Proraso Pre/Post Cream

[joel]

http://www.badgerandblade.com/images/tfa/proraso/P1010064.JPG

This is some very interesting stuff.... in that so many guys simply love it - yet so many feel it is somewhat useless - at least as a pre-shave. Well for some time I have been meaning to settle this (at least for me) so I went ahead and gave it a go.

It comes in a little box - very drab looking, and in all Itallian - that is somewhat useless and not all that nice looking - which I am sending straight to the circular file cabinet! Sure is a far cry from T&H and Trumper boxes!

Now some good news you Castle Forbes of yore lovers will adore.... the container is glass! Although it might not seem like a big deal - it sure ads a wonderfully regal experience to the morning routine to have a nice, hefty, manly glass jar. This sucker ain't light - and nor is the cream... that tiny little jar is 100ml and the glass is awful thick, but to me, a good thing.

http://www.badgerandblade.com/images/tfa/proraso/P1010061.JPG
Once you twist off the sturdy plastic lid - you are immediatly greeted with a lovely "proraso soap/cream" scent - however this pre/post cream seems to be not as rough around the edges. Very invigorating scent, really wakes you up in the morning and has a lot of character.

As a pre shave -
Forget it gentlemen... it is just "ok." Not BAD - but did not make much of a difference with a straigbht razor, de or feather razor -however it DOES greet you with that "old friend" proraso cooling effect. I will not use this as a pre-shave again, as does effect the scent of your lathered soap/cream in a negative way.

As a post shave -
Works incredibly well. To be honest, the verdict is still out - but thus far it is right up there with my favorite 2 or so aftershave balm/creams. The one tricky thing about this cream however - is that like CAR's a/s balm, a little goes a looonngg way. Do not try to arbitratily apply this upon your dry face - as it will immediatly form an uncomfortable, thick, greasy layer on your face, and within a few hours you will be quite oily and uncomfortable. Instead throughly wet your face with some water (or better yet hydrosol, a/s splash etc) and then take just a tiny, tiny amount and rub it all over your wet face (including your nose and forehead) and you will be rewarded with a glorious chilling/cooling effect as the water evaporates and the proraso sinks into your skin. It will leave ya soft, smooth and moisturized all day long. Used in the method I have suggested should get you around 1 years (or more) use out of this incredibly reasonable $12 or so product. For the money this has immediatly hit the "best value" list for a facial moisturizer/aftershave balm.

Nice stuff in my book!

In the next few days look forward to a review of Musgo Real A/S splash, QED DaVinci h20, QED French clay and and few others in the works.

[gage0921]

Would you say it has more or less of a cooling effect then CAR's peppermint and after application would a dry skin fellow need to apply a moisturizer as well.

[joel]

This stuff provides PLENTY of moisture - no extra cream would be necessary - however as far as your "cooling effect" question - it is my experience that the CAR moisture cream has a much more intense cooling effect, but it is a very different type of experience. The CAR is in your face "yowza" where as the proraso is cool, calm, and relaxed. Both are exceptional - and as I continue to compare the two - I'll be sure to keep you updated!

[gage0921]

Im dissapointed in myself.....the other day I placed a order with classic shaving and put this as well as the a/s balm in the cart and deleted it at the last minute. Oh well, just an excuse to place another order :D

[HlSheppard]

Joel hit this one "dead on."

It's simply OK as a pre shave but it is right up there with the CAR A/S balm. I give a sight edge to the CAR on cooling and conditioning. However, the pendulum swings back when price is considered...

[joel]

Ron,
The proraso liquid cream is similar to DR Harris a/s milk, or C&E a/s balm's.... it is very light milky liquid a/s, that has just a light amount of moisturization - the Proraso pre/post shave however is a very thick, dense, rich cream that provides a much deeper moisturizing property. You know - I suppose one could even use both - as the liquid cream is very light, and acts as somewhat of a toner (as it contains a fair amount of witch hazel) and the proraso pre/post could back it up as a moisturizer.

[Austin]

I agree with Joel's review. A little goes a long way for me.

[obsessis]

I bought some today, thanks to Target and all the talk about the CAR Peppermint Conditioner (I figure they are similar and wanted to try it).

How exactly are you supposed to apply it? I sprayed my face with Thayers and put just a tiny bit on my finger and then rubbed my hands together thinking it would apply that way. It just ended up going into my hands. If you are supposed to only use a little bit how exactly is the best way to make sure that you can make the little bit last and go all over your face/neck?

Also, how much are you supposed to apply...size wise?

[Nick]

Joseph,

My favorite method of application is to liberally wet my face with some da Vinci water hydrosol, then dab a little out of the jar, split that between my fingers, rub a little to the mustache area, and then massage the rest all over my face (save for the eyes). I don't rub it in my hands first. In fact, when I first put it on my face, I use pretty much just my finger tips, to work it around and thin it out.

It's potent stuff, so just because your whole face doesn't feel greasy doesn't mean you haven't gotten a fairly smooth application. If you can feel the Proraso tingle all over, you're good to go.

Some people will just leave their face wet with cool water and use that to thin it out. I've even heard of people making a Proraso/water slurry in their hand to thin it out.

As for quantity, I'll use a little bit less than a pea sized dollop. Joel has harassed me for using twice as much as necessary. So, in short, use enough to get an even distribution, if your face feels gunky, filmy, greasy, or like there's residue on it, you've used too much.

-Nick

[obsessis]

okay, so split a pea-sized amount across the fingertips (a little on each) and kind of strategically dab them around the face/neck before using just the fingertips to massage it in and spread it around?

You use it on the neck also?

[rtaylor61]

I used it for the first time today, well, yesterday at this point, and I just touched my fingertip into the jar and rubbed it over my face to get a good covering. I didn't use it as post, only as pre, and I was impressed. It's a trial and error thing.

Randy

[Nick]

Give it a shot.

I apply it everywhere that I've shaved which includes the neck, as well as the parts of my face that I haven't shaved (save for the eyes).

-Nick

[Nick]

I tried it as a pre once, and felt it was just so-so, whereas I think it shines as a post. Then again, for how many uses you get out of it due to the miniscule amount needed per application, you could use it as a pre, post, and during and still have it last forever.

-Nick

[obsessis]

I have read that someone uses Nivea face cream as a pre-shave cream/balm. I assume it is similar to proraso, only unscented/no cooling effect. I have two tins of Nivea, regular and soft, that I got for $1 from Walgreens to try it. I don't have particularly tough or thick facial hair, though, so I don't really need it for a pre-shave.

[guenron]

Hey Joel and Gang,
Some time ago I bought the Crema Liquida Dopobarba. An all around excellent aftershave balm for mature skin (tends to need a bit of moisturizer). Reasonably price at QED (http://www.qedusa.com), I find a dime-sized drop great after either my DaVinci Water spritzes or even just cold water rinse.


http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1637

It's on the left.

[ouch]

I was all set to post a contrasting opinion regarding the pre/post, but then I used it again this morning. I still really do not like the scent (reminds me a bit of mommy rubbing Noxema on my chest decades ago), but I must say that this is fine stuff indeed. The problem is learning to properly apply it. Administered to a fairly dry face, the result will be alternating patches of barren, untreated skin and areas of waxy, white smears. I get much better results when I totally soak my face and then immediately apply a really teeny amount. The paste gets fully incorporated this way, and it's amazing how little is required. This little jar should last years.

[Kyle]

I've now used this product for a couple of days, and I think if you use the pre/post in combination with the tube cream and cream a/s, the results are fantastic. I've not yet tried the products separately from one another but will eventually begin to experiment in this fashion.

[Tony]

I just bought the Proraso Pre/Post Shave at TARGET - the box reads Crema Pre Barba (Pre Shave) rather than Crema Pre & Dopo Barba (Pre and After Shave) - yet the instructions say it can be used post shave. Is Proraso making a separate line for TARGET? I hope it the same product. The box the same, volume is 100 ml., and the jar is glass with a glass cover..............Any comments?

[Tony]

Correction to last reply:


It is a Glass jar with a Plastic cover - looks exactly the same except for the exclusion of the Post Shave part of the label.......................

[roughrider]

Tony, I got the same one you're talking about. I guess they changed the packaging. Anyone own both?


http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1840

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1841

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1842

[joel]

Looks like the same stuff to me RR! (new label though)

[javyn]

Yeah it's the same. They took "post" off the label probably because they have an aftershave. I guess the AS is new? I haven't used the Proraso AS but I really like the Pre. It's easy to use too much though.

[Scootch]

So, most of you have said this product is only mediocre as a pre-shave. I've tried it and and found that is does help a little to make the shave smoother and reduce irritation, but the change wasn't very dramatic. What would you guys recommend as a really top notch pre-shave? Something to make the razor drag more smoothly across the skin and keep down irritation.

[Austin]

Scootch, welcome to SMF. You may want to consider using a pre-shave oil from Pacific Shaving Oil or Saint Charles. There are others but I can't recall their names.

[Scootch]

Thanks, I'll look for those. Also, I use a badger brush and understand that some pre-shaves are not good for them. Are those all right with badger brushes?

[Austin]

The only one that has been mentioned before that does not affect the badger brush is Pacific Shaving Oil. Here is their link: http://www.pacificshaving.com/

[Kyle]

Scootch,

Welcome to B&B. You might also consider reading this thread on lather building. (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9) You may find that a high quality lather will negate the need for a preshave oil.

[Scootch]

Thanks, Kyle. That looks like a great lather. I'll give that a go tomorrow morning.

cheers.

[SteveL]

As a preshave are you supposed to rub it all the way in as you are when you use it as an aftershave? Or are you just supposed to rub it on and kind of leave it like a thin layer of cream on top?

Thanks!

[javyn]

Tonight I am going to treat myself to Proraso Pre shave and cream, and follow up with Will G Peppermint AS. When I use the Pre before the shave, I really notice no difference in the actual quality or closeness of the shave, so I can't say if it really softens my whiskers or whatever preshaves are supposed to do or not, but it does give normal creams/soaps that nice Proraso cool, and supercharges the Proraso shaving cream itself.

Steve, when I use the Proraso Pre, I use about twice as much as I use as an aftershave (which is what I prefer to use it as), mix it around with a little water on my fingertips, and rub it all in.

[water]

Jumping in on the conversation a little late, but I have been using Crema Liquida Dopobarba for a while and think it is absolutely top notch.

My only gripe, and it is a very small one, is the scent often overpowers any trailing aroma from the shave cream. I have heard people say they dislike the scent but I like it. Smells very clean to me.

[Ben]

I love Proraso pre/post, and that's how I use it. The scent to me is fairly mild. I do enjoy the spicy notes that creep out from behind the eucalyptus/menthol. This is great stuff all around.

:thumbup1:

[Scootch]

Thanks, Kyle. That looks like a great lather. I'll give that a go tomorrow morning.

I've gotten the hang of making a much thicker lather like in that link above and it's made quite the different. Shaving is much smoother now and I'm left much far less irritation.

[Kyle]

Hey Scootch,

Glad to hear that things are going better. It's really amazing how much a great lather can change the dynamic of a shave. If I could change anything about how I started wet shaving, I would have spent much more time researching and working on my lathering techniques.

[McNutt]

I tried it today for the first time and used it both pre and post. I've used Nivea before as a preshave cream and found it almost impossible to build up a good lather on my face afterwards. With the Proraso I decided to whip up a lather in a bowl and then apply it to my face. I used Proraso soap and the lather came out even better than when built up directly on my face.

I can't say how much the pre helped me, but the shave was incredible. It was one of those shaves where everything seemed to just work out. I followed it up with a post layer and for the rest of the day my face just felt good. I seemed to have stumbled upon the triple crown here and can't wait to try it again.

The smell of the pre/post is pretty strong though and it's not something I care to smell like. I need to get an opinion on how strong the smell is to others when I use it as a post.

[roughrider]

I tried it today for the first time and used it both pre and post. I've used Nivea before as a preshave cream and found it almost impossible to build up a good lather on my face afterwards. With the Proraso I decided to whip up a lather in a bowl and then apply it to my face. I used Proraso soap and the lather came out even better than when built up directly on my face.

I can't say how much the pre helped me, but the shave was incredible. It was one of those shaves where everything seemed to just work out. I followed it up with a post layer and for the rest of the day my face just felt good. I seemed to have stumbled upon the triple crown here and can't wait to try it again.

The smell of the pre/post is pretty strong though and it's not something I care to smell like. I need to get an opinion on how strong the smell is to others when I use it as a post.



I'm glad it worked out well for you. Tell us some details about your prep. The smell doesn't last that long on me personally.

[McNutt]

I applied a thin layer of pre/post right after a hot shower. I kept it on for a few minutes while I worked up the lather and then went to town with a Merkur 1904 and an Israeli Personna.

It smelled just like a jar of Mentholatum and was so strong it was stinging my nose a bit. To be honest I wasn't sure that I liked it when I first started shaving. I couldn't tell if it was doing anything, but midway through the shave I realized just how well the shave was going. When I reapplied the lather it felt like the lather was 20* below.

[roughrider]

I've never used it as a Pre. I'm going to try it for my next shave.

[rtaylor61]

RR,

Like Tony suggested, give it a few minutes to soak in. It does a great job. I'm still not sure of how much overall benefit there is, but I've only done it a few times. Yeah, the experimentation continues!

Randy

[Scootch]

Hi Tony. I find it doens't leave much scent at all as a post. Using any balm and cologne with this as a post I've found the scent of the Proraso is gone after 10 or 15 minutes. Once it's soaked in the smell seems to vanish.

[McNutt]

Yeah, the smell did seem to vanish after awhile, but it's pretty potent (at least to me) for a good ten minutes after putting it on. The scent would probably be a turnoff to most women, so I'd only use it as a post on days where I won't be around any woman for a bit. I have a feeling it would be gone by the time I made it to work, but I want to run some more tests before I try that.

[Kyle]

Hi Tony. I find it doens't leave much scent at all as a post. Using any balm and cologne with this as a post I've found the scent of the Proraso is gone after 10 or 15 minutes. Once it's soaked in the smell seems to vanish.

Ditto. In fact, when I apply the Proraso a/s balm over the top of it, I find that the smell of the pre/post is immediately gone.

[letterk]

Is the pre/post found in Target? I've found most of the other Proraso items, but not that one. I've looked at two different stores and want to know if I should keep looking.

[roughrider]

Is the pre/post found in Target? I've found most of the other Proraso items, but not that one. I've looked at two different stores and want to know if I should keep looking.


Yes, Target should have it. If it's not there, look for the price label on the shelf. They might be sold out.

[Kyle]

Yeah it's the same. They took "post" off the label probably because they have an aftershave. I guess the AS is new? I haven't used the Proraso AS but I really like the Pre. It's easy to use too much though.

letterk,

As stated above, the label change could be throwing you off. It is a glass tub packed in a small square box.

[JohnP]

I got mine at Target, if its any help...the Italian instructions for use after shaving are still on the label, however....
I use it when I use Proraso, beats me, just seems like it is part of the whole "experience" if you will, to use the Pre-post first, and sometimes after...(bought everything but the canned foam, and even IT was tempting....I like the eucalyptus mint smell..) Good stuff.
John P.

[letterk]

letterk,

As stated above, the label change could be throwing you off. It is a glass tub packed in a small square box.

Well, I have the "pre" that is a small round jar that came in a box. Same thing?

[Kyle]

Same stuff.

[SteveL]

I wonder if the smell really does go away after 10-15 minutes or do we just get used to the smell? Even when I shave with Proraso I don't smell it all that much towards the end of the shave. It would be an interesting test to see if someone else could smell it on you say 20 minutes later.

[Scootch]

I wonder if the smell really does go away after 10-15 minutes or do we just get used to the smell? Even when I shave with Proraso I don't smell it all that much towards the end of the shave. It would be an interesting test to see if someone else could smell it on you say 20 minutes later.

I did that with my wife about 15 minutes after shaving. She couldn't smell the Proraso.

[water]

I use the bottled lotion, Crema Liquida Dopobarba, and can notice the scent for quite some time afterwards. Of course, I like the scent so it is not a problem for me. Plus, my wife thinks it smells "nice and clean", so that is an added bonus.

While I find it is quite comforting to my skin, I do not find it all that cooling.

James

[ouch]

Proraso sure can pull off some different variations on a eucalyptus theme. The only one that is excessively medicinal is the pre/post (think mommy rubbing in Vick's Vap'O Rub). The shave cream is excellent, the crema liquida has a nice, mild scent, and the splash is surprisingly mellow for an alcohol based product.
All of their products seem to work extremely well, and all fairly priced.:thumbsup:

[water]

The Crema Liquida is my aftershave of choice. While I also like GFT Coral Skin Food, the Proraso always performs so well that it is impossible to abandon.

[ouch]

The Crema Liquida is my aftershave of choice. While I also like GFT Coral Skin Food, the Proraso always performs so well that it is impossible to abandon.

I often follow up the crema liquida with a touch (two drops) of coral skin food. Seems to lock in all that goodness.:001_rolle

[TAsunder]

OK, this stuff is staining my towels and occasionally shirt collars like crazy. Can someone recommend an equally soothing after shave balm that will NOT stain fabrics?

[letterk]

Staining? Wha? I've never seen any staining on anything. Can you explain what you're seeing?

[roughrider]

How much are you using and why are you coming in contact with any fabric when it's on your face?

[TAsunder]

I'm just using a dab. I wet my face and then apply it. Sometimes my face is a little too wet after so I use a non-white towel to dry it off. Instantly the towel gets an orangey color.

I get it on my collar similarly, if I am not completely dry and the collar touches the neck area. I have a couple of shirts that are orangeish.

[letterk]

Very weird. I've dabbed it with towels and have never seen any discoloration.

[Kyle]

That is odd. I have never run across this problem.

[TAsunder]

Maybe it's something else in my shaving process. I'll do a little experiment this evening.

[TAsunder]

OK, clearly it is something else. Nevermind then.