To some, I imagine “brushless” might best describe a cream that is not really usable with a brush. If all creams can be used without a brush, is there any need to define a cream as “brushless” if it benefits from a brush? Summary: Given its low price point, and pleasant scent (for many), it’s hard to say bad things about Proraso Green. However, the poor cushion and non-existent post shave conditioning make it clear that Proraso Green is from an older generation of shaving software. I still feel this is a great way to start wet shaving, but once most users experiment with other creams or soaps, I think PR Green may either be eliminated from the rotation or saved as a once in a while trip down memory lane. Marketed For: Proraso says “Proraso’s first line and still evergreen, it’s suitable for all beard and skin types.With the properties of Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol, the formula is designed to combine cleansing and toning with a refreshing and revitalizing effect.” I actually think YMMV can never be overused, because it is what it is—our individual experience on our unique combination of skin factors (many variables here), beard toughness and length, water factors, techniques, etc.

Single Blade Line: Proraso has recently added a “Single Blade” line with three new scent lines of more expensive and allegedly higher performing and nicer smelling product types. I have not tried any of these yet and so cannot comment on their relative performance vis a vis the standard “colors” reviewed in this piece. Maybe in a future piece! About the remaining article, well, probably is biased due the different price costs in US and here in EU/IT. You are using “brushless” to mean, the product can be used successfully without a brush (at least that’s what I think you mean). Makes perfect sense to me. But in some respects, aren’t virtually all creams capable of being used without a brush? I think that what be what our Italian poster might be questioning” As advocate of face lathering and wet shaving overall, to me it’s not that difficult to have a rich lather that lasts and does not dry easily. I shave with it since 20 years and I tested all formulations. Never had thin or insuffucuent lather, except my very first days of wetshaving. Performance: Despite the added aloe and vitamin E, Proraso Blue performs much the same as Green does on my skin. Easy to make lather, excellent glide, poor cushion, and (unexpectedly) a very limited post shave benefit.The secret – that is not a secret- is to start loading (and preferably a lot) with a well shaken, almost dry brush. Then adding water gradually. As every soap. I don’t mean to say that it’s impossible to get a good shave with PR soaps. With effort and ingenuity, one can get a good shave from any product sold for the purpose, and the PR soaps are better than many mainstream brands.

From my partisan and non-Vegan perspective, I see no real advantage to creams, as their shelf lives are generally shorter than soaps, technical performance either comparable or inferior, and the scent varieties of soaps are vaster, given that soaps are the preferable medium for most artisans in the present market. It shows that probably you are used to other kind/brand/texture of soaps and so you’re not loading/lathering correctly. Summary: One of my two favorites in the Proraso line, Red is a great bargain and a fine performing cream that can stand with Cremo as a cream that performs well and smells even better than how it shaves. If you loathe sandalwood, this is not for you, but otherwise Proraso Red is a must-try for all and will be a keeper for many. A top score eludes Red only because many artisanal soaps give me somewhat better cushion and significantly better post shave for not much more money. Plus smelling relatively unadulterated sandalwood each and every morning or even every week can get kind of tedious. Proraso has added three “colors” to the line and gradually expanded the color lines vertically as well, so each color has a cream, a post shave, and in many cases a pre-shave and soap also. Proraso claims each color of shaving cream targets a different type of beard and skin. Is this correct and how do they all compare one to the other? Read on to find out… Scent: A very mild citrus / powder is found here, with a slightly sweet note that perhaps suggests the apple notes that the Proraso marketing folks are speaking about. Despite the marketing verbiage, there is not a very prominent lime note present – a lot more moderate and less sharp citrus seems to be at work, maybe a mild bergamot scent. Some feel this is a medicinal composition, but I find it crisp, subtle and refreshing – a great Spring or Summer scent. This is the least powerful scent in the Proraso line, but is certainly pleasant enough and is also reasonably distinctive.

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So I will definitely end here saying that Proraso is theoretically a Brushless cream? More or less than – any – shaving cream, but sounds right that it can be applied with hands and without brush. Clean your face with nicewarm water and a good soap. Usually, this is best done in the shower. This will make your skin and bristles nice and soft to what is coming. Proraso, unlike some shaving creams, actually benefits greatly from using a shaving brush. In fact, I’d guess it was developed with a brush in mind.

Massage the cream, gel, or oil into your face and skin right where you are going to shave, taking care to get it well into your bristles. Generally, I would take about 30 seconds. Piero invented Proraso Crema Miracolosa, a eucalyptus-based cream that could be used before a shave to soften the beard and after a shave to soothe irritation, in 1950. It’s known today as Proraso Pre/Post-Shave Cream.

The menthol effect is of moderate intensity – anyone who has used one of the modern artisanal menthol soaps like those from Stirling or Barrister & Mann will find the Proraso take to be pretty mild by comparison. Pleasant enough, but not much of a face chiller.