Get That Perfect Lather With Any Shaving Soap

So, you've got your hands on our (or any) shaving soap – awesome! Now, let's talk about getting the best possible shave with it.

Honestly, I hesitated a bit before writing this. Why? Because there are tons of fantastic wet shaving tutorials out there by people who really know their stuff. Seriously, go watch some – you'll learn loads!

But here's the thing: when I was first diving into the world of wet shaving, clicking "add to cart" on a new soap, I always found myself wishing the product page gave me a little more than just "wet brush, make soap." I wanted to know how the person behind the soap actually used it.

So, this isn't meant to be the only way or even the definitive "right" way. This is simply what works for me to get that rich, creamy, super protective lather that makes shaving a joy rather than a chore. If you're looking for a starting point, give this a try!

I generally switch between two methods depending on my mood and how much time I have: using a bowl or lathering right on my face.

Before You Start: Pre-Shave Prep

Pre-shave prep is key! Get your skin ready for a smooth shave by warming up with a hot shower or cozy hot towel, and say goodbye to irritation!

Method 1: Bowl Lathering (The Classic Route)

This is great if you like seeing the lather build and really dialling in the hydration.

1. Scoop a Smidgen: Grab about half a teaspoon of soap (seriously, a little goes a long way!) and smoosh it into the bottom of your shaving bowl. Spreading it out a bit helps your brush pick it up evenly later.
2. Brush Soak: Give your shaving brush a quick spa treatment. Soak the bristles in warm (not scalding hot!) water for about a minute.
3. Squeeze Gently: Lift the brush out and give it a gentle squeeze. You want it damp, not dripping wet. Think 'barely wet'.
4. Get Swirling: Now, take that damp brush to the soap in your bowl. Start swirling with moderate pressure for around 45 seconds. You'll see a paste start to form. Don't be afraid to add a few drops of warm water if things feel too dry. You'll likely need to do that. Just don't overdo it. Keep swirling! You're looking for the soap to transform into a lovely, creamy lather right there in the bowl.
5. Apply Time: Once it looks pretty good in the bowl, start painting it onto your face using sweeping strokes. Get that first layer down everywhere you plan to shave.
6. Build it Up: Now, keep working the lather on your face. Dip the very tips of your brush in warm water if needed (again, just a little!) and keep swirling or painting. You'll see it get denser, creamier, and develop a nice sheen or gloss. That's the sweet spot – cushiony and protective! After your first shave pass, simply add a few drops of water to your brush and keep going. A nicely loaded brush (step 2) should hold enough soap for 3 passes and then some!

Method 2: Face Lathering (Quick & Direct)

This is my go-to when I'm shorter on time or just prefer the direct feel.

1. Brush Soak & Squeeze: Same as before – soak the brush in warm water for about a minute, then give it a gentle squeeze to get rid of the excess water. Damp, not soaked!
2. Load 'Er Up: Swirl the damp brush directly on the soap in its jar. Keep going until the brush tips are coated with a thick, pasty layer of soap. It won't look like finished lather yet, more like... well, paste!
3. Wet Your Whiskers (and Brush): Splash your face with warm water. You might want to run the very tips of the loaded brush under the tap for a split second too, just to add a touch more moisture.
4. Apply the Paste: Start scrubbing/painting that paste directly onto your wet face using circular or sweeping motions. Cover the whole area.
5. Build the Magic: Now the fun part. Add a few drops of warm water to the brush tips and go back to your face. Use gentle, circular motions. You'll feel the lather start to explode – transforming from paste to a slick, protective cushion. Keep adding tiny amounts of water and swirling until it hits that dense, creamy, glossy stage. Again, after your first shave pass, simply add a few drops of water to your brush and keep going. A nicely loaded brush (step 2) should hold enough soap for 3 passes and then some!

Don't Forget the After-Party! (Post-Shave Care)

Getting a great lather is half the battle, but finishing strong counts too!

1. Cool Down: Rinse your face thoroughly with cold water. It feels great and helps close up the pores.
2. Treat Yo' Self: Pat your skin dry gently and apply your favourite aftershave balm, splash, moisturizer – whatever your skin loves. Hopefully, that's one of ours, but if not, not hard feelings. And if you're heading out, wearing sunscreen is always a good idea. SPF 30+ please, for your skin's sake.
3. Clean Up: Rinse your brush really well under running water, making sure all the soap is gone. Gently shake out excess water. You can gently brush the bristles against a towel to get more of the excess water out of the brush. If you used a bowl, rinse that too.
4. Air It Out: Let your brush air dry completely, ideally bristles down or sideways in a stand. Please don't store a wet brush in a closed bag or cabinet – that's how you get funky smells and damage the bristles!

So there you have it – my personal approach to lathering up with any soap. The key really is experimenting with the water ratio. Too little water makes a dry, sticky paste; too much makes a bubbly, thin mess. You'll find that perfect balance with a bit of practice. Our shaving soaps can take a lot of water before the lather starts breaking down, so don't worry about using too much water. If the lather starts feeling too thin, keep building it up for a few seconds. If things don't improve, you can add a bit more soap to your brush by reaching out for your bowl or the soap's jar again.

Hope this helps you get some truly fantastic shaves! Let me know how you get on.

Read the whole think but still would like a visual format? Here are two great options:

Happy Shaving!