I put my brush and razor in warm water while I shower. I also put a little hot water in a bowl of shaving soap.
After the shower, I dump the water, shake more water on the brush, and press it.
The Art of Sheving brush I have is old. Back when they were making real badgers’ hair (sorry, badgers). These days, many brands use artificial, functional and not associated with badges or anything.
Proraso shaving soap is made in Italy. And while I don’t really know what an Italian barber shop smells like, this is what I imagine. New. Clean up. A little nostalgic. A hint of menthol and eucalyptus that gives you a light, soothing touch. It sparkles in these little clouds that look edible. Yummy.
I pour warm water on my face and lather up with soap. Then, it starts to pass. With grain. Important. Your cereal is not my cereal. There is no guide for this. You have to look at your face. Find out which direction your hair grows. Mine goes all the way. Down on my cheeks. I looked from my ears to my jaw. Up on my lower neck. Take care of yourself. And steal it from the first pass.
Bevel is a disposable razor that would probably be laughed at by wet shave guys. But that’s the thing about the wet shaving community. There really are no snobs. And I like to have one of these in my bag. It’s easy. Moving forward is friendly. No worries.
At home, I use a Bevel safety razor with Astra blades. Nothing fancy. I bought it at Target a few years ago because I didn’t want to drop $100+ on something I might not stick with. Here, I still use it. Eventually I will upgrade to a big boy razor. But if you’re starting out, I actually recommend going this route. Keep it simple. Used it for a few years. Get comfortable.
That’s right. First pass done. I pour a little warm water on my face but not enough to wipe everything off. Those little bits of soap left on your face? The wet shaving community calls them “residues.” He added a little water, bringing them back to life. I call it reheating leftovers. Then I mix again.
Second pass. Beyond the grain. So for me, the cheeks grow down. The first pass goes down. The second pass goes to the nose. This is what makes you what they call Baby Butt Smooth. BBS. God, I love these guys. Baby Butt Smooth. Bless.
Some people stop after one pass. Honestly, one pass looks and feels good on me most days. But I like the second one. The second lather is my favorite part. You notice things you didn’t notice the first time. The smell. The feeling. Its rhythm.
Some guys even go through three times. One is with the grain, one across it, one against it (opposite the place of growth). Seller’s choice. Do whatever feels best to you.
After the second pass, I shower with warm water. Then it gets cold.
Then comes the alum block. The alum block does two things. First, it covers everything. Helps prevent irritation. Second, it tells you how to do it. If you have any nicks or areas that worked too well, you will hear them. It stings a little. Not in a bad way. A satisfying way. I love pain. Don’t tell anyone.
Let that alum sit for a few seconds while you clean. Then wash again with cold water.
After shaving, I apply Proraso aftershave balm. And that’s it. I feel like a new man.
At home, this type of shave rejuvenates me. Most days, I wake up early to write. During the day, I need to rest. Reset. Something on purpose. This does it.
And on tour? Gentlemen? Be something more. A moment. Memory. A place and a time I will remember. Because I slowed down long enough to see it.