Let me tell you about the time in my life when I decided to never eat at Subway again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, I know this article is about shaving solutions, but let me get there on my own time. It\u2019ll make sense, I promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I was younger, I would eat at Subway all the time. This is like 15\/16\/17-year-old me. I would get a pizza sub or an Italian combo. I went there all the time for two reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll notice something about those reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I didn\u2019t eat there because I thought it was good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, I was always<\/strong> disappointed by my subs. I never really LOVED them. And I was always left unsatisfied, even though I could get a couple free ones any time I wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And here\u2019s what I would normally do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I would never get just a couple items on my subs. I would pile on the pickles, the tomatoes, the lettuce, the jalapenos, the onions, the olives\u2026and top it off with at least two or three sauces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In theory, Southwest and Ranch and Italian Dressing are all delicious sauces, and should be even better together. But that was not the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, I decided that I would never eat at Subway again because I never liked the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It went like that for a couple years. I held my ridiculous ground that Subway was no good, while everyone around me thought I was crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a while, I matured and realized what my problem was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There were too many choices!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I thought to myself, \u201cSelf, if I could limit myself to just a couple veggies and one sauce, my food would be amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, that\u2019s what I did. And I love Subway now. I have my order down pat, and my food always comes out amazing. A meatball sub; jalapenos, red onions and a dash of Southwest sauce. Perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Great. Now I\u2019m hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I get why you struggle with shaving solutions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are so many options at the store for shaving creams. It\u2019s overwhelming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I just hope that you\u2019re not like me; confused by all the choice and decide to give up altogether<\/a>. I think nobody wants that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you browse online, read a few blogs, or walk into the store, you\u2019re confounded by dozens of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I want to use my knowledge for good. I want to use my experience eating sandwiches to help you through this mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m going to break it down for you so that you can ignore the options you don\u2019t need and instead focus on what works for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a frequent reader of this blog, you\u2019ll already be well versed in the topic of shave solutions. So, feel free to skip to the next section if you been following along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you\u2019re new here, Welcome. Continue on, dear reader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: I\u2019m going to refer to the entire gamut of shaving options as shave \u201csolution\u201d. That way I can refer to the general group of shave solutions<\/u> while also referring to specific shaving \u201ccreams<\/u>\u201d, \u201clotions<\/u>\u201d, or \u201cgels<\/u>\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Look:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shaving solutions do have a purpose. However, they are not the most essential item in your bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I know of one guy who has shaved in the shower for the last 20 years and has never used any sort of shave solution. He simply uses the hot water from the shower and a bar of soap that serves as his multipurpose soap for everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m not condoning that, but there you go. Those people exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But shaving solutions do have a purpose. 3<\/em>, actually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shaving solution maintains that soft hair, even after you\u2019ve been out of the shower for a while. It keeps you from having to reapply hot water or a hot towel to your face after a few strokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re going to talk about shave solutions, you\u2019ll probably be aware of some myths. Let me dispel a couple of those now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth #1: Shaving Solutions Open Your Pores<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ha!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This one always gets me. Because you hear this on just about every commercial and skin care product there is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The myth is that shaving solution opens up your pores, giving you a better, closer shave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nope!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your pores don\u2019t actually open or close. You\u2019ve probably heard that your pores open with hot water and close with cold water. Not true!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In truth, the hot water loosens up the sebum in our pores, making them appear<\/em> bigger. Yes, it\u2019s all about the appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BUSTED!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth #2: Shaving solution prevents bumps<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This has nothing to do with your shaving solution and more to do with your shaving technique. I\u2019ve found that if I\u2019m getting razor bumps<\/a>, it\u2019s a good sign I need to change out my blade or pay more attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Razor bumps are little ingrown hairs that have curled in on themselves and are growing underneath the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your razor isn\u2019t cleanly removing the hair at the level of your skin, you\u2019re probably applying too much pressure, or your blade isn\u2019t sharp enough to cut it cleanly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even with the best shaving soap or gel, you\u2019re still going to see bumps if you aren\u2019t using the right blade or stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BUSTED!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I don\u2019t want you thinking too hard about these myths. I\u2019ve never found them to have much credibility in the shaving world. Shaving solutions make the job easier. And that\u2019s that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the time, you\u2019re going to come across one of these 4 options. You have to understand what you\u2019re comfortable with to make the best selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They will all perform the basic 3 tasks every shaving solution should perform, namely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It comes down to preference. Let\u2019s drill down into what these all are before we discern between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You probably started your shaving journey with one of these options. They are essentially the same in composition and application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only note here is shaving butter. Up until recently, whenever somebody mentioned shaving butter, it always reminded of that Seinfeld episode when Kramer started shaving with butter and accidentally roasted himself while sunbaking on the roof. Remember the turkey scene:<\/p>\n\n\n\n about:blank<\/p>\n\n\n\n I can assure you; shaving butter isn\u2019t actual butter. The key difference is in the makeup. Gels and creams contain some sort of lathering agent. Usually a Sodium Lauryl Sulfate<\/a> (SLS) to bring out the bubble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A shaving butter can contain many more natural ingredients because it doesn\u2019t lather up. It can much more sustainable and environment friendly, a good choice for those concerned about the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They apply quite easily, and you don\u2019t need to understand much about them to make them work. So, it\u2019s perfect for 18-year-old me who needed to shave but wasn\u2019t sure how to shave with a shaving solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re short on time, I\u2019d suggest using of these options. They apply easily, the whole process can be over with quite quickly, and you aren\u2019t stuck going through an entire process simply to shave a little stubble in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s not to say this should be your only option, but it\u2019s a good one to have around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caveat: This section is mostly about shaving soaps, but some creams out there perform best like a soap. Read the instructions when looking at some of the shaving creams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s the bottom line:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re into shaving and you like the process of it, you\u2019re going to love shaving soap<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you like the routine, and you enjoy taking your time to get it done right, I would suggest starting here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A shaving soap looks like a hockey puck. It\u2019s a hard disc that doesn\u2019t resemble anything you\u2019re used to. That\u2019s your first clue that this isn\u2019t going to be your traditional shaving experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need a couple things before you can use a shaving soap on your face. Let\u2019s touch on that now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shaving soaps require more equipment. Namely, you\u2019ll need a bowl and a brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to use a shaving specific bowl, they do exist, but I think it looks just as authentic to use a mug. That look harkens back to the 1950\u2019s and looks like you\u2019re a serious shaver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shaving soap brushes are traditionally made from badger hair<\/a>. There are plenty of synthetic options that work just as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to go the full measure, find a good quality badger hair brush. It looks BADASS<\/u><\/strong> sitting on your counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because shaving soaps need some time to lather up before you put on your face, you need something that can work up a good lather quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You know how I mentioned some shaving creams apply here? Lathering shaving cream also need to be lathered up before you apply it to your face. You can\u2019t lather it on your face like you would a shaving gel or butter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your brush also serves another function. You use to apply the lather to your face after you\u2019ve worked it up in the mug\/bowl. The brush lifts and separates the hairs on your beard. As you apply it, spread a thick, even layer over every section you wish to shave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A warning here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This process does take time<\/em><\/strong>. Many men appreciate the feel of a good shaving soap. You can control the consistency, and you don\u2019t need much to work up a good lather. But it will take you a few minutes to work up the right lather. Don\u2019t do this if you\u2019re in a rush in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re going to be the kind of guy who appreciates the art of shaving, this is the best option. I would suggest pairing this with a good quality straight razor or safety razor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Put the needle down on your gramophone, wipe the steam off your polished bronze mirror, and the scene should be complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When looking at the ingredients of a shaving solution, I favor high-end products. I\u2019ve seen some of the products on the shelves at the supermarket, and I can NOT condone them. They aren\u2019t that high quality, they contain a lot of synthetic ingredients, and for those with sensitive skin they can cause more aggravation and irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, REAL shaving cream does NOT come in a can. I\u2019m not even going to go there. And neither should you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher-end products are worth the money you spend on them. They are made from more natural ingredients and perform better. There are plenty of synthetic ingredients, but they aren\u2019t going to cause major issues like a cheap cream would. (Even big brands like Taylor of Bond Street<\/a> produce shaving creams full of synthetic ingredients. Still, I would choose them over anything in a can, any day)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shave Gels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gels tend to be different. They\u2019re put out as a convenient option for those without much time. They don\u2019t lather, so you can easily see your lines. They\u2019re also easy to apply without much fuss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But they also can be packed with low quality ingredients. Often, you\u2019ll find parabens in the gel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parabens are one of the most ingredients founds in all cosmetics. They often aren\u2019t even listed on the package. Parabens can be classified as an industry secret in fragrances so companies aren\u2019t required to divulge if they are in the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s so bad about parabens?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, the jury is out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We know that parabens can easily penetrate the skin. They are small enough to cause allergic reactions among some people, and some studies have suggested correlations to cancers. There are no defined links<\/a>, however, between parabens and cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over in the European Union, parabens are heavily regulated<\/a>, but over here in North America, we don\u2019t have those restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m telling you this so that you can be aware, not to scare you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m actually a fan of gels. They\u2019re convenient. They are pretty cost-effective, and they travel well with you. But they do contain some ingredients that could interact with sensitive skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to use a shaving gel, I would suggest using an aftershave balm<\/a> afterwards. I\u2019ve found that the denatured alcohol found in most gels can dry out your face. You can counter-act that with a good quality aftershave balm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you should be using a balm in any case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, it all comes down to this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s your preference? Among all the options, what do you like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to stick with a traditional, artisinal product, shaving soap is your best bet. It takes longer, but it lathers well and gives you control over your shaving experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need a quick shave in the morning before work, I\u2019d suggest a shaving butter or a gel. They apply easily, and they give you good control if you\u2019re shaving along beard and mustache lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want a good all-rounder, I\u2019m partial to a good latherless shaving cream<\/a>. It performs like a butter or gel, and it also moisturizes your face pretty well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve found your preference, stick with it. You\u2019ll come to love your brand and your method of shaving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can appreciate the options out there, but you\u2019ll always get the best shave with your particular shaving solution.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Shaving Cream Choices \u2013 Creams vs. Butters vs. Gels vs. Soaps vs\u2026\u2026Whatever Is Popular Next Week<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why Do I Need Shave Solution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common Shave Solution Myths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choosing Between Shaving Creams, Butters, Gels, and Soaps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Shave Gels vs. Shave Butters vs. Shave Creams \u2013 Are They Really Different?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shaving Soaps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shaving Equipment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Ingredients Found In Various Shaving Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shave Cream vs. Shave Gel vs. Shave Butter vs. Shave Soap \u2013 Which Is The RIGHT Choice?!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n