What soap/cream did you use today?

  
This was my first shave with the C4+ Cardinal Base, and it performed very well.  The scent was moderate and pleasant.
 
Brush ....  Morris & Forndran (26mm)
Soap .....  Gentleman's Nod Winston (C4+ Cardinal)
Razor ....  Enders Speed Shaver w Mild Hendrix Adapter
Blade ....  Proline B-20
Post .....  Witch Hazel (w/alcohol)
Post .....  Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum w SPF 60+
Finish ...  Wesker Histria Extrait de Parfum (2021)

Nero, about your Saponificio Varesino soaps. The first shave with one of these pucks is always a trial for me. I don’t notice any drying, but then I live in a swampy climate where I never feel dry. But I do remember that the first few shaves with a fresh Saponificio Varesino soap leave my skin tender and occasionally dappled with irritation. It’s a nuisance at first, but stick with them. I found that the performance improves with continued use, and a long bloom may help.

Thanks Bouki, I will keep with it. That is the plan.
One thing that I meant to mention, though, is that I was expecting this and the Mirto to come in the tins (I thought they all do now, but apparently not). So they give it in that clear plastic ring/container, which I don't think is watertight... And even if it is, the diameter of it doesn't match that of the soap (large gap between the soap and the walls of the container)... So blooming isn't even easy, regardless. First world problems, I know... but for $40+ each, it should be more functional from that perspective, especially since *they* themselves recommended blooming.
Regardless, I'm happy to hear from you and Zac that they improve with usage.

Nero, about your Saponificio Varesino soaps. The first shave with one of these pucks is always a trial for me. I don’t notice any drying, but then I live in a swampy climate where I never feel dry. But I do remember that the first few shaves with a fresh Saponificio Varesino soap leave my skin tender and occasionally dappled with irritation. It’s a nuisance at first, but stick with them. I found that the performance improves with continued use, and a long bloom may help. 

One thing that I meant to mention, though, is that I was expecting this and the Mirto to come in the tins (I thought they all do now, but apparently not). So they give it in that clear plastic ring/container, which I don't think is watertight... And even if it is, the diameter of it doesn't match that of the soap (large gap between the soap and the walls of the container)... So blooming isn't even easy, regardless. First world problems, I know... but for $40+ each, it should be more functional from that perspective, especially since *they* themselves recommended blooming. 

I put my loose Saponificio Varesino soaps into acacia dipping bowls. Blooming's not a problem with these, and I like the warm feel of the wood. I get mine from a local market, but I think you can pick up a set of the same bowls via Amazon for about $17. (I think they're the same size as mine.) The Saponificio Varesino pucks fit snug, though you may have to do just a little mashing. 

Tuesday February 27, 2024
Razor: Vector Titanium
Blade: Feather Pro
Brush: Stirling / Badger
Soap: Barrister & Mann Nordost
AS : Witch Hazel + Barrister & Mann Nordost
Fragrance:
Consecutive Daily Shaves - # 1,938

Now THAT is a great shave

GD Coconut Rum Mallard an all time great

Tuesday February 27, 2024
Razor: Vector Titanium
Blade: Feather Pro
Brush: Stirling / Badger
Soap: Barrister & Mann Nordost
AS : Witch Hazel + Barrister & Mann Nordost
Fragrance:
Consecutive Daily Shaves - # 1,938

Now THAT is a great shave

Thanks Dan, it was indeed !