ASprinkle wrote:I was in a similar spot a few years ago. I was going through a Mach 5 blade every week or so and having to shave every day for work left me with a ton of irritation and ingrown hairs. Not to mention the cost. I have pretty thick facial hair and my face irritates easily, but here is what works for me.
I always either shower or try to soak my face with a hot cloth
Then use Jack Black Beard Lube. It comes in a blue bottle and is like putting teflon on your face. I recommend everyone use this.
The soap I use is Wet Shave Products. They have a ton of scents and one ton has lasted me over a year.
The blade I use is the Gillette Silver Blue. It is a Russian made blade and I found them on amazon for $20 for 100 blades. They are sharp but also forgiving. Each blade lasts 4-5 shaves so that is about 2 years worth of blades.
Finally find an aftershave lotion you like. I am still trying to find one I want to stick with. This part is often overlooked but I suggest rinsing your face with cold water then use your aftershave every time. It helps close your pores and reduce ingrown hairs.
I hope this helps.
I tried Jack Black Beard Lube, it is an interesting product. It does do a great job of lubricating your skin for shaving, almost too good. I could not hold my razor if my had had any lather on my hand and it is difficult to just rinse off. I needed a wash towel to get completely off after shaving. It does give a very smooth and close shave.
Now, between my bottle of Jack Black Beard Lube, several cakes of shaving soap and shaving gel I shouldn't run out for another lifetime.