Proraso Red Sandalwood Pre Post Shave Cream

New to wet shaving and this is my first pre-shaving cream. I'm using it only as a pre-shave cream (even though it's listed as pre/post shave) as it seems to coagulate on my face when applied after alum block. Below is my simple daily routine and after the third time, I manage to close shave (2-3 passes), with little to no irritation, even though I have very sensitive skin. 1. Evening shower and wash my face with a gentle cleanser 2. Apply Proraso pre-shave cream (for me red works the same as white and green) on wet face 3. Squeeze out 2cm of Proraso shaving cream (red) directly onto Simpson Trafalgar T3 brush and lather on face 4. Shave with an inexpensive Timor safety razor + Timor blade in 2-3 passes 5 Rinse and run wet alum block all-over and then rinse again after about 1 minute 6. Gently pat dry my face and apply 1 squirt of Nivea sensitive ultra calming face balm.

I picked up this balm as a non-expensive starter into the wet shaving world, and am very impressed! As a pre-shave it really makes a difference, at least when combined with Proraso's own soaps and creams. Not as mandatory for face shaving, perhaps, but for body shaving it really helps improve the glide and helps the razor cut closer to the skin. And since it is not cooling, it is just as suitable for shaving the genital area; I suppose some might enjoy the sensation of menthol on their skin there, but I sure do not! As a post-shave, it nicely sooths any potential razor burn. Not perfectly, of course, but I doubt any product is good enough to cover up bad technique. It soaks up fairly quickly, too, but I find it leaves my skin too greasy; perhaps a consequence of shea butter, which is a great moisturiser but a touch too heavy for face use. I bet it would be great for those with dry skin, though. I feel quite bad about deducting a star because of that, however, because the scent is lovely! Sweet, warm and comforting. Mostly sandalwood, but I can detect notes of shea butter underneath as well, and they combine beautifully. Do not let its mildness in the pot fool you, as it blooms out on your skin, and you will still be able to catch a wiff of it here and there even several hours after the shave. Once this tub runs out — which, even with my overly-generous usage, should take some time — I will switch to other brands and try to find the Goldilocks solution for me. But I am glad this was my first choice, and will doubtlessly revisit it at some point.

As a pre-shave this product works really well for a tough beard like mine. After a shower, apply and wait a while. Then just enjoy.

Fantastic scent, great texture and leave your skin looking and feeling great. Provides superior protection and adds to your shaving experience.

Makes for a very smooth shave used as a pre shave. Will continue using this one.

I have been using this for a few years now as a post shave cream and it suits me well.

the slickness, the glide, the smell, the texture, all great. also, good for shaving.

Really nice scent and seems to give a nice smooth feel when shaving. Don't use as a post shave balm as it leaves a creamy feel to the skin the whole day, just not my thing.

Very good results with this, more creamy than the green version. Soften ups face/beard, helps to get a very smooth shave. Prefer the scent too.