Just thought I'd say a quick hello: I've just given up electric shaving for good. I'm new to the mug and brush, and after mastering its intricacies, will likely graduate to a DE razor. I've been getting started lathering up with basic Williams shave soap, and Van Der Hagen Deluxe with Aloe Vera & Shea Butter. I like them both, but can't seem to keep the lather from drying up on my face too quickly. My face is dripping wet when I apply the lather, so I'm at a loss to figure this out. Any suggestions?
Welcome! Do you build the lather "properly"? You need to swirl and work up that lather quite a bit to give it a rich and creamy consistence. I can recommend mantic's "tutorials", if you haven't seen these before it is good invested time to watch each of these to get a better picture of the "art of lathering". Feel free to describe how you build your lather, and it might be easier to give more specific advice on your problem. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ezJNJfygw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7Aj9vwrtc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXVxXvv_8yk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVPqFNObhEI
Thanks, mastermute, the videos were enlightening. I'll whip up a batch right now and see if I do better...
Seems I wasn't taking enough time to build the lather. I built up some as shown in the videos, applied it, and it stood up well for a good long while. A million thanks, mastermute!
Hi there, Looks like Johan's taken a liking to you. We have had a difficult time getting him to post anything. It's almost like he's a mute, and you have somehow gotten him out of that shell of his. Thanks! Martin Oh....welcome to this place, and please take nothing I say seriously........except now.
Welcome aboard. Good job dumping that electric (foul contraptions). In addition to spending the 3 mins. or so required to build good lather you might consider investing in a little nicer soap or cream. Many guys like the Williams and VDH, but they are at the lower end of the scale quality wise. Starting out using them is fine, but as time goes on I recommend picking up something better. TOBS, Tabac, Proraso are all pretty decent and don't cost an arm and a leg. Good luck.
Hi, Eagle: Electric shavers weren't saving me any time or effort, were giving me inferior results, and when I last went to buy replacement heads, they cost more than the shaver did originally. That was the last straw! I'm moving into mug shaving from Barbasol Cool Menthol foam (which I still like a lot) and I'd like to get into a mentholated soap. Suggestions?
Proraso rebranded as CO Bigelow. This is a cream, not a soap. Available at Bath & Body Works. $5 for the small tube and $10 for the large. Full of eucalyptus and menthol for a nice numbing blast. Shaves very well. Squirt out a dolop about the length of your little finger from nail to first joint. Add a few spritzes of agua, whip with a damp brush for 2 mins. or so and bask in the lathery goodness.
Welcome to the TSD mix. I would recommend that you check out the Shave Den Store, they have a great selection of cream & soap samples!
Got a tube of Proraso yesterday and shaved with it today. The lather was simply decadent...slick, rich, and a delight to work with. I didn't get a very close shave, though. I think I may not have added enough water to the lather...it kind of dried onto my face towards the end of my WTG passes. I'll do some tweaking tomorrow with the lather and see what happens.
Hi Ursa, Eagle's got you on the Proraso tip which is just outstanding! Here are a couple of other menthloated soaps and creams for you to check out down the road: 1) Pirate's Cove Menthol Soap at http://www.piratescovesoapworks.com/menthol3.htm 2) Mama Bear's Rosemary Mint Soap at http://bear-haven.com/Page3.html 3) Menthol Cream (Request Level 10) at http://www.mytimebathandbody.com/ 4) Kiss My Face Moisture Shave Cool Mint Cream (I think you can find 'em at Whole Foods, Target? Walmart?) 5) TSD SubZero Cream or Soap-Mint blend, with Cooling Menthol at http://www.theshaveden.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=9 6) Nancy Boy Signature Shave Cream at http://www.nancyboy.com/home.php?cat=263 Of course to get the full glacial blast you've gotta follow up with TSD's Aftershave Splash or Osage Rub....brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr