A couple of weeks ago I switched from applying shaving cream via my fingers to using a shaving brush with a very nice triple milled shaving soap called Provence Sante. I must say that my face has never felt better; nice and smooth. I also began using a Merkur DE razor but still need some time before I become proficient enough to use every day. I still use the Mach 3 during the week when I have to go to work and have noticed a closer shave with it also. I wanted to see how many Hornfans use a shaving brush with shave soap or shave cream?
I do when I have the time. It makes for a much better, closer, smooth shave. But most of the time I butcher myself in a hurry.
I do. I've posted about it here before. You're a sucker if you're using those multiblade razors and edge gel or whatever. Badger hair brush, shaving soap and merkur razor are the way to go.
I was completely won over to using a shaving brush about 3-4 years ago... pre-shave oil, brush and then I actually just use a Mach 3 - closest shaves ever with rare nicks. Life is much better.
For a second, looking at your sig, I thought you were shaving with Chimay. Is there anything those Belgians can't do......?
Do you begin with a nice facial scrub and a cleansing cream? Maybe we could meet for daquiris and talk about it.
I don't even use shaving cream, I just shave in the shower and the water that's on my face is plenty good enough.
I just started using a shaving brush and love it. I need to get a new razor and I will be completely set.
Don't skimp on the brush either.. there are at least 3 different qualities of badger brushes. Get the best.
When in the States (where I can get Barbasol), I got with YELLOW or PURPLE Barbasol. (Both are for sensitive skin/with Lanolin.) I always shower first. ALWAYS. Then I get out of the shower, lather up my face (with fingers) and shave it with a Gillette Sensor. (Not as close as a Mach 3, but it works better for my face.) I NEVER shave UP on my neck. Then I rinse my head. I put shaving cream on my head (again with fingers). And I use a Mach 3 on my head. The newer the blade, the less strokes needed. I rinse. Then I feel for missed spots, re-lather, and shave sideways & up in back for an extra smooth shave. Afterwards, I hop back in the shower and often use this: On my head and face to get rid of any dead skin the razor missed. Time in the bathroom can be 20 to 30 minutes, depending on newness of the Mach 3 blade. I don't go through this everyday, because (as the British say)... "I can't be bothered." But damn I'm smooth (and shiny) after all this.
That's quite a routine Napolean. Barbasol is the most awesomeness product ever! Sometimes I use it when I run out of WD-40. Where are you located Napolean? Can you get me some Edwin Jagger shaving soap, specifically in Buckthorn?
Interesting thread. At 54, I have spent my life looking for a better, faster shave. Now, I shave in the shower-as hot as I can stand it. I've got a non-fogging mirror on the wall of my shower. I really like "King of all Shaves" gel, when I can get it. If not, I go for the Edge gel for sensitive skin. I do like a Fusion razor, with the little electric vibrating feature. (I can't use it, though, without remembering that great SNL skit about the three bladed razor, "'cause 'you'll fall for anything.'") Roots brand aftershave (from Canada) and out the door. Let me know if you've got something better.
What type of merkur razor do y'all use? I saw several different types on amazon, but I didn't know what the difference was or advantages/disadvantages of each.
I am a shower shaver as well. I only shave Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday. Use the fusion and have one for the gym bag and one for the house. I used the same two razors for twelve months.
Could someone please explain the benefit of using a brush to apply shaving cream? What exactly does the brush do that makes it better?
I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower, I use a water-activated gel cleanser. Then a honey-almond bodyscrub. And on the face, an exfoliating gelscrub. Then I apply an herb mint facialmasque, which l leave on fourteen minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an aftershave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm, followed by a final moisturizing protective lotion.
I have sensitive skin and fought razor burn my whole life. I could never get a close shave without having serious, visible razor burn around my moustache and beard areas. Then I switched to using Suave conditioner as "shaving cream", and shaving in the shower. Never had any problems since, I can shave downwards, upwards, sideways, and drinking a beer, and i never get razor burn. Extremely close shaves too. That stuff is a miracle worker.
i don't shave. skin is too sensitive and when i'm clean as a whistle i look too young. i feel like i don't get respected because i don't look like the 28 year old that i am. so i keep a beard or use a beard trimmer to bring it down to stubble. never clean shaven is this guy unless i'm interviewing. hopefully i don't have to worry about that. i've just now gone 13 months since my last clean shave.
I envy the non shavers but being in the military, and a hairyier (sp?) individual, I have to shave absolutely everyday. Someone please explain the brush theory.....I just use the edge shaving cream....will a brush work with that stuff? What about pre shaving....things? I usually just wet my face...no good? Keep in mind that I have one of the most beautiful faces known to man.......had to.
Someone can tell me if I'm wrong, but the way I understand it is that the brush raises the hairs up on your face and makes them softer to cut. All I know is, I started using a brush and it gave me a very close shave and my razor burn is all but gone.
