I shave in the shower with hot water.
This pre-shave oil, followed by a can of Barbasol allows my razor (Gillette Mach 3) to last for several months.
I experience no razor burn or skin irritation of any kind.
I don’t use a shaving brush.
The Art of Shaving is a brand I trust because it just works.
Because each Mach 3 cartridge razor last for several months, this pre-shave oil has lowered the cost of shaving drastically.
Recommended: Yes
Though I like the IDEA of this product and what it does to improve your shave, it unfortunately leaves a sticky residue on my razor, shaving bowl, and the bristles of my brush. This residue continues to build up... shave after shave. Due to this, I had to stop using it after just 3 shaves.
This buildup stays on my skin too--leaving my skin feeling heavy and sticky. I'm not sure how to effectively remove this buildup, and I'm mainly worried about the bristles of my expensive brush.
I'm glad I only ordered the tiny trial bottle. As I said, I like the idea here, but the sticky build-up is unacceptable to me.
Like most Art of Shaving products, the quality is good but there price is WAY higher than competitors' products of similar or better products. $28 for 45ml. Castle Forbes, UK makers of some of the finest quality shave products -- who are already considered premium prices -- sells pre-shave gel, also unscented, $60 for 150ml. Prorasso has a pre-shave cream balm. Not as good -- but not bad. 100ml for THIRTEEN dollars. Most AoS is good. Just way overpriced for the level of quality.
I have purchased this several times and it works very well, particularly if you have not shaved for a few days or have a tough beard. It is much easier to wash off than the pre-shave oil. I think it is a bit expensive for how many uses you get out of one bottle, even if used sparingly.
I love this product, but it's been out of stock for a while. It has helped to provide a closer shave and has led to less skin irritation. However, 45ml is too small for my use, which is limited to one pump per shaving, and it needs to come in a scent like sandalwood.