Do you change your lather routine from soap to soap?

[MBurris]

I am using a product other than VDH for the first time. I'm trying Honey Bee (coconut) and have used it a couple of times. I love the scent but am having some trouble getting the same caliber of lather I was getting with VDH. Here's how I usually go about it:

>Let brush soak while brushing teeth
>Let warm watter sit on top of soap (also while brushing teeth)
>Give the brush a squeez
>Load up the brush with small circular motions for about 1:00-1:30.
>Wet face
>Face lather

So, do you guys find you have to change your lather prep depending on the brand? Am I missing something crucial in the make up of Honey Bee compared to VDH that may help? Thanks!

[Viseguy]

Your basic routine sounds fine. Try loading the brush for a longer time, or wetting the brush a little more (not much), or some combination of the two. It's probably just a matter of fine-tuning these two variables.

[MBurris]

Thanks Viseguy, sounds solid!

[Big Dog]

This method is going to sound strange but it works for me on Honeybee soaps. I put about 1/4 inch hot water sit on the puck while I am showering. I then take my dry (yes, dry) silvertip badger and start swirling it on the soap for at least 30 seconds. The brush absorbs the water and I get more product on the brush. I then apply it to my face and get a good slick lather. More product seems to be the key with this particular brand of soap. There are other ways of doing it but this has proven to be successful for me.

[mftoms59]

I am using a product other than VDH for the first time. I'm trying Honey Bee (coconut) and have used it a couple of times. I love the scent but am having some trouble getting the same caliber of lather I was getting with VDH. Here's how I usually go about it:

>Let brush soak while brushing teeth
>Let warm watter sit on top of soap (also while brushing teeth)
>Give the brush a squeez
>Load up the brush with small circular motions for about 1:00-1:30.
>Wet face
>Face lather

So, do you guys find you have to change your lather prep depending on the brand? Am I missing something crucial in the make up of Honey Bee compared to VDH that may help? Thanks!

Every Soap or Cream will have a different Product/Water ratio, time building your lather may vary and water hardness may affect different soaps/creams.

[Go West Young Man]

The basic routine doesn't change, but you need to adjust timings and ratios for each one.
And there's no shortcut, unfortunately, you need to figure each one out by trial and error.

[fccexpert]

I use the same simple four step approach for all soaps:

1) Wet brush
2) Apply brush to soap
3) Build lather (I do this directly on the soap)
4) Transfere lather to face

If lather is too thin, add more soap
If lather is too thick, add more water

[Rivguy]

The basic routine doesn't change, but you need to adjust timings and ratios for each one.
And there's no shortcut, unfortunately, you need to figure each one out by trial and error.

I agree with Chris. And to complicate things a bit, every variable you add to the mix, no pun intended, can change things as well. For example changing brushes can alter things depending on its ability to hold water. Some brushes are thirstier than others. and their ability to pick up soap varies as well.

So, as Chris stated, you will need to work out your ideal soap/water ratio for each combination. It is not as complicated as it sounds and the final results are well worth the effort.

As a side note, Sue's honeybee soaps are excellent. Both my son and I like them very much. Her Victorian Rose is excellent and has a wonderfully authentic rose scent.

Regards,

Doug

[Alraz]

No but I do change the soap:water ratio if needed. I never load my brush for more than 10 seconds. Also I don't soak the brush and just shake the excess water; otherwise, pretty similar.

Al raz.