Proraso Shaving Cream (green tube)

**pipskicks** · 04-20-2012, 07:29 AM

I know this has been spoken about many times, but from one newbie trying out VDH pucks, some other Col. Conk puck, even some tallow soaps and I have had a "good" experience but lathering still was a process.

It feels like Proraso has just a few things going for it for newbies:
1. Sometimes people are picky with scents, especially when they differ so greatly, floral, musky, etc. and this has Menthol and Eucalyptus Oil, which I find to be well strong enough to give a nice cooling effect, yet not too strong to be overpowering at all. In fact, I like Menthol but I'm not a huge fan, I find too much can be a bit "too refreshing" to where it's irritating, but Proraso definitely uses just the right amount (of course YMMV but I feel like it being the middle-ground it's a good one to start on because the chances of you wanting to chuck it for not liking the scent will probably be pretty low).

2. After struggling with some tough to lather glycerin soaps the Proraso almost felt like it took TOO LITTLE energy to whip up, I used way more than I needed (like always) and I was shocked that in a few minutes I had TONS of thick lather. It also seemed to remind me more of a Tallow-type lather than a glycerin one due to the fact that it lathered so well. Wonder if Proraso + menthol Tallow soap would be nice :)

Of course the price is a factor, I got 2 long-lasting tubes for $11.00 here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...&redirect=true

I know some people don't like it and that isn't the point I'm making, I just think that the VDH puck that came with the starter set works fine, or more than fine. But for a little scent, cooling feeling, and a great lather, this soap is super economical and I loved it, I thought more newbies may think about picking this up, especially if price is a factor.

**Fingerinsocket** · 04-20-2012, 08:59 AM

Great post. Now I want to try Proraso!

**pipskicks** · 04-20-2012, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by Fingerinsocket

Great post. Now I want to try Proraso!

Just wondering, what are you using now? Just because it is very well performing but not a "top-shelf" brand I'm curious. I think people using lower-end soaps will find a HUGE improvement whereas if you're already using top soaps you may just like it. The price is definitely REALLY good, I don't see why someone would buy Williams or VDH type soaps over this unless you REALLY hate menthol or something.

**Hirsute** · 04-20-2012, 09:47 AM

It is good stuff! I don't love the scent, but many do. It's not very strong smelling, though, which is good. One tip: the instructions on the tube say to let it sit on your face for a couple of minutes before shaving to soften your hair. It does help, and 2 minutes is about when I start to feel the menthol kick in.

**pipskicks** · 04-20-2012, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Hirsute

It is good stuff! I don't love the scent, but many do. It's not very strong smelling, though, which is good. One tip: the instructions on the tube say to let it sit on your face for a couple of minutes before shaving to soften your hair. It does help, and 2 minutes is about when I start to feel the menthol kick in.

I find that helping with all lathers (especially since I really do some really abridged version of Kyle's prep many times) and I have just started doing that, I don't know if I left it on that long or not.

You're right about it not being too strong. I was explaining it to my roommate before he used it and we have this Anthony for Men shower soap that is a STRONG menthol (I know because once it got in the nether regions and it felt like Bengay!) so I was telling him how it's like that, but maybe 1/3 the strength (luckily! That other stuff was STRONG! I like menthol, but...).

**ironfist** · 04-20-2012, 11:26 AM

I got this one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PRORASO-Shav...946376&sr=1-11

Its really good stuff for the money :D Lathers well, and feels good afterwards :D

**brother cavefish** · 04-20-2012, 11:31 AM

never a bad shave with proraso/C O Bigalow

**Fingerinsocket** · 04-20-2012, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by pipskicks

Just wondering, what are you using now? Just because it is very well performing but not a "top-shelf" brand I'm curious. I think people using lower-end soaps will find a HUGE improvement whereas if you're already using top soaps you may just like it. The price is definitely REALLY good, I don't see why someone would buy Williams or VDH type soaps over this unless you REALLY hate menthol or something.

I have been using T&H cream for the last year, and just finished up my first tub of Grafton. I'm still a newbie to B&B and after reading I decided to open up my medicine cabinet (and wallet) to other options for a good lather. I just picked up some Spieck and Arko for a jump in the soap arena. I almost grabbed some Proraso, now i wish i did! (I also love menthol)

**Mad Man** · 04-20-2012, 11:14 PM

Don't be afraid of the Proraso guys.

Just because it's cheap don't mean it's not as good as the high-end gear.

I've used Truefitt, TOBS, Trumpers in assorted flavors, cella, tabac, EJ soaps too and it's astonishing how often I just reach for the green tub or tube. Of course YMMV but for me there's a pleasing alignment when I use proraso pre, soap, AS in the one shave.

Yep, it lathers easy, is slick enough and with a cushion to give you that "cant-feel-the-blade" effect (the first time you ever experience this is incredible). The scent is agreeably old-school however the menthol can polarize opinion.

Personally I love slapping on the Proraso Pre straight out of the shower, lathering up with that ridiculously big green tube and feeling that menthol "sting" wake me up. It's like espresso for my face!

The final application of Proraso AS which contains WH, alantoin and other goodies gives me the "Italian Job" of shaves.

And the new range just coming out has me even more excited!

**pipskicks** · 04-21-2012, 07:16 AM

Actually saw the pre post one but never thought of the AS I'll have to keep an eye out :)

**sorasevilbro** · 04-21-2012, 07:29 AM

If you happen to have a Bath and Body works where you live, then Proraso makes their cream for bath and body works in a the form of a men's line called C.O. Bigalow. Proraso and C.O. Bigalow, are the same product, so if you don't feel like waiting to get your hands on some, get to your nearest bath and body works! Good luck.

**pipskicks** · 04-21-2012, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by sorasevilbro

If you happen to have a Bath and Body works where you live, then Proraso makes their cream for bath and body works in a the form of a men's line called C.O. Bigalow. Proraso and C.O. Bigalow, are the same product, so if you don't feel like waiting to get your hands on some, get to your nearest bath and body works! Good luck.

Are those more expensive?