In my '6 Beauty Products That I Don't Buy' post, I mentioned that I don't use mainstream shaving gel/foam, which led to a couple of people asking about what I used instead. I mainly stick to these four alternatives and find that they all work much better.
(1) Hair Conditioner
Hair Conditioner is probably the best known alternative to shaving gel/foam and it works amazingly well. You can use any type of hair conditioner, I generally use a budget brand like the one pictured from Boots or I'll use up any conditioner that my hair didn't get on with (sorry LifeCare!).
To use: Apply like you would with a regular shaving gel.
(2) Olive Oil
For those who have sensitive or dry skin, Olive Oil is fantastic. You don't need to use anything special, (just a bog standard £1 variety will do for this purpose!) and a little goes a long way.
To use: Massage a small amount into damp legs, wet razor and shave as normal. Rinse razor regularly.
(3) Shower Oil
Similar to Olive Oil, but highly recommended if you want to turn a boring shaving ritual into more of a pampering experience. For special occasions when I want my legs to be unbelievably silky soft, I'll use my favourite HG shower oil from L'Occitane which is just divine.
To use: Apply like you would with a regular shaving gel and remember that a little goes a long way.
(4) Soap
If you're a solid soap fan, pick up your favourite and try it to shave your legs!
To use: Lather up the soap, apply to legs and use as you normally would.
Why do I use alternatives?
When I was much younger I used regular shaving gel/foam like everyone else did, and after a while, I began to realise that this was causing a lot of irritation to my skin and ultimately drying it out. I switched first to using hair conditioner instead, and was instantly amazed by how well it performed. My legs were much smoother, softer and most importantly, they weren't dry or irritated. After that, I started to experiment with other products and found that olive oil, soap and shower oil worked just as well! And (apart from the shower oil), they're all much cheaper products than the cost of your average can of shaving gel. Win, win!
What do you use to shave with?
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do you have any tips for epilators then? I have been getting ingrown hairs and they are driving me nuts!
ReplyDeleteI'd recommend using Laidbare's Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow after you use your epilator - really helps with ingrown hairs! x
DeleteShaving gel does cause my skin irritation - even the sensitive line! I have always wondered about the hair conditioner trick! Will get it a go. & I really wanna get the L'Occitane Shower Oil! Been hearing such good things about it! (:
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem, even shaving gels that had 'Sensitive Skin' in capitals on the bottle caused mine to go red and horrible! Hair conditioner is fab, definitely give it a go :) I absolutely love the L'Occitane Shower Oil! x
DeleteI don't use a shaving gel either, just a good slather of Soap & Glory Whipped Clean! Love the sound of the L'Occitane shower oil too.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, xo // Lady Liquor & Femme et Vie
I love the scent of Whipped Clean! Must try that for shaving with :) x
DeleteI use baby oil, and works fine
ReplyDeleteBaby Oil is great!
DeleteI use cheap conditioner but never thought of using olive oil! That's going on my list of things to try! :) xx
ReplyDeleteLittle Miss Katy | Lifestyle, Fashion & Beauty
Give it a go Katy! :) x
DeleteGreat post, I'm contemplating using an oil! I currently use gentle shower gels that lather up but my legs have become even more sensitive than usual recently so may try one of these out! x
ReplyDeleteOils are fab! x
DeleteWonderful post! I could not agree more about avoiding shaving gel. I religiously use conditioner, but may need to try out the olive oil tip!
ReplyDeleteBeccy ~ Bluebell & Bumpkin
Thanks Beccy!
DeleteGreat stuff! I've never using shaving products since day one! I always use a creamy conditioner! It works beautifully and my skin is so moisturized!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharlynn! x
DeleteI haven't used shaving gel/foam in years, see it as a waste of money. I just use shower gel or a conditioner my hair doesn't love.
ReplyDeletexo
Definitely, they're so expensive xx
DeleteThat L'occitane shower oil is amazing <3 I like using conditioner or a moisturising shower gel :)
ReplyDeleteIndia / Touchscreens & Beautyqueens
Definitely :) x
DeleteI use hair conditioner too, I don't think I've bought a shaving gel for years! Will have to give olive oil a try xx
ReplyDeleteWorth a go! xx
DeleteI use Odylique's Tea Tree & Green Clay cleansing bar - I find it brilliant for shaving as the tea tree and clay help to keep the skin in great condition x
ReplyDeleteI'll have to try that, sounds good :) x
DeleteI use shaving gel a few times a year. If I run out I go months and months without repurchasing because I just use conditioner and it works great xx
ReplyDeleteDefinitely and it often works out much cheaper too! xx
DeleteI use Naive facial foam or Shiseido Perfect Whip. They give me a lot of whip foam and I also can lather them easily.
ReplyDeleteI have definitely used hair conditioner for a long, long time now instead of shaving cream. Plus you can use really cheap conditioner so it's money-saving too. The only thing I make sure to do is rinse the razor really well afterwards so it doesn't clog the blades!
ReplyDeleteSorcha x Bright Field Notes
Definitely agree! x
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