Thread: pre-shave oil and face lathering

When lathering directly to the face with a loaded brush, could this process limit the effect of [your favorite] pre-shave oil?

I have not tried a pre-shave oil. My routine seems to prefer lathering directly to the face for speed during the mornings, so i have my doubts, justified or not.

This is coming from the assumption the oil provides an extra layer before the skin and a hydrating/lube effect. I could imagine how a nice scrub with my La Toja loaded brush might negate the effect of the oil and its intended use.

Any thoughts?

I've tried the oils and I suggest you try one too if you're interested in investing the extra minute or so in exchange for greater comfort. The one I tried (art of shaving pre shave oil) was effective in my opinion.

However from a usability standpoint I much prefer a pre-shave cream instead of oil. Proraso makes one and I really dig theirs (I've used it every day since I bought it about a month or so ago). I use their shave cream too and have become a big fan of proraso these past several weeks.

My take is that the cream is superior to oil but I suspect that's a highly subjective point so I think it would be best to purchase a small quantity of each and see which you like better. The proraso is cheap (~$11-13 for a jar IIRC and I'm projecting this jar would last me a year easy). I think the oil is a little bit more in general but it depends on brand, etc... and I think you just have to try it ti know if you like it or not. I suspect that a small bottle of oil would last you a long time if you end up liking that form better.

Whichever way you go, I suspect you'll find it a worthy addition to your routine. Initially I was not into the idea of adding an extra step (pre-treatment) but I've now deemed it to be worth it.

GL.

Charlie

No, as long as you use the pre-shave the way that it is intended to be used, there should be no problems. If the pre-shave in question is oil based, just make sure that you remove the excess and you should be fine. Face lathering is the best method I have found to help with beard preparation.

Al raz.

[QUOTE=Charllie;496848]I've tried the oils and I suggest you try one too if you're interested in investing the extra minute or so in exchange for greater comfort. The one I tried (art of shaving pre shave oil) was effective in my opinion.

However from a usability standpoint I much prefer a pre-shave cream instead of oil. Proraso makes one and I really dig theirs (I've used it every day since I bought it about a month or so ago). I use their shave cream too and have become a big fan of proraso these past several weeks.

I am a Proraso man as well, and like Charllie here I have been using Proraso pre/after shave cream on a daily basis for months. I highly recommend it....a little goes a long way, just put a dab in the palm of your hand and rub the entire face, then lather up. I alway have a barbers' towel folded in half in front of me when I shave...I use it to wipe my hands and razor blade...make sure you wipe your hands after applying the proraso, you don't want the straight to slip from your hand and land on your foot.

Originally Posted by Alraz

Face lathering is the best method I have found to help with beard preparation.

I concur. I stopped using the pre-shave oil (T&H) because it was no value added to my shaves.

Like Hogrider I also like Proraso products.

I always use the pre-shave cream. First I wet my face with hot towel than I apply it very thin coat, work it in than let it stand for a minute or two than lather right over it.

Ben doing this for 1½ year and I can say that is does a better shave than just lather (for me anyway).

A small jar will cost you 8$ and will last a long time.

I have tried oil but am no fan. To hard to clean the sink after. hihi

Good shaving to all.

For me I have found that pre-shave oils can help with giving a comfortable shave, with increased glide, but at the cost of not getting nearly as close a shave as without the oil.

No, the oil does not get in the way of lathering the face. But during the first pass, most of it gets wiped off by the blade.


Pabster