Oh marketing

[badoingdoing]

I use Shick green razors. A simple double-bladed kind, with that strip of lubricant/lotion/whatever-it-is to make them a little nicer. Years ago, I tried all different kinds of razors, and these were the kind that gave me the least razor burn (Though I can still only shave every other day. This is a problem

Comments

[redglasses]

What do you use for aftershave? This might help with the every-other-day issue.

How much facial hair do you have left, anyway?

[badoingdoing]

I don't use aftershave. What use is it?

I have a lot less facial hair than I used to, but still some. After two days, chin-hair is probably noticeable to others, elsewhere only really noticeable to me, I think? It sucks to have to grow it out prior to electrolysis, though.

[redglasses]

It closes pores and moisturizes to reduce the damage to your skin after you've basically scraped the top layer off - basically a specialized form of skin lotion. I get significantly less razor burn if I use it, but it's also very strongly gendered and usually tries to smell 'manly', so what I've actually been using is jojoba oil (a good all-purpose moisturizing oil), which I get at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.

[flyboymike]

I use the Neutrogena triple protect lotion. It does say "men", but it is plain packaging and minimal scent. It definitely helps with skin conditioning and repairing post shave damage. You should really use something. I mean, you just scraped a blade across your face.

[badoingdoing]

I use normal skin lotion!

Also, this is becoming a lot less of a problem, luckily.

[flyboymike]

It's probably the same stuff (although mine is also SPF 20). I should have figured you were actually using something.

As for your question about male razor purchase patterns, I've got no problem using a neutral razor, which a woman might have used on her legs. It is a product used by both men and women, so the line of intent can get hazy. I'll admit, when I saw the bright color of that razor, I thought they were being marketed to women. I would not be comfortable bringing it aboard the boat with a few thousand of my closest friends.

[badoingdoing]

I guess I know that homophobia/misogyny is quite present in the military, but this makes me sad.

If an officer discourages that kind of homophobic/misogynistic behavior, does that work at all?

(I link homophobia and misogyny here because they can be very intertwined concepts, where femininity and gayness and badness are viewed as almost synonymous)

[flyboymike]

You're reading a little bit much into my comment. I'm mostly worried about giving my peers ammo for our usual good-natured ribbing. Officers can definitely help set the tone within the squadron. However, you have to both work with and live with everyone. I'm not going to sit there and make it a massive sticking point to the detriment of good order and discipline.

Also, I haven't noticed the military to be more homophobic or misogynistic than the general population. I've heard a few stupid questions asked by some people, and I've seen others openly support gay marriage on their Facebook. It's easy to see us as this great monolith of "the military", but we are individuals representing a cross section of the United States.

[badoingdoing]

That's a bit more comforting.

"Good-natured ribbing" about stuff like that, I agree, is no more homophobic than the general population, but still it's something that I and other people find to be problematic. The general population doesn't do so well with it :(

Apologies if I have offended.

[flyboymike]

No worries.