Simplicity in the Bathroom / Avoiding the Pink Tax

[gbbi_977]

I've been making some changes to my toilette routine this year to save money and live more simply - anyone else have tips to add?

- started sharing with DH on items that I would usually buy the 'pink' version of: deodorant, shaving cream [bonus: less clutter on the vanity] - avoids the 'pink tax'*

- picked a shampoo/conditioner that DH is happy with, so we can share that too (Clairol Herbal Essences if you care)

- got rid of shower gel and loofah, replaced with bars of soap (much cheaper, and don't need to keep replacing loofah - wondering how I ever got sucked into shower gel actually)

- women's biz: swapped tampons for diva cup - one off purchase of $30, saves around $100 a year

- men's biz: husband started ordering razors from Harry's - cheaper than buying from store - gets 8 blades every 3 months for $15 a quarter

- replaced hair smoothing + hair moisturizing + night face cream + makeup removal products with one product - pure argan oil - works great for all of above, and a teeny bit goes a really long way

---

*Liz Plank's "Pink Tax" video - seen it? [sorry if this is a duplicate thread - I'm new and haven't seen this discussed]. Available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfvFVAB6nn0

Basic gist: toiletries marketed at women are more expensive than functionally equivalent products marketed at men.

-

[jmusic]

I can't weigh in on many of your comments (being a 'fella' myself), but:

Soap: I've never got on well with bar soaps because they tend to leave filmy residue on my skin.  Maybe I just haven't found a good soap...

Shaving:  Harry's can't come close to using a DE razor.  I switched over myself, and pay $18 for 100 blades which would last close to a year (3-4 uses per blade).  Plus it feels pretty badass to lather up with a badger hair brush.  :)

[CheapskateWife]

Thank you for sharing the link to the Liz Plank piece.  Very informative...and now I'm pissed!

I am going to watch my local Walmart for just this sort of offense from now on.

[pagoconcheques]

- men's biz: husband started ordering razors from Harry's - cheaper than buying from store - gets 8 blades every 3 months for $15 a quarter

Seriously?  Grow a beard.  Trim it every two or three weeks using the mustachian hair clippers you already own.  Cost: $0.  After all, it's the 'stache way taken to its logical completion. 

[NotJen]

Is shower gel that much more expensive?  I stock up at Bath & Body Works 75% off sale most years - 4 bottles for $10 last me over a year. I know I used to spend more than that on my XH's soap.

I scored 1/2 off deoderant at my grocery store's discount table earlier this year. That was exciting.

I've never used makeup, tons of savings there.

I also never wash my face with anything special - only water. I have to use a couple pumps of moisturizer every winter.

I need to start comparing men's razors and shaving cream prices instead of just grabbing the pink versions, though.

[Jersey Brett]

yes, double edged razor, why would you not? Besides the cost all that stupid plastic waste...

[Mr. Green]

I'm a lazy shaver, once every 4-7 days, because shaving frequently tears my skin up. I think I've used the same disposable razor blade for close to 6 months. It helps if the razor is kept in a spot where the blade doesn't stay wet.

[The_Crustache]

I use bar soap together with a loofah. It makes my bar of soap last 2x longer, because instead of using the soap, you use the suds on the loofah.
Also my girlfriend when she shaves uses cheap hair conditioner instead of shaving cream. She says because it is 1) super cheap 2) you get way more per bottle than a can of shaving cream 3) it allows you to get a closer shave 4) it moisturizes while you shave.

[swick]

There is a HUGE thread on all things Lady related here you might want to check out. http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/lady-staches/

[GetItRight]

I'm a lazy shaver, once every 4-7 days, because shaving frequently tears my skin up. I think I've used the same disposable razor blade for close to 6 months. It helps if the razor is kept in a spot where the blade doesn't stay wet.

I shave about 5 days a week, give or take a day. Using up some disposable dual blade razors someone gave me, seem to last about 2-3 weeks. normally use gilette 3 blade and the blades last me anywhere from 1-3 months. Important thing is blow the water off of it and store it somewhere dry. I also strop the blades against jeans a couple times a week, helps to last longer that way. I'm amazed how many blades some guys go through.

[jmusic]

One of our besties uses double edged razor blades, the good ol' fashioned way. He raves about it! But so far, DH isn't interested in making the switch. I've heard it takes a bit longer, at least at first, although that's part of the appeal for our friend. Says it's a relaxing routine.

I made the switch quite seamlessly after watching a Youtube video or two (and I'm only about two months into it).  I probably cut myself less than my old Mach 3s, just had a few "less than optimal" shaves at first.  What I hear is that the different blade brands can make a difference depending on individual skin/facial hair types.

It does take a bit longer, but I do enjoy the routine as well. 

[Kris]

Seriously?  Grow a leg beard.

FTFY

[PJ]

Look into rock crystal deodorant, if you haven't already tried them.  Supposed to kill the bacteria that causes the smell, rather than stopping the sweating or covering it up with perfume.  Even at the health food store, where many things are more expensive, they only cost about the same as a good brand of antiperspirant at full price, but they last SO much longer.  I think they work just as well, although they work best if I use them consistently, rather than switching back and forth between crystal and traditional stick.  One downside is that you may still sweat heavily if doing the kind of activities that would make you sweat, but only in very extreme cases have I noticed any increase in smell, and that's on occasions when my traditional antiperspirant wouldn't have coped perfectly either. 

[PMG]

I'm also a rock crystal deo user. Three years now.  There was a smelly transition phase for me when I switched from the (no longer effective) mainstream antiperspirant to the crystal. After about two weeks things cleared up nicely and I've been more than happy.  I even used it during a couple summers of roof construction.  It was an odd experience to get used to sweating again after so many years of antiperspirants.   I love that there isn't residue, my clothing lasts longer because it doesn't get stains and build up from the deo.

I second the motion for bar soap.

And how about just using less product. A little less shampoo. A small dab of toothpaste.

I use an old timey double edge razor and bar soap for leg shaving.

I dye my hair (oh vanity) with henna.  Love love love henna. So soft. Smells good. Soothing. Cost about $16 for a pound of powder that's lasted more than two years.

[okits]

Seriously?  Grow a leg beard.

FTFY

*dies laughing*

But seriously, in the winter, if no one is seeing your legs anyway...

[Emilyngh]

Seriously?  Grow a leg beard.

FTFY

*dies laughing*

But seriously, in the winter, if no one is seeing your legs anyway...

Or, even in the summer when they are...

[wtjbatman]

Seriously?  Grow a leg beard.

FTFY

*dies laughing*

But seriously, in the winter, if no one is seeing your legs anyway...

Or, even in the summer when they are...

Explains the increase in sasquatch sightings.

[Emilyngh]

Seriously?  Grow a leg beard.

FTFY

*dies laughing*

But seriously, in the winter, if no one is seeing your legs anyway...

Or, even in the summer when they are...

Explains the increase in sasquatch sightings.

Ah-ha-ha-ha.    Women with hair on their legs are like sasqutch, vs men with hair on their legs (or even faces) are just.....people.   Hil-ar-i-ous.

[wtjbatman]

Seriously?  Grow a leg beard.

FTFY

*dies laughing*

But seriously, in the winter, if no one is seeing your legs anyway...

Or, even in the summer when they are...

Explains the increase in sasquatch sightings.

Ah-ha-ha-ha.    Women with hair on their legs are like sasqutch, vs men with hair on their legs who are just...people.   Hil-ar-i-ous.

Sensitive. Might I recommend a different shaving cream? Oh wait... :)

[matimeo]

First of all, I don't understand how anyone thinks that using bar soap is preferable to body wash and a loofah. Bar soap leaves such a nasty residue on the skin. I used to save a lot by just using cheap shampoo as my body wash and shampoo.

However, if you really want to do it the best way, consider dropping soap and shampoo completely.  I read about this on these forums about a year ago and did a little research. I have been bathing every day for the last year by just rinsing with water and scrubbing with the loofah. Amazingly, I have less BO and better skin. My theory is that frequent soaping and shampooing just stimulates the skin to produce more oil and kills beneficial bacteria, leaving you exposed to the stuff that will make you stink. If you let the body create a healthy flora of healthy bacteria, you actually end up healthier.

[Redstone5]

I've found that regular waxing of my underarms was the hardest personal grooming expense to give up. I miss the smooth results that last for weeks at a time. I'm going to check out the blade recommendations on this thread.

I stopped using shaving cream and just use the cheapest hair conditioner I can buy. It works better for me than the shaving cream and less expensive.

I've stopped reading fashion and beauty blogs since they make me want to splurge on expensive products I don't need. Saved lots of money :)

[ChrisLansing]

yes, double edged razor, why would you not? Besides the cost all that stupid plastic waste...

Why would you not?   Let me count the ways. 

1. DE blades tend to cut much more frequently than the multi-blade disposables.    I don't know about you, but I don't care for the "bits of TP on the face to stop the bleeding" look.   

2. In a (largely fruitless) effort to prevent nicks and cuts, we must slather our faces with shaving cream, which isn't cheap.    Badger hair brushes and personalized shaving mugs are just spendy paraphernalia.   

3. Some of us are old enough that DE razors (and straight razors) were all there was when we started shaving.   The "old school" ways always seem to attract some young people, but old school isn't always so well thought of by those of us who already graduated from the old school.   

I've found an electric razor lets me shave in about 3 minutes, with no lotions or potions or paraphernalia and no wasted plastic handles.   

I sometimes use my Magnum 5 razor when I want a really close shave.  The handle is separate so just the blades are being consumed/wasted.    The blades aren't cheap, which is why I use the electric most days.       

You'd have to pay me a huge amount of money to ever go back to the nasty nasty DE razors.   

[KBecks2]

Suave soap, $1.50, Suave conditioner, $1.50.  Don't shave legs much, use DH's razor on underarms.  A bottle of basic face moisturizer lasts forever, and I'm down to one lipstick and two lip glosses, a tube of Great Lash, and drugstore mineral makeup.  Bare nails.   I cut my own hair.  We have a million tubes of sunscreen that I will start to work through this summer.

[RetiredAt63]

Sorry, I know this is almost off topic.

Pink tax - John Malloy made the same point about women's clothes years ago when he wrote his Dress For Success book for men and then another one for women.  He was shocked at how expensive and how shoddy women's clothes were compared to men's - he ended up doing as direct comparisons as he could manage.  I have also seen the same issue for dry cleaning (men's shirts <women's blouses, even though the only difference is which side the buttons are on), and of course basic hair cuts.

Somewhere (Judge Judy's book? don't really remember) I saw a story of a female judge who ended up getting a male colleague to take her judicial gear in for dry cleaning, because the dry cleaners charged less based on him bringing the items in, compared to her. Same items.

Back to the topic - I find which soap I use really matters, in terms of rinsing well.  A good soap doubles as shave cream if you shave after your shower (hair is softer) while still in the shower (easy to rinse).  I use a honey-glycerine soap, since regular soaps seem to take forever to rinse off.  I tend to use way too much body soap since it is harder to estimate how much is right.  I don't really like it, I don't feel as clean and I go through it fast.  A bar of soap, allowed to properly dry after each use, lasts a long time.

[Sibley]

I don't use bar soap all the time. Really, a good rinse with water takes care of most of it. Regularly wash my face, underarms, and feet, the rest is (maybe) once a week. My skin gets too dry otherwise. Body wash is a little less drying, but not worth the extra cost to me.

I took a good look at the women's vs. men's deodorant last time I was out. The were the same price, but the men's had a full ounce more. I got the men's.

Also recently cut the frequency of washing my hair in half. It's working great so far, though summer may be interesting. Using half the shampoo (less actually because I also cut my hair short), and since my hair isn't being dried out so much I need less conditioner as well. Next time I need shampoo/conditioner, I'll take a look at the men's vs. women's prices on that as well. No objections to a dark grey bottle!

[I'm a red panda]

Somewhere (Judge Judy's book? don't really remember) I saw a story of a female judge who ended up getting a male colleague to take her judicial gear in for dry cleaning, because the dry cleaners charged less based on him bringing the items in, compared to her. Same items.

How did that not result in a lawsuit... talk about sex-based discrimination.


We switched from body wash to Dove soap. It's technically not soap, but a "beauty bar" so it leaves the skin feeling soft.  Husband and I use the same stuff. There are cheaper options out there, but I mostly feel good about less plastic waste.

[getgoing]

I don't use shampoo, conditioner, or soap (except when washing hands!). When I first stopped using shampoo (in 2008), I got a few complements on how nice my hair was, but aside from that, I've been comment-free.

I do use aloe vera gel as a hair gel, but since I'm growing out my hair that won't be needed for too much longer. I also use a mix of neem oil, tea tree oil, and safflower oil on my face as a moisturizer. Face has never been in better condition since I was a teen.

[TheOldestYoungMan]

Back before I started regularly shaving my head, my barber would use a straight razor to give me a quick hot shave at the end of my haircut.  He just threw it in, no charge.  The total haircut was $3.00.  That place was totally packed all the time.

But he could shave my face, neck, and the back of my neck in less than 30 seconds with that thing.  And it'd be such a close shave that I didn't have to shave the next day (my everything is thick enough that I'm lucky to not sport a 5 o'clock shadow as I walk away from the mirror).

I've always wanted to try a straight razor, but people I trust, like my dad, grandpa, and some friends, have all told me the same thing, razor technology has absolutely advanced.  It's not a sales gimmick until you get past 3 blades.  The same amount of care = more cuts on your face.  The barber can do what he does because he's spent 50 years doing it for 8 hours a day.

But I have heard that the old-fashioned shaving cream you mix up yourself in a coffee cup or whatever is incredibly cheap for a year's supply.  Like, 1/100th of the cost of canned cream.

[Jersey Brett]

I'll play Chris.

I never cut myself with DE, never; but I also warm my face with hot towel and use shaving oil (usually). I can't use electric because it doesn't work on my neck, just rolls right over it doing nothing.

I buy super fancy expensive shaving cream yes, but I get the compressed kind. I put a tiny amount in a bowl and whip it up with badger hair brush for nice foamy warm shaving cream. One $22 tub should last a year.

[I'm a red panda]

I do use aloe vera gel as a hair gel, but since I'm growing out my hair that won't be needed for too much longer.

I've found aloe vera (we use No Ad) to be more expensive than hair gel. 

What kind do you get that it costs less?  Or do you grow your own?

[Ricky]

I haven't used razors in probably 3 years (on my face). A small electric trimmer does the job for me. The straight up trimmer with no attachment gets acceptably close. What's the point in getting as close as possible when stubble grows back within 8 hours anyway? Plus, completely clean shaven just isn't natural.

I couldn't imagine paying for razors.

Also, for me, a bottle of shampoo lasts months so it's like a cost of $1 a month for a convenience that I value. Just decrease the amount you use per wash. Same with soap. Doesn't make over a $50 difference a year for me so I don't worry about petty things like that.

[killingxspree]

hmm... I 'share' the razor in the bathroom with my boyfriend... when hes not looking ;)

[Jersey Brett]

I also have clippers which saves on haircuts AND shampoo. (that stuff is expensive!)

[Gin1984]

Seriously?  Grow a leg beard.

FTFY

*dies laughing*

But seriously, in the winter, if no one is seeing your legs anyway...

Or, even in the summer when they are...

Explains the increase in sasquatch sightings.

Ah-ha-ha-ha.    Women with hair on their legs are like sasqutch, vs men with hair on their legs who are just...people.   Hil-ar-i-ous.

Sensitive. Might I recommend a different shaving cream? Oh wait... :)

Or maybe you just were not funny.  I found it rude as well. 

[RetiredAt63]

This was a long time ago - and I think there were discrimination lawsuits.  I believe (we need a lawyer here) that now a company cannot do differential charging for what is basically the same thing - but change your packaging and target audience (like the deodorants) and it sees to still be OK.  Of course there is still lots of deceptive marketing - change the container size (smaller) without dropping the price - most people won't notice, at least while they are actually shopping.  I used to think that when everyone had a handy calculator with them (i.e. cell phone app) that there would be more shopping by unit price, but that hasn't happened either. (I am a shopping unit price geek, I used to carry a little calculator with me so I could calculate unit price, before cell phones and before the stores had to post it).

And lets face it, so much of what is out there is simply the same old whatever, repackaged.  Especially if they can convince people that something is more convenient or time-saving. Shave cream in an aerosol can, for example - can we list all the things wrong with that?

Somewhere (Judge Judy's book? don't really remember) I saw a story of a female judge who ended up getting a male colleague to take her judicial gear in for dry cleaning, because the dry cleaners charged less based on him bringing the items in, compared to her. Same items.

How did that not result in a lawsuit... talk about sex-based discrimination.


We switched from body wash to Dove soap. It's technically not soap, but a "beauty bar" so it leaves the skin feeling soft.  Husband and I use the same stuff. There are cheaper options out there, but I mostly feel good about less plastic waste.

[RunHappy]

My SO and I share some products too.  We buy Dial liquid soap and the same shampoo/conditioner.  We buy the big bottle and it lasts a very long time since I wash my hair every 4-5 days (sometimes longer if he's traveling). 

I started buying single blade disposable razors from the men's section years ago when I realized they were cheaper.  I go through 1 a week so a 20 pack lasts 20 weeks.

I use a hot wash cloth to remove my makeup and olive oil yo remove eye makeup.

Right now I'm looking at different makeup brands because the one I use freaks me out (for a weird reason).  I still wear it but not everyday like I used to. 

Every Christmas I get enough lotion as gifts (sometimes soap) to last a year.  I still have 3 bars of soap that came in a gift set. 

[dcheesi]

yes, double edged razor, why would you not? Besides the cost all that stupid plastic waste...

I haven't tried a straight razor, but I've read that individual blades tend to dull relatively quickly? I've gotten to the point where I can get up to six months out of a single Fusion cartridge, so the waste factor is not really significant.

Of course I realize that safety-razor blades are dirt cheap, so it may be a wash in terms of cost, but I have to think that I'm probably coming out ahead in terms of environmental impact. Unless of course those blades last longer than I think?

BTW Electrics just don't cut it for me (no pun); they never seem to shave close enough. I have coarse dark hair and pasty white skin, so even a slight stubble shows up terribly. Even with a perfect shave I look like I have a 5 o'clock shadow; with an electric, it looks like I forgot to shave at all that day.

I actually use a fairly cheap body wash as my "shaving cream" (and as body wash, obviously). Does the job well, and washes off clean with no foamy residue on me or on shower surfaces.

[I'm a red panda]

This was a long time ago - and I think there were discrimination lawsuits.  I believe (we need a lawyer here) that now a company cannot do differential charging for what is basically the same thing - but change your packaging and target audience (like the deodorants) and it sees to still be OK. 

Oh, I totally get the pink tax thing for essentially the same products with different scents. I'd bet there are some differences in costs- advertising etc of products to women than men too, so possibly the margins aren't the same and companies "need" to do this.

But when the same clothes get dropped off by a man they are charged less than when they are dropped off by a woman- that is straight out discrimination.  I was ONLY refering to the dry cleaning example.

[Boganvillia]

Definitely had noticed the pink tax in operation in the deodorant and shaver categories, and had responded accordingly by buying the men's products, which also simplifies and rationalizes our shared bathroom cabinet. Gratifying to have the research back up my hunch.

I have also noticed men's grooming products are starting to have posh varieties on offer at more expensive pricepoints (as with beer), as women having long experienced for their toiletries. Can anyone in marketing FMCG confirm this?

[MonkeyJenga]

I've known about this since college and switched to basic men's shaving cream, but for some reason never thought to do the same for shampoo. I'll have to look at the unit cost this weekend, I just ran out.

[Nudelkopf]

I do use aloe vera gel as a hair gel, but since I'm growing out my hair that won't be needed for too much longer.

I've found aloe vera (we use No Ad) to be more expensive than hair gel. 

What kind do you get that it costs less?  Or do you grow your own?

You can BUY aloe vera?? Like, in a tube?

[smalllife]

DE safety razor for me and the SO, bar of soap for all cleaning and shaving needs (real soap is MUCH more effective than el cheapo soap). Share toothpaste and shampoo - bulk fill up from the health food store. My conditioner is diluted apple cider vinegar.  Gave up mascara two years ago. Diva cup and the stone deodorant - saves a lot of money each year.  I cut my own hair. My pink tax is mostly limited to quality clothing and shoes, which isn't too bad. The SO uses conditioner, tube deodorant, and  gets his hair cut at a salon, so we're pretty even actually.

[norabird]

I've just found buying in bulk at costco on this stuff to be very helpful. I do think after I finish their shower gel I'm going to stick with the more luxe kind, as it makes me feel better to use, but I employ it sparingly. I save the bar soap for the sink--it really does last so. much. longer. than liquid hand soap.

[sunday]

I find bar soap to not only leave a film on my skin, but also the shower. Since switching to shower gel, I have to clean my shower less.

[Philo Beddoe]

yes, double edged razor, why would you not? Besides the cost all that stupid plastic waste...

Why would you not?   Let me count the ways. 

1. DE blades tend to cut much more frequently than the multi-blade disposables.    I don't know about you, but I don't care for the "bits of TP on the face to stop the bleeding" look.   

2. In a (largely fruitless) effort to prevent nicks and cuts, we must slather our faces with shaving cream, which isn't cheap.    Badger hair brushes and personalized shaving mugs are just spendy paraphernalia.   

3. Some of us are old enough that DE razors (and straight razors) were all there was when we started shaving.   The "old school" ways always seem to attract some young people, but old school isn't always so well thought of by those of us who already graduated from the old school.   

I've found an electric razor lets me shave in about 3 minutes, with no lotions or potions or paraphernalia and no wasted plastic handles.   

I sometimes use my Magnum 5 razor when I want a really close shave.  The handle is separate so just the blades are being consumed/wasted.    The blades aren't cheap, which is why I use the electric most days.       

You'd have to pay me a huge amount of money to ever go back to the nasty nasty DE razors.

I have to agree with the above. I switched to electric razors over 20 years ago due to zero razor burn but really wanted to try the whole DE razor thing and see what the hype was about (being just a bit too young to have started with them.) So, I invested (they're not cheap) in a very nice razor and blades from maybe 15 different manufacturers (I too have heard the brand argument.)

What I can say is, while the romance of the old ways is nice, razors have come a long way! I very quickly switched back. Anyone who says they never get cut with a DE is bullshitting. It's very easy to get cut, and not very easy to get a close shave if you have a thick beard. And I'm not going to support the slaughter of fucking badgers so I can get a close shave.

I shave my head too, and for that I use a 5-blade fusion. The difference between a Fusion and a DE is so great it's comical. And...like someone else said, I can get over 6 months out of one 5-blade head. Think about it...the leading blade dulls the fastest, then the one behind it takes over...times five.

+1 or +2 or whatever on the crystal deodorant. I buy one stick per year maybe and it does the trick (even when I did construction in hot weather.)

Also, while I think it's great some of you women have caught on, I also find it comical that companies have discovered how easily swayed women customers are. It's really hilarious that women fell for the "women's deodorant" isn't it? Do you really think you sweat differently than men?

I'm getting peppered with rocks here....so I'm out.

[meg_shannon]

yes, double edged razor, why would you not? Besides the cost all that stupid plastic waste...

Why would you not?   Let me count the ways. 

1. DE blades tend to cut much more frequently than the multi-blade disposables.    I don't know about you, but I don't care for the "bits of TP on the face to stop the bleeding" look.   

2. In a (largely fruitless) effort to prevent nicks and cuts, we must slather our faces with shaving cream, which isn't cheap.    Badger hair brushes and personalized shaving mugs are just spendy paraphernalia.   

3. Some of us are old enough that DE razors (and straight razors) were all there was when we started shaving.   The "old school" ways always seem to attract some young people, but old school isn't always so well thought of by those of us who already graduated from the old school.   

I've found an electric razor lets me shave in about 3 minutes, with no lotions or potions or paraphernalia and no wasted plastic handles.   

I sometimes use my Magnum 5 razor when I want a really close shave.  The handle is separate so just the blades are being consumed/wasted.    The blades aren't cheap, which is why I use the electric most days.       

You'd have to pay me a huge amount of money to ever go back to the nasty nasty DE razors.

I have to agree with the above. I switched to electric razors over 20 years ago due to zero razor burn but really wanted to try the whole DE razor thing and see what the hype was about (being just a bit too young to have started with them.) So, I invested (they're not cheap) in a very nice razor and blades from maybe 15 different manufacturers (I too have heard the brand argument.)

What I can say is, while the romance of the old ways is nice, razors have come a long way! I very quickly switched back. Anyone who says they never get cut with a DE is bullshitting. It's very easy to get cut, and not very easy to get a close shave if you have a thick beard. And I'm not going to support the slaughter of fucking badgers so I can get a close shave.

I shave my head too, and for that I use a 5-blade fusion. The difference between a Fusion and a DE is so great it's comical. And...like someone else said, I can get over 6 months out of one 5-blade head. Think about it...the leading blade dulls the fastest, then the one behind it takes over...times five.

+1 or +2 or whatever on the crystal deodorant. I buy one stick per year maybe and it does the trick (even when I did construction in hot weather.)

Also, while I think it's great some of you women have caught on, I also find it comical that companies have discovered how easily swayed women customers are. It's really hilarious that women fell for the "women's deodorant" isn't it? Do you really think you sweat differently than men?

I'm getting peppered with rocks here....so I'm out.

So you say something sexist and bow out....very brave. It's not funny. Women aren't a monolith, nor are men, or any other group. There's a lot more variation between two individual women (or men) than there is between men and women as a whole. People in general fall for marketing gimmicks. I'm sure that as readers of MMM we all have multiple examples of individuals of many demographic groups spending extra money due to advertising and marketing.

[rocketpj]

I stopped using shaving cream 20 years ago when I ran out on a backpacking trip and realized that just shaving right as I get out of the shower works as well and feels better.

[Squirrel away]

Damn. I just realised that I bought a new can of deodorant spray the other day when I meant to try one of those crystal ones. I will have to write a reminder for myself for when the can runs out next time.

I use soap on my face and then some type of oil. It seems to work well. I can't be bothered with all these serums etc... women have to buy.:)

I just use one of my husband's spare razors in the packs he buys. My hair on my legs is quite fine so I find one razor last for absolutely ages. We both use a cheap bottle of baby lotion or cocoa butter to shave with.