestingly, my personal favourites (CF Lime and Lavender) do not require the CF pre shave. And my beard/skin are as difficult as they come.

Any road, thanks for the question. We might want to amalgamate what's in this thread into a Wiki article. Any takers?

Pre shave oil (AOS unscented) before both the first and second pass seems to make a difference for me.

I'm using TOBS pre-shave oil. It's the only that i have and im enjoying it pretty much. I have to apply, sometimes, the pre-shave oil because my skin dry the lather very quickly.

When using pre-shave oil i'm doing this:

1st: I wash my face with hot water;
2nd: I put a tiny amount of pre-shave oil in the hand and with the fingers i apply it "strategically" in some spots (chin for ex.).. with the hot water on the face;
3rd: I massage the face spreading the oil.. the hot water will help in this step..so you don't need to spend to much oil;
4th: I let the skin absorve the oil at the same time i wash my hands and do the lather.

This steps will provide an additional cushion, do not leave you with a greasy feeling, helps to avoid the lather from mix. with the pre-shave oil, saves money (less amounts of oil) and its helping me to get close - step by step - to a BBS with this very wired beard that i have

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I've been using the Gentleman's Refinery pre-shave oil. It's ok, honestly some days I forget it, and I'm not sure I notice much of a difference. Smells nice, like lime. I bought the TSA sized version to try it out at $12, it lasted maybe 2 or 3 months?

Originally Posted by Lynn

The other thing about Pre-Shaves is that they have a more positive effect after they are used for a while.

Lynn, could you (or someone else) please explain what you meant by this?

After reading this thread, I think I've been using too much shaving oil. I was applying more oil for every pass. I'll try using a lot less and see what happens. I guess I should only apply it once, at the beginning of the shave, correct?

I think that is something to try if it isn't working for you: less.