So, to recap what is shave oil? It’s a second layer of lubrication, applied before your shave soap or cream as a base. But how do you use shave oil effectively?
It’s pretty simple. We are just adding in a single step to our normal shaving routine. In case you are still figuring out your morning routine, here are the basics for a great shave:
- Start with a nice hot shower. Wash your face while you’re in there.
- Don’t overdry. Pat your face with a towel to remove the excess water.
- Apply shave oil. Wait 30 seconds to one minute for the oil to soak in to your skin and stubble.
- While you wait, build a nice lather with your shave soap or cream, then apply to the face.
- Shave.
If you’re not already following these other steps, then you’re doing your face a disservice. You always want to shower first, that way your face is as moist as it can be. Comfort is king when it comes to shaving, and these steps will ensure the closest, most comfortable shave that you can get. We’d also recommend finishing with a nice aftershave balm. That’s where the lasting fragrance comes in. Some shave oils will claim that you can simply apply the oil and shave, no cream needed, but we believe that the time saved by doing this isn’t worth the razor burn!
Also, while you certainly can use the shave oil/shaving soap combo with any cartridge razor, you may experience some issues with clogging. This is just one of the many reasons why we recommend making the switch to a traditional safety razor. Check out our articles Is The Safety Razor Making a Comeback and Safety Razor vs Cartridge Razor for more information.