Wet Shaving in Indonesia

[Anglian]

In a pub quiz the other day I lost by one point.
The question was where do women mostly have curly hair?
Apparently, it's Africa !

Wrong, there are other places

Last nigh when my wife came come, her first words were, Oh god, you look like father Xmas, so I looked in the mirror this morning, and I do, I know I look old, but I don't want to look really ancient, so with my Mach 3 razor I've had for over five weeks, I now have a nice smooth chin again

 

[Vicissidude]

Today I saw Tabac After Shave Lotion in the supermarket, which really surprised me. I typically go for alcohol-free products (balms instead of alcohol spashes), but since I can't have anything containing alcohol shipped from overseas and I know lots of guys love this product, I decided to buy it. It was also really cheap... 125k for 100ml, or just under 10 USD. I think it usually goes for 15-20 USD, and I'm not sure why it's cheaper here. I'm a little uncertain about the scent, but I'm interested to try it.

 

[Anglian]

Perhaps have a good look at the label to see if it's the real thing

 

[Vicissidude]

Perhaps have a good look at the label to see if it's the real thing

Good thinking, haha! Well it looks legit. Smells like Tabac. And this supermarket sells lots of imported stuff, including alcohol.. What do you think? Real deal or phony baloney?

 

[jstar]

Tabac....I'm a little uncertain about the scent, ...

Nooooooo. Just like Old Spice.....or those D&G banana smelling perfumes for the ladies. Barf...

 

[Vicissidude]

Nooooooo. Just like Old Spice.....or those D&G banana smelling perfumes for the ladies. Barf...

Hahaha! It's definitely a divisive scent. They say you either love it or hate it. Personally, it's not my favorite, but I don't mind it at all. I can only judge from using the shave cream, which I think is great, even if the scent is not amazing in my book. I'm uncertain about this one because I read that the scent is stronger and lasts longer. I usually don't like strong scents. Also, I'm not sure if an alcohol splash is right for me. So we'll see.

 

[Anglian]

Hahaha! It's definitely a divisive scent. They say you either love it or hate it. Personally, it's not my favorite, but I don't mind it at all. I can only judge from using the shave cream, which I think is great, even if the scent is not amazing in my book. I'm uncertain about this one because I read that the scent is stronger and lasts longer. I usually don't like strong scents. Also, I'm not sure if an alcohol splash is right for me. So we'll see.

Smells awful tastes ok

 

[jstar]

Smells awful tastes ok

Getting desperate after Bali Hai and no more Bintang sales via Indomaret?

 

[jstar]

.
I bought a pretty good shaving cream once; forgot the name of the shop, but they are in most shopping malls and they always have an oldtimer motorcycle in the display so it should be quite easy to find.

Would this be Kiehl's? They sell this no brush shaving cream that you apply to the face by hand (or by brush, but it doesn't lather), let it sit for a bit and then shave. It's nice and works well when in a rush.

Yep. Thanks.

 

[Silet]

Thanks so much for this. Just the mention of hargadunia is going to make things much more easy to obtain, and not just for razor blades!

Yes of course but all the razor blades I quoted with price were available from BukaLapak local sellers here in Indonesia.

You paid in your OP

.....online you can find Derby, which is high quality, and cheap. (About US$ 10 for 100 blades on Amazon, so shipped to Indonesia probably around US$25). .....

When I have shown that you can get the same blades here for Rp 50 000 per 100 blades.

That with transport JNE 2 days is Rp 59 000 not USD 25 a big difference I think !

 

[Silet]

Thank you for your feedback. I guess I'll have to contact then directly.

The above item was just an example. I actually bought that laptop last month through amazon but got it shipped to Singapore, where shipping and import duty only amount to $30, and made a trip out of it with the difference.

Did you get a reply or any feedback yet to share ?

 

[Silet]

Lots of great info. Thanks for this! I've never used those three websites.. good to know about these options. I look forward to your future posts about other products. Soaps and creams next, please!

Thank you for your appreciation.

I was actually going to post the different methods of shaving as introduced in the OP fro a raw blade, straight edge through to the modern multiblades. Their pros and cons and obviosly their availability here.

Following that I planned some of which you request, that would have included pre shave options, oils and soaps and foams, followed by posts shave options such as Alum blocks (which are available here at the princely sum of Rp 15000 per block)), along with styptic options, witch hazels, after shave oils and balms etc.

Looking at the above and subsequent posts, I have unfortunately come to the conclusion I am wasting my time.

When I am asked the customs duty on a Chromebook via Hargadunia is worth it it via the same Chromebook via Amazon with an increased price is worth it, I don't think I understand. Especially when the said poster had already bought the Chromebook via different means.

If you as a forum ( not only Vicissidude ) are actually interested in what I can inform you of please comment.

Otherwise I can only conclude I am wasting my time here.

Thank you

 

[Vicissidude]

Following that I planned some of which you request, that would have included pre shave options, oils and soaps and foams, followed by posts shave options such as Alum blocks (which are available here at the princely sum of Rp 15000 per block)), along with styptic options, witch hazels, after shave oils and balms etc.

I'm very interested to hear about most if not all of these, especially those that are available within Indonesia. Although I have the means to order internationally, it's still a hassle with the long wait, customs, and unreliable Pos Indonesia to consider.

I can't speak for other posters, but as I'm not venturing into straight razor territory any time soon, those options are of less interest to me (for now).

Looking at the above and subsequent posts, I have unfortunately come to the conclusion I am wasting my time.

No, not at all. I was pleasantly surprised to see that a handful of posters share this interest, and I think I can safely say that several of us would love to hear more, even if some people in this thread are just posting for fun and joking around. Also we tend to get a bit off topic sometimes around here, but please don't take it personally. We're a "special" bunch, but we still appreciate good information.

Edit: This forum also serves as a resource, so remember that information you share here will be viewed by many people down the road. Anyone searching online for this information will surely be directed to this site, as there's not much information elsewhere on how to obtain wet shaving supplies in Indonesia.

 

[waarmstrong]

I'm very interested to hear about most if not all of these, especially those that are available within Indonesia...... Anyone searching online for this information will surely be directed to this site, as there's not much information elsewhere on how to obtain wet shaving supplies in Indonesia.

Telling remark regarding the lack of interest and thus information. It has been a fun distraction, though.

 

[dafluff]

I was actually going to post the different methods of shaving as introduced in the OP fro a raw blade, straight edge through to the modern multiblades. Their pros and cons and obviosly their availability here.

Following that I planned some of which you request, that would have included pre shave options, oils and soaps and foams, followed by posts shave options such as Alum blocks (which are available here at the princely sum of Rp 15000 per block)), along with styptic options, witch hazels, after shave oils and balms etc.

Your posts are appreciated, especially now that I can save a lot of money on some of the items. So definitely thank you for that.

I prefer Feather blades myself, and now I can buy them much cheaper than importing them direct using Amazon. Unfortunately since I have a 100 of them, I probably won't get to actually ordering more for about 2 years. Incidentally, I have noticed that using some blades, the 2nd and 3rd shaves are actually much more comfortable than the 1st. Then around the 4th shave the quality goes back down again.

Looking at the above and subsequent posts, I have unfortunately come to the conclusion I am wasting my time.

When I am asked the customs duty on a Chromebook via Hargadunia is worth it it via the same Chromebook via Amazon with an increased price is worth it, I don't think I understand. Especially when the said poster had already bought the Chromebook via different means.

If you as a forum ( not only Vicissidude ) are actually interested in what I can inform you of please comment.

Otherwise I can only conclude I am wasting my time here.

I'm sorry you feel this way. The forum has hundreds of members and varying interests, and many of those members have contributed tens, hundreds, even thousands of posts of varying usefulness. It's a give and take sort of thing. It is impossible to quantify "you as a forum", as you put it. If you feel you are wasting your time, there is certainly nothing to compel you to keep writing.

 

[El_Goretto]

Incidentally, I have noticed that using some blades, the 2nd and 3rd shaves are actually much more comfortable than the 1st. Then around the 4th shave the quality goes back down again.

This. I've noticed the same with Derby blades.

Did you get a reply or any feedback yet to share

No, I haven't asked them yet. When I do, I'll share here.

My asking about Chromebook, by the way, was more relevant than you think: it served as an example as to what happens for items above the $100 value threshold for import duty when ordering from hargadunia.

 

[Anglian]

I'm interested, as I said I'm now into the sixth week of my Mach 3 blades, I'm wondering do our beards vary that much, also with modern technology and blade manufacture, does the quality vary that much and how important is the shaving cream in softening the beard, or should we use a shaving brush, so many variables on such a simple task

 

[Vicissidude]

I'm interested, as I said I'm now into the sixth week of my Mach 3 blades, I'm wondering do our beards vary that much, also with modern technology and blade manufacture, does the quality vary that much and how important is the shaving cream in softening the beard, or should we use a shaving brush, so many variables on such a simple task

It's whatever you want it to be. The general consensus is that yes, the shave cream and the lather it builds is very important to getting a close, irritation free shave, with a good post shave feel. Shaving brushes also drastically improve shaves. But none of it is absolutely essential. I believe simply switching from cartridge razors to a double edge safety razor and finding a decent blade and the right technique will drastically improve anyone's shaving experience, and their face.

A big part of this for many men is that what once was a burdensome chore became an enjoyable experience, like a ritual to be savored. I think shaving should be enjoyed. If you don't enjoy making a great lather with your favorite brush and shaving like the old days, then there's really not much point, is there?

 

[jstar]

Looking at the above and subsequent posts, I have unfortunately come to the conclusion I am wasting my time.

.......

If you as a forum ( not only Vicissidude ) are actually interested in what I can inform you of please comment.

Otherwise I can only conclude I am wasting my time here.

What do you expect?

Hosanna and every time you post something useful?

That's unfortunately not how a forum works. Besides the fact people are not obliged to write anything, it could be they don't feel comfortable with recommendations or might even suspect alterior motives or simply don't have the time to explore it any further.

And also, we have been around the block here, many are familiar with alternative ways* of ordering and getting products besides the local Brick&Mortar stores.

In my circle of friends and family there is quite some bad experience with the websites* you mentioned, btw. And about the (il)legailty* and risks(!) of ordering abroad probably avoiding Indonesian sales tax (VAT) and customs charges, you (wisely) don't really digress.


* There are multiple solutions offered of course. For instance:
Indonesian students in the US have set up systems to have returning Indonesian tourists take the products with them
Or there are central locations on the east and west coast that are used as shipment address in Amazon, eBay etc. and where all the ordered products are collected. And when there's enough, it is shipped via container. Obviously on arrival in RI a lump sum is paid, which in fact is nothing but a bribe.
Etc.

 

[Silet]

Firstly, thank you all for your very kind replies, they are truly appreciated,( well the post above might be an exception but we are all entitled to our views even if they are a bit "derailed" at times ) .. with regards to the topic in hand as posted by dafluff in his opening post from which I thought there might be some discussion.

I will continue as I stated earlier but first I really ought to say where I was coming from in my last post and waarmstrong in his post #74 hit it on the head precisely when he posted.

"Telling remark regarding the lack of interest and thus information. It has been a fun distraction, though."

Food for thought in that remark by waarmstrong for sure.

I wasn't after medals or "like me" points, I was trying to open a discussion started by dafluff that I was interested in here in Indonesia and hoped perhaps others were also.

Now it seems a discussion has started on what people like, what they don't like and what they can and cannot get here.

That is all I really wanted. Just for you all to discuss and share your experiences here.

Thank you once again to you all for your kind attention. I will post further but be prepared if you have VISAs etc they are going to be more useful in quite a few instances than your Indonesian Card.... but that's life here I'm sorry to say but I will try to give you all the options and for those that onlt have local cards, I'll try to give you the best option you have, even if it means forget it and make do and mend with what you have.

Thanks once again for your really kind comments and your discussion.