As of this posting I am going with blue ultrasound gel. The stuff is hypogenic so no allergic reactions for any skin type, it doesn't burn the face when you reapply and leaves no residue or greasy feeling afterwards. I just wet my face and apply about a dime sized dollop. I am pretty sure this is the same stuff used in razor lube strips. Stuff is super slick and protects the skin as well as any cream plus you can mix it with any preferred cream for extra slickness and glide. If you like stinky soaps though this won't be for you but I suppose you could scent it with essential oils. The only thing that can be daunting is since it goes on clear you need to keep track of where you shaved unlike with creams or soaps which you can see what you shaved after each swipe. Get something like this and you are good to go for years. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077T71T2L/ Pure Aloe Vera gel is a close second with the only drawback is it does sting when applied on shaved skin if you do multiple passes.
I haven't tried a ton of the artisan soaps. But I've been using CBL in my rotation and like it ( in some ways more) just as much as Sopanifico Veresino. Which I liked best, before I tried CBL.
I also like Lisa’s Natural Herbal Creations a lot. when lathered up and applied it feels great on your skin. It’s pretty slick and gives me a great shave and post shave feel too. I also like there scents and haven’t came across one I’ve purchased that I’m just so so about.
As promised, my soap recipe; Equipment Cutting board & knife Double boiler or large heat-resistant measuring cup (for the microwave) Large stirring spoon Silicone molds for 3 pounds of soap. Shaving Soap Ingredients 1.75 lb M/P soap- shea butter base 1/4 lb. Shave soap base 1 lb. Goat milk base 2 tbsp. Stearic Acid flakes 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup cosmetic clay powder 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 4 tbsp. Essential oil of your choice. (optional) Use half this amount for mint or eucalyptus. Soap colorant (optional) Cut soap base into cubes. They can be melted in a microwave or double-boiler. Add stearic acid & stir until it is melted in. While soap is still hot, add honey & stir until blended. Mix clay powder & alcohol until they form a smooth paste. (The alcohol will evaporate out.). Add to liquid & stir. Stir in color & fragrance. Pour into a loaf mold or several. Soap molds. (Silicone molds are recommended as it is easier to remove the soap.). Once cool, remove and allow to cure for 48 hours. Slice into blocks if you used a loaf mold. * If you are not using it right away, don’t add scent until you are going to use it. Otherwise the scent will have evaporated. You can re-melt it, add scent & then pour it directly into your shaving bowl.
Some of my favorite shave soaps. #1 - Speick stick tallow based- nice mild spice scent with excellent lather qualities. Cleans up well and a joy to use. #2- Razorock XXX regular, RR XXX fresco, excellent clean scent and excellent lather qualities. Cleans up well and have no problems over 6 years.
Shaving soaps: Mitchell's Wool Fat Tabac Institut Karité Shaving cream: Kiss My Face Art of Shaving soaps and creams would also earn a spot were they not so darned expensive.
