pre shave creams

I'm about to place an order with Tryphon and I'm looking at other things I may want and I spy these 3 pre shave creams

Proraso Classic Cream:
A true classic for over half a century! This is the famous Proraso pre-shave and after-shave cream. A small quantity applied to the skin before lathering provides a cooling effect and prepares the beard for the shave. Applied after shaving, it cools and soothes the skin. Proraso contains menthol, camphor and eucalyptus, as well as several plant-derived oils, like geraniol, Coumarin and Eugenol. Considered by many the best of its kind.

Crema 3P:
This is the"other" pre and post-shave cream that is preferred by thousands of professional barbers in Italy. Cooling, refreshing and lubricating, the Crema 3P prepares the face for a smooth and trouble-free shave. Excellent as an aftershave balm, it will also treat small cuts and nicks.

PREP Classic Cream:
Another superlative Pre and Post-shave cream, the best selling cream of its kind in Italy. Similar to Proraso and equally effective, PREP has a cool menthol formulation, with added peppermint and thyme. Peppermint has a refreshing action on the skin and is also a good topical antiseptic. It also contains oil of wintergreen.

PREP is the most expensive, with Proraso and Crema being the same price.

Anyone care to share their experiences with any of these products (or any other pre-shave treatment) Are these pre-shave creams any more effective than lathering up with soap as a pre-shave? Are they worth the money?

I use the Proraso Pre shave on a pretty regular basis. As far as a simple preshave goes, I can't comment on it's efficacy, because I have little to compare it to.

I use it often as a post shave, placing a small dab in my palm and putting a bit of thayers or bay rum, or really any liquid aftershave of my choice on top. Rub the palms together to mix, and then I smear it all over my face and neck. Makes a great refreshing sensation in the summer, and moisturizes like nobody's business.

Sometimes I'll wash my face and rub a bit in before I shower too. This seems to open up the pores, and the glycerin in the stuff seems to soften the hair and skin.

I love this stuff, but I really want to try the Prep version.

Don't think you can go wrong with any of these choice though!

Hope this helps

Cheers,
Landis

I use Proraso pre-shave cream all of the time. The smell is great and it really cools your face. When I don't use it I don't get the same results and my shaves are not comfortable. One jar lasts me about 6-8 months.

I use to use proraso preshave but when I ran out I found I got the same quality shave without it. I didn't replace it.

I use the Proraso as a post-treatment. I did not notice any particular difference use it as a pre-shave treatment. I've tried a number of different items and with proper prep have not found anything that I noticed improved the quality of my shave. YMMV!

RT