Q. What happens if I don't see my question?
Sorry if you don't see your question in the FAQ section. Ask us anything via email.
Q. Why is washing my face before I shave so important?
First we should understand what causes hair to be so tough. Imagine each hair having a coat of armor in the form of tiny plates that overlap each other like tile or shingles on a roof. You can’t remove that “armor” but you can soften it before you shave.
The least expensive way to soften those plates of armor is to use warm water and a little mild facial cleanser. Wash the area to be shaved thoroughly for one minute with warm water and mild facial cleanser, then rinse and continue splashing on comfortably warm water for another one to two minutes while massaging the hairs at the same time. Or if you don’t have soap, no less than 3 minutes of warm water alone will also do the trick. Now that the “armor” is saturated with moisture, it’s soft enough to shave. This is the least expensive way to accomplish this task. This is why you see professional barbers apply a hot towel to your face prior to shaving at the barber shop. Otherwise you get a very uncomfortable shave because the blade will drag and try to skip over the hairs vs. easily slicing through them.
Q. Why don't I need to use Shave Answers with a cream, foam or shaving lather?
Shaving products like creams, foam or lather have mostly water and soap in them. The basic concept of these ingredients is to keep your beard wet while you shave and provide some glide. When using shave oil to shave, you prepare your face by cleaning it with a mild facial cleanser and warm water prior to the application of the oil. This prepares your face for the shave. The goal here is to soften the hairs prior to shaving and let Shave Answers Shave Oil provide the glide you need to enjoy a great shave. If you feel any drag on the razor it is because you didn't moisten the hairs with warm water long enough, you have an old, poorly maintained razor blade or you may need just a little water splashed over the area.
Note: Warm water and mild soap is the fastest and lowest cost solution to moisturizing hair.
Q. Why don't I see BLADE BATH in the stores?
This is simple. Blade Bath makes razor blades last longer and saves you money. Retail stores don't sell as many blades if you purchased it with your razors!!
Q. Should I shave against the natural growth of my beard hair?
If there isn't irritation, go for it. Otherwise we don't suggest this but some people can get away with shaving against the growth of their hair. Initially, you should shave in the direction of the hair growth and then if you want an even better shave or missed an area, re-wet your face with a little warm water and shave at an angle or opposite to the hair growth. This may only be comfy for some skin types, but not all. Personally I shave against the growth of the hair because Shave Answers Shave Oil provides a great source of lubrication and I am sure to saturate the hairs with water prior to the shave.
Q. What is the difference between natural and organic?
Natural products like all of the Foster and Lake branded products, are derived from nature or plants vs. chemically manufactured or synthetic ingredients. Our products are formulated with no more than three ingredients, contain no alcohol or preservatives, are paraben free and without phthalates. We do not test on animals and they are blessed by an ordained shavoligist! Let's just say Foster and Lake products are safer than 95% of most products sold today.
Organic products are required to be "Certified Organic". This adds cost that would not add enough value to make you happy. Maybe, someday, cost for "Certified Organic" oils will be more affordable. When that happens, we will switch all ingredients to organic.
Q. Should I use a Double Edge (DE) or straight edge razor?
What ever floats your boat. Go for it, but we truly believe that razor technology is better today than it was 50 years ago. The razors that you buy today are superior to the ones our fathers or grandfathers used. The trend in wet shaving with straight edge razors and (DE) retro razors are cool although they have expensive start up cost, its time consuming because you have to shave slower so as not to cut yourself and most guys just want shaving to be simple, fast and without blood shed.
Q. Is shipping always free?
YES. Take advantage of this before we change our mind. It costs us about $3 to $6.00 to provide free shipping on one item but we know many expect free shipping so we make it happen on all orders over $14.00 ... for now.
Q. What ingredients do you use?
See the Ingredients page for more information. 99% of our products are made with natural or organic ingredients and we never test on animals.
Q. What if I am allergic to your ingredients?
There are very few ingredients in each of the Foster and Lake products so its unlikely and makes it easy to identify the good from the bad. Check the label for ingredients for Ingredients listed in each product. Anything on the planet could cause an allergic reaction to someone, so if you see something in our list that you know is bad for you or you think will cause you harm, don't use it.
Q. Can I use Shave Answers as a Pre-Shave Oil?
Yes. But, this is not necessary if you wash your face with warm water and a facial cleanser prior to shaving. SHAVE ANSWERS Shave Oil is intended to be used without a foam, gel or lathering shave soap over the top of it. But, if you insist, and like using a foamy lather to cover your face so you can't see where you're shaving, or if you like wasting time and money on additional unnecessary shaving products, by all means, you can use Shave Answers Shave Oil as a pre-shave oil.
Q. Can I use Shave Answers with an electric razor?
Yes, use a small amount and prepare your face as we suggest with warm water and mild facial cleanser prior to applying Shave Answers. Use only one to three drops of Shave Answers and brush clean your razor after every use.
Q. Do you sell to wholesalers or distributors?
Absolutely. Please email us at info@FosterAndLake.com to inquire about reselling Foster and Lake Products or go to the Distributor page.We would appreciate your support.
Q. I have a question that you haven't answered in the above "Frequently Asked Questions". Can you help me?
Yes. Please send us an email with any question and we will not only answer it but also include it in our FAQ section. Email us at info@FosterAndLake.com