OBOW reader Peter M. shares this on shaving:
“I read the article about shaving with “shaving oil” which takes very little volume and is easy and light to carry. I have not tried shaving oil myself, but I would like to recommend another idea: Hair Conditioner!
Many hotels include shampoo and conditioner, so you usually don’t have to carry any (except for a small emergency reserve, if you think your destination won’t have any). The hair conditioner seems to have both lubricating and hair softening qualities, which makes for a GREAT shave.
I first tried shaving with hair conditioner out of desperation many years ago, and have been so happy with the results that I shave this way all the time, even when not traveling.
Oh, I should mention that I usually shave in the shower, but I think this method would work just fine at a sink.”
I’ve used clear gel hand soap (which I also use for travel laundry) for the same purpose. Olive oil would probably work great too, might give you that Italian look. If you do want to try the oil and you don’t want to mail-order then you might try Shave Secret which is available at Wal-Mart and probably lots of other places.