Grooming and Hygiene
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Not a fan of Taylor's Avo shaving soap, really enjoying the Jack Black soap, and Proraso Menthol god :-*.
Double backing this. Taylor's is quite a let down after JB and Methol anything. The Taylor's after-shave balm scent has annoyed me (that's my fault), but has worked quite well. Trying some Geo F Lime out as it seems to get a good review :).
Yeah I do the inverse: Taylor's soap, which makes an awesome lather that whips up quickly (I am always in a hurry shaving), and JB for my aftershave, which makes my skin feel like it did in my early 20s and carries no scent. I don't like my aftershave to smell. If I want to smell a certain way, I'll use cologne (Terre d'Hermes, the only one that I like). Can't remember the last time I nicked myself, and I have a troublesome mole on my lip and a troublesome Adam's apple. Disposable razors were an intermittent problem for me, but luckily my stiptich pencil gets no use now. YMMV!
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Okay amazing sh!t, I watched a video about using a badger brush to make sure I was lathering properly, turns out I was not. Man oh man, such a beautiful difference and I can feel the cream's effects @ the end of the day. I've been raving to Mrs Snowy about the lather for the past week, that good :).
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My technique is to make sure my face is warm and wet, to vigorously work up a thick lather, and to first shave with, then against the grain. I think this is unconventional but it sure works for me.
Le rig:
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With the grain, across the grain, against the grain!
"Obstacles are stepping-stones That guide us to our goals"
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jealous, one day i hope to man up and grow facial hair!
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They're Japanese which I like. Mine are 7am, but since they've been acquired by Gillette I may switch when they run out in 30 years
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A few pictures of the current set up.
Feather Artist SS straight razor, love this razor, all the advantages of a traditional straight but without the hassle of having to hone and strop the blade. I have tried using a regular straight razor but while the shave itself is relatively easy the blade maintenance for me was a bit too much hassle.
The DE razor is a Feather AS-D1. Very mild and easy to use, you would struggle to cut yourself with this even if you tried. It takes a very different head angle to get it cutting, much steeper and more perpendicular to your face.
I normally use the Straight for first pass to remove a couple days worth of growth and then use the DE for a quick second pass.
Simpsons Chubby 2 brush. The really keen among you will notice that this brush is a rare "two band" brush and was custom made. Great brush for face lathering, soft tips = smooth on the face but with plenty of backbone for building lather.
The other brush is a Morris Forndran, blonde badger brush, quite a rare beast. This brand of brushes was resurrected by a british brush maker Lee Sabini ( Lee makes the better Rooney series of brushes also )
Acqua Di Parma shave cream is a bit of a luxury treat, despite it's hefty price tag it is very good cream and lathers up a treat.
The scuttle is from the German ceramic artist Ansgar Tolksdorf who runs his own small company making some nice shaving bowls and scuttles.
The scuttle is very well made and has a nice large easy to use handle. A really nice feature is the size of the spout, it is big enough to dip your brush into to load it up with hot water.http://www.schwarzweisskeramik.de/
The Italian Proraso range of creams and balms can not be faulted, excellent value. The pre shave cream and post shave balm are fixed into my routine.
Fragrances are obviously very personal, currently I am favouring Terre D'Hermes, Acqua di Parma Colonia and quite an unusual smelling Commes des Garcon offering, Red Harrissa. I generally go with the one Mrs Trash prefers which is currently Terre D'Hermes.The eagle eyed New Yorkers among you may have spotted the shaving mug from Paul Mole barbershop on Lexington Ave. Definitely worth a stop if you have not been before. A decent haircut and straight razor shave old school style.
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Dd trash great setup will post mine later tonight
"Obstacles are stepping-stones That guide us to our goals"
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The bottle in the picture is the EDP, for me it lasts around 6 hours which is decent result. I like the EDT also but for longevity the Parfum can not be beaten.
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Terre d'Hermes is the only cologne I ever wear. Love it.
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Cedar, sandalwood, leather, tabac… Terre d'Hermes. If you want wood that's where it's at IMO.
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for bottles
FragranceX
http://www.fragrancex.com/LuckyScent
http://www.luckyscent.com/Parfum1
http://www.parfum1.com/Surrender to Chance for samples
http://surrendertochance.com/Terre D' Hermes for woodsy, earthy smell. (light on citrus but you can smell it)
if you hate Terre D' Hermes try its brother Cartier Declaration (Peppery + musky version of Terre D' Hermes; if you hate the smell of cumin, you should stay away from Declaration)
Issey Miyake L'eau D'Issey
To a point, Guerlain Homme
Gucci Pour Homme
Acqua Di Parma Colonia EssenzaTry a sample of Creed Aventus, pricy but really good. Not very woody though, more of smoky + pineapple smell. Easily liked.
