Ecotools Powder Brush and Geo. F. Trumper
Today I again used a makeup brush as a shaving brush: the Ecotools Powder Brush. This handle, like the Bronzer Brush handle, is not well adapted to shaving-brush purposes, and it would also would be not so easily fixed. (You could simply cut the Bronzer Brush handle to a better (shorter) length.)
Still, I got a decent lather. This has the longest loft of the three brushes and the smoothest, lightest feel, but it worked. I think this one is more a novelty item, though. I would rate them: Kabuki brush: works fine, in regular rotation; Bronzer brush: works okay and worth using from time to time after shortening handle; Powder brush: interesting how soft it is, but would rarely use.
Trumper Rose soap is very nice and the lather was fine. On request, I tried the Tradere Solid Bar head (with a Gillette Rubie blade) on a Bulldog handle, this one from Weber. It works, but on the whole I prefer the regular Tradere handle.
Three passes to smoothness, a splash of Trumper Coral (rose) Skin Food, and I’m ready for the day.
I wonder if the makeup brush would work well for applying talc? I’ve been using a cheap drugstore boar shaving bush for the talc, but it’s inadequate.
Based on your reviews I’m waiting for both a Tradere solid bar razor and a copy of your book to arrive. Very much looking forward to both.
Jeff Beyea
15 November 2012 at 9:09 am
I think this would be perfect for applying talc and much better than a boar brush. And thank you for buying the book. Let me know if you have any questions as you read it.
LeisureGuy
15 November 2012 at 9:15 am
Not sure what started this exploration of make-up brushes for shaving. Did you read/hear somewhere that this was a particularly good idea?
Steve
15 November 2012 at 12:31 pm
I generally find that I prefer the original handle with my razors. I believe the manufacturer designed the head and handle to perform together and to complement one another.
fourcooks
15 November 2012 at 12:36 pm
I started this week with a goat-hair kabuki brush, and on Tuesday i explained the source of the effort. Tomorrow’s shave will reprise the winner.
LeisureGuy
15 November 2012 at 3:19 pm
Is that really Trumper’s Rose soap? – the lid shows Trumper’s Limes!!!
ChrisR
15 November 2012 at 4:24 pm
You’re absolutely right, and I wondered why the fragrance was off. 🙂 I was betrayed by lid color.
LeisureGuy
15 November 2012 at 6:29 pm
The nose knows rose!!
ChrisR
15 November 2012 at 8:09 pm