Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving Product Reviews => Topic started by: rward086 on March 29, 2009, 04:40:23 PM

Title: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: rward086 on March 29, 2009, 04:40:23 PM: So after becoming obsessed with shaving, forming a new favorite hobby, I've been buying and trying any shave product I can afford and get my hands on. While shopping at Bath and Body Works with my girlfriend, I stumbled upon C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream. I went home and did some research before I came back and bought it. In a nutshell, C.O Bigelow bought out Proraso shaving cream; which is a famous 'old school' shave cream people rave about on wet-shaving forums like TheShaveDen.com. Here is my review after using it.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigelowchemists.com%2Fimages%2Fimages_big%2Fpremiumshavelarge.jpg&hash=55a0b0a74adc57e9c7f4ef25feba0d0d33ffa92b)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fkwigibocity.com%2Fimages%2FProraso-Shave-Cream.JPG&hash=0851376ff74abd2335cfab7e123a59f2868046d1)

Ease of lathering: I've never used a premium shave cream till now. I've used Headslick, Bald Guyz Gel, Citizen Smooth, Pinuad and countless aerosol creams. I squeezed a pea sized amount of cream out of the tube (a genius way of storing shave cream) into a shave mug and worked my brush for about 2 minutes, adding water throughout. I ended up with a simply amazing and luxurious lather that lasted throughout my shave. I now know what a real lather is! O0

Life span of lather: Once I built up the proper lather, I didn't need to add anymore water while shaving my head and face. Very good!

Moisturizing: I'd have to say this was neutral. I didn't notice any good or bad difference.

Lubrication: Smooth, smooth, smooth. Enough said.

How protective?: By the quality of lather and lack of irritation after the shave, I'd rate this very high.

Scent: There is a hint of eucalyptus in the cream. I found it very refreshing, although I'm more of a fresh citrus or coconut scent kind of guy though.

Price: I paid ONLY $5 for the tube. Simply amazing for the quality of this shave cream.

Would you buy again?: More than likely.

Ease of lathering - 10/10

Life span of lather - 10/10

Moisturizing - 6/10

Lubrication - 8/10

How protective? - 9/10

Scent - 8/10

Price - 10/10

Would you buy again? 9/10

Overall: 8.8/10
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: parksie on March 29, 2009, 05:51:40 PM: Thanks for the great review! O0
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: R o b 6 on March 29, 2009, 06:30:09 PM: Great review! Sounds like it's worth a try.
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Mikekoz13 on March 30, 2009, 05:54:25 AM: Nice review.... and now on my "To Try" list........
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Tyler on March 30, 2009, 01:07:36 PM: I'll have to try it out as well!
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: RyanJP on March 30, 2009, 01:33:10 PM: That's definitely old school and one of the best.
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: rward086 on March 30, 2009, 03:36:30 PM: This shave cream has given me some of the best shaves ever. Today I made a 'super-lather' with Williams shave soap. It was nothing short of incredible.

For those of you who haven't heard of a super-lather.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N0C1cLELQo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N0C1cLELQo)
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: R o b 6 on March 31, 2009, 09:28:04 AM: Quote from: rward086 on March 30, 2009, 03:36:30 PM
This shave cream has given me some of the best shaves ever. Today I made a 'super-lather' with Williams shave soap. It was nothing short of incredible.

For those of you who haven't heard of a super-lather.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N0C1cLELQo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N0C1cLELQo)

That video shows some serious technique to master...thanks for posting. Have to give the Super-Lather a try!
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: xnewyawka on April 04, 2009, 09:50:18 AM: rward, do you need to use a shaving mug and brush when applying this cream?
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: rward086 on April 04, 2009, 09:56:46 AM: I'd say it's highly recommended. It's a luxury shave cream that comes in a squeeze tube, made for brush lathering. You'd waste the tube if you didn't use a brush to lather it. It only takes a pea sized amount to generate enough lather for 3 passes on your head and two on your face...
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: xnewyawka on April 04, 2009, 11:07:17 AM: Thanks, ward. I don't own a brush, but may try it in the future. O0
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: TANK25 on April 04, 2009, 03:33:14 PM: Good post,I have to give it a try O0
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: rward086 on April 04, 2009, 07:05:56 PM: Quote from: xnewyawka on April 04, 2009, 11:07:17 AM
Thanks, ward. I don't own a brush, but may try it in the future. O0

I'm using El Cheapo boar from Walmart that put me back about $7 ;D

It does the job considering I'm a beginner. Give it a try!
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: R o b 6 on April 04, 2009, 07:09:12 PM: Quote from: rward086 on April 04, 2009, 07:05:56 PM
I'm using El Cheapo boar from Walmart that put me back about $7 ;D

It does the job considering I'm a beginner. Give it a try!

LOL. I have the same one. Works just fine!
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: jasonfieber on April 04, 2009, 11:15:49 PM: I bought a tube of this a couple months ago and went through the whole thing. I usually use a shaving oil base (3 drops) and then Headslick over the top of that...usually a pea sized amount. I decided to buy this as a change of pace and can agree that this stuff is top notch. I didn't bother with the lather as half my hair is gone from laser treatments, I just used a pea sized amount on top of shaving oil and rubbed it in pretty good. It's two thumbs up.
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Alexander215 on April 05, 2009, 02:05:47 AM: Thanks for the review O0 I'll have to try this if I see it.
Title: Re: C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: HeadbladerBob on April 29, 2009, 01:19:39 PM: i guess I was beat to it. This shave cream leaves your dome feeling nice and cool, especially after rinsing your head with cold
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: dawgfan on July 31, 2009, 04:22:55 AM: So I decided to buy a tube of this shave cream and give it a try. I have to say that this morning was one of the best shaves I have had to date. I found this cream to be extremely smooth and the blade seemed as if it was on ice. I usually use Headslick, but this product seemed to make the old HB glide over my dome easier than ever. I used it straight out of the tube with a brush and a bowl. I'll have to give the super-lather or the uber-lather a try. Yipee, back to the store to buy more shaving products (as if I didn't have enough)!
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: rward086 on July 31, 2009, 12:05:06 PM: Don't worry dawgfan, it's a healthy addiction ;D

Glad you liked the shave cream!
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: HeadbladerBob on November 09, 2009, 09:12:09 AM: i have used it and I do like it because it leaves my dome feeling cool
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Dan-O-Mite on December 05, 2009, 02:18:50 PM: I use this cream almost daily, I add this to some soap (van der hagen deluxe or glycerin) and, unless i'm out, glycerin for some uber lather. Its great by itself and is even better in the uber or super lather technique. Its a real plus I can get it locally without having to order off the net, and its as many said, a top notch cream thats very nice and luxurious. Its pretty much recomended to have a brush for this or its just not anything special and you won't get the full effect of it. Even the el cheapo Van Der Hagen one from walmart or one from sally's beauty supply or something like that

(Warning Content Below is a rant about traditional shaving)

. Theres nothing like having a nice warm lather to brush on your face in the morning after a hot shower. Its much more enjoyable and, unless you get addicted to it and get into the hobby of it, much more cost effective in the long run. In a way it is pampering yourself and it does wonders for the skin. Sure it may take more time, but isn't your skin worth it? You only have it once... So lets review our options shall we?

A. Slaping slime out of a cold pressurized metal can on your face/head by hand to save time.

B. Getting up an extra 10-30 minutes earlier,building and applying a rich warm lather to your face/head with a brush that exfoliates, softening, and lubricating the skin thoroughly easing the hair out of the shaft a bit, and raising it up for an easier more comfortable, and depending on your technique, closer shave as well.

Be aware and consider your options gentlemen.

(End of rant)

Overall the C.O. Bigelow Cream is my daily reach for cream, but I just ordered some trumpers Violet cream, which is of the cream of the crop :) Can't wait for it to get here and try it out.
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Sly Red on December 05, 2009, 04:10:26 PM: Quote from: Dan-O-Mite on December 05, 2009, 02:18:50 PM

Overall the C.O. Bigelow Cream is my daily reach for cream, but I just ordered some trumpers Violet cream, which is of the cream of the crop :) Can't wait for it to get here and try it out.

Hear! Hear! The only dissention I have is that I like the Trumper Coconut Oil Shave Cream better. O0

Dan, doesn't your local C.O. Bigelow have the Geo F. Trumper line?

Red
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Dan-O-Mite on December 05, 2009, 10:40:06 PM: C.O. Bigelow is a line of shave cream carried by Bath and Body Works. So to answer your question thats no, and if you meant does B&BW carry trumpers, the answer is also no...atleast the one by me does not.
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Sly Red on December 06, 2009, 03:52:12 AM: Quote from: Dan-O-Mite on December 05, 2009, 10:40:06 PM
C.O. Bigelow is a line of shave cream carried by Bath and Body Works. So to answer your question thats no, and if you meant does B&BW carry trumpers, the answer is also no...atleast the one by me does not.

OK, to clarify . . . here in Chicago we have C.O. Bigelow stores (I had forgotten that B&BW carry the Bigelow line). C.O. Bigelow carrys the full C.O.B line plus lots of other men's products like the Geo F. Trumper line.

Red
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Dan-O-Mite on December 06, 2009, 11:01:36 AM: Hmm I had no idea, sure wish there was one of them around here. Although I could be mistaken, I don't see the trumpers violet cream on there site, so I don't know if it would help me much. Very cool to know that though :)
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Gambrinus on February 26, 2010, 08:05:25 AM: I bought a tube of this stuff last weekend, and I will say it is beyond awesome O0 It makes me wish I could shave more! Love the cool feel. Best shave ever. I'm hooked. I went back and bought three more tubes ( 3 for 10 bucks)
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: CraftyGuy on February 26, 2010, 08:22:31 AM: This stuff's da bomb! ;D

Much better than HeadSlick, nice scent and cool feeling - and it doesn't clog the blades much at all!

I may give Manumission Shave Gel a try (if I can ever find a local retailer that carries it), but will always have a go-to in the form of C. O. Bigelow
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Emcee on May 20, 2010, 05:46:59 PM: anyone know if they stopped carrying C.O's shaving cream at Bath & Bodyworks? gal at one near me said she thinks they stopped carrying it but didnt sound too sure. went on B&B website and it comes up out of stock :(

any suggestions for another similar traditional shaving cream? preferably one sold in a store (will take online store suggestions too tho :)) i do the ol uber lather routine, lookin for a good lathering cream and came up short on favorite C.O.
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: CraftyGuy on May 20, 2010, 05:58:20 PM: I hope not - that would totally suck!
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Emcee on May 20, 2010, 08:55:12 PM: looks like they have. rumor at this forum says theyre redoing men's line, coming back in late June / July hopefully..

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-141349.html (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-141349.html)

considering this.,

http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/prshcrhu12ki.html (http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/prshcrhu12ki.html)
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: omegapd on May 20, 2010, 11:44:46 PM: The last time I stopped in a Bath and Body Works (month ago maybe?) they even had the CO Bigelow in a canned foam to go along with the large and small tubes. Thought that was interesting...

Emcee, the Proraso tube you have linked is the same thing as the CO Bigelow so it should be just fine. I've never seen it in a huge tube like that. Pretty neat. The Proraso shaving soap is just as good as the cream, also. O0
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Emcee on May 21, 2010, 02:22:57 PM: thx, bud. just ordered me up that huge tube, think it'll last me awhile. i sure hope they get it back to B&BWs in the future as it's way more convenient than ordering online.

i recently made the mistake of trying to switch it up to Zirh shaving cream which was way too runny/not a good lather for my liking, made me instantly miss my C.O. Big. went to mall to return Zirh to Macys then to Bath and Bods to find no more tubes of the cream. just that canned foam (which i heard is butt mud by the way).
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: jamesh75 on May 21, 2010, 02:41:40 PM: I don't use the C.O. Bigelow on my head, but I do on my face. I went to two Bath and Body Works stores and was told they quit making the shave cream in the tube, and they only have the cans of foam. I bought a can and it is okay, but I don't like it as much as the tube. I may go ahead and order online while I can, in case they are discontinuing it.
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Gambrinus on May 21, 2010, 09:36:07 PM: Man I'm glad I stocked up on a 3 for 10 deal. I use it daily with a superlather of Nana June's Spearmint/Eucalyptus Glycerin shave soap. It is awesome!
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: reb123161 on July 31, 2010, 08:01:18 AM: I used the tube for the first time this morning and I agree that it was an awesome, close shave. 5 bucks was worth it. I also use Bald Guyz shave gel and love it, also.

1. Bigelow gave me a closer all around shave than Bald Guyz with 1 pass.

2. Bald Guyz stayed more moist and less re-wetting time with great results, also.

If you put those 2 in a bag and I just reached in and grabbed one, I would be completely happy with either.
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Gambrinus on July 31, 2010, 09:23:00 AM: Quote from: reb123161 on July 31, 2010, 08:01:18 AM
I used the tube for the first time this morning and I agree that it was an awesome, close shave. 5 bucks was worth it. I also use Bald Guyz shave gel and love it, also.

1. Bigelow gave me a closer all around shave than Bald Guyz with 1 pass.

2. Bald Guyz stayed more moist and less re-wetting time with great results, also.

If you put those 2 in a bag and I just reached in and grabbed one, I would be completely happy with either.

Did you use a shave brush? If not that should cure #2
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: reb123161 on August 01, 2010, 08:42:40 AM: Gambrinus, I did this morning and you are correct! The brush solved the moisture problem. Bigelow is really a great product---might be the only shave cream I will now use! Thanks for the tip, brother.
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Gambrinus on August 01, 2010, 09:31:10 AM: Not a problem. And as for an update on the availability. I stopped by B&BW the other day and they had large and small tubes.
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Rob-Raz on August 02, 2010, 07:02:27 AM: ...also adds to list of "Need to try"products.
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: Gambrinus on August 02, 2010, 08:23:41 AM: Quote from: Rob-Raz on August 02, 2010, 07:02:27 AM
...also adds to list of "Need to try"products.

Rob I would put it at the top of that list. By far the best shaving creme I have tried to-date. O0
Title: Re: Ward's Reviews - C.O Bigelow Premium Shave Cream
Post by: eric79 on January 18, 2013, 10:14:18 PM: I just tried it out yesterday C.O Bigelow is still and B&BW and it was 5 bucks for a small tube 10 for a large one. I saw that this was an old post and I just picked up so they have it back on the shelfs. It was some really good stuff and plan to keep using it. plus the had a a buy 2 products get one free going so I stocked up.

Eric