Friday, February 17, 2012
Prep: Hot shower
Soap/cream: Portman Square English Style Cream - Gin & Tonic
Brush: Ever-Ready C40
Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable I-2 birth year/quarter, (5)
Blade: Super-Max SS (6), hand stropped
Cold water rinse
Dickinson's Witch Hazel
M&L Florida Water
Today I wrapped up my trials of the three different samples of the Portman Square English Style Creams
that I received from Phil @ BullGoose a few weeks ago. The first week I used the Orange Vetiver, week
two I used the Tropical Coconut, and this week was the Gin & Tonic scent. All three are really pleasing
to the nose, and only linger a few minutes after the shave is complete. The Orange Vetiver, to me, smells
like one of my favorite sherbet flavors - orange/vanilla! The Tropical Coconut is a light coconut scent,
and not overpowering. The Gin & Tonic has a strong juniper/citrus scent - powerful.
I've been DE/wet shaving since last September, and I didn't had any reactions to any of the soaps/creams
that I've used, but I experienced some with two of these scents. The Tropical Coconut was great for me,
no problem there - but the Orange Vetiver, and the Gin & Tonic in particular, weren't agreeing with my skin
type. The Orange Vetiver felt tingly, no big deal there, but the Gin & Tonic felt hot on my face for all three
passes and until I applied my Witch Hazel. It's a shame too, because although I like all three of the scents
really well, the Gin & Tonic is my favorite! Has to be a disagreement between the essential/fragrance oils
and my skin type regarding those two scents - YMMV.
These creams/soft soaps/croaps perform really well though - really, really slick! They made for easy work
of my stubborn chin area, probably the best product I've used so far. Face lathering with my old, soft C40
Ever-Ready worked best for me, though I normally bowl lather. These creams rinse very easily off of the
razor & face afterward, and like I've mentioned before, the scent lingers for a short time - but no so much
as to interfere with your balms/aftershave splashes.
Really good shave today, almost as good as the last shave using this croap - considering that this blade
has 6 shaves on it, that's saying a lot! These croaps are excellent performers, and all three have great
smelling scents. My recommendation would be to choose the Tropical Coconut scent if you have had
issues with strong essential/fragrance oils - but if you aren't bothered by them, pick your favorite scent!
Thanks Phil, you've got a winner!
80% BBS, 20% DFS