My first shave was... uneventful! LOL Meaning, I got a really nice shave and it seemed very natural. I didn't have to be as nervous as I was initially. I guess the reading and videos I watched (and maybe my regular technique) paid off. I showered, used an everyday moisturizing scrub, wrapped my face in a steamy towel while I prepared. I applied shaving oil while I soaked my brush in hot water, prepared my lather and I was off... I finished up with my Oil of Olay toner and Anthony Logistics for Men shaving balm. Two "issues" and they were small: I have to find a shallower bowl to make my lather in. Ultimately I made the lather on my face so that I could get the foam that I wanted. One area on my left lower jaw felt a little irritated - less than the size of a penny. I'll have to pay attention to how I'm shaving there. It's fine this morning, so it was not bad at all. My face is very smooth and moisturized and it feels great. I really didn't have much hair on my face (I shave every 2-3 days) but I had enough to notice how smooth it is. I'm not that crazy about the VDH soap (so far) but I'll use it a few more times; I'm sure I was more of the problem than the soap since I couldn't mix it in my mug the way I wanted to and I probably didn't wet the bar enough. I'll know in a few days, when I try it again.
If it goes anything like mine, you'll love it! I know it's "just" a shave but when your face feels fresh it affects your whole mood.
Although it's not really mentioned enough I.M.O. Making a "Good" lather,especially in the beginning, is just as if not more important, than good shave technique. In my case it making a "good" lather, was actually harder to accomplish and took longer then getting good shave technique. So don't give up, just make "Alot" of practice lathers. Two really good things about VDH, are its cheap and locally available. I've found that after you get your technique down you can pretty much shave with any kind of soap successfully...
I agree. You know, what disappointed me was that a couple of years ago I bought the AoS sampler pack and that shaving cream gave me the BEST lather and really elevated shaving for me, even with the multiblade razor. I only picked up the VDH soap because I could buy it locally for less than $3, which was cool. I will play with it so that I get a good lather out of it. I know it's capable, as the lather on my face showed me that - I just couldn't mix it in the mug, which I prefer. I just ordered a bunch of creams and soaps so I'm sure I'll find several in the bunch that will give me that "feeling". I'm expecting my Mike's Natural soap and my Arko set tomorrow, so I'm sure my next experience will be a much better one.
Most definitely! At the end of the shave I thought about what would have made it better. It came down to the lather (which doesn't worry me) and making sure I pay attention to how my hair grows so that I will not irritate my skin again, even though it was really only a mild irritation in a very small spot. I only noticed it because it was in contrast to the rest of my face.
Here is where the fun begins. Try a whole bunch of different creams, soaps, and sticks. Once you find the perfect ingredients for you, you'll be amazed. But beware of RAD,BAD, and SCAD, and all the other 'AD's......
Well your "Absolutely" on the correct track. Shave soaps/creams are alot like razor blades in that "YMMV" is always in play and what works "GREAT" for one guy/gal will simply suck for someone else.... Unfortunately/fortunately(depending how you look at it) the only way to know for sure what will work for you is to try it...But of course to us shaving addicts thats "Not A Problem"..... I swear I don't have a problem...I've been tested.....
I have a lot of trying to do and I'm looking forward to it. When I thought about it I realized that I've already purchased enough soaps/creams to last me for a year - and I'm sure I'll buy more! LOL And of course, I have to try all the blades in my sampler... Then there's the SS razor I just won on Ebay (I SWEAR I'd forgotten all about it. I put in a super low bid, not expecting to get it. LOL At least it's less than $15.) I also need a bowl that I like... Hmmm.
I can quit anytime I want! I will... soon... I'm just not quite "there" yet. But it's not a problem...
just for kicks, take a picture and create a log of everything that is in your den now, and do the same in 3 months. You'll be amazed how much gear you've accumulated!
Thanks! It was ironic that I've been able to make great lather (with creams) right up until my first DE shave. LOL
