Proraso Cream - cheap but nice

[rossco]

Up until today I have been using a TOBS Sandalwood soap followed by their AS Balm and then some C&E Sandalwood cologne. All very nice smelling AND VERY EXPENSIVE (for me anyway).

Today I was in the local drug store running some errands and noticed they had some Proraso shave cream (in a large tube) and Old Spice Original Cologne on sale. Total cost was about $15.00 - not very much compared to my above combo.

After purchasing the above I went next door to Dollarama and noticed apothecary mugs for (you guessed it) $1.00.

With my new finds I went home and had a shave before starting my night shift. Wow is that Proraso good stuff! I don't think I'll ever buy another expensive soap/cream in my life.

As an aside the Old Spice was as good as I rememer it - not as nice as the C&E but still pretty good.

This leads me to think that like with most things in life increased cost does not mean increased quality when buying shave supplies.

Anybody else have any "cheapo" recommendations?

[Lt.Arclight]

I like Proraso. Its really good for those "bad shave" days too!

[holli4pirating]

For a cheap soap, try Pirates Cove. IIRC, their soaps are $3 per puck. Their Bay Rum & Lime smells fantastic. They also make a good Menthol, but beware, it is strong on smell.

Honeybee Spas also makes great inexpensive soap. I really liked their Oak Moss, and their Bay Rum is also quite good (sweeter smelling than the PC mentioned above).

I used to use soaps only, but I tried Proraso once and was totally sold. Now and then I miss the assortment of scents, but Proraso is so reliable and tolerant to changes in the cream/water mixture. That consistency took a huge variable out of my shaving equation, and that was important as I learned to hone.

[bevansmw]

I like the proraso too, I think a lot of people here do it lathers really well. I also have some of the proraso pre-post shave prep that I use as pre-shave before lathering.

[RichZ]

I have used the proraso preshave but I didn't like the scent.

[Ben325e]

I use proraso very frequently, and it's definitely great for being very tolerant of the water/cream ratio. I can have my brush fully soaked, squirt a little proraso on there, and immediately begin a face lather. It seems like way too much water at first (dripping all over my face!), but after 7-8 swirls, it settles down and is a great lather just shortly thereafter.

It's been said before, but I think it could be repeated here given the subject of the thread - C.O. Bigelow shaving cream at Bath and Bodyworks is the exact same stuff - made by proraso.

[ChrisL]

Yep, I use the C.O. Bigelow version of Proraso and it lasts forever and creates nice lather. I was put off a bit from the smell at first, but I don't even notice it now. I have committed to using up a soap or cream completely before moving on to another one and this one tube of the Bigelow/Proraso has lasted at least 4 months and I'm not done with it yet.

Chris L

[jockeys]

+1.

The Proraso is a great bargain and a very decent cream.