Thread: preshave oil - yeah it works

I have for some time now been shaving using just lather made from shaving cream, but I thought I would try pre-shave oil to see what would happen.

For my first experiment, I picked up a small squeeze bottle of Shave Secret at the local Walmart. This is actually marketed as a shaving oil, but since it is made up of essential oils, and claims to be rapidly absorbed, I figured it should work well. It's also quite inexpensive, at roughly US$3.00.

Following the instructions, I used about five drops to coat my face before lathering with my regular cream. I must say, it does make a major difference. My shave (I always only do a single pass) is much closer and my skin feels much softer and less dry. I'm guessing this shave may last for two days.

I use some by Crew on my chin if honing time is drawing near. My chin still stinks to shave. By some freak of nature I have chin hair growing in every possible direction. Think swirl. I try not to use it to much just because it leave a slight clinging surface, even after a wash. Perhaps I should try a different brand. But yes it can make a difference.

You really need to try Pacific Shave Oil, its all-natural and does what it claims. When I do use oil, this is it!
As usual, YMMV.

Fred

I highly recommend using a pre-shave oil! I have AoS unscented (which actually has somewhat of a minty scent LOL) which I follow up with a hot steam towel. I does wonders for my face...talk about BBS.

I like using it too but I find it interferes with stretching in some areas. The Shavemac site says don't use it, but I haven't heard a good reason why. Maybe someone can chime in here to explain. I have to agree with your results though. The AOS stuff is pricey as is all their stuff. Someone posted a recipe for homemade preshave oil that sounds interesting.
2 parts Castor oil, 1 part olive or almond oil, a couple drops essential oil if you like. Shake and serve!

I use C&M's almond daily and sometmes switch to Somersets. My experience is that I get no irritation or reddening although I do a 3 pass shave daily. I must try mischievous's home formula.

Originally Posted by drfred

You really need to try Pacific Shave Oil, its all-natural and does what it claims. When I do use oil, this is it!
As usual, YMMV.

Fred

Having tried both, I actually prefer the shave-secret. They are both good products however. Still, I think I could take the shave secret stuff and a razor and not *need* anything else on a trip, if pushed into a corner...
John P.

I have in the past used REN shaving oil. This is an excellent shaving oil that works very well. It lubricates protects and nourishes the skin. I find it useful when I have dry skin.

This said, I now use Floris shaving soap and find it stands alone and doesn't need extra preparation or oils or after creams etc., to give a fine shave. I'm not saying a little pampering now and then doesn't make me feel good, but in all honesty, water, a good soap, a good brush and a sharp straight razor is all it takes. If these four items don't work in harmony or you have dry skin, a good shaving oil can overcome the imbalances. For example, hard water, dry skin, soap that dries out to quickly, a poorly honed or stropped razor, a bad shaving brush that doesn't get the soap into and under your bristles.

IMHO.

Just a clarification. I would never use an oil that stays on the surface of your skin. This indeed would make proper stretching difficult if not impossible. A good preshave oil is quickly absorbed into the skin, where it supplements your bodies natural sebium and softens the hairs. You can test an oil quite simply by massaging a few drops into your hands. If your hands feel greasy afterwards, then the oil is not being absorbed. If they simply feel soft and moist, then you have a good oil.

I'm using Proraso or Prep pre shave on an almost daily basis and I love it, the days I don't I very often get razor burn or other skin irritations. I have also used non-alcohol based After Shave balms as pre-shave, like Nivea or Lumene... with VERY good results!

My 2c on this topic...