The Art of Shaving Pre Shave Beard Oil for Men

This stand looks incredible in my bathroom with the safety razor, brush and bowl that I purchased this week. I decided to upgrade my morning routine and give myself something to look forward to when I'm feeling lazy and thinking about sleeping in. I also felt like it was time to stop using an electric razor since it was leaving me with a very amateur-looking shave (lots of stray hairs that I couldn't get no matter how much I tried). I wanted to get the most out of the safety razor experience, so I did a lot of research into which products are needed and how to use them. I made all of the purchases together on Amazon and tried them out as a set. After using an electric for the past 10 years, I was pretty worried that I would get some serious razor burn, but to my surprise I had none whatsoever! I was pretty careful to not get too aggressive with the shaving, so I went WITH the grain and only made one or two passes on each area. The result was a shave that was 100X closer than an electric with no discomfort, nicks, cuts, or razor burn! Here's what I bought and why: Safety Razor: Parker 96R – Long Handle Butterfly Safety Razor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IFFSOS/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_2 This safety razor has a great weight to it, a long handle for a comfortable grip, and a black and chrome coloring that looks great with the other items on the list. The butterfly razors seem to be the easiest to open and close for changing blades. Razor Blades: Astra Superior Premium Platinum blades https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXPTR0W/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_4 One of the great things about safety razors is that the blades are SUPER cheap. These Astra blades are some of the most popular and highest quality blades I could find. At $0.10 each, you can clearly see the cost advantage to regular razors. I have been told that one blade should last about a week. That means that 100 is nearly 2 years’ worth! Do yourself a favor and buy the best blades you can get. There’s no reason to save a few cents to get blades that dull quickly and give you razorburn. Brush: Perfecto 100% Badger Shaving Brush - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VF1NI5M/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_40 This brush is a fraction of the cost of the higher end brushes and it felt GREAT and worked up a nice, foamy lather very quickly. I don’t see any reason to buy a more expensive brush, especially if you are just starting out and want to see if you enjoy this process before you commit to a high-dollar brush. Personally, I still wouldn’t get anything more expensive. Bowl: Schöne Stainless Steel Shaving Bowl with Lid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQDEL8Y/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_37 I think this is a matter of preference and taste in aesthetics. This bowl matches the other items that I bought and has a lid, which I am hoping will allow me to make my soap last longer. It seems to be well made and is a great size for working up a lather with the brush and is shaped well for holding it in your hand while you apply the lather. I think there are a lot of options for you to choose from, so pick something that matches your style if this one isn’t for you. Razor and Brush Stand: SimplyBeautiful Deluxe Razor and Brush Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AG92BXY/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_35 This stand looks great and is balanced well so that it holds my brush and razor without falling over. I chose black for two reasons. One: It matches the other things that I bought (razor and brush). Two: It should resist rusting better since it is coated. Pre-shave Oil: The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil, Sandalwood https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGTTTM/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_3 The Art of Shaving makes some great products, but some of them have changes in recent years, so you can’t rely on the ratings alone. I read through them and found that the pre-shave oil is still a very popular product and from my experience, it definitely helps prep your beard and skin for the shave. Applying the oil is step 1 in safety razor shaving. Shaving Soap: Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007MW2ZW/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_1 TOBS shaving soaps are the highest quality soaps I could find based off of smell, quality of lather, and consistency of the product quality. This soap is more like a cream. I scooped out some with my fingers, put it in the bowl, added some hot water, and then worked up a lather. It felt and smelled amazing! In reality, I didn’t want to wash it off because it just felt so good! After-shave Balm: Truefitt & Hill Sandalwood Aftershave Balm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OWPW0I/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_29 This was my biggest splurge of the whole set-up and I did so for several reasons: First, using after-shave balm is said to be gentler on your skin than alcohol-based after-shaves. As I mentioned before, I switched from an electric to a safety razor with no skin irritation at all. This cream soothes the skin and makes it soft. It was the perfect way to finish my shave. Second, this stuff is rated as the absolutely best smelling after-shave balm out there and I can attest to that. It smells so great that I stopped using my cologne. Based on the small amount that is needed, this bottle should easily last for a year or more. Three, there are other “luxury” brand shaving balms that have been bought out by big brand companies and their formulas have changed significantly as a result. That means that some of the products out there have great ratings, but only because of the number ratings BEFORE they recently changed. If you look into other luxury shaving brands, then you will see what I mean. Razor Disposal Case: Feather Styling Razor Disposal Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWGEY1K/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_36 Even used razors are sharp, so I bought this little case to keep stray razors off of the counter, or better yet, off of the floor. Just drop in the used razor when it’s too dull for shaving. It holds over a hundred, so you can go without emptying it for a few years. It’s pretty cheap, so maybe you can just throw it away when it’s full? Your choice. That’s my whole set up. If you want to get into safety razor shaving, then I highly recommend the products on this list. All-in-all, you will spend about the same on this list than you would on a TAOS starter kit that only has the oil, brush, soap, and balm. I’m a morning shaver, so the sandalwood scent works great for me, but evening shavers may consider the same products in lavender scent if you want a relaxing experience to help you sleep.

Really prepares my beard

5 stars because this changed my D/E shaving routine for the better. One review below used the word "gamechanger" and I would also go so far as to use that word. I also did a little research on this before I bought it to see if you could use it without shaving cream. And you definitely can. Although Art of Shaving will probably say you should use their shaving cream, you don't need to, in my experience. My shaving cream is not soap but I prefer Truehill & Fit's cream that you can apply by hand because it is unscented and has a mild antiseptic. However, I don't really need it when I use the pre-shave oil. The oil does a number of things for me. First, a few drops on both sides of the face and the shaving areas, rubbing the oil in a little bit, having only prepared the face by washing with warm water. It has a mild, eucalyptus-like smell that I like and when I rub it in, I really can see that the whiskers have been raised up. Now, without shaving cream, I shave. If you ever shaved with one of those old-fashioned razor cartridges like they sell at Wal-Mart that comes with a "glide strip" that doesn't really work, this is basically that glide strip but applied on your whole face and it works. The shave I experience is enjoyable and compared to shaving cream, I like being able to watch the blade move over the exact whiskers and area that I am shaving. Sometimes shaving cream obscures minor contours and smaller hairs that get missed but with this oil, I can watch exactly what I'm doing and there is no cream in the way. The shave that I get is closer and the most important thing to me, I've tried all kinds of shaving creams but always got a little redness and some razor burn. I have not been getting redness or razor burn since starting to use this product. Then when you're done, it washes off the face very easily and does not leave an oily residue. It does leave the face feeling moist and I like that. But not like oily or greasy moist. So that is good. Afterwards, I still apply a little Proraso after-shave. I'm not even sure why I do that anymore except that I like the smell. One thing I have noticed and I don't consider this a big drawback compared to the benefit, is that the whiskers and shaving oil can clog up your blade a little bit so you need to be a little more diligent about keeping the blade area from getting clogged up by rinsing it a little more frequently while you are shaving. Every few shaves, about when I change the blade, I put the D/E razor in 90% Isopropyl alcohol or just rub it with a paper towel with alcohol on it and that removes any trace of old whiskers and oil residue. I used to put off shaving when I used Mach 3 cartridges, basically because they were making me go broke so I would try to go as long as I could without shaving. Now I look forward to shaving. And the benefit is that my wife never did like my scruff and she likes the smooth face and that just ends up working out well for both of us. I find myself now watching TV or walking around seeing guys with horrendous goatees and facial hair ... and I want to shave it off ...

I must say that I am very suprised with the quality and results achieved using this product with my straight razor for a shave. EVERY shave is close and nick free, with my beard that is something! I am fairly new to using oils on my face when shaving and now wonder how I ever went without using a product like this before for so long. I've tried a couple of other brands, some cheaper, some more expensive. They should call this the 'Goldilocks' pre-shave oil; It's just right! I've always been a victim of razor rash and facial bumps after shaving and I get none of that now. The oil itself is fairly thick and while AOS claims it to be unscented I can detect a hint of clove. The product holds up during the shaving process and helps provide superior blade glide. Many folks here (as you read through the reviews) complain of the price. I don't know about them but a really close shave w/o bumps or rash afterwards and a baby soft face make both me and my wife happy. Let's face it, 'Momma' being happy and a quality product with the results I'm looking for in a shave, for me make the price point worth it.

I ordered the Sandalwood for All Skin Types version of this oil, mostly with the hopes that it would provide a bit of relief from the ingrown hairs and razor burn I was experiencing, particularly on my neck. I'm not entirely sure what the blend is here, but it feels a bit like an olive oil base (others have mentioned castor oil as well). I've heard many recommendations that this isn't a bad blend, although there are a few other types of oil that are better at conditioning the skin. This oil serves pretty much exclusively as a lubricant. I shave with a DE razor, as most who would buy this product do. First use, I put about 5 or 6 drops of the stuff on my hands and rubbed it into my stubble. My face was noticeably greasy, but this was a good thing for the sake of lubrication...which is exactly what I was looking for. The sandalwood scent is absolutely delightful, if you like that scent. It's pretty strong with this product, something I wasn't used to with my typical sandalwood shave soap, which leaves just a faint fragrance after a shave. The fragrance here is stronger and longer lasting. After rubbing the oil in, I worked a good lather over my face and began to shave. The shave was indeed far more comfortable with the oil. The razor glided over my skin, and there was virtually no tugging on the hairs. Even using Feather blades, I would get an occasional yank on the hairs that would cause a bit of discomfort. With this oil, it's almost like simply pushing a bladeless razor over my face and having the hair come out. My face and neck looked a bit better than usual after this, and after a week of usage, I had no more ingrown hairs or razor burn. The drawback of this is that, since it provides no conditioning value to the skin, it's going to cause some people with more sensitive skin to break out. I avoid this by rubbing the leftover lather over my face to break down any left over oily residue. This also keeps my skin from looking greasy or oily. If you have particularly sensitive skin or want something with more conditioning value, JoJoba oil is apparently the ingredient you would want listed on your preshave oil. Alternatively, you could look for a preshave lotion or cream. I would recommend this product, with the aforementioned caveats in mind. It's a good preshave oil, a bit on the pricier side unfortunately, but I'd say it's not without value and it's certainly helped me.

I was gonna give up on single edge shaving because of irritation, cuts, and most importantly, I don’t get a thick enough beard to justify it. I just want a clean shave that’s close and smooth. I shave every other day; but didn’t want to add “another” step to the lather routine and spend money on a shave oil…but hear me out. However, I’m glad I did! This is a game changer, NO BS! I do agree that the price is hefty for such a small amount. But I can confidently say it’s worth it. This allows the blade to really glide for minimal to no irritation and/or cuts (for me). I chose the unscented one to match all my other products since I want nothing coming between me and my Le Labo cologne. Hope you found this review helpful. Don’t think twice about buying this. You won’t be disappointed! My setup: - Beau Brummell marble shaving bowl. - Leaf Shave Thorn, single edge. I either use their brand blade or Feather. - Leaf Shave unscented shave soap. - Brandless faux hair wooden shave brush.

It’s not cheap at all. It is the best shave oil I have ever used. By a long shot. Perfect viscosity. It just works. I like thick oil. It is on the thick side. I have not seen anything like it. If you find a better oil, buy it.

It’s a win for my husband, and now our teenage son. Keeps the beard smooth and skin soft.