Reddit reviews RazoRock Alum Block with Plastic Travel Case

You could try this: http://www.amazon.com/RazoRock-Alum-Block-Plastic-Travel/dp/B00F6VM8JE/

It's marketed for men's shaving but it works well and lasts forever. Just wet it and rub onto your skin after shaving.

I'll include links but by all means shop around...

• Edwin Jagger DE89 - popular three piece starter razor
  
  
• One of the many creams by Taylor of Old Bond St. - inexpensive and quality
  
  
• An alum block like RazoRock - you can also find some of their artisan soaps
  
  
• A synthetic shaving brush - this one looks to have the same fibres (Plisson clone) as some other very good ones. You could also get a boar brush by Omega or Semogue for eg but these will have a break-in period. Do NOT get a badger brush on your budget; it will be shite. The exception might be this mixed loft Omega 11047 "mixed midget" which is a fantastic little brush; works out of the box like a badger but gets better over time like a boar.
  
  
• Go to your local drug store for Nivea Men Sensitive after shave balm - inexpensive, effective, and widely available.
  
  This is a more than decent starter kit and affordable but you'll also need skills. Check out this poster from /u/mmosh and search for tutorial vids on Youtube by Mantic59 and/or "Nick Shaves".
  
  EDIT: Completely left out blades. You want to sample many kinds to find what is right for you. Something like this.
  
  
  
  

• Merkur Razor
  
• Derby Exra Super Stainless DE blades
  
• Omega "Pura Setola" Brush? Googled it. Means Pure Boar.
  
• Omega Crema da barba
  
  From what I've seen while looking around here, Omega is made by Proraso which is good, Merkur razors are generally good, and as far as blades go get a sample pack (EDIT: or HERE). I have watched /u/betelgeux's guide on face mapping and what not to do with Irish Spring. I watched a Lathering tutorial by /u/cadinsor.
  
  What I am not sure on is I don't have Alum nor a non-alcoholic aftershave, and some pre-shave stuff such as a good face wash. I have ordered from Amazon:
  
  
• RazoRock Alum
  
• Proraso Pre-Shave
  
• and even a stand to keep my shiny new razor off the counter.
  
  What are some good recommendations for face wash? As well as a decent aftershave, or is the Alum enough?
  
  EDIT: Brush info and blades link.

First off, gratz on nailing the shave. Sounds like your technique is getting there. Remember it takes months to get the proper way of doing it all (getting the right amount of water and soap in the brush. the right pressure, angle etc of the blade). I've been doing it for a year this month, and haven't looked back.

Since I didn't see you mention it, the alum block is helpful as well. If you get any cuts or nicks, applying the alum helps to clear it (I had an interview at 9am, shaved at 7am. I nicked myself right above the right lip. I applied the alum block for about 15 seconds and it was gone in no time. Wasn't even there by the time I left the house) That's only part of the astringent property, it also helps seal your pores essentially. It is also an antiseptic (essentially an extra level that the alcohol in the aftershave performs. It stops disease causing bacteria from growing). The thing is cheap, about $8 and it lasts for ages

I'm going to go in order of what I do in a shave so I don't miss anything. First, you will likely want to get a good soap so he can have a good pre-shave wash/scrub. Whatever you get, make sure it is glycerin soap. I use one made by Musgo.

Next, I would suggest a good quality boar hair brush. The reason I say this is because while there are different brushes that have different features, the boar hair brushes are much less expensive for a good (some say just as good) product. If your boyfriend isn't sure if he will stick with wet shaving, do you really want to sink $100 into a badger or synthetic brush? I personally use an Semogue 1305.

Next, soaps are a dime a dozen, some much better than others, but Proraso puts out a great product and happens to be the favorite that I have bought so far (although I have only bought a few at this point. It lasts a while).

I use a straight razor, so I can make suggestions about straight razors and strops, but don't have any input at this point on razors and blades.

Next, get a stypic pencil and an alum block. I have not cut myself since getting the stypic pencil, so I can't tell you if the one I bought is good or not, I just took a shot in the dark. But, the alum block that I use fresh after shaving is from RazoRock.

Lastly, there are a ton of aftershaves out there. He likely already has one that he uses. But in case he doesn't, go to the store and smell them. Whichever smells the best, buy that one. That way at least one of these products you can buy for you and not just him. ;)

All the links I posted were for Amazon, which is easy to search and is trusted. That said, there a lot of good online stores that are trustworthy and will give you a better price for the same exact product. I'm not going to give you the same YMMV or "it might not work for you" speech that everybody gives after these.

You're going to want an alum block to rub over your wet face right after the shave. It tightens your pores, disinfects, and controls any bleeding if you have cut yourself or scraped your skin. If you want one purpose-made for shaving, you can get the one by RazoRock, but you should save a few bucks and instead use a Crystal Body Deodorant; it's chemically identical and comes in a plastic applicator that is easier to hold.

After rinsing off the alum, I would use a toner splash, like Thayers witch hazel and lavender or Ogalalla bay rum, followed by a balm, like Nivea Aftershave for Sensitive Skin.