Proraso : Celebrating 100 years of the Italian Shaving Miracle

Since 1908, one Italian brand has been revolutionizing the way men approach shaving. Perhaps best known for their pre-shave cream, billed as the "pre-shaving miracle" since the 1950s (see the classic advertising above for the pre-barbo miracolo), this brand has inspired many but is seldom equalled.

Proraso, founded by Ludovico Martelli of Florence, currently produces five different lines of shaving products for the discerning gentleman: the classic green line with its eucalyptus and menthol; the white line for sensitive skin with green tea and oatmeal; the red line for coarser facial hair with kerite butter and sandalwood oil; the moisturizing blue line with aloe vera and vitamin E; and the nourishing yellow line with cocoa butter, shea butter and macadamia oil.

Products include shaving creams and soaps, aftershave balms and liquids, shave cream brushes and razors, and beard oils, balms and waxes.

"The Proraso labs create products that stand the test of time, defy passing trends and become classics. Over time, our formulas, based on natural and trusted ingredients, are enriched and improved, our packaging is refreshed and new product lines win over new admirers. But the underlying principle remains that was defined by Piero Martelli and later by his son Ludovico: to create professional, quality products that deliver a pleasurable and impeccable shave, in the barbershop and at home." Proraso.com

Proraso's green line was their first but a renewed formula stands out for the quality of its ingredients. Refreshing and invigorating, it's suitable for all beard and skin types with pleasant notes of menthol and eucalyptus.

The white line was formulated for sensitive and easily irritated skin. It contains extracts of green tea and oatmeal to help prevent redness and leave the skin soft and is scented with a delicate fruity fragrance of lime and apple.

The blue line protects and moisturises with aloe vera and vitamin E. It's dedicated to those who demand a close and comfortable shave. A modern and spicy fragrance with notes of amber and musk permeates the blue line products.

The red line is exfoliating and is perfect for thicker, coarser beards, softening and preparing them for shaving with nourishing shea butter. Red line products are known for their intense fragrance of sandalwood.

The newest yellow line is recommended for men with dry skin and is an excellent choice for those needing a quick shave. With shea butter & macadamia Oil, it nourishes and regenerates healthy skin and facial hair.

Proraso proudly notes, "Proraso products do not contain any ingredients of animal origin. The only exceptions are The Shaving Brush that is made of natural bristles and the Moustache Wax that contains beeswax. Furthermore, in compliance with European Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009 no product is tested on animals" (Proraso.com).

Proraso products are available worldwide in barber shops, select department stores and boutiques and online at beauty/grooming sites like Birchbox.com.