Thread: Lathering: Mug vs. Face

I started using a bowl and switched to face and basically use the facial method. Now and then I use a scuttle but that's only if I want to keep the lather warm.

I am a face latherer. I enjoy the method and also I don't need an extra bowl. I do have a brush scuttle to keep the lather warm between passes though.

I'm not sure how you would classify what I do. I swirl the wet brush on the soap to load the brush then I swirl the loaded brush on my face. Most would say this is face lathering, but the truth is, some lather develops during the loading process, so what I'm transfering to my face is a mix of lather and wet soap.

I've tried face lathering, but I find that I get a thicker and more efficient lather when I build it in a bowl or mug first, then apply it to my face for a minute or 2.

When I use cream, I pre-warm the brush and bowl with hot water, then lather in the bowl. When I use soap, I pre-warm the brush and mug with hot water, then lather in the mug.

Usually I use a bowl for cream and face-lather with soap.

I've found it easier to get consistent results face-lathering, though. It's easier to add a bit more soap to the brush or dip it in water and carry on for a bit if the first results are too thin or too thick. When I make lather in a mug the consistency changes when I scrub it on my face, so it's harder to judge when the consistency in the mug is right.

For me bowl lathering just adds an extra step that I don't need(espescially in the mornings) and since I get great lather from face lathering and I enjoy it, I don't see a point in using a bowl but different strokes for different folks, I guess, if you enjoy your bowl/scuttle that's wonderful.

I went through a short period where I was using a Starbucks icecream bowl to build lather. I have since ditched the bowl and only face lather with both soaps and creams. Face lathering is more enjoyable for me as I like the feel of working the lather right on my face, and the resulting lather seems more effective. I have various creams and both glycerin and tallow based soaps. I am also a minimalist, so no bowl is good. I even face lather with Williams Mug Shaving Soap, and I am able to build a good lather on my face without much work. But, do what you enjoy. Try a bowl, try no bowl. You decide.

I think the most practical way is face lathering, just a brush, sink full of water and your shave stick. Scrape the soap right off with the whiskers, no guessing about how much soap you need, less of a mess to clean up.

IMHO lathering in a bowl is time wasted that could have been spent working my whiskers. The best part of my shave routine is enjoying the warm lather on my face. Although I use a bowl to lather creams, nothing beats a few minutes of face lathering.

We all know that face lathering is more efficient. That said, the hell with efficiency! LOL! I can shave in 5 minutes. Slap on the lather and pffft, 1 pass and done. However, I love the time spent getting up an hour early so I can have a nice slow relaxing luxurious shave! Sometimes a little music, if I want to work the lather in, I have time. If I want to strop in between passes, I have time. If I want to change razors, soap, whatever, I have time. I am always reading about what someone had to do because they are running short on time. Have some self discipline and make the commitment! You won't regret it! BTW, I work anywhere from 10-12 hrs a day, and like to do things when I get home, small projects mostly, or hunting for razors, just keeping busy. You can sleep when you're dead...besides, I would rather be busy than bored.