Pre-shave and aftershave, is it supposed to be good? Shaving with shaving cream or shaving soap is an excellent start to a nice wet shave – in fact, it is enough for many. However, for some bearded individuals, a few extra steps may be needed to achieve the perfect shave. This is where pre-shave and aftershave come into the picture! But you may be wondering: what are these products and how and when to use them? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers!
What is a pre-shave?
What is a pre-shave then? Well, it is a product that you use before shaving. For example, it can be a lotion, oil or a solid soap. Which one you choose depends on your own preferences.
So what’s the point of using a pre-shave? Well, it helps to moisturize the skin before shaving. Especially if you have showered before, important fats and oils that are naturally present in the skin and pores may have been washed away. A pre-shave also protects the skin from external stresses during shaving, and together with shaving cream or shaving soap, it increases friction that makes the razor glide more easily over the skin.
When to use pre-shave? You should use it before shaving. If you need to shave the same area several times, you should only apply more shaving soap or shaving cream, not more pre-shave. However, we recommend using pre-shave together with shaving cream or shaving soap every time you shave. If you have extra sensitive skin and tend to get skin problems, a pre-shave can be a way to avoid this.
Which pre-shave do we recommend?
A fantastic pre-shave that we highly recommend is Proraso pre-shave cream Sensitive skin with its lovely scent of green tea. This classic has a massive following, and that’s not something that surprises us. The price of the product is very affordable and it is easy to work with, as well as giving a feeling of purity and freshness.
Phoenix Artisans Accoutrements Ice Cube 2.0 is also very popular and has a wonderful menthol scent. It gives a refreshing feeling with its cooling effect.
Another cool pre-shave is The Bluebeard’s Revenge shaving oil and Mühle beard oil – both easy to use. If you like a tasty pre-shave, try one of these amazing products and feel your skin become more alert and softer!
What is an aftershave? (actually)
What exactly is aftershave? It is a product that is used after shaving instead of before, and is generally available in three different varieties: balm, lotion and splash.
A balm has a thicker consistency, is alcohol-free and is excellent for all skin types. It has the best moisturizing effect and can have some antiseptic effect.
A lotion is a cross between a balm and a splash, and can sometimes contain a smaller amount of alcohol than a splash.
A splash, also called aftershave, is the most traditional variant and contains more alcohol than the others. It is mainly used to prevent cuts and has an antiseptic effect.
For those with sensitive skin, a balm is recommended while a splash is better for normal skin that desires a good scent after shaving. Now you know which aftershave suits you best!
Which aftershave do we recommend?
There are a number of wonderful after-shave balms and lotions from Mühle, with variants such as the popular sandalwood scent as well as sea buckthorn, grapefruit & mint and aloe vera. In addition, there is an almost completely organic version that is specially formulated for sensitive skin. All these scents are of course available with matching shaving cream or shaving soap.
Another classic and very popular series is D.R Harris Arlington, which is available both as lotion and splash. There are also several other scents for those who want to smell like a British gentleman.
For those who want to know even more?
If you’re interested in learning more about aftershave and which variety you should use, then take a look at our guide! We explain what an aftershave is and give tips on different varieties that may suit your needs. It’s always good to know which products work best for your skin type, so you can enjoy a fresh and skin-friendly shave. In short, if you want a simpler and more light-hearted guide to aftershaves, our guide is perfect for you!
If you have problems with your skin when shaving, or in general, and are wondering if there is anything else you can do to reduce the discomfort, we have a guide for you! In addition to using pre-shave and aftershave, you can take a few more simple steps to keep your skin in top condition.