Two suggestions that have made a dramatic difference in terms of shaving comfort and more importantly, caused a reduction in shaving irritation...not to mention a reduction in cost...

1. Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil (no SPF):

-I have used Truefit & Hill, Anthony, American Crew (actually really nice), and other preshave oils and found them to be nice but very EXPENSIVEfor the amount I like to use when I shave...for me, I use oil before each pass and I like to use alot...so I tried using this tanning oil which has vitamins and a great scent, reminds me of the beach and vacation so that is an added bonus everyday...I then poured it into a nice chrome pump bottle...Work it into my skin, let it seep in and mix my lather in the mean time...Also, I have even used this oil alone without cream when traveling and have also had great results...A large bottle costs about $10 and can be found at any CVS, Walgreens, etc so it makes it easy to find and when I travel with only a carry-on, I know Ill find it at any destination so I dont have to worry about putting it in a smaller 1oz container...There is a definite difference in how my skin feels using this oil...


2. L'Oreal Hydrafresh Toner:
-Ok, stay with me...I have used an alum block after shaving and have had good results and like the feeling of the block on my skin...I alway use a towl soaked in cold water when Im done shaving but just before putting on an aftershave balm, I now do this: I have a small pump spray bottle that I filled with the pink (Im used to the color by now and actually like it) toner and I spray my face to close the pores...this works better than the block or just cold water and now i dont have to dry to block or putting it into a seperate container or worry about nicking it...just spray and work it into the skin (doesnt sting)...then after shave balm...For me, this works great...


Anyways, I hope these two suggestions might help someone solve thier finacial and more importantly shaving irritation problems...