Use of Essential Oils

[Half Bee]

I have 3 bottles of essential oils that I used to mix with a carrier oil of some kind for massages. Can these essential oils be used either straight up or mixed with other oils as a pre- or post- shave oil? And if they can, should the be used? The oils are Eucalyptus, Lavender and can't remember. I have some of the carrier oil as well but can not remember what it is.

Thanks
Eric

[mach88]

I really enjoy using a pre-shave oil - and this is what I recommend:

To make a pre-shave oil you need a carrier/base oil and essential oils (optional)

Use one of the following oils as your base or carrier oil:Olive oil, Coconut oil, Palm oil, Sweet almond oil, Jojoba oil, Sesame oil, Grape seed oil

If you want to use essential oils - add 5-10 drops per ounce of carrier oil - start with 5 drops per ounce of carrier oil - add more if needed - essential oils are very strong and can irritate if you use too much - so better to start with less and build up!

Some popular essential oils are: Lavender, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Bergamot

I personally only use almond oil - it's unscented and works wonders! I also prefer my cream to provide all the scent and follow up with an unscented ASB (Nivea Soothing ASB)

What I recommend is that you get the base almond oil from Bodyshop or any other similar shop - try and find a spray bottle (I bought one from Muji) - and fill the oil into the spray bottle - this provides you with measured quantities every time you want to use the oil - not too much not too little - one spray should be enough - if I have a short beard - I use two sprays - there's no need to use any more!

hope that helps :smile:

[Half Bee]

MACH88
Thanks so much. Will check my massage carrier oil; doubt it is any of those you list. My essential oil is a few years old but still has scent. Will try it mixed over the next couple weeks.
Eric

[mars]

Almond oil is thin enough that you can spray it?

[linuxidiot]

oh wow I may have to give this a go! Now to find a Truefitt & Hill pre-shave oil bottle (find that bottle awesome looking for some reason!)

[Matz]

I started using Lanolin (wool fat) as a carrier oil and rosewood essential oil for a pre-shave. I have to say that it works great, and helps counteract the dryness my shave soap leaves behind.

[Half Bee]

I would have never thought of using Lanolin. I suspect it get absorbed fast and acts more as a moisturizer than as a slick pre-shave oil.
The carrier oil that I have for massages is safflower. Have yet to try it out as a pre-shave oil.
It is a few years old and may have gone rancid by now.

[stormtrooper]

I apply in unscented aftershaves for scenting of my choice

[cristobal41]

50% of each one. GOing to try today by the first time.
Found these oil dispensers in a plastic stuff dedicated shop. Very useful due to its easiness when handling and letting only a few drops be shed. Moreover, they are inexpensive (2,75€/4,20USD) and last a lifetime.
Regards.