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I'm about to order more soap and I'm trying to figure out what the difference is between soap and cream. I have only use soap so far but if cream is worth it I'll try it too. I have looked all over and the only difference I can find is the name, one is soap and the other is cream. So if anyone can enlighten me that would be great.
Adam
Soap seems to usually come in a puck or bar, something solid anyway. A cream is just that, a cream. I use soap and just wet the brush and move it across the puck in a bowl to make a lather. Cream I think you just put some into a bowl or shave mug and whip it up to make a lather. I'm only familiar with soap picks though so this might not be all correct.
burns420 is exactly right. Additionally, I find shaving creams to be less drying for my face than soaps.
I haven't really found any real differenece in how well shaving soaps or creams lather. With the proper technique, you can get a rich lather with a puck of shaving soap or a dollop of cream in a shaving mug.
If you cannot make up your mind, then you can buy Cella Crema da Sapone. It's a great performing, and great smelling, almond scented soft soap, or literally translated "cream soap!"
Functionally, cream and soap are pretty similar. Perhaps the cream lathers up a little faster but it really depends on the individual brands. If you do a little reading in the Soaps and Creams section of the forum you will find lots of recommendations for brands to try.
Personally I've always been a soap guy however if you want the best cream in the Universe try Castle Forbes. A pea sized dollup and you instantly have enough lather to shave a platoon.
From what I've seen the main difference twix soap and cream is the ease of use with cream.
100%Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
Castle Forbes creams are more like "hard" or "thick" creams. All it takes for me is a couple of very light swirls on the surface with a damp brush, and once I begin lathering on my face, it explodes! (the lather, not my face)
An alternative is Cyril R Salter shaving creams; they're wonderfully aromatic and lubricating, and (IMHO) even better than CF creams. You can buy 'em at QED for less than half the price of Castle Forbes shaving cream. I own the Salter's Almond, French Vetiver, Indian Sandalwood, and Wild Rose, shaving creams, and use them regularly with great enjoyment.