The first thing I noticed about the Proraso Pre-Shave Cream upon opening the jar is that it is unlike any other pre-shave I have used or seen before. It’s a cream, not an oil. It has a bit of a menthol smell. It looks like it would be too thick to use. These difference combine to contribute to a truly remarkable shaving experience. Just an almond-sized dollop on my finger is all I needed to bump the quality of my shave ten-fold.
While the cream appears thick in the jar, once I got a little on my fingers it felt much lighter and very slick. I massaged a little gently in my palms before applying it to my face in a circular motion. A little water was all I needed to wash the excess cream off my hands. This alone was much easier than most oils. The smell of menthol definitely perked me up too.
I let this sit on for a few minutes while I started my lather, and once I was ready I lathered whatever cream or soap I was using right over the Proraso Pre-Shave.
My first pass glided so smoothly, that I started to think I had mastered my technique. But it’s really the Proraso, not me. Another benefit of the menthol and eucalyptus oil is the refreshing coolness on my face after each pass.
I finished up with my Alum Block and Trumper’s Skin Food, like always, and was shocked to feel how close my shave was with only two passes. Some people might argue that pre-shaves are not important if you’re technique is good enough. Well, maybe it’s not, or maybe the Proraso Pre-Shave is that good. Either way, I now have a smoother, closer and more refreshing shave in my rotation.
Pros
- Very smooth and close shave.
- Fantastic, refreshing smell.
- Menthol and eucalyptus oil improve skin health
Cons
- It can be tricky to get the right amount out of the jar
- If the jar drops, it breaks so be careful
- Menthol may be a little strong for some people
Final Rating
I give this product an 8.5 out of 10. The one area where I think Proraso can improve the product is in the packaging. The jar with a lid can be a little tricky. I prefer things I can use with one hand because the other hand usually has whatever product I’m using in it. Additionally, while glass is nice, something unbreakable would be nice too. All things considered, this is a fantastic product and one that will improve your shave from the first day you use it. I highly recommend picking up a jar as soon as you can.
Regards,
Tailor and Barber
