Wetshaving for the Common Man

Step 2 Lather: the grownup version of bubbles

Now for the lather. This is the luxurious part. You're going to need a badger brush or substitute bristle brush for it, along with a good shaving soap. You can get shaving soap at the supermarket; I've heard that old-fashioned lye soap also works well. Is personally use sandalwood soap from an online specialty store. Sometimes it's really that lather that can make the difference between a good shave and an incredible shave.

Okay, you have your soap--put it in a bowl or mug or whatever you want to use and turn on your tap to hot. Splash your face with some water and rub it in. Once the water is burning hot, rinse both the brush and the soap in it to get them warm. With the water trapped in the brush, work up a nice thick foam. It takes practice to get a really nice lather but it's not rocket science, you'll get it. Once you've got it, spread the stuff all over you face with the brush. Make sure to cover everywhere there's unwanted hair, including low on the neck, near the ears and just under the lower lip. If you like you can let this first coat mellow out for a minute and then apply another--I like just one coat, personally.

Okay, by now you should feel nice and invigorated and ready to shave. That's our next step.