Reddit mentions: The best eye masks

I have been wet shaving with a DE since OCT 2013. It was the best decision I have made when it comes to shaving. I will answer your questions from the things that have worked for me. Just know that everything is different for everyone. Once you find something that works stick with it for a while and change little at a time.

1a: Brush/Stand. I purchased this set just to get my feet wet with DE shaving. I liked it, but it was cheap and lacked the adjustability that I wanted. I did keep the brush and stand. I always get a great lather with the brush and it is really soft. It is just as good as when I bought it. I shave everyday that I work.

1b: Handle. I started with the cheap handle that I listed above...it was not adjustable. I wanted an adjustable and bought a Merkur Futur. I love it.

1c: Blades. This is hard to recommend to someone. Get yourself one of many sample packs. Everyone likes different blades. Just try them all out. They are cheap. I chose based on the one that I cut my self with the least while giving be the best shave. Your probably going to cut yourself. It will go away with experience. I settled on the Astra Platinum blades. They are cheap on amazon with prime shipping.

1d: Soap. I am a huge fan of Proraso Shaving Cream. I have tried them all! But they are all I have tried. A tube last me a long time. My routine is to fill up an over sized coffee cup with hot water twice from my Keurig (No hot hot water in the morning due to my apartment) and poor it into the sink. Dunk my brush in the water and shake it off lightly. Put a dime sized blob of cream on the brush and make a lather in the over sized coffee cup.

1e: Pre/After Shave. I do not use any pre shave products. I just use the lather that i make and message it onto my face. Its really hot and frothy. I have tried all of Proraso's after shave products. The only one that I liked was the blue after shave balm. It didn't dry out my face like the others. Since then I have settled on Gillette Series Sensitive Skin After Shave Gel because it leaves my face feeling great, its cheap, and the better half loves the way it smells.

2: In my experience the razor (handle) makes a huge difference. I got to the point where I was not cutting myself at all with my first handle. Then I switched. I can shave quickly and comfortably because I found the setting that I really like (number 3 on the Futur). I also really like the way the blade is put into the handle. The top of the Futur pops off rather than having to unscrew the handle to change blades.

3: I answered this in section 1c.

4: I don't have too much info on this topic. I do know not to store your brush with the bristles in the air when it is wet (a stand will prevent this). Dry your razor off the best you can after use. Rinse a brush out thoroughly after use. I use a new blade each shave.

5: When I first started with a DE I watched a couple of Michael Freedberg's to get me started. Then I just did what was best for me.

The best thing that I can recommend for you is this. Figure out why you want to change to DE shaving. We already know its a better shave than using a cartridge. For me it was to be able to use a new razor blade for every shave and not spending a lot of money for those blades. I try to do this as cheaply as possibly. I had a big initial investment on the handle but it has since paid for itself by not buying cartridges. I found what works for me early on and stuck with it. I can have the same consistent shave everyday in 10 minutes because I have had the same routine for a while now.

Retinol Purifying Charcoal Mask - The Original Retinol Treatment Detoxifies Pores, Removes Impurities & Illuminates Skin - 10 Minute Treatment Cleans & Clarifies to Reveal Soft, Radiant Complexion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BH73PCB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jbxTDbY6GZ4FK

Vassoul Blackhead Remover Mask, Peel Off Blackhead Mask - Deep Cleansing Black Mask, Bamboo Activated Charcoal Peel-Off Mask (V002) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KX6ZTQW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qdxTDbYPQVRDP

BrightJungle Under Eye Collagen Patch, 24K Gold Anti-Aging Mask, Pads for Puffy Eyes & Bags, Dark Circles and Wrinkles, with Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrogel, Deep Moisturizing Improves elasticity, 16 Pairs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RLSW2BY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nexTDb5YY8E5X

35yo, white
I have been using these guys weekly on Sundays to prepare for the week ahead. I've been super happy with them and my skin has improved along with a solid routine.

Am:
Cleanser from the dermatologist, GLY-SAL 2-2
Aloe
Hyaluronic acid from the ordinary
Vicco turmeric lotion
Sunscreen from Neutrogena
-I don't wear a lot of makeup; will only put on eye makeup. I just started with concealer bc of the dark bags under my eyes.

Pm:
Cleanse with clarins face wash in the shower. On Sundays I'll use their orange scrub to exfoliate.
Aloe
Moroccan/argan oil from the ordinary
Rose hip oil from radha
Neutrogena rapid eye wrinkle serum and then the rapid wrinkle serum (still looking for suggestions for the eyes bc that's where my wrinkles/puffiness is the worst)

I've loved reading your comments. I can hear your voice. Made me feel like I was back where I'm from rather than the preppy boring area now.

Your skin looks awesome. Thanks for starting this thread.

Cheap is fun!

This eyemask would be pretty damn useful cause I fall asleep late, so I sleep in late, but we don't have curtains for our windows yet so the bright sun always wakes me too soon haha!

This change purse is a good choice as well because I like paying with change if u can, but it's always in the bottom of my bag because my current wallet is too narrow to hold more than like 2 coins lol

Both are on my under $5 list =)

This is an EXCELLENT beginner's set. Razor, Brush, Stand. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but the brush is fantastic (I have entirely switched to this brush, over some other more "fancy" brushes) and the razor is a good weight with a good medium length. Plus, having a tidy stand is bonus points.

This is one type of soap/mug set.

And this is another soap/mug set. I personally prefer this type of bowl. It's also much heavier than it looks (I think it's ceramic). The brush is crap, though.

This is a cheap, good-smelling aftershave. But it's alcohol based, so he might not like it (stings slightly).

This gets you nearly everything for under your budget. The two items I'd say are missing are available at Wal-Mart for less than three dollars combined. You need the pre-shave oil (Shave Secret, $1.50 at my local WalMart) and a styptic pencil ($1.15 at my local WalMart).

Even after these, we're still around the $90 mark, and these items will last for literally years (except the consumables, of course).

There's your complete set, minus blades. The purchase of blades is a rather personal affair, though, and I'd recommend a sampler pack. There are literally dozens of sampler packs available. Here's one. Bear in mind, however, that most people can do three to six full shaves (i.e., the entire face) using ONE blade.

One piece of advice: If you want him to enjoy it, don't skimp on the brush. In my opinion, probably seconded by a majority of wet-shavers, the brush is going to be the single most important deciding factor for a noobie who isn't purchasing these things for himself in determining whether he likes the process or not. There's virtually no doubt that he'll like the results.

Does this help?

Honestly, some of the more comfortable-looking and aesthetically pleasing patches seem to be from creators on Etsy. Some are a lot more reasonably priced than you'd expect, too. General search, patch 1, patch 2, patch 3 – looks cool, but bit more expensive.

Amazon has some, too. I have one like this – REALLY do not recommend that style! The cheap price is nice, but it is soft and starts bending inward and pokes my ball (ow), so I imagine it will bend and press into your socket. Looks shit, too. But this other type looks super comfortable and pleasingly simple. Bit cheaper than Etsy patches, too.

What country/area are you from? That information would help figure out which companies would be easiest for you to order from. If you're from, like, South Africa trying to order from amazon.ca or amazon.com, you're going to have a lot of waiting and a lot of shipping fees, if you can even get it shipped there.

It's important to remember that you have two different issues going on - glaucoma and dry eyes. Your eyes don't hurt because of your glaucoma and the glaucoma drops are not intended to stop them from hurting.


There is more you can do to start treating your dry eyes.

1. Keep using the lubricating drops 4 times per day. You may want to try preservative free drops (they come in little vials and are more expensive but worth it) - Genteal is a good brand
   
   
2. Start using an artificial tear ointment at night - This is the best brand
   
   
3. Take fish oil supplement twice daily
   
   
4. Start warm compresses once or twice a day. NOT just a wet wash cloth. Warm up uncooked rice in a sock or get one of these
   
   
5. Ask your doc about punctal plugs
   
   I know this seems like a lot, but once they stop hurting you can cut back. There is no quick fix for dry eyes. It's super annoying but sticking with these recommendations is the only way you'll get better.
   
   With regards to your glaucoma drops -- I know it seems like a lot but it is NECESSARY if you want to be able to see when you are 100. Poor drop compliance is the #1 cause of glaucoma vision loss. Stick with it or you will regret it.
   
   Best of luck to you, friend!

Edwin Jagger DE89- $32.50. You can also get handles with different colors wit this model.

Taylor of Old Bond Streetshaving soap- $20.18(I have this it is fantastic) and you can also get different scents and creams as opposed to a hard puck of soap, just search for Taylor of Old Bond Street on Amazon

Omega Pro 48 shaving brush $15.65 good boar bristle brush as recommended by Leisureguy.

Alum block- 9.59. This will help stop any bleeding and has mild antiseptic properties. You could also get a styptic pen for about $5 but they do more or less the same thing so it's probably overkill.

I also recommend Leisureguys book for $11.00, he's also on /r/wicked_edge but there is a lot of good information in here for beginning shavers.

I would recommend you get this Ogalla Bay Rum aftershave sampler for $20.00

and finally a blade sampler- $18.00. This will give him a variety of blades to try so he can decide which ones are right for him.

Total price- $131.09, if he takes care of the razor, brush, and bowl it can last him for life. Plus it will pay for itself in savings over time given the price difference between DE blade less than 0.99 cents apiece vs ~$20.00 for four or five regular cartridges. I can also put together a cheaper kit if you are not willing to spend this much.

Brush

Razor

Razor Sampler

Cream Or Soap puck

That's all you need to start, I prefer the puck soaps, but many guys love the Proraso.

You could also get

Witch Hazel, toner for after shaving

And any aftershave you like, I prefer a splash like classic oldspice but some people like a balm.

I'm not sure if this'll be helpful, but I use these warming one-use eye masks when I fly or am having trouble getting to sleep. They heat up but since the fit of the mask isn't super tight, the temperature is perfect. They also come in various scents (rose, lavender etc). Even after the heat has dissipated, I still like them as a regular eye mask as they only have cotton rings that go over the ears and I find that much more comfortable than traditional elasticated bands on eye masks.

The same brand also do this adzuki bean mask which can be re-heated. I have it too, and while it feels lovely on, it does flop off my face when I fall asleep.

This isn’t glasses so might or might not suit your purposes, but my wife recently got me a Mindfold to help with my light sensitivity—it’s a sleep mask that is very comfortable and truly obscures 100% of light. Might be good at least for certain situations. Edit: whoops, obviously I didn’t read carefully enough! My bad.

This is my recommendation. Bare Bones Ozone Generator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007GS5L08/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_N56OwbMTXTKKP

Add a fan to that, run room by room. Shock the shit out if it. You'll be golden.

We use periodically to improve smells from our dogs and kids...

This is the BEST kit to get. Don't get many of there others, they don't produce enough ozone.

Also, run it into duct work cold air return and run fan. Make sure to air out before moving in.

Perhaps a duct cleaning, too.

I wouldn't even call the example you showed wrinkles--they just look like a natural feature of the face :) But I know finding anything like that on your own face can be alarming!

For emergencies like that, I keep a couple boxes of My Beauty Diary eye masks in the fridge. You put them under (or around, depending on the specific mask) your eyes after cleansing, and after 15 minutes or so, the skin is much plumper, smoother, and more hydrated. The masks aren't too pricey if you only use them once in a while. I have a pair of these on right now and have some of these stocked up, too.

I like the ones with 2 headstraps, like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6QNQ9Z?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf, because I don't like my ears being pinched flat again my head, or digging into the head where it meets the ear. Other than that, I also like it with something that has extra fabric over the nose and cheek, to keep out light. I bought the one linked, works pretty well so far. I'm not sure what you can get in India, but I'm giving you something to think about how you would like to use it yourself.

What about buying a few things and putting them in a basket or gift bag rather than trying to find a bundle? Pacifica has good stuff, I like their mascara, face masks, lotion, and lip balm. Target is probably the cheapest place to buy them.


Also this is cute : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L1NF3Z6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tSGFAb2GFX6RB


Maybe throw in some vegan candy like Swedish fish, skittles, etc!

ideas to go with the self care basket: a bottle of nail polish, a one month audible gift subscription ($15), a scented candle, a cooling eyemask (though I've seen these at dollar tree so if you're trying to just fluff up the gift with little extras, I think the dollar store version of this is perfectly acceptable), some calming tea/sleepytime tea (if you're trying to keep the gift more on the casual side, you could throw in a few teabags vs the whole box), some stationery/cards (if she is writing to her husband and/or seems the type). this isn't something you can put in a gift basket-- but she might benefit from checking out the app "insight timer" it has a crap ton of guided (and non guided) meditations that you can sort through by time length (so if you literally just need a 5 minute guided anti-anxiety meditation, you can find it easily).

This is the one my husband got me. I'm satisfied with it so far.
Honestly I still would have preferred to do a bit more research before buying one, but he thought he'd surprise me with it. I just didn't do a lot of research and comparisons. But as I said, this one works just fine :)

Etude House has some. I like them much better than the Kao masks. They are bigger, and have more shape to them. You get them at Jolse, Beauteque, YesStyle, and [Amazon]([Etude House] Heating Eye Mask 10pcs Lullaby Eye Patches + [VM Korea Samples] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTKQ2R8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xrX7AbWHNNV0V). Most places that carry Korean Beauty sale them.

Better yet: https://www.amazon.com/Aroma-Season-Flaxseed-Syndrome-Blepharitis/dp/B07LBL172C/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=eye+compress&qid=1569458218&s=hpc&sr=1-5

I bought these, and they are super simple and effective to use! You dont have to worry about the heat disappearing after a few minutes and having to go "heat them up" again. Just plug and play!

I like to think these have helped with dry eyes, though I've lost the habit of using them every night, but I have to get back on it!

http://www.amazon.com/Cleaning-Stainless-Steel-Mouthpiece-Lubricant/dp/B00I7UQFC2

This is 10.00$ for everything you need pax related and the 10 dollars you spend is worth it JUST for that amazing metal scraper you will be able to keep it clean all the time.

Yes! People typically keep them in the fridge to put on their face after a night out or in the morning to keep down swelling. Here's the link to what I'm talking about! Also just a great way to feel refreshed and awake. https://www.amazon.com/Therapeutic-Pearl-Eye-Assorted-Colors/dp/B00AQ0FT6Y/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524754418&sr=8-6&keywords=gel+eye+masks

https://www.amazon.com/24k-Gold-Eye-Mask-Hyaluronic/dp/B0744B9F9Y

lol I love them. Make me feel so fancy!

I agree with the other ladies. My mom decorates her eye patches like these with appliqués and such and kids seem to love them. She gets comments every time she goes out.

I had that brand but stopped working after a few months.

I got this one now

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KGXMQ7/ref=psdc_11061971_t1_B07LBL172C

which I like a little better since it holds in the moisture

Thanks, great advice. I have decided to go with these-

Merker 60 pack Double Edge Razor Blade Economy Sample Pack #1 instead, ill buy them all tomorrow or this evening.

Just make sure to clean it often. Preferably once every two weeks if you use it daily.

Also, I would invest in one of these Cleaning Kits.

The razor is a Lord L6 and the stand is a Colonel Ichabod Conk.

The brush and mug were purchased from the local Farmer's Market from a nice lady who makes homemade soaps. The soap is a disc in the mug and it is amazing. It is Bay Rum scent made with all sorts of oils and since I started using it over shave gel to shave with I have no razor burn or irritation. I am excited to do my first wet shave tomorrow!

Also, not pictured is my Pre-shave Oil, Blade Sampler, and Styptic Pencil

For light: this is a complete 100% blackout mask. You will not be able to tell if it’s noon or midnight when wearing it.

Mask Sleep Relaxation by Mindfold M... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018MQVSXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_ZeoGDb84BDHA6

For heat: open vents and take off clothes.

Three words: heated eye mask.

This one comes with a lavender sachet that you can remove if you don’t like lavender (I threw it out). I’ve had it for about 2 years and it’s one of my favorite things.

You can also buy single use disposable ones if you don’t want to mess with another usb cord while you’re on the flight.

Thanks for the advice, also just bought a small ozone generator http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007GS5L08/ref=pe_385040_127541850_TE_item

Going to make a small boxed in environment with an exhaust fan on either side to try to saturate items with ozone to remove smells.

I'm three shaves in with a DE razor.

I got this sample pack of "60" blades for $21 (they sent me 65 blades)

If you notice, it looks like they've subbed out the Lords, for the Pakistani Treet blades. I have no idea if that's good or bad.

If anyone has advice as to what to expect from the various brands, it would be appreciated.

Yup. been doing this for a couple years now, and I'll never go back. I'd also suggest if you're considering going down this road, to pick up a Razor Sampler Pack. The profiles, sharpness, materials, etc. vary from blade to blade, and you'll be much better off in the long run if you find a brand of blade that suits your beard, skin and shaving technique. FWIW, I settled on Feather blades.

Here is a cheap eyepactch if you're still interested. You can also pick them up at medical stores.

From amazon:

Razor

Brush

Blades

Soap

Bowl

Should be about $40.

Hmm.... silence may be difficult to supply. We have 3 kids (7, 4, and 2), so there's very little silence in our house.

I just ordered this set-up: the Edwin Jagger de86bl, Escali badger brush, this sample pack of blades, a styptic pencil for when the kids distract him, samples from Mystic Water and Al's Shaving, and I'm going to give him the link to your book so he can load it on his kindle app.

With all this stuff, I may have to clear a shelf off in the bathroom for him... (As a typical woman, I have about 1,257 different products taking up pretty much all the space available).

No problem! It’s all about what works for us all individually

Edit: btw, you say you lay with an ice pack over your face (my fav method).. you can actually buy ones on Amazon that have a strap that go around your head, like a sleeping mask. It is so helpful to be able to walk around, sit up, lay sideways, etc.

my only advice is dont get convex ones. theyll poke your eye out like a red ryder bb gun

https://www.amazon.com/FCAROLYN-3D-Eye-Patch-Right/dp/B07688WHV1?th=1

You should not need active efforts to keep your place odor free. Keep it clean, keep laundry done, etc. If you still have an odor issue try to figure out the source and eliminate it.

That said, something like this ozone generator will kill odors rapidly and leave your place smelling like a lightning storm in a spring meadow. It was $20 cheaper when I bought it so shop around. ;) I use it in my condo since there is no external ventilation in the kitchen and everything you cook hangs around. 15 minutes with that kills most everything. Run for a couple of hours while you are out the first time or two you use it.

What happened to your other eye? Should I get you this?

Then you'll need one of these.

My kit consists of-

Soap- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015UWUFM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2

Blade-http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NL0T1G/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1

Brush- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WR3QSG

Extra blades- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PZEHIK

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I7UQFC2?ie=UTF8&at=&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links

Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set - This is what I bought (I'm a newbie to DE shaving, I've only been doing it for little over a month). It comes with a soap, bowl, and brush that all do the job. I'm assuming this kit is on the much cheaper end of things, but you stated your budget for less fancy things and I think this is something to consider.

Also, here's the variety pack of blades that I bought: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PZEHIK?tag=acleint-20

This one turns all forms of 3D into 2D.

http://amzn.com/B00BCNKU2C

Why stop using the rift?

Easy fix

So, I've been using a DE for nine or ten months now. I like the ritual of it -- I have a little metal dish that I store my razor in, I replace the blade every other shave, I disassemble the razor and wash it and lay it out to dry on a little towel afterward -- but I also like that it basically takes me the same amount of time as it did with a (shudder) Venus.

But, as a disclaimer, even though I'm fast with it, and even though I only shave my legs once every week or two, I still sometimes think "...ahhh, it'll be a pain in the ass, I don't have time to put it together and clean it afterward and all that," and skip it. Also, because you shouldn't store the razor in the shower -- like I did with my old crappy Gillette -- touch-ups (as in "Oh crap, I missed a spot yesterday!") are more work.

I think a straight razor would have a steeper, longer learning curve, and it's definitely more work to maintain. I'm also not the most steady-handed girl in the world, so I prefer the safety razor for minimal leg-slashing.

For anyone else who's considering it, I got an Edwin Merkur razor ($33) and a variety pack of 60 blades ($18 then, now $22). I'm not even halfway through the pack of blades almost a year in, and the DE gives me a closer, smoother, less irritating shave than cartridge razors ever did.