Proraso Pre-shave cream

[Hex]

I got a jar yesterday and was wondering how others use.

I used it like another oil I had before, smeared it on, waited a bit, then lathered, applied a hot towel which wiped most of it off, re-lathered and shaved.

Somehow I am thinking I could be not using it to its fullest effect.

Where in the cycle with the Proraso, do the hot towels come in ?

thanks

[ackvil]

I have heard this product used a few ways as a pre-shave treatment. The first way is to apply it immediately before you apply shaving cream by rubbing it into your beard. If you check the review section, http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1387, you will see that it does not get rave reviews when applied in this manner. A friend of mine, however, does it differently. He rubs it into his beard after washing his face and before lathering up. He also rubs some TH pre shave oil on his beard. He then makes up his lather and applies a little lather on his face. Then comes the hot towel treatment. He says the combo of Proraso pre shave and lather softens his beard and makes for a better shave.

[DE Shaver]

The purpose of the Proraso pre-shave is to remove the layer of oil that encapsulates bear hair, allowing water to saturate and soften the beard. It also contains ingredients that help soften it as well. I generally wet my pace and rub a small amount in my bead and let it sit for a couple minutes. Usually, I'm doing something else like building up a shaving lather. Generally, I leave it on but wiping it off before your shave is perfectly fine.

[theologist]

Proraso Pre-Post is the one thing I use virtually every day.

I apply mine to a wet face, rub in well and then rinse off before applying lather (eg, Tabac). However, yes, it does get to sit there for two or three minutes while I build the suds.

I find it somehow impedes the lathering if I don't rinse it off with warm water first. However, it does soften the beard, and the menthol helps wake me up!

You need to use enough of the stuff to make it work, too. That doesn't mean great gobs, but a couple of "dots" on the face is insufficient.

It isn't often spoken of as a post-shave option, but if you've had a hard shave for some reason, that has left you feeling a bit raw or tender, then a gentle dab of Proraso is amazingly soothing.

[Drubbing]

There has been a fair amount said on the post shave properties, it comes up quite often in such threads.

I don't get much mileage from it as a preshave. I do think it's great as a post shave cream/AS though. Use far less than you would for a pre-shave, as it goes a long way, and too much will go tacky. I put it on a damp face and this lets it absorb quickly, and get the menthol going.

Does everything AS can, but I find it moisturises really well too.

[Peter Mount]

I use it as a post shave cream as well, i.e. after I rinse my face after using my alum block. It has a nice scent and feel to it. I just use a small amount.

[Neuromancer]

I'm fairly new to this but I started using it as a pre-shave from the beginning...first I use a hot damp washcloth to start with and after leaving that on for a bit I use the Proraso, rub it in and leave it on my face then lather up and apply whatever soap I'm going to use for that shave...it seems to be working fine...am I doing it right?

[dbarie]

I am a newbie as well and it sounds like I am doing it wrong but it works for me. (After a hot shower) I apply proraso pre shave and then hot towel (or a few since my water isn't very hot) to get about five minutes of heat. Afterwards, I wipe it all off witht he hot towel and apply lather for my shave.

I find the hot towel really kick's up the menthol and it seems to do the trick for me.

[Bloomey]

The way I do it is to shower and use a glycerin based soap (either proraso's own make or pears does just as well) to wash myself. The instant I come out of the shower I make a point of applying the pre shave and then either mixing up the lather using proraso cream or soap (depending on what mood I am in) then adding the lather and shave.

I also use it as a post shave. Once I've given my face the obligatory warm water rinse and then cold water rinse, add a little of the cream to your face, don't take any of the water off as if you apply the cream direct to your dry face it can end up very oily and generally uncomfortable (well for me certainly)

A quick dash of the proraso aftershave (optional) and that's it, depending on what floats your boat.

[chwilkins]

After a shower I get my face wet again then rub it into my beard gently but thoroughly .

I allow it to sit while I build lather then just splash rinse with warm water like I would between passes and lather up.

After the shave I rinse with cold water with face still damp rub some more in and wooohooo coolness! Sometimes another quick light cold water rinse just for giggles!

[Mike R.]

I use it as a pre-shave. It works well in that capacity.

Using it post shave for me, makes my skin oily so I avoid it there.

[RF1963]

I use it as a pre shave:

Shower
Rub the Proraso Pre into my beard
Strop my razor
Build my lather
Lather up my face
Shave!

It seems to make a difference but I can't tell you what. All I really can tell you is that I tried it on a whim and got the best straight shave I had to date. So I always use it, although I've now discovered T&H preshave oil so it might just be on alternate days!

[dmm26]

I was pretty sure I read the directions on the jar properly but just to make sure I just read them again. I don't see anywhere where it says to wipe the cream off with a hot towel or where it says that it's a post shave cream either.

Here's what it says word for word:

BEFORE SHAVING:Wash your face and massage the cream delicately until it is absorbed completely. Apply foam or soap and shave as desired. Apply the CREAM again if shaving for a second time.

[Wid]

I use it as a pre shave:

Shower
Rub the Proraso Pre into my beard
Strop my razor
Build my lather
Lather up my face
Shave!

It seems to make a difference but I can't tell you what. All I really can tell you is that I tried it on a whim and got the best straight shave I had to date. So I always use it, although I've now discovered T&H preshave oil so it might just be on alternate days!

I do the same.

[jmsodpc]

i just received a nice box today from italian barber...my first order with them....and got some proraso preshave..will use it tonight for the first time.


cant wait to use it with some new razorock wax and some S. maria cream.

[Mad Man]

As others have said, Proraso Pre is a product I also use EVERY shave like this;
Step out of shower
Apply enough product onto wet face to get a decent coverage (visible but not slathered on)
Face lather directly over the top
Shave
Reapply between passes
If necessary, apply a very thin smear as an ASB if I've had a harsher shave.

I don't remove or wipe it off. I've never had it interfere with lather.

[WoodfordReserve-Neat]

I got a jar yesterday and was wondering how others use.

I used it like another oil I had before, smeared it on, waited a bit, then lathered, applied a hot towel which wiped most of it off, re-lathered and shaved.

Just did a similar shave today this way with a straight.
I pat my face after using a hot damp towel..and don't wipe. Then I lather up again as you and proceed with my shave.
Also, After my shave, I like splash on some Thayer's lavender witch hazel toner then re-use my towel with cold water to close pores, then spash on some Floid or Aqua Velva or ..... Alt-Innsbruck, etc..

[MegaBullfrog09]

There really is no right or wrong way to do it. I personally apply it when I'm in the shower, let it soak in, step out, reapply it, lather my soap or cream and shave. When I have to pack lightly, I pack this as I can use it as a pre shave and post which I really enjoy.

[hold-fast]

I used it once pre shave and didn't like it. I didn't wash it off before trying to lather and it messed up my lather. I do use it post shave alternating with Nivea Sensitive Skin Post Shave Balm. I like the slight stinging sensation and the smell.
I'll try it tomorrow pre shave and then wash it off prior to lathering and see how that works. Always learning something new here. :)

[jmsodpc]

I used it this morning and applied it to my wet head in the shower. Then I lathered ontop of it and then shaved.

Nice stuff.

Just don't use too much. Use enough to make the area slick.