I just picked up a tube of the C.O. Bigelow shave cream and found out its made by Proraso. In theory than, the C.O. Bigelow shave cream (can also be found at bath & body works) is the same price as the proraso you'd order online, saving you 6$ on shipping. I haven't tried the proraso cream but I'm assuming its the same as theirs. It may save you a few dollars picking up the C.O. Bigelow cream
As for what I think of the cream.... First, I was a bit put off by the smell (eucolyptus? soap?) and the consistency of the cream. It was a bit syrup like I'd say. Looked more like a body wash than a cream as it came out of the tube. It took a minute or so but all at once I had some beautiful thick lather. I loaded up my SS with some Treet Dura-sharps, brushed some cream on, and shaved away. The cream was a great buffer and extremely slick. After three passes my face was smoothe as could be and very hydrated. My favorite cream is GFT coconut but this is deffinetly up there in the great shave category.
