I received my samples on Saturday . Thanks Joanna. I broke out the lime. If my tongue was long enough I would have broken out the tequila and licked my face. Good stuff. Anyway. I decided to face lather as it is what I prefer. But I could not get the brush or the soap up to temp despite soaking the brush. Do I need to place an order to Mosstown?
Hot water soak for brush Hot water on face to start Run a little hot water on the brush base half way though lathering No problems.
I usually put my brush into soak before I shower. I use water that it almost scolding. Hot enough to steam and I can only keep my hand in it for a second. Ten minutes of showering later and the water has cooled off just enough and I take the brush out and start face lathering after a few shakes. Sure, it gets to room temp by the time I'm done but its certainly not cold. Also, make sure your using nice and hot water to rinse your face between passes, as it'll warm up the lather a little bit each time you lather up.
I've found that with both Sienna and Proraso (in the tub) that cool water will give me a good shave and is pleasant in hot weather. For the record; I do use hot water most of the time.
Not using warm to hot water pretty much takes the entire point out of prepping. You use the hot water to soften the hairs, open your pores, cause the hairs to extend further out of their follicles, etc. Once that cold water touches your face the hairs retract back into the follicles, your pores close up tight, etc. I personally wouldn't suggest using anything colder than room temp water, but wouldnt really suggest that either. As always, YMMV