need preshave advice

**Shoki** · 10-16-2010, 02:23 AM

Originally Posted by Fbones24

I really do not notice much difference in my shave when I use a "pre-shave" and when I don't.

I will use one of two things for my pre-shave:

1. A home made mixture of almond oil and peppermint oil; or

2. Whatever aftershave I am using that day (Nivea, Institut Karite, etc.)

I find that they really just provide a little added moisture to the skin and do nothing to influence the quality of the shave.

Does the almond oil cut the strength of the peppermint oil?

Where do I buy these oils?

Thank you,
--Shoki

**Fbones24** · 10-16-2010, 02:36 AM

Originally Posted by Shoki

Does the almond oil cut the strength of the peppermint oil?

Where do I buy these oils?

Thank you,
--Shoki

I actually add about two drops of peppermint oil to every ounce of almond oil. The almond oil can be bought at any supermarket in the oil section. Just regular almond oil. It is not as thick as olive oil, but has a decent consistency.

The essential oils can be purchased in many places that carry them. I would check vitamin Shoppe. That is where I got my peppermint oil. It has a nice fragrance and a cooling effect, but they carry other essential oils that you can try.

**markevens** · 10-16-2010, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by eleblu05

im new to straight razor shaving i know preparing my face is just as important as having a sharp razor so this is what i do i shave after i get out of the shower i use altesse shaving soap a badger brush what i want to know is am i missing any thing is this the best way to prepare and what are some of the best products out there i can use to make the shaving experience better, thanks

Good beard prep won't help much if you have a dull razor or bad technique. However, if you have really good technique, you can get away with very little prep and a less than uber sharp razor.

That said, as a beginner, going overboard on the prep to really soften up the hairs. I certainly did and I think it helped where my technique was lacking. I've been at this about 4 months now, and my technique has been developing the entire time, and so I've found myself cutting back on the prep (which I was purposefully overdoing - see journal in sig)

There are plenty of guys who put very little thought into prep and still get good shaves.

See Here: YouTube - Rasiermesser Rasur

**du212** · 10-16-2010, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by eleblu05

im new to straight razor shaving i know preparing my face is just as important as having a sharp razor so this is what i do i shave after i get out of the shower i use altesse shaving soap a badger brush what i want to know is am i missing any thing is this the best way to prepare and what are some of the best products out there i can use to make the shaving experience better, thanks

I have used several preshave, but I am not in the shave oils, the T&H preshave doesn't improve very much my shave , only the oil (American crew brand) used by my barber seems useful to me, but I think that the facial massage and the hot towels are the best part of the preshave.

I use proraso, the white jar, a preshave for sensitive skin, it's not expensive and I feel better when using. In Spain there is another product called "Myrsol emulsion" , that is very popular and is a decent preshave.

I have tested several preshave oils, (L'Occitane, Clarins, Kiehls,...) and I keep my opinion about proraso, I prefer it. Maybe because my skin is a bit oily .

**RayG** · 10-16-2010, 01:46 PM

I use the Noxzema deep cleanse, as Utopian mentioned. I just like it in general for cleaning my face, when I get up in the morning, and before going to bed.

But what I think helps me most is lathering, then leaving the lather on my face while I strop, then relathering before my first pass.

I tried preshave oil once, I think it was AOS. I didn't like how slippery my hands felt despite repeatedly trying to wash it off - I was just paranoid that my razor would slip out of my hands.

**Shoki** · 10-16-2010, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by RayG

I tried preshave oil once, I think it was AOS. I didn't like how slippery my hands felt despite repeatedly trying to wash it off - I was just paranoid that my razor would slip out of my hands.

Had a sample of the AOS oil. Used it this morning and for me it was dreadful. Oil all over my face, on my brush, in the water, on my hands. YUCK!

**jhenry** · 10-16-2010, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by Shoki

Just tried the Proraso pre-shave. Man that is really nice. I have no sense of smell and this was the next best thing. My face felt like a piece of peppermint candy. It felt so strong and refreshing.

Can you really use this after the shave like nivia after shave balm?

Amazing!

Yes you can. It is especially nice as an aftershave balm in summer months. Very refreshing and cooling after a shave. Splash on some Osage Rub, Alcolado Glacial or Mama Bear's Lime Ice after applying the Proraso and you can "freeze" your face.

**petr** · 10-27-2010, 03:18 PM

I've tried lots of stuff, and one of the best things is to simply wash your face well with a good olive oil soap or glycerin soap with warm water.

Thread: need preshave advice

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

Posting Permissions