Bluebeard’s Revenge Shaving Cream – $25.95
Editor’s Note: I (the Joe guy) haven’t been clean shaven in two years. So when the makers of Bluebeard’s Revenge contacted us asking if I’d like to try it out, I said: “No. But Ben, our Arts & Culture Correspondent has to be clean shaven every day. So send it to him.” So they did, and his review is below Heads up: Bluebeard’s was created for guys w/ especially rough beards and contains an ingrediant inteded to slow stubble growth.
By: Arts & Culture Correspondent Ben Madeska
I’m really not a good shaver. Learning to shave, my goal was always how to make it as quick and easy as possible while minimizing blood loss. It has been something I do reluctantly, a rather unnecessary step slowing down my morning routine. I also think blades are overpriced, but that’s another issue.
Eventually I accepted that razor burn and frequent cuts along my jaw were as unprofessional as two days of growth. I don’t like the results of electric razors and I wasn’t planning on entering the world of brush and lather because I didn’t want to add more time and complications. So, I was ambivalent about trying Bluebeard’s Revenge. After a few weeks of use, though, I’m a convert. This is a great product and it gives me a much better shave than I ever got with the various foams and gels I tried. Razor burn is non-existent and I don’t remember the last time I nicked myself.
Bluebeard’s Revenge is a cream, not a soap, and it lathers up extremely well. A little goes a long way and gives a thick, long-lasting cover. It has a nice, simple, clean smell too (I’ve been told I smell like a barbershop after using it). About the only thing I don’t like is that it has an ingredient that is supposed to inhibit hair growth.
I’m still not a good shaver and I’m sure I’m not using this entirely properly, but Bluebeard’s Revenge is forgiving enough of a product that I’m still getting excellent results.
Time to turn the shave connoisseur community loose. What’s the best entry-level upgraded shave cream for the money? And if you have an extra thick beard, would you want something that slows growth? Leave it all below.
Obligatory link to Badger & Blade: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=155998
Obligatory mention of Proraso (C.O. Bigelow) as the best entry level upgraded shave cream.
prorasco is alright but for me Mugso Real shave cream is the best. lather it up with a nice badger brush and shaving becomes enjoying and wakes you up with the great smell.
When I was doing the clean shaven thing and upgrading to the wet shave I was using some cream from The Real Shave Co. I really liked it. But I’m going with the beard these days and it’s a much better look for me. Now I just need to shave my neck
+1 on the Proraso, and changing from a multi-blade cartridge to a double-edged safety razor made all the difference.
+2 on the Proraso products, I use the pre shave cream + either mug soap (whole foods (bay rum)) or the Proraso shave soap (green tub – not tube). I have been 100% mug/brush for about 4 years now!
I switched to a double edge safety razor during Xmas of 2010, it took about a month or two to get used to it, I now swear by it vs. the multi cartridge set ups. If you want to dabble your toe into this style look for a Parker Safety Razor + use Dorco ST 300 or ST 301 blades (ultimately the blade is a personal preference), you “cost per shave” is soooooo cheap!!! TAKE YOU TIME w/ the double though.
Also don’t forget to “double shave” – the 1st shave is down, the 2nd shave is up and you will be “smooth” as a baby butt’s – I do this every day, the ladies don’t complain….
I’ve been using Burt’s Bees shave cream for the past while. It works pretty well. My big problem with shaving is that if I don’t do it just right, I’m prone to get ingrown hair zit things. That’s been less of a problem with the Burt’s Bees than with some of the other shave creams I’ve used.
Ben, I’m intrigued, but kind of put off by the decelerine, which is kind of off putting. have you seen any impact from it yet?
+1 for the musgo real – great cream, and a tube is lasting FOREVER, which might actually be a drawback because I’ve wanted to try the proraso, which is also supposed to be a classic. Also all the difference with a good double edge safety razor (I use an edwin jager) and a nice brush.
I was sold on the eucalyptus oil shave cream from C.O. Bigelow for a while, but recently became a convert on the Taylor of Old Bond Street sandalwood stuff. I find it lathers better then the C.O. Bigelow stuff and it comes in a plastic tin rather than a tube. Sure, using this stuff requires a brush, and a the best shave will always require a classic double-edged safety razor (or straight razor, though I’ll never use one), but it’s worth it.
Used to get razor burn all the time. All kinds of red bumps that turned into tiny pimples. Super annoying. No longer.
Here’s my routine. Prasaro or Taylor of Old Bond Avocado. Merkur safety razor with Feather blades. Prep with a good hot clean, a shower is better. The Taylor stuff creams up really nicely, but presaro does the trick. Clean, straight razor paths at 30 degree angle from razor to face, never going over the same spot. One downward, reapply cream, once going from ear to mouth, more cream, than once in the opposite direction (nose to jaw). If I’m in dire need, another one going straight up.
Then rinse with cold water, run an alum block over skin (ouch), let dry a bit while I clean up, and then some DR Harris Sandlewood aftershave.
Proraso is good stuff but I have been using Taylor of Old Bond Street’s sandalwood cream lately. I prefer the cream in a tub rather than a tube. Both are light years ahead of crappy foams and gels. I use a Vulfix badger brush and Gillette Fusion blades-no patience for the double-edged razors, I’ve tried them already!
I use Nivea after-shave balms and recommend staying away from alcohol based after shaves which will dry out your face.
I think there has been an effect. It’s not dramatic and I feel like I may be imagining it, but it really does seem like I have less stubble at the end of the day, and even the next morning.
Do you use a brush to apply the shaving cream? That makes shaving a lot more tolerable. Something about applying shaving cream with your hand is tedious. If you cut yourself often, try using shaving oil directly on the skin and also applying a little on the blade itself. It’s worked for me.
I stopped using shaving cream after I spent a summer in India and had the best shave of my life from a street barber using nothing but water and some spices. All I do is rub my face with warm water for a minute or two until it is softened, then shave as normal with my Mach 3. I’ve never had razor burn or had a problem with nicks, and it makes traveling a breeze (all I need is my razor). I think the Mach 3 helps with that because it has a built-in moisturizing bar, so that may be cheating and it may not work with a straight razor or an old fashioned safety razor.
If your bristles are longer than a day or two, spend more time rubbing your skin in preparation. It’s a very simple approach.
If you’re looking for the “best entry-level upgraded shave cream for the money,” Proraso is pretty much what you want.You can find it at most Bath and Body Works stores rebranded as a “C.O. Bigelow” product. Comes in a large tube for $10. Easy to lather up and has a nice menthol scent, a bit like Noxzema cream. I’m not a fan of the Musgo Real cream mentioned in the comments. I find the scent to be extremely pungent and unpleasant. And more difficult to lather up than the Proraso.
Proraso gave me the closest shave I’ve ever had, but my face stung like hell for two full days, so just wanted to point out that It’s maybe not the best choice for those like me with sensitive skin. I’ve been using Billy Jealousy Hydroplane for a couple of years now and have been thoroughly satisfied with it.
It’s a shame that today’s men have gotten so “SOFT”! I was taught to shave with a straight edge and a bar of soap.John Wayne aka The Duke must be rolling over in his grave. Anyway, don’t forget to moisturize your skin and don’t leave your house in the morning without your lipstick.
Regards,
El Hombre
Says the guy reading a clothing blog…
I’ve got a good shaving system down. Smoothest I have ever had.
-Merkur HD saftey razor with feather blades
-Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood shaving cream
-proraso preshave cream
-jojoba oil
I get in the shower and heat my face up, soften first with the preshave cream.
I then apply the jojoba oil to my face and neck.
Then goes the lathered up shaving cream.
The jojoba oil really helps with no friction, a smooth face, and no razor burn.
Forgot to add…I follow up with cold water, alum block, and then Thayers non alchohol witchhazel with aloe.
It’ll take at least a month to notice anything different. I shaved with Bluebeards for a while and I finally started noticing a difference after 45 days of daily shaving.
“Best entry-level upgraded shave cream for the money” for me includes CO Bigelow (as mentioned above), Real Shaving Co. (found at many Rite Aid’s), Body Shop, and a few others. I did a video about the subject here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8Id57M5-xA
If you don’t mind shopping on the internet, Speick is an excellent, low-cost product (shaving soap or shaving cream). Truefitt and Hill just came out with their “Authentic No. 10” line, including a shave cream, that’s meant as an entry-level “bridge” product to their traditional line.
If you have razor bumps, try this method:
1) Sprinkle baking soda on a clean washcloth (or in your clean hands) and scrub your face gently. (Note: Baking soda is not a substitute for facewash. It is simply an excellent, cheap scrub.)
2) Shave with the best shaving cream you can find. I like Jack Black Supreme Cream ($22 at Nordstrom). One jar lasts several months.
3) Pat dry.
4) Apply a 2% salicylic acid product. I like Maximum Strength Stridex wipes, available at drugstores. The product will sting the first few times, but soon you won’t be able to shave without it.
5) Apply moisturizer with SPF.
Even if you don’t shave every day, you should exfoliate with the baking soda and Stridex every day to prevent new bumps. Once your existing bumps heal, you’ll have smooth, bump-free skin.
Apparently this is no longer for sale in the US?
I had a beard and recently started shaving again. I was only shaving my neck daily and with no shaving cream in the shower. I went to my local Art of Shaving store and purchased the Lavender kit with the fine badger brush. This kit includes the pre-shave oil, shaving cream, and after shave balm. I did not purchase a razor there, but got the Gillette Fusion Proglide Power at a store. My face has never been this smooth in my life. Especially after not shaving for so long, my skin was in great condition going into shaving again. I’m applying oil, shaving once with the hair, reapply cream, shave against grain, pat dry, and apply balm after. Light years better than any shave i’ve gotten.
I had a beard and recently started shaving again. I was only shaving my neck daily and with no shaving cream in the shower. I went to my local Art of Shaving store and purchased the Lavender kit with the fine badger brush. This kit includes the pre-shave oil, shaving cream, and after shave balm. I did not purchase a razor there, but got the Gillette Fusion Proglide Power at a store. My face has never been this smooth in my life. Especially after not shaving for so long, my skin was in great condition going into shaving again. I’m applying oil, shaving once with the hair, reapply cream, shave against grain, pat dry, and apply balm after. Light years better than any shave i’ve gotten.