We agree on most everything you say here, with just a few small differences. Interestingly, since retirement almost six years ago, my shave/shower regimen has become way more unpredictable in terms of order of operations. No more up at 6 am to get to work before 8, five days a week. Now, it’s whatever kind of mood I’m in. Why, some days I don’t even feel like shaving!
While my face looks older, my skin itself seems just as “greasy” as ever, so that’s another small difference. The other ymmv difference is that since retirement my interest in scented soaps and aftershaves has grown quickly. Previously I had mostly been an unscented shaver with a handful of lightly scented soaps to supplement the unscented soaps.
Agreed Completely. Lather quality is vastly more important than scent. Re: your point #1.. Bear with me…at one time I too believed that a good lather
must be thick and rich to really condition, etc., etc.,,, But I have Learned this in the last two to three years. Which is about when my interest in injectors and Gem shaving razors blossomed. My shaves, and my skin in general were just “better” than compared to DE shaving. Using the AC style shavettes has reinforced that for me.
Here’s my point… One of the integral and elemental other changes that occurred simultaneously was my lather got
wetter and thinner. I appreciate that thicker and sharper blades are superior to DE on my face, for my shaves. I find they work even better with a much wetter and thinner lather and a lighter touch.
Fresh paragraph, but really a thought continuation from the above... My next point is more of a pet peeve, really. I understand your point, it’s more about internet-forum “style” in general. In rebuttal I suggest that perhaps one should refrain from stating absolutes such as
must or
best in product discussions of any sort. I suggest there is no one “best.” Every person’s “best” is really his
favorite and what he thinks and/or believes works best
for him.
Agreed. Fresh, sharp blades and great slickness work great together! And certainly, a great soap should help to leave your skin feeling enriched. I’m guessing you’ve tried using a high quality balm to help with dry skin. I’ve only tried two balms besides Proraso pre-post; Barrister and Mann unscented and Baume.Be. They are outstanding for repairing and moisturing without any greasiness. I don’t know how they do it. The Baume is difficult to impossible to source but I strongly suggest you keep your eyes peeled for the B&M Unscented. Get past the initial cost and be good to yourself. It’s a minor indulgence and you’re worth it Man! You might also try organic, unrefined shea butter. Just a teeny tiny little dab rubbed between your palms then over your shaved face. It’s nature’s shave balm.
I’m not a dermatologist, so I can’t say if vegan soaps are “better” than tallow, or vice versa. But I can tell you what I like
