The benefits of using a pre shave oil when wet shaving
Most modern men do not use pre shave oil. In fact, many of those do not know the benefits of pre shave oil, or why some men use it before shaving. The reality of adding this one simple step to wet shaving is that of better results with a closer, smoother and less irritating shave.
What is pre shave oil?
Taylor of Old Bond Street
A few drops of oil is applied across the surface of damp skin before shaving. It is not rubbed into the skin, instead left to only slightly absorb on its own. Shaving cream or shaving soap is then applied on top of the oil. When the razor glides across the surface of skin, shaving cream and unabsorbed pre shave oil is removed.
There are a multitude of benefits that using this type of oil provides:
Skin moisturization
Preparation of the skin for a closer, smoother shave
Protection of skin against razor blades
Softening of hair, making it easier to cut
Reducing drag of the razor on skin
Decrease of irritation from shaving
Fewer ingrown hairs, nicks and cuts
Reduction of razor burn
Pre-shave oil may be used with safety razors, disposable razor heads or straight edge razors.
Popular Pre-Shave Oil Formulas
While there is an immense variety of pre-shave oils on the market today, several standouts have gained a broad following among men of all ages and skin types.
BAUME.BE
BAUME.BE
BAUME.BE is a product of Belgium. The company’s founder has highly sensitive skin and set out on a quest to develop shaving products that would not irritate his skin, yet would provide a top quality shave. BAUME.BE Pre Shave Gel is alcohol free, smells great and makes skin soft, hydrated and baby smooth.
Col Conk
Col Conk Pre-Shave Oil
The Col Ichabod Conk line of shaving products has a colorful backstory many men love as much as they love the products, themselves. Col Conk Pre-Shave Oil coats and smooths skin by hydrating it before wet shaving, as the perfect primer beneath Col Conk Shave Cream in scents like Rio Grande Lavender.
Taylor of Old Bond Street is a favorite English shaving line. Walking down the streets of merry old England, you would likely encounter more than a few gents scented by Taylor of Old Bond Street’s Sandalwood fragrance, particularly that of the brand’s Pre-Shave Oil.
Regardless of the pre-shave oil you ultimately select, adding this simple step to your wet shave regimen ensures your skin is well hydrated, smooth and closely shaven. The extra effort is something you will certainly appreciate, as the razor glides smoothly and provides fewer cuts, nicks, abrasions and ingrown hairs.
Choosing The Best Wet Shaving Supplies For Beginners
The definition of Wet Shaving is classified as the process of hydrating ones face with warm water or a warm towel to soften the skin before lathering of soap or similar lubrication is applied. This process is different when compared to non-lubricated shaving because it’s a longer process which provides a unique experience for it’s users. Although the need for a quick trim comes up from time to time, the traditional wet shave is definitely the way to enjoy this routine with patience and time. People all over the world choose this route for the reward of the closest shave possible. However, what if you need some assistance identifying the best wet shaving supplies? Let us take a look at some of the common tools involved in wet shaving.
The Basic Wet Shaving Supplies
Most wet shaving kits available comprise of a razor, pre-shave solution, brush, cream or soap and an after shave solution which seals in the final step. Let us take an in depth look at each of these aspects.
The actual tool that cuts the hair on your face and body is classified as the shaving razor. There are many different types which might suit your needs. Some of the most common types of grooming tools is the cartridge, double edged safety and the straight razor. It’s important to educate yourself on the difference of wet shaving supplies so you know exactly what works for you. Let’s take a quick look at each of these so you could determine which one is a right fit for you.
Cartridge Razor
Edwin Jagger Mach3 Razor R71711
The cartridge razor is one of the most popular and common choices due to its mass availability and safe design which allows anyone to shave quickly and effectively without worrying too much about cutting themselves. Companies like Gillette and Schick have been producing this tool for many years and continue to introduce new models which are appealing visually and aesthetically. Most cartridge razors have a thin strip which releases a lubricant made from polyethylene oxide onto the skin. This nontoxic solution is not necessary but often used by manufacturers to remind customers to change their cartridge once the lubricating strip, AKA expiration strip, has been depleted.
Edwin Jagger Safety Razor DE87BL
Safety Razor
The Safety Razor, although similar to the cartridge shaver, provides a different experience since safety blades do not come with lubricating strips. Grooming yourself with a safety razor has a classic feel and provides a very close trim when performed properly with 2 or even 3 stage passes. The safety blade is back by popular demand due to rising costs with wet shaving supplies. In comparison to the cartridge shaver, the safety razor incorporates blades which run pennies each compared to expensive cartridge razors. Safety Razors are easy to use and have safe shaving functionality with its top and bottom bar holding the blade in place.
Straight Blade
The straight blade is the oldest type of grooming tool available for those who want a raw, old school feel which is not only super sharp but demands a steep learning curve if you are just starting out. The straight blade is not a tool which should be used for on the run, quick shaves. In fact, performing a straight blade shave quickly could cause major cuts/damage to ones skin since these tools do not have any form of safety bar or strip attached. Once the art of shaving with a straight blade is perfected, it is hard to achieve a closer and more satisfying experience with any other tool.
Pre Shave Solution
Preparing your skin before you start cutting away is called the pre shave process. Many consumers have sensitive skin and require the use of a pre shave solution during this process. Most solutions are made of botanical ingredients and essentials oils which are safe on the skin and provide the lubrication needed for your razor to glide across the skin instead of being pulled across the skin. This pull is what creates bumps and cuts which is why many swear by using a pre shave solution.
Berkeley 46 Pure Badger
Facial Brush
One of the most important parts of the wet shaving supplies requires the use of a brush. This part is extremely important because a shave brush not only massages your skin and prepares your face for the sharp blade, it also stands up the stubborn hair on your body which need to be sliced correctly to avoid downstream irritation and ingrown hairs. Without a doubt, using a shaving brush will provide a closer and cleaner shave so if this is your goal, purchasing one is the best investment for your daily routine. These brushes come in different bristles which include but is not limited to synthetic hair, boar, badger and horse hair bristles. Finding the right one for you might not be as easy as you think. Since different brushes feel different on the skin, you might have to try a few of them before you find your “go to” brush. Most wet shavers starting out choose to go with synthetic brushes since these brushes work up a lather quickly and don’t require too much effort. Wet Shavers who are a little more experienced go for the badger brush route which is arguably the best type of hair used for facial shaving.
Creams vs Soaps
Col Conk Lime Shave Soap
Many wonder what the difference is between creams and soaps. The difference is mainly preference and whichever solution you feel great with. Historically, shave soap’s were one of the first types of solutions available but has since evolved with the many different versions of this soap which has transitioned to creams, gels and oils.
One important aspect to keep in mind is that creams or soaps provide the lubrication needed for your razor to glide across your skin but shouldn’t dry your face in the process of it. Many aerosol type creams have a solution called butane in them. Butane could dry your skin and provide more long term harm which is why it is not recommended to use any form of cream or soap which contains this chemical.
After Shave Solution
Col Conk
Sealing in your shave after all the previous steps have been completed is ideal. Many people swear by splashing cold water on their face after a shave to close out your skins pores. You can enhance this process by using an Alum block. The alum block is generally a clear potassium block used as a blood coagulant. This stops the bleeding of any cuts or bumps if you were too aggressive on your skin. Using an after shave solution is key to moisturizing your skin and keeping you feeling fresh and ready to take on any of the days obstacles so make sure you don’t ignore this step.
Choosing The Right Wet Shaving Supplies For You
Choosing the right wet shaving supplies isn’t something that is achieved overnight and could take a while to perfect. Understanding which shaving essentials work for you is key and what you should focus on during your wet shaving journey. An important fact to remember is to always allow the shaving razor to do the work. Meaning, don’t use excessive pressure when shaving because a sharp razor will cut the growth appropriately without needed force. It’s important to find a shaving store which can provide insight on shaving essentials and tools by answering your questions. The classic art of wet shaving isn’t for everyone but if you’re ready to take your skin care to the next level, we hope this guide has helped you jumpstart your journey. As always, please contact us 24/7 with your inquiries on shaving goods and we will reply right away.
Important Steps To Consider When Choosing The Best Aftershave
Selecting the best aftershave can be confusing. There is such a wide variety of products available for shaving that selecting this important component of a great, close shave is often made hastily without considering ingredients or attributes of quality aftershaves. To better understand how to find your own best aftershave, we will take a look at some finer points of aftershaves and how to make an informed choice.
What is aftershave?
Aftershave is a broad term describing the line of many products used immediately following shaving to relieve irritation, moisturize and protect skin from elements.
There are two primary categories of aftershaves. Those are:
Splashes: Splashes provide toners, astringents and hydrosols to cleanse the skin after the shave while also providing antiseptic and antibacterial protection. Best suited for people with oily skin or those living where the climate is hot and humid.
Balms: Balms are heavier on the skin and relieve irritation while also moisturizing. Best suited for people living in cold or dry climates. Aftershave lotions are also considered balms. A good example of a quality balm is BAUME.BE Aftershave Balm.
Ingredients in Aftershave
To select your best aftershave, it is helpful to know what key ingredients are and what those ingredients do for your skin. Below are some of the most common aftershave ingredients:
Astringents and Toners
Astringents and toners cleanse skin while shrinking the look of pores. Toners provide minor skin irritation relief for small cuts, rashes, bug bites and fungal infections. Scars can also heal better through use of toners.
Astringents are the strongest variety of toners. They contain up to 60 percent alcohol and are best used on oily skin due to drying factors. However, drying the skin makes it produce even more oil, so using astringents can become a cycle of removing and producing oil. In essence, astringents harden, dry out and protect skin. So use them only where problem skin exists, such as the T-zone from the chin, up the bridge of the nose and across the forehead.
Ingredients with astringent qualities include:
Alum
Acacia
Oatmeal
Distilled vinegar
Witch hazel
Alcohol
Yarrow
Silver nitrate
Potassium permanganate
Zinc sulfate
Zinc oxide
Hydrosols
Steam distilled from aromatic plants, hydrosols are often referred to by names such as floral water, hydrolate, essential water, herbal water or herbal distillates. Hydrosols are produced like essential oils and were once thought of as byproducts of distilling. Now, hydrosols are considered worthwhile for inhibiting bacterial growth and helping the skin balance to a normal pH.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are not single ingredients, instead being multiple ingredients combined to make the skin’s external layers softer and more pliable. This is achieved by increasing the amount of water held by the skin through reduction of evaporation, not by adding water. An example of a great moisturizer is Edwin Jagger Sandalwood After Shave.
Humectants
Used to increase skin penetration of the best aftershave ingredients, humectants decrease dehydration effects of other ingredients. Humectants commonly found in the best aftershave include:
Glycerol
Propylene glycol
Urea
Lactic acid
Sorbitol
Best Aftershave Ingredients to Look For
Calendula
Witch hazel
Lavender
Aloe vera
Chamomile
Tea tree oil
Rose oil distillate
Various vitamins
Jojoba oil
Grapefruit seed extract
Aftershave Ingredients to Avoid
Lemon oil or eucalyptus, if your skin is sensitive
High concentrations of alcohol or camphor
Grapefruit, if you tend to spend a lot of time outdoors
How to find quality shaving supplies that will last
If you are the type of man or woman who demands quality shaving supplies and will not settle for less, even when it comes to shaving essentials, then you have come to the right place. We carry shaving products from some of the best names in the industry and our wide variety of carefully selected soaps, creams, oils and lotions are as natural and skin friendly as can be. Depending on the shaving essentials you’re looking for, you can find high quality items with reasonable prices with us. Here are some of the quality shaving products we carry.
Shaving Brushes
A shaving brush is an important part of any wet shaving kit and should be top of the list for anyone who is in the market for wet shaving supplies. We stock synthetic brushes for those with who have allergies with animal hair and vegans who would rather not use animal products. We also carry animal based brushes which include pure badger, best badger, super badger and silver-tip badger brushes from top quality brush makers like Edwin Jagger, Simpsons and the Colonel Ichabod Conk.
Soaps & Creams
Our soaps and cream supplies are made up of the best shaving creams and soaps from names like Baume.Be, Edwin Jagger Taylor of old Band street and much more. These are iconic companies who don’t settle for anything less than perfection when it comes to quality which is why we carry these brands for our trusted customers. There are a variety of scents like sandalwood, lime/citrus, cooling menthol and Aloe Vera available so you can experiment with different scents and find the right one for you. Lathering with a good soap or cream is very fundamental to wet-shaving and should be approached with the appropriate care. Using low quality creams or soaps can be leave you feeling dry or even worse irritating your skin.
Pre-shave oils
Pre-shave oils are also an essential part of the wet shave process. They help moisturize and lubricate the skin which also assists in razor burns you may get if you have sensitive skin. Special care should be taken to ensure that you buy high quality pre-shave oils that are natural and safe. Some Pre-Shave Oils could actually harm more than help so it’s important to go with a trusted brand and company who knows how to create safe essentials for men and women. Contact us if you have any questions on the benefits of Pre-Shave Oils.
After-shave Balms
After-shave balms or lotions are important in every wet shaving session. Shaving exfoliates the skin and needs to be taken care post shave by applying moisturizers and skin foods to help in healing/protecting the skin. We have a variety of after-shave balms and lotions which will provide the coverage needed after a close shave. Don’t ignore this step as many people have done in the past. Sealing your shave in is one of the most important wet shaving steps.
Beards are back and very popular these days which is why there are many great ingredients available such as washes and oils that will help keep your beard clean and fresh. Take a look at some of our beard care essentials which is guaranteed to help mold your beard into perfection in addition to keeping you smelling fresh all day long.
Finding the proper shaving supplies can be a intimidating and pricey task but it doesn’t have to be with the right company. Make sure you ask us how you can get clearer skin in just 30 days.
Straight Blade
