When it comes to shaving we at JOE.ie are all about minimal input, maximum output. So, we’ve tested out a highly acclaimed Irish shaving solution.
I’m a sceptic at the best of times when dealing with shaving products. After biting the bullet on this occasion however, my days of fidgeting with foam canisters could well be over.
I know what suits my skin by now. After a few years of adolescent shaving, when I made regular incisions on my face and quite often came out in a rash that resembled something close to the Japanese flag, I have come to know my skin and the method of shaving that suits me. So you can understand that I was sceptical about trying a product that claims to produce “the best shave of your life!â€
Total Shaving Solution is Irish made and promises to give you “the closest, cleanest, smoothest shave ever, when used properly.†This promise, which is detailed in one of the most interestingly written instruction leaflets I’ve ever read, did seem far-fetched when I was commandeered to test out the product for JOE.
I endured three days of frowns and sighs from my girlfriend while I allowed my beard growth to reach a point which I felt would not leave me susceptible to the aforementioned adolescent shaving results. For years I have used a foam that gives me a good, clean shave. The only complaints I would have with it is that I can’t see my stubble as I glide along with my razor and, as I’m usually late for work, I don’t fully wipe all the excess foam from around my ears.
With Total Shaving Solution these two problems were eradicated instantly. I took the 10ml bottle of liquid in my hand, basin full of slightly hotter than lukewarm water and a freshly bladed razor at the ready. I contemplated ducking out of the task at the last moment as I thought, “This is going to be a painful experience. No way will a transparent product work for me. I’ve got to meet the lads from the office in a few minutes down the pub and I’m going to have a red rash smeared all over my mug.â€
I plucked up the courage to squeeze the recommended three drops of the stuff into the palm of my hand, although in my nervous disposition I think I may have squeezed four or five. I massaged it into my damp face, also as advised, and amazingly my face didn’t melt as I worryingly stared into the mirror.
Effortless
Anyway, I had come this far so I grabbed the razor and proceeded to shave as normal – starting from just under my locks, down the sides of my face, as far as my chin area, before running the blade effortlessly around my throat. No pain, no delay.
Seconds into the process I was starting to enjoy it. I could see where I was going with my razor. I noticed that as I rinsed the blade after each stroke the basin was not getting destroyed with foam. Instead, the facial hair was sinking straight to the bottom and not leaving a huge mess. This I liked.
In half the time it would normally take to shave I was all done. Perfect. So incredible, that I pulled out my mobile to text a friend to relay my life-altering experience via text. I say “life-altering” because for me, it genuinely has changed the way I will shave from now on.
I have never been, or never will be, a guy that sports a designer beard. However, it’s well worth mentioning that if you are into them, or want to try one, then this product is your baby. If you want to leave any stubble on your face in order to look cool you are left with a defined, sharp look.
One of the FAQs in Total Shaving Solution’s leaflet concerns the blade of the razor getting clogged up. In my experience this didn’t happen. Perhaps a combination of an average beard growth and the fact that I like to rinse the razor after every stroke prevented that happening. More water, they say.
The verdict, however, did not rest with me. Getting into bed later that night my girlfriend sniffed up around me and was pleasantly surprised by what she met. “Fresh,†she said.
That’s an approval of the highest regard from her.
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