Review (5/5): Mainstay of Your Shaving Ritual
I'm a long-time, repeat customer of this product. I've tried others that worked okay but they didn't always whip up into a lasting foam or the scent was off-putting. I tried John's product over five years ago and haven't looked back at any others even those given as gifts from family and friends.
To start, you need a good quality badger boar bristle brush. This is to insure you don't lose bristles in your soap cup or have them on your face while trying to shave. Soak the center of the brush but don't have too much water at first. I prefer to spin the brush with my fingers to build up soap in the bristles at first, then I add more water to the cup and work up the soap lather by whipping my brush in the cup. I soon have a nice soft lather at this point. John's soap foams very well and stays smooth and creamy throughout my shave even with family interruptions, etc.
Now, I brush the first layer on my face making sure to cover it well and then go back to the cup to continue whipping up more lather. I apply the second layer which has now had a chance to soften the beard somewhat and the second layer stays richer and smoother. If you are like most guys, your beard hair will run multiple directions. I shave downward the first time on the cheeks, making a second pass following the jawline and then do my neck.
Go back to the shaving mug for the final lathering and now shave up the neck and work on the cheeks, making sure to rinse my razor frequently. The key here for a close shave is to make sure you stretch or pull the neck skin by tilting your chin upward and use your non-shaving hand to pull gently downward on the neck skin. Stroke the razor evenly and make sure you work the jawline carefully.
I generally rinse off my brush handle but not all of the bristles leaving some lather in the bristles and store my brush by resting it on the flat top or hang it from a stand. This insures I have a quick foam start up the next morning. Don't store your wet brush in your shaving cup as you don't want your bristles to become malformed from being wet and drying in a curved shape. Remember, you've paid for a quality brush and you want it to last a long time.
If you are going to shower after your shave, don't worry about wiping you face, just shower normally. If you shave after your shower, wipe your face with a hot, wet washcloth to remove the remaining soap. Check for any rough areas and touch up if necessary. The pleasant bay rum scent will gently stay with you through the morning.
Another nice thing about dealing with John is he is open to scent suggestions or combinations and will communicate with you concerning ideas you may have or what he's tried in the past. The last item is he ships very fast and he's never failed to slip a little something extra into my order as a thank-you item. It is always a pleasant surprise to find some small token, an air freshener, cologne, bathing soap or anything from his product line. The bottom line is, since you already have to shave, take some time to enjoy it. One way I do it is with these quality products from John.