Thread: Newbie needs advice

I've just started wet shaving and ordered some TOBS cream. To my surprise, the texture is actually more like a soap. The cover of the tub says "cream" but it's acually quite hard. Is this normal?

Also, my lather is drying up fairly quickly- after only about 5-10 minutes. It also disappears in my bowl. Any ideas that may cause both of these things to occur?

Thanks!

P.s. any advice on any topic would be appreciated!

I've found that TOBS creams are more dense than other creams. To help with your problem, try face lathering by going straight from loading your brush to lathering it on your face. Squeeze excess water out before loading your brush and while you're lathering dip the tip of your brush in water to hydrate it. Many feel face lathering is more consistent, especially with beginners.

Depends what you mean by 'quite hard'... it's a lot softer than a bar of hand soap, but it's a soft solid not a thick liquid.As creams go, TOBS seems to be middling - harder than Truefitt & Hill, softer than Proraso.

The disappearing lather is likely to be the soap/water ratio, and you'll just have to play with different amounts to see what works. Can't give specific amounts because water varies in hardness. That's if you want a bowl of lather - I agree with the advice above, it's easier to get it right when you make it directly on your face, since you can add a little more soap or water as needed.

OP, it sounds like you've been sold cream that has been sat in a warehouse since the time of Noah...

By hard I mean literally as hard as a soap. Not remotely creamy. I just ordered TOBS from another vendor. See what that's like.

After reading a bunch of posts, I decided to check the water quality in my area. It's hard- borderline very hard. Sounds like that may be part of the problem too.

Keep the suggestions coming!

Originally Posted by Dfiorilli

By hard I mean literally as hard as a soap. Not remotely creamy. I just ordered TOBS from another vendor. See what that's like.

After reading a bunch of posts, I decided to check the water quality in my area. It's hard- borderline very hard. Sounds like that may be part of the problem too.

Keep the suggestions coming!

Then maybe you were sent TOBS shave soap??

Originally Posted by Dfiorilli

By hard I mean literally as hard as a soap. Not remotely creamy. I just ordered TOBS from another vendor. See what that's like.

After reading a bunch of posts, I decided to check the water quality in my area. It's hard- borderline very hard. Sounds like that may be part of the problem too.

Keep the suggestions coming!

You jsut literally need some water over the top to soften it up but as it's a cream be careful not to add too much!!!

I add a couple drops glycerin to the bowl every time. I have hard water. It seems to help the lather from drying out.