Proraso vs Taylor of Old Bond Street: Finding Your Signature Shave
If you’ve finally made the leap to traditional wet shaving, congratulations. You’ve already taken the biggest step toward saving your skin by throwing away those drying, chemical-filled aerosol foam cans. But now comes the real question: what should you use instead? For guys looking to upgrade their morning routine, the conversation almost always comes down to two legendary names: Proraso and Taylor of Old Bond Street (TOBS).
Proraso is the beating heart of the classic Italian barbershop—an affordable, fast-lathering, incredibly refreshing daily driver. Taylor of Old Bond Street, on the other hand, is pure British luxury—a thick, rich, heavily scented cream designed to turn a rushed morning chore into a relaxing, premium ritual.
Both of these creams are fantastic, but they are built for very different guys and very different mornings. In this guide, we’re going to strip away the marketing hype and look at how they actually perform on your face. We’ll talk about how they lather, how they protect your skin from the blade, and help you figure out which one belongs on your bathroom counter.
⚡ Quick Expert Summary: Which One is For You?
In a rush? Here is the honest, straightforward breakdown of Proraso vs Taylor of Old Bond Street:
- Go with Proraso If: You have normal-to-oily skin, live in a warm climate, or just love that brisk, icy wake-up call in the morning. It’s affordable, incredibly easy to lather, and practically foolproof. (Top Pick: Proraso Green Eucalyptus & Menthol)
- Go with Taylor of Old Bond Street If: You struggle with dry, sensitive skin or you use a heavier safety razor. It provides a much thicker, yogurt-like cushion and leaves your skin feeling deeply moisturized with incredible cologne-like scents. (Top Pick: TOBS Sandalwood Shaving Cream)
- The Bottom Line: Proraso is about efficiency, cooling refreshment, and value. TOBS is about luxurious thickness, superior skin protection, and feeling like a million bucks.
1. What Makes a Shaving Cream Actually Good?
Before we compare these two heavyweights, it helps to know what we are actually looking for. A real shaving cream isn’t just fluffy foam; it’s a protective barrier designed to save your skin from a sharp piece of steel. Here are the three things that matter most:
Cushion (The Bumper)
Think of cushion as the physical thickness of the lather. A dense cushion acts like a shock absorber between the heavy razor and your delicate skin, preventing the blade from pressing in too hard. It’s the difference between a gentle glide and a harsh scrape.
Slickness (The Glide)
Slickness is what allows the razor to skate across your face without skipping or stuttering. “Residual slickness” is even more important—it’s that invisible, slippery film left behind after you take a pass, allowing you to safely touch up a spot without reapplying lather.
Post-Shave Feel
This is how your face feels after you rinse the soap away. Does it feel tight and dry? Or does it feel soft, hydrated, and calm? A great cream nourishes your skin while you shave, setting you up for a comfortable day.
2. Proraso: The Italian Workhorse
Since 1948, Proraso has been the staple of Italian barbers. It’s not trying to be the fanciest cream on the block; it’s a reliable, everyday tool designed to soften your beard quickly and wake your face up. It’s the perfect entry point into traditional wet shaving.
The Magic Inside: That Famous Icy Chill
Proraso’s classic “Green” tube is famous for its generous dose of Eucalyptus and Menthol. When you brush it on, it delivers a wonderful, brisk cooling sensation. This actually helps numb the skin slightly, taking the sting out of any razor drag. Plus, it explodes into a slick, workable lather in seconds, making it incredibly forgiving if you are just learning how to use a shaving brush.
Why Guys Love It (Pros)
- Incredible Cooling Effect: The menthol wakes you up and soothes the skin instantly.
- So Easy to Lather: You barely need any water or effort to get a great foam going.
- Options for Everyone: If you have sensitive skin, their White line (Oatmeal & Green Tea) is incredibly soothing.
Things to Keep in Mind (Cons)
- A Lighter Cushion: The lather is a bit airy. It protects well, but lacks that thick, heavy barrier some guys prefer for safety razors.
- A Barbershop Scent: It smells clean and medicinal (like eucalyptus). It’s fresh, but it’s not a luxury cologne scent.
3. Taylor of Old Bond Street: The British Luxury
Born on London’s prestigious Jermyn Street in 1854, Taylor of Old Bond Street (TOBS) is all about treating yourself. If Proraso is your reliable daily commuter car, TOBS is the luxury sedan you drive on the weekends. It’s incredibly rich, thick, and smells absolutely fantastic.
The Magic Inside: Dense Cushion & Deep Moisture
TOBS is packed with glycerin and rich fatty acids. When you lather it up, it doesn’t just get bubbly; it turns into a dense, thick, yogurt-like cream. This creates an incredible cushion that protects your skin beautifully, even against aggressive razor blades. On top of that, their scents (like their famous Sandalwood) are masterfully blended to smell like a high-end men’s cologne.
Why Guys Love It (Pros)
- Unbeatable Protection: That thick, heavy lather is like a protective blanket for your face.
- Leaves Skin Happy: The rich ingredients mean your face won’t feel tight or dry after you rinse it off.
- Amazing Scents: It truly makes your bathroom smell like a high-end British barbershop.
Things to Keep in Mind (Cons)
- Costs a Bit More: You are definitely paying a premium for that luxury experience.
- Strong Fragrances: If you have highly sensitive skin, heavily scented creams can sometimes cause a bit of redness.
4. Head-to-Head Comparison
Let’s put them side-by-side to see how they stack up in the areas that matter most to your morning shave.
1. Building the Lather
Proraso is the winner for sheer speed. A damp brush will whip it into a slick foam in about 15 seconds. Taylor of Old Bond Street asks for just a little more patience and water control, but the reward is a much thicker, heavier, and creamier lather. Verdict: Proraso for a quick morning; TOBS for a luxurious weekend shave.
2. How Your Skin Feels Afterward
Proraso (Green) is all about that refreshing, icy shock that wakes you up and soothes irritation. However, it can leave dry skin feeling a bit tight. TOBS is loaded with glycerin, which means it actively moisturizes your face while you shave, leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished. Verdict: Proraso if you run hot or oily; TOBS if your skin tends to get dry.
3. The Scent Experience
Proraso smells clean, brisk, and functional. The scent fades away shortly after you rinse. TOBS smells like a gentleman’s club in London. The fragrances are complex, classy, and will linger pleasantly for a while after your shave. Verdict: TOBS easily takes the crown for fragrance.
5. Who Should Buy Which?
Choosing the right cream is all about knowing what your face needs and how much time you have in the morning. Here is a simple guide to help you decide.
6. How to Build the Perfect Lather
Even the best cream in the world won’t help you if you don’t lather it right. You’ll need a decent shaving brush, but the process is actually very relaxing once you get the hang of it.
- Prep the Brush: Soak your brush in warm water for a minute, then give it a good shake. You want it damp, not soaking wet.
- Add the Cream: Put an almond-sized dollop of cream right into the center of the bristles, or smear it directly onto your wet cheeks.
- Start Swirling: Use light, circular scrubbing motions on your face. You’ll see the cream start to whip up and expand.
- The Secret Step (Add a Little Water): If the lather looks dry or pasty, dip just the very tips of your brush into the water and keep swirling. Keep adding tiny drops of water until the lather looks shiny, thick, and slick.
- Paint it On: Finish by using smooth, painting strokes to even out the lather across your face. This lifts the hairs up and preps them for the blade.
7. The Final Verdict
At the end of the day, moving away from canned foam is the best thing you can do for your face. Both of these creams are fantastic, and you really can’t go wrong with either.
If you want a reliable, easy-to-use cream that gives you a refreshing kick to start your day without breaking the bank, Proraso is going to be your best friend. It’s a classic for a reason.
But, if you want to turn your morning shave into a luxurious experience, and you love the idea of rich, protective lather with a sophisticated scent, treat yourself to a tub of Taylor of Old Bond Street. Your skin will thank you.
One Last Tip For Your Skin
No matter which cream you choose, remember that shaving takes a toll on your skin. Once you’re done and washed up, always finish off with a good quality aftershave to lock in moisture and calm any lingering irritation. Feel free to check out our guide to the Best Moisturizing After Shave Balms to find the perfect pairing for your new cream.
Ditch the aerosol can, grab a brush, and enjoy a much better shave.
“Adam Lee is the lead technical reviewer at MenReviewHub and a veteran of the traditional wet shaving community. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Adam specializes in dissecting high-performance grooming hardware and dermatological skincare. He doesn’t just ‘read the box’—he puts every product through a brutal 30-day real-world trial to ensure your morning routine is a tactical success, not a crime scene.”