In the spirit of keep it simple, I've been very pleasantly surprised by CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo. My dermatologist noted how improved my scalp is since I started using it. Gentle without stripping the hair/scalp. It's cheap, so certainly worth a try if you are looking at alternatives.
My brother led me to CeraVe after he struggled for years with rosacea. He has found success with their entire line. Something to consider if you find one of their products works for you.
They are great. Character, durability and reasonable. Looks like Williams-Sonoma has them now. I’d get them from a place like that so you know you’re getting the legit ones. There’s a Duralex stamp in the bottom of the glass.
- After years of the Deodorant Shuffle, a combo 4 or 5 spritzes of sanitizer spray (I use Bronners) to kill what bacteria is there and a hundred swipes of a wet alum block (https://maggardrazors.com/products/osma-tradition-alum-block-post-shave-astringent-100g) made me throw away all my sticks. Natural, effective, and the alum block should last you a year.
- If you want to elevate your coffee, get your hands on a Cafelat Robot espresso maker. Manual, built to outlast your grandkids, handmade in England, makes stunningly good espresso. Supply can be tough, but get on the notification list at Prima Coffee (USA) or Cafune (Montreal, my recc--the US dollar is strong and their customer service is incredible): https://cafune.ca/products/cafelat-robot-barista-model
You beat me to it, Casey - can't recommend the Merkur 34C more - game changer - you do a lot to pay attention and offer thoughtful guidance, Dominic - bring that to your shave game, my friend - totally worth it - and for my fellow eczema brothers out there - I skip the soap and brush and use water and a bit of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - works just as well and you get all the benefits of the skin protection, etc. - side note - also heavily endorse and second Chris' Duralex recommendation - stylish and indestructible (meaning kid tested)
Great list. If you want yet another rabbit hole to spend stupid money on, I switched my shaving routine to a DE razor a number of years ago. My picks for the best setup on the planet: Blackland Blackbird razor, Feather razor blades, Simpson Chubby 2 Super Badger brush, Martin de Candre Fougere soap, Proraso alum block, L’Occitane Cade aftershave balm
Hey, great to see you! Thanks for this. I always appreciate your recs.
Man, I went down the DE razor rabbit hole many years ago (still have my kit!). My skin always felt too sensitive, but maybe it was a technique issue or a hump I just had to get over. Always loved how my face felt after that close shave though.
Great list. Would also recommend the Salt and Stone Deodorant Gel. The Bergamot & Hinoki + Santal & Vetiver are my go-tos which smell amazing, natural, good for sensitive pits and doesn’t leave stains on shirts.
Caveat: Make sure you get the deodorant gel NOT the extra strength version as that one will leave stains on your clothes.
I tried the Cerave lotion + SPF but it didn't stick (or rather, the white cast stuck too much). Have since tried Neutrogena Ultra Sheer plus a moisturizer and have been very pleased with both the price and the result. La Roche-Posay Anthelios and EltaMD UV are fancier options, I've been told
SHAMELESS plug for Kent combs: have multiple sizes for travel, feel so good against the scalp. I didn't bring it one trip (never again) and had to settle for a gas station one. Felt like torture on the scalp comparatively. Handmade in England, cheap as hell for what you're getting. Love it.
In the spirit of keep it simple, I've been very pleasantly surprised by CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo. My dermatologist noted how improved my scalp is since I started using it. Gentle without stripping the hair/scalp. It's cheap, so certainly worth a try if you are looking at alternatives.
My brother led me to CeraVe after he struggled for years with rosacea. He has found success with their entire line. Something to consider if you find one of their products works for you.
I really like the new CeraVe shampoo. I know shampoo and conditioner in one isn’t cool but I like that version best.
Thanks, Grant! I’ll order this and try it out.
Available at virtually any store as well. Best of luck...
For protein bars, I get the IQ Bars at Costco. The texture is wonderful and they taste great!
Thanks, Jonathan! I'll check these out.
I recommend Duralex glasses for water, wine and espresso size and Eos lip balm.
I’m actually in the market for new water glasses, so perfect timing. Thanks for the recs! I always appreciate these.
They are great. Character, durability and reasonable. Looks like Williams-Sonoma has them now. I’d get them from a place like that so you know you’re getting the legit ones. There’s a Duralex stamp in the bottom of the glass.
A few unsolicited reccs:
- Been using shampoo bars for a few years now. After a few weeks of adjustment, my hair and scalp never felt better, no conditioner required. I'm a sucker for an Ohio company: https://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/collections/natural-shampoo-bars.
- After years of the Deodorant Shuffle, a combo 4 or 5 spritzes of sanitizer spray (I use Bronners) to kill what bacteria is there and a hundred swipes of a wet alum block (https://maggardrazors.com/products/osma-tradition-alum-block-post-shave-astringent-100g) made me throw away all my sticks. Natural, effective, and the alum block should last you a year.
- I second all my fellow shave nerds that recommend switching to DE (though I use a Braun electric when I travel). Merkur 34C HD (https://maggardrazors.com/products/merkur-34c-hd-chrome-heavy-duty-closed-comb-de-safety-razor), a Muhle synthetic or Simpsons badger brush (https://muhleshaving.com/collections/vegan-fibre-shaving-brushes/products/classic-small-olive-wood-silvertip-fiber-shaving-brush), a blade sampler to find what works for you (https://maggardrazors.com/collections/blades/products/double-edge-razor-blade-sampler-12-brands-75-blades), any soap that smells good (https://maggardrazors.com/collections/soaps-creams/products/martin-de-candre-original-artisan-shaving-soap-200g), and Fine Snake Bite aftershave (tons of menthol freeze, no lasting scent). you'll leave the bathroom feeling like the love-child of Cary Grant and Don Draper
- Bohemian Reves incense. Desert Fleur slaps. https://bohemianreves.com/collections/hand-rolled-botanical-incense-sticks
- If you want to elevate your coffee, get your hands on a Cafelat Robot espresso maker. Manual, built to outlast your grandkids, handmade in England, makes stunningly good espresso. Supply can be tough, but get on the notification list at Prima Coffee (USA) or Cafune (Montreal, my recc--the US dollar is strong and their customer service is incredible): https://cafune.ca/products/cafelat-robot-barista-model
Thanks for this, Casey! A bunch of stuff in here I was not familiar with.
You beat me to it, Casey - can't recommend the Merkur 34C more - game changer - you do a lot to pay attention and offer thoughtful guidance, Dominic - bring that to your shave game, my friend - totally worth it - and for my fellow eczema brothers out there - I skip the soap and brush and use water and a bit of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - works just as well and you get all the benefits of the skin protection, etc. - side note - also heavily endorse and second Chris' Duralex recommendation - stylish and indestructible (meaning kid tested)
Great list. If you want yet another rabbit hole to spend stupid money on, I switched my shaving routine to a DE razor a number of years ago. My picks for the best setup on the planet: Blackland Blackbird razor, Feather razor blades, Simpson Chubby 2 Super Badger brush, Martin de Candre Fougere soap, Proraso alum block, L’Occitane Cade aftershave balm
Hey, great to see you! Thanks for this. I always appreciate your recs.
Man, I went down the DE razor rabbit hole many years ago (still have my kit!). My skin always felt too sensitive, but maybe it was a technique issue or a hump I just had to get over. Always loved how my face felt after that close shave though.
Fair point. If you ever get curious again, I’ll note the Blackland Blackbird has a titanium version. Just sayin..
Great list. Would also recommend the Salt and Stone Deodorant Gel. The Bergamot & Hinoki + Santal & Vetiver are my go-tos which smell amazing, natural, good for sensitive pits and doesn’t leave stains on shirts.
Caveat: Make sure you get the deodorant gel NOT the extra strength version as that one will leave stains on your clothes.
https://www.saltandstone.com/en-au/products/natural-deodorant-gel?srsltid=AfmBOorHe-jXug0gyCU62yBinWz2_trgg6uJNTyuRKw9O_fZZZKWDMgY
By the way, do you have a shaving cream recc? Any travel stuff?
I tried the Cerave lotion + SPF but it didn't stick (or rather, the white cast stuck too much). Have since tried Neutrogena Ultra Sheer plus a moisturizer and have been very pleased with both the price and the result. La Roche-Posay Anthelios and EltaMD UV are fancier options, I've been told
SHAMELESS plug for Kent combs: have multiple sizes for travel, feel so good against the scalp. I didn't bring it one trip (never again) and had to settle for a gas station one. Felt like torture on the scalp comparatively. Handmade in England, cheap as hell for what you're getting. Love it.
https://a.co/d/0gIGeVmO