Do I scoop up a small amount and place it in the bowl for lathering, or do I swirl the brush around in the tub to pick up some soap and then lather in the bowl?
I load a damp brush right on the soap for 30 to 60 seconds. As I do this, I hold the dish slightly upside down to let any extra prolather fall into my bowl. Then, I take the brush to the bowl and start working the lather. I probably spend about a minute working the lather in a bowl. During this time, I add water if need be. Once all or most of the bubbles are out of the lather and the lather has a nice consistency, I scrub then paint onto my face and shave away. The whole process doesn't take 3 minutes and could be done in less than a minute if need be (or desired). Edit: Maybe sometimes, when I am relaxed, building lather and applying it to my face can total 4 minutes or just shy of 5. It's less than 3 minutes 90% of the time I bet.
Nope, cannot be done. It's dangerous, and I don't recommend it at all. Drag out your bowl and brush, and just have at it. Make several test lathers, and find out what works best for you. You aren't wasting anything, you are learning. Cella is an excellent soap to bowl lather, and the smell is just fantastic! Happy shaving!!
Since starting this thread I have been using Cella for about four months and loving it. I make sure my brush is very wet and load it up very well with Cella. I am getting great lather and a great shave every time.
I used to use a spatula to bring a small portion to the bowl. but it was inconvenient, and wasteful. now I just load with a damp brush, rinse off excess when done.
Hey all, can you tell me if Cella will spoil or go bad? I received a 7 oz chunk the other day from a friend in Italy and I dont know how long it would take to use it up! I dont use only one soap so its use would not be daily by any means so I wondered if it can go bad! I haven't taken it out of the package yet cause I still have almost an ounce sample that I received in a dish. See my SOTD for today! I also have the red tub of Cella from a trade deal that I made and kinda forgot about this chunk showing up around this time! I store all my soaps in the basement area and I am in a tri-level house so it isnt like a real separate story but more like a half story but it is cooler for sure! The picture shows the chunk next to the Tweezerman brush for comparison! Thx. and any comments are appreciated!
That is what I have heard too and the reason for my question! Hopefully some other folks will chime in on the subject! Thx.
I've heard it can go bad but i think that takes years. If put in a good container i don't think it will be a problem. I've had a tub for 2years and its still very fresh and smells the same.
I don't know about that. Or maybe they leave it in open air. Who knows. Just keep it sealed and it should be fine.
I have Italian soap from a brick that has kept for about 5 years now with no sign of aging whatsoever. I think the danger with Cella going rancid may be more apparent if you use the soap or add water to it and then store it after that. My soap is cut into chunks of about 200g or smaller and then formed into a sealed container. Because I store them for a long time, I also wrap the container in foil, label it, then wrap the container in cellophane. I've heard of guys keeping P.160 in the freezer, but I think that's overkill. I even think what I do is probably overkill, but it's what I like to do in order to preserve the scent.
I wanted to try this stuff out but was unsure if letting it sit around would be a good idea. Now I feel fine, But I have a few soaps to use up first.
You will be fine. Its a great soap. A true classic. Just let it dry out after you use it. Then keep it closed when not in use. I let all my soaps dry for a couple hours after i shave.Then put them up.
I have a tub of Cella and think it's a great soap. When it runs out, I will be picking up a brick, and was going to see if anyone here wanted to go in halves or possibly thirds with me. Stay tuned if interested. I'm thinking towards the end of summer....
