Some things I have a strong opinion on. I definitely prefer wet shaving, I definitely prefer using a shaving brush instead of gel or foam and I definitely prefer to use moisturiser afterwards instead of an old-fashioned, alcohol based after-shave.
But one think I’m not so sure of is whether I prefer shaving cream or shaving soap. I use both – and I quite like both.
There are some differences:
- Soap is a little more drying (unless you put oil on first). So if your skin tends to be dry, I’d use cream.
- Most creams (at least the ones with glycerine in) tend to eventually build up a little on the brush – then using soap once gives you brush a good clean. Or you could be less lazy than me and just wash your brush.
- I prefer soap for travel – just because if the top comes loose in your case it doesn’t make such a mess…
- If you have a tub of cream, instead of a tube, you have to be a bit careful not to end up getting water in it every time you shave – eventually turning it into a mush.
But there are also differences between different brands – or even between different scents from the same brand. So it’s worth experimenting.
One of my favorites is Trufitt & Hill’s Trafalgar shaving cream. A good shave and one tub lasts for ages. Or if you want something a bit cheaper, use the Boots own brand shaving cream. The smell is a bit, er, medicinal. But it shaves pretty well.
But whatever you use, soap or cream, as long as you use a brush with it, you’ll get a much better result than from a can of foam or gel. Whether you use a double edged razor or a cartridge one, I’d definitely recommend using a brush and soap or cream.
