Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - Blue Eagle

Most Helpful Positive Review

Got even better when I learned how to shave.....details a...

I've been using this product for about three years now, and have recently become interested in wet shaving, hence the review. After reading a ton of forums (Google: Wet Shaving), I realized that I was going about it all wrong. The only thing I was doing correctly was shaving after my shower. The ke...y to a great shave is to take your time (hence an art of shaving), and lather, lather, lather, and later (see below for more a more descriptive process). I learned that one coat of lather does not cut it, especially when completing multiple passes. Wet shavers understand this, and reapply lather for follow on blade passes, and this is where this product really shines through. If you purchase the 8oz jar, you can take small amounts, and apply on your face where you need it; eliminating a lot of waste. Here is why: when you pass a razor over your face that has been lathered, the lather goes with the blade, and down the drain. If you want to go over it again, you must re-lather (just a small amount, included with a little water to help spread it out). If not, future passes lead to irritation, and an unpleasant shaving experience. However, if you pass over once, applying almost no pressure on the blade, and re-lather, and take your time (shaving slowly), you will reduce irritation, and have a more comfortable shave. My shaving steps follow, hopefully they will help you too: I now shave in layers. I use Kiehl's "Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash," after my shower, rinse, and leave my face wet. (Additionally, in the shower, I give my face a good scrubbing with a wash cloth and warm water in order to lift my facial hair). I then apply a thin layer of the blue eagle brushless cream on my face (above the jaw line only), and shave one time through, going with the grain. I then rewet my face, and reapply another thin layer, and go with the grain again. I repeat this step once more taking my time, applying no pressure on the blade, and ensure that a thin layer of lather is on my face before each blade pass. I then reapply lather and go against the grain. Here is the trick, each time I reapply lather, I'm feeling for missed spots, and direction, so I can tackle against the grain. Hair grows in all directions, and this "feeling" process really helps get a close shave, and spread out the lather, ensuring a smooth drag free pass. You should know that if you feel any drag, you need only a thin layer, and the blade should pass smoothly over your face. For the neck, and below the jaw line, I repeat the same process that was mentioned above. I've been following this process for about two weeks and have been able to go from shaving daily, to shaving every two days. I'm in the military, and a clean shaved face is a requirement, even more so for officers. My 5pm shadow is now a 48 hour shadow, and I've eliminated all cuts, and irritation. Albeit, the cuts likely went away when I started shaving slower. I will note that when I first started shaving, it would take me about 5-7 mins, but now, its averages 10-15 mins, but I don't mind because a good shave is priceless. For my conservative and economical readers, I only turn on the water to rinse the blade, and those are no longer than 5 second durations. The last step is to rinse the face with cold water. I then apply Kiehl's Facial Fuel Moisturizer with SPF 15. This process has also improved my complexion, and this is likely due to not shaving daily, as I no longer have a need. Lastly, I will share that I use Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub as well, but only once every six days (hair cut days). On the sixth day, this starts my shaving process, followed by the cleanser, then shave, then moisturize. I know that Kiehl's seems expensive, but these products last a long time, as all you need is a dime to nickel sized amount. The 8oz jar lasts me about 3 months, and the cleaner and scrub even longer. My advice, take a little more time and care with your money maker, and just feel good about yourself. YOLO (You only live once)!