Sticky: Soap and cream reviews

What is your opinion on fine shaving creams and hard soaps? Do you like Trumpers, Coates, Taylors, Truefitt & Hill? Post your reviews and opinions here!
rbaloha
Posts: 116
Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2009 10:06 am

Re: Palmolive Rinfrescante Al Mentolo

Post by rbaloha »

brothers wrote:
rbaloha wrote:Shaved with this cream using em's pre shave oil, merkur slant, new iridium super blade and $21 ebay silvertip badger.

First, only a dab is required to quickly create a nice thick menthol cooling lather. Menthol effect is better than Noxzema.

Blade glided over the skin creating a nice clean efficient shave. Face also felt wonderful post shave. Initially the price appears slightly high but very little is required. Price effective product.

For Italian Noxzema lovers this product as a worthwhile replacement.
Where can the Palmolive Rinfrescante Al Mentolo be purchased?
Shave Den
Lou
Posts: 255
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2008 10:02 am

Kingsley Shaving Soap

Post by Lou »

I came across Kingsley shaving soap today. It was the first I had heard of it, so I of course picked one up to experience it firsthand. When I got home, I read the unflattering words about it here and prepared myself for disappointment. I just finished shaving with it and found it to be okay - by no means great, but solidly okay.

Kingsley is a beige soap with a convex bottom meant to fit in a scuttle. The scent is slightly musky and floral, neither exciting nor objectionable. After soaking my Vulfix 2233 in hot water and giving it one good flick, I pumped it on the soap a few times. The brush quickly loaded more than I need for face-lathering, and copious lather immediately built up on my face. The lather felt a bit drier than I prefer. I dabbed the tip of my brush in water to increase the lather's moisture, but it only thinned out a bit while remaining on the dry side. I did two passes, WTG and XTG, with a Crystal blade in my Superspeed. The lather's lubrication and protection was adequate, but far removed from luxurious. I did get a good shave with no nicks or razor burn, but the shave experience was just okay.

I'll continue using the Kingsley for the next couple of weeks and see if I can improve the moisture. When I feel like I've gotten as far as I can with it, I'll post an update.
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

Here is a project in which I have conducted detailed reviews and comparisons of 23 popular shaving creams. I hope you enjoy it!

I've conducted brushless shaving reviews of 23 most commonly known products, and am happy to report that my own boundaries have expanded in a most delightful way. Many of them are products that we take for granted as requiring a brush, and no doubt, there are many aspects of shaving that benefit wonderfully from the contribution of the brush. I just wanted to move away from convention, and see what happened.

Never hurrying, nor wasting time, each shave took 10 minutes, more or less, from prep through cleanup. I attempted to follow manufacturer's suggested means of application, except to openly ignore any suggestion of a brush. This was creams only, no soaps. Also, I only used double-edge razors, no straights. I refrained from using any superlatives or high praise. We each know what we like and don't like, what works for us and doesn't. My objective was to pay attention and record the results.

These are products that are, in my opinion, main stream. These manufacturers know what they are doing, and they all have sophisticated customers who love their products and use and enjoy them. So I'll leave the high praise to the marketing people and the satisfied customers. I'm not a nay-saying self-appointed critic either.

I've tried to just use "yes" and "no" to describe and evaluate whether or not a quality of performance is present, in each case. Same for fragrances. Most have a fragrance, and whether a given individual "likes" a given fragrance is solely up to that individual.

Having said all of that, then let me say this too: YMMV!


Brushless Creams for SMF Comparison October November 2009:

Institut Karite
Bert’s Bees
GFT Sandalwood
T&H Sandalwood
Head Slick
Frasers
Speick
Shavex
Dominico Caraceni 1913
Coates Sandalwood
Ingrams
Jake’s Sport
Nancy Boy
Lucky Tiger Molle
Castle Forbes Cedarwood & Sandalwood
Stephan
Provence Sante
Cremo Crème
Lucky Tiger Liquid SC
T&H Rose
TOBS Rose
Kiss My Face
Jack Black

Criteria for Comparison:

1. Product name:
2. Country of origin:
3. Container size:
4. Price:
5. Cost per ounce:
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent?
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel.
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing?
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly?
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave?
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes?
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward?
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture?
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup?
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl?
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush?
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush?
18. Remarks:

Here are the reviews:

1. Product name: Institut Karite
2. Country of origin: France
3. Container size: 2.53 oz 75 ml metal tube
4. Price: $12.75 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $5.04
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Pale gold, smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: This was my first time to use and review a French manufactured shaving cream. Label suggests the use of a brush. For this review, I put an almond sized portion in the palm of my hand, added some water, and rubbed my hands together vigorously before I worked it into the previously moistened whiskers. Contains 25% shea butter which contributes to noticeable long-lasting smoothness and high moisturization. This was a gift given to me for this review, and I will continue to use it.


1. Product name: George F. Trumper’s
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 7 oz, 200 ml tub
4. Price: $23.75 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $3.39
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Sandalwood
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Trumper’s box recommends application with a badger brush. For the review, I put the cream in the palm of my hand, added some water, rubbed my hands together then on my wet whiskers. I used this same method with all of the classics, and they all performed flawlessly.

1. Product name: Head Slick
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 8 oz 237 ml plastic bottle
4. Price: $6.51 Amazon
5. Cost per ounce: $0.81
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light, almost undetectable
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick lotion
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Mentholated but not harshly. Bottle does not say to use a brush to apply it. I rubbed it between the palms of my hands then on the wet whiskers. This is a good shaving cream that gives the user confidence. For some reason, maybe because a lot of guys say they use it for shaving their head, and it comes in a bright yellow plastic bottle, until now I had not thought of it as a traditional facial shaving cream that I might use. My son loaned me this product. After I used it for the review and gave it back to him, I went out and bought my own.



1. Product name: Speick
2. Country of origin: Germany
3. Container size: 2.5 oz 75 ml metal tube
4. Price: $6.35 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $2.54
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Spikenard, distinctive but pleasant to me
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Light amber, cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 min.
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Tube does not suggest any preferred method of application. I rubbed it between my hands then onto the previously moistened beard. I have not used Spieck before, but I’ve read about it. I did enjoy the shave and the unique fragrance. The shave was smooth and moisturizing, and the fragrance lingered mildly for a little while following the shave. This was given to me for this review, and I will continue to use it.


1. Product name: Domenico Caracini 1913
2. Country of origin: Italy
3. Container size: 8.5 oz 250 ml tub
4. Price: $52.00
5. Cost per ounce: $6.11
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes, unique classic fragrance
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Light amber, light stiff cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 7 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Highly moisturizing formula. Leaves the face feeling soft and smooth. Tub does not suggest any preferred method of application. This product was a gift. Whether used with or without a brush, this is a substantial and unique product, and when it eventually runs out I will purchase it again for my own regular use.

1. Product name: Ingram’s Brushless
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 3.4 oz 100ml metal tube
4. Price: $9.00 Superlather
5. Cost per ounce: $2.65
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, glossy cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: In production since 1932. Contains menthol. Box is marked brushless, and claims superior lubrication and protection. Instructions on the box recommended applying the cream to the beard with the fingertips, which I did. This product lived up to the claims of lubrication and protection. I did receive a noticeably smooth and cooling shave with this product. After having experienced Ingram’s now for the first time, I may get a tube of the lathering version and try it.


1. Product name: Nancy Boy
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 6 oz 170g tub
4. Price: $15.30 (w/club discount)
5. Cost per ounce: $2.55
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Signature
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, stiff smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 7 min.
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, see comment.
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Tub recommends applying product directly to wet beard, and claims superior moisturizing and lubrication. Appeared to live up to those claims. I did receive a noticeably smooth shave with this product. Producing lather from this product in a bowl with a brush requires too much time, brush work, and shaving cream. Doesn’t seem to shave any differently with or without being brush lathered. Loaned to me by my daughter. I have owned this the product in the past, but not currently. After having had the opportunity to experience brushless shaving with this product, I would purchase it again, and forego the brush.


1. Product name: Castle Forbes
2. Country of origin: Scotland
3. Container size: 6.8 oz 200ml tub
4. Price: $35.00 Vintage Blades
5. Cost per ounce: $5.15
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Cedarwood & Sandalwood
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Light amber, dense sticky cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 8 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: The product was simple to apply without a brush. The shave was noticeably smooth, as was the moisturizing and lubrication.


1. Product name: Provence Sante
2. Country of origin: France
3. Container size: 6.8 oz 200 ml plastic tube
4. Price: $14.45 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $2.13
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Verlaine
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth lotion
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? See Remarks
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? Yes
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Tube recommends applying directly to a wet beard, and claims superior moisturization and lubrication. I soaked my beard with hot water and applied the product by rubbing thoroughly for about a minute. I did receive a noticeably smooth shave; the mild and pleasant fragrance of the product remained for about two hours following the shave. My face was well moisturized, as claimed. Considering the quality of the shave I received and the pleasant and lasting fragrance, I will continue to use it. This product is also available in Green Tea fragrance.



1. Product name: Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 5 oz 150 ml plastic bottle
4. Price: $18.00 Essentials of Oklahoma City
5. Cost per ounce: $3.60
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Very light
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, creamy lotion
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Moderately easy
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless, natural, botanical, and organic. As a brushless product, used as directed, performance was equal to any other. I had used it without a brush before, but I don’t think I used enough of the product, and found it unremarkable. Also, I have used this product with a brush once previously, and enjoyed it. For this review, I placed a sufficient portion in my palm, vigorously rubbed my hands together and applied it to my face. The shave was noticeably smooth, as was the moisturizing and lubrication. This product was provided to me by my daughter. I would purchase this product for my own use.



1. Product name: Taylor of Old Bond Street
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 5.3 oz 150 g tub
4. Price: $11.32 Connaught Shaving
5. Cost per ounce: $2.14
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Rose
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: One of the added bonuses of this brushless review is the affirmation that all of the top shelf shaving creams that everybody uses with a brush are capable of providing excellent shaves with or without a brush.




1. Product name: Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave
2. Country of origin: Canada
3. Container size: 3 oz 88 ml plastic tube
4. Price: $11.00 Essentials of Oklahoma City
5. Cost per ounce: $3.67
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? No
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Pale gray, lotion.
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? No
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? No
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? No
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? No
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? aborted
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Greasy residue
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? No
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless. Contains jojoba, macadamia, and eucalyptus. Following instructions on the tube, I squeezed a sufficient quantity of the product onto my hand and rubbed it over my slightly moistened whiskers. The razor was grabbing and pulling when I (twice) tried to go across the grain, so the shave ended early. Then I began to realize my face was burning. I understand why some guys don’t like to shave if they have to use such products.



1. Product name: Bert’s Bees Natural Shave Cream
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 6 oz 170 g plastic tube
4. Price: $8.00
5. Cost per ounce: $1.33
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick lotion.
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless, ph balanced, sodium laurel/laureth sulfate free, paraben free, phthalate free, with calendula and chamomile. I had initially not included this product in those I was interested in reviewing, but my son-in-law suggested I review it, and loaned it to me for this review. He has stated that he will replace it when it runs out. My shave was close and smooth with this product. The product left my face feeling smooth and moisturized afterward.




1. Product name: Truefitt & Hill
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 5.8 oz 165 g tub
4. Price: $30.00
5. Cost per ounce: $5.17
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Sandalwood
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Dark gold, cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 m
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Truefitt & Hill shaving creams are top performers regardless of whether or not a brush is involved in the shaving process.


1. Product name: JM Fraser’s Original
2. Country of origin: Canada
3. Container size: 16 oz 450 ml tub
4. Price: $12.42 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $0.78
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light citrus
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyments: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: The tub does not recommend any method of application. I put it in my palm with some water, rubbed it between my hands and then on my whiskers. This was my first time using the Original. The shave was as good as any, and left my face smooth and moisturized.




1. Product name: Shavex
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 4 oz 120 ml tub
4. Price: $3.52 Auravita
5. Cost per ounce: $0.88
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth light cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 6 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? No
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as deluxe brushless, with glycerine and almond oil. The tub recommends using the fingertips to apply the cream to the beard. The product feels slick and protective on the face during the shave. My shave was close and smooth with this product. The product left my face feeling moisturized afterward. I did not apply any after shave products, and the pleasant but mild fragrance remained for around for an hour or so following the shave.

1. Product name: Coate’s Superior
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 5.5 oz 165 ml tub
4. Price: $30.00 Connaught Shaving
5. Cost per ounce: $5.45
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Sandalwood
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Light gold, thick cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 6 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: It is absurd that this line is no longer produced, but I’m quite certain that the competition are very relieved. A superior product prepared to perform well no matter how it gets on the whiskers in the first place.

1. Product name: Jake’s Sport
2. Country of origin: Canada
3. Container size: 8 oz 225 ml tub
4. Price: $12.49 Shoebox Shaving
5. Cost per ounce: $1.56
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Produced by JM Fraser’s. The ingredient list is slightly altered from the original Fraser’s, adding 4 ingredients (vitamins) for the stated purpose of contributing to healthy skin. The product looks and performs just as well as the original. The fragrance is masculine and distinctive, but not intrusive. I did receive a noticeably close and smooth shave, and my face felt moisturized afterward. The tub doesn’t mention using a brush, encouraging the brushless use of this product. I will continue to use Jake’s Sport regularly, with or without a brush, as my mood dictates. Fraser’s is to be commended for introducing this new product.



1. Product name: Lucky Tiger Molle Brushless
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 16 oz 454 g tub
4. Price: $5.95 Appleton’s Barber Supply
5. Cost per ounce: $0.37
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick smooth cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 6 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? No
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless, since 1935. Recommends applying with fingertips. Contains lanolin. Label promises a smooth, clean, and comfortable shave, and that describes my shave with this product. I guess they’ve got it like they want it after 74 years. One thing I’ve learned during this brushless project is to always use a sufficient quantity of the product for the best results. I have a nearly full 16 ounce tub of this product, and will continue to use it. Molle is a firmer cream than Shavex, and the ingredients are probably all different, but the performance of the two products is similar.


1. Product name: Stephan Stay Smooth Conditioning Shave Cream
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 16 oz 450 ml tub
4. Price: $3.25 Appleton’s Barber Supply
5. Cost per ounce: $0.20
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Light blue-green, thick liquefied cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 8 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless. Contains cocoa butter, lanolin, and shea butter. Stephen has unique directions and makes some impressive statements, so here it is in full --- Directions: Wet face, apply Stay Smooth Conditioning Shave Cream liberally-massage into skin thoroughly. Now you are ready to shave. After shaving, rub the balance of the cream directly into your skin and pat dry with towel. If needed, repeat process. Feel the difference, the conditioning agents are now working. Stay Smooth Conditioning Shave Cream will give you the “World’s Smoothest Shave”, and leave your skin soft and smooth. So how was the shave? I followed the directions to the letter. I also have a habit of going ahead and rubbing the shaving cream of the day on the rest of my face while I’m cleaning up afterward, and did so in this case. After the shave and cleanup, I didn’t wash my face; instead, in keeping with the instructions for use, I rubbed the remaining Stephen’s into my skin, patted quickly with a towel, and was good to go. I was not disappointed with Stephen’s. My shave was close and smooth, and my entire face felt well-moisturized. The consistency, texture, and fragrance of Stephen’s are unique. As with most of the other products, I have a 16 ounce container that hasn’t been used much, and will continue to use it. Actually, because of the thickly liquefied nature of Stephen’s, it seems to takes more product on the face to be effective. So it will probably go pretty fast.



1. Product name: Cremo Shave Cream
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 6 oz 177 ml plastic tube
4. Price: $6.75 Shaving Essentials
5. Cost per ounce: $1.13
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light citrus (Bergamot)
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick lotion.
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 9 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as “The Best”, brushless, and super lubricating. The directions recommend rubbing the product into the whiskers for 30 seconds before shaving. With this product my brushless shave was close, smooth, and well moisturized. The fragrance was mild and pleasant. When I was testing for brush lather I noticed that Cremo tends to respond quite well to the brush, so following the brushless trials, I’m going to give this product a couple of tryouts with a brush and a hot scuttle to see how it shaves through multiple lathering passes.




1. Product name: Truefitt & Hill
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 5.8 oz 165 g tub
4. Price: $30.00
5. Cost per ounce: $5.17
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Rose
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Pink, stiff cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 7 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Everyone who experiences one of the classic English Rose products forms his or her own opinion. Regardless of the chosen fragrance, Truefitt & Hill shaving creams are top performers.


1. Product name: Kiss My Face Moisture Shave
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 11 oz 325 ml plastic dispenser bottle
4. Price: $8.15 Akins Health Center of Oklahoma City
5. Cost per ounce: $0.74
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Peaceful Patchouli
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. White, thick slick lotion
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? No
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 8 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes, thick whipped cream
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: Marketed as brushless, contains olive oil and aloe vera. Instructions on the bottle are: Wet hands, lather in palm and apply. Shave and rinse. My shave was close and smooth, and my face was moisturized, in keeping with its name “moisture shave”. The fragrance was pleasant and mild. This product comes in a convenient pump dispenser bottle. This product has been appropriated by my college age daughter, and this one will probably be replaced when it is used up. Another benefit to using this product is the fact that it is relatively inexpensive, and easily available locally in a variety of fragrances.
Last edited by brothers on Thu Nov 08, 2018 6:50 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

Review: Oliveology Shave Gel

1. Product name: Oliveology Shave Gel
2. Country of origin: USA
3. Container size: 8 ounce plastic bottle
4. Price: $8.00
5. Cost per ounce: $1.00
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? No
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Clear liquid gel
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? User’s option. I’ve used it for a full DE shave without reapplication. With a straight razor, I opted to reapply the product between passes for better protection.
12. Washable: Does it wash off face and razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 12 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? No
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave without a brush? Yes
18. Remarks: I’ve used this product for shaves with a single edge razor, more than one double edge razor, and with a straight razor. This is not an eccentric or inferior product. It is my opinion this product is on a par with other top shelf brushless and fragrance-free shaving gels. In my personal opinion, since I enjoy being able to use a shaving cream or soap that smells good and makes a nice thick long-lasting lather with a brush, and I eagerly go out of my way to obtain and use those lathering products, I wouldn’t be a normally targeted consumer for this product. However, if anyone, whether male or female, wants a shaving product that comes in a conveniently large plastic dispenser bottle, at a reasonable price, that they can apply to their skin and shave without incident, then this product would be as good as any, and probably better and easier than some. This product does what it was made to do. When applied to the face by hand, the slickness of the Oliveology becomes quite apparent. The surface of the face remains slick throughout the shave, then easily rinses off with water. The ingredients contribute to noticeable long-lasting smoothness and high moisturization of the skin. This was a gift given to me for this review, and I will continue to use it under certain circumstances. In my case, one morning I shaved (Taylor's Rose shaving cream) with a newly-honed straight razor that was unfamiliar to me, and had been giving me a difficult time in creating a sharp shaving edge. After the shave, I realized that almost no whiskers had been removed. I had time before going to work, so I washed my face and reached for the Oliveology. I applied an ample amount, used a double edge razor, and conducted a second full shave. The result was a very smooth and uneventful DE shave that lasted all day.
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

Review: DR Harris Rose Shaving Cream

1. Product name: DR Harris Rose
2. Country of origin: England
3. Container size: 5.3 ounce tub
4. Price: $23.52 Connaught Shaving UK
5. Cost per ounce: $4.44
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Bright pink, dense, thick cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? I lathered with a brush, and relathered between passes.
12. Washable: Does it wash off face and razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes, moderately
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 17 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Enjoyment: Did I enjoy the shave? Yes
18. Remarks: When I first took delivery of this new product from DR Harris about 7 months ago, my favored Rose shaving cream at the time was Taylor's. I tested the Harris and read all of the reviews posted by others, and it was my opinion that the product and the performance, including the fragrance, were similar to Taylor's. I put the tub of cream aside while I worked my way through several others, and when October arrived, it was time to bring out the Rose Creams and use both of them exclusively for a whole month. I've done that now. First, I want to say that the texture of the Harris Rose changed over a few short months in my cool dark closet. It is markedly thicker and denser than the Taylors now. Coincidentally, I had used Castle Forbes (Cedarwood) for most of the month of September. When I began the month of October, it only took about 6 days for me to realize that my tub of Harris Rose could pass for "Castle Forbes Rose" if there was such a thing. This is due to the texture, the performance, and the fragrance. Of course, CF doesn't make a Rose cream, but if they did, this is what it would be, in my opinion. I then spent most of the month of October enjoying the Taylor's Rose, attempting to use it all up. This is because the next time the Rose cream comes up for a month of exclusive use, it'll be Harris, right up there alongside Castle Forbes in all of the qualities that make for a top shelf shaving cream. I don't need any more shaving creams, I have too many. However, the next shaving cream that I purchase will be Harris Arlington, to go on the shelf right next to the Rose, and the Castle Forbes Cedarwood. There's no reason to settle for anything less, in a shaving cream.
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

Review: Triple Delight Shaving Soap - Malaspina Soap Factory - BC Canada

1. Product name: Triple Delight Shaving Soap, Malaspina Soap Factory
2. Country of origin: Canada
3. Container size: 2.11 ounces (60 grams)
4. Price: $10.75
5. Cost per ounce: $5.09
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Eucalyptus essential oil
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. light white airy cream
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? yes
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave from prep to cleanup? 20 min
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather? yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? yes
17. Remarks: This product was not given to me free, in exchange for a review. I purchased this product from Malaspina after reading reports and reviews on the shaving forum Damn Fine Shave. The name Triple Delight denotes three butters: shea, mango, and cocoa. Also contains lanolin and tallow. The first day I test lathered on my face, then I shaved with it for the following three days. I have learned that this cream does best in my particular case by being applied by hand directly on my face, in a very liberal quantity. I used badger brushes to build the lather on my face. The cream lathered quite well when I added water slowly as I continued to build the lather. After 3 ample passes, there was a good quantity of lather remaining in the brush to squeeze out and apply all over my face to remain there as I cleaned up. When I used plenty of product, and took time to build the lather with the brush on my face, the lather is firm, dense, and long lasting. One day I added too much water, but the other two days I got the mixture right. All three of the resulting shaves were smooth and long-lasting. Two days I used a DE, and one day a straight razor. The slickness and protection provided by this product are worth noting, as is the lasting moisturization and softness which remains after the shave. It should be pointed out that the other Canadian shaving cream (JM Fraser’s, 16 ounces) would cost $81.44, if it cost the same as Triple Delight per ounce. This product is in the same price range as Truefitt & Hill, and Castle Forbes, and it seems that I used at least 2 times as much of this product as the others to build a similar rich and ample lather on my face every time I shaved with it. Regarding the fragrance I selected from the list, I am satisfied with my choice. There are many other choices of fragrances to choose from. I have a lot of other shaving products, and after having used and considered this product in comparison to those, it is my opinion that Triple Delight is a dependable and well-formulated product that performs as advertised.
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
User avatar
kronos9
Posts: 834
Joined: Sat Sep 27, 2008 11:34 am
Location: UTM Zone 16T

Review: Pitralon Shave Soap

Post by kronos9 »

Pitralon Shave Soap - Product of Czech Republic

Ingredients (copied from container box)
Potassium Stearate, Potassium Palmitate, Potassium Cocoate, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Palmitate, Sodium Cocoate, Aqua, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Parfum, Sodium Borate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Titanium Dioxide, Amyl Cinnamal, Citral, Coumarin, Hyroxycitronellal, d-Limonene, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional

Presentation
Product comes in a plastic screw-top container packaged in cardboard box.

Initial impressions
This soap is fairly hard, about the same as a glycerin soap. The smell is strong, more like fuel than soap. Even after repeated sniffings, I couldn't quite get past the idea of kerosene. As to appearance, it's a white/yellowish soap with no distinguishing characteristics.

Performance
Took a bit of work for this soap to build. Needed to go back to the puck more than once to get enough product for a good lather. It didn't break down once applied but slickness and lubricity were no more than adequate.

Results
As a shave soap, it performs in the lower tier.

Opinion
As a product to be applied to your face, AVOID at all costs. This soap burned my skin and turned my face into a tomato facsimile. Then followed days of dryness, peeling, and sensitivity. I had considered relegating it to shower duty but instead chose to chop it up into little pieces and save the plastic container.
Ed
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Vitos Sapone Per Barba Supercrema Finissima Emolliente

Post by brothers »

Review: Vitos Sapone Per Barba Supercrema Finissima Emolliente

1. Product name: Vitos Sapone Per Barba Supercrema Finissima Emolliente
2. Country of origin: Italy
1. Container size: 1 kg (35.27 ounces)
2. Price: including shipping costs from UK to USA, $32.32 current exchange rate (£23.67)
3. Cost per ounce: $0.92
4. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Light and clean
5. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Soft smooth malleable soap
6. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
7. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
8. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
9. Endurance: Does it dissipate between passes? No
10. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
11. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
12. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes. Thick rich creamy
13. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
14. Remarks:

I recently received a generous sample of this mysterious soft Italian soap, and pressed it into a bowl. Vitos is a softly scented distant cousin of Cella. I'd say the fragrance of Vitos is a light clean smell. < insert YMMV caveat here > :lol: The fragrance is pleasant.

The texture is soft but after I’ve used it, it’s not sticky. The appearance of Vitos reminds me of light golden honey with melted butter swirled around in it. It's a superb product. As someone else has posted, there’s no learning curve. It produces an excellent lather. The lather builds quickly, and is slow to break down.

After a few shaves with Vitos, I haven't any negatives to report. The fragrance is mild, mild, mild, the performance is just what we look for in every serious shaving soap. I haven’t seen an ingredient list, but I am told that Vitos is tallow based.

Now it's official. I've placed my order for a 1kg block of Vitos. My son and I will split it, and it'll last us a long time. It is good enough to be the only one, even though it never will be. :D

Image
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Review: Vitos Crema da Barba Shaving Cream 500ml

Post by brothers »

Review: Vitos Crema da Barba Shaving Cream 500ml

1. Product name: Vitos Crema da Barba
2. Country of origin: Italy
3. Container size: 500ml (1 pound)
4. Price: Product: $4.93; Shipping: Italy/Germany/USA $18.17; Total $23.10
5. Cost per ounce: $0.31. (Cheaper than JM Frasers) ($1.44 per oz. shipped)
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Eucalyptus
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Thick paste
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? Yes
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Neutral
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 10 to 15 min.
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl or on the face? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Remarks: This product is inexpensive and is sold in bulk, intended for professional use. It contains eucalyptus, which is the fragrance. Also among the ingredients are tallow and lanolin. Vitos shaving cream does not contain menthol.

For those who would compare Vitos Crema da Barba to Proraso, I would offer these observations --- Vitos is not as rich and creamy as Proraso. It has no menthol-related cooling. This product is different from Proraso or C.O. Bigelow in several ways, and might present a more or less acceptable alternative.

It’s a bit thicker coming out of the tube, and in my case, appears to need a bit more pressure on the tube to squeeze it out. It seems to lather easily. Vitos serves its intended purpose. I did not notice any particular areas in which it seems to excel or to fall noticeably short.

Vitos Crema da Barba is inexpensive except for the shipping, in my case from Italy to Germany, and then on to me in the USA. I understand some of the online vendors will soon have it in stock, and that fact will hopefully mitigate the excessive shipping costs that I willfully experienced.

Image

Image[/img]
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

RazoRock Cacao Shaving Cream Soap

This morning's shave was a good one, thanks to my new 5 ounce tub of Cacao Shaving Cream Soap from the Italian Barber in Ontario, Canada. The price was only $4.99. This is an unexpectedly good value on what I consider to be a very good shaving prep product.

The scent is unobtrusive sweet almond. I scooped out an almond-sized portion of the thick paste and placed it directly into the center of my nicely soaked brush and face-lathered it, adding water every few seconds until I felt I had just the right amount. As I took my time and built the lather, it soon became the thick rich voluminous lather I've grown accustomed to seeing from this brush.

The protection, glide, and cushion were just as I'd hoped to see. The lather didn't dissipate, and easily replenished itself as I reapplied between passes. Finishing the shave, I squeezed the remaining lather from the brush and had plenty left. Upon examination, it didn't appear to be sudsy or thin.

Even though the ingredient list indicates the presence of menthol, it is listed last, it wasn't enough to impart the cooling blast that is expected when menthol is dominant in some other products. Evidently the addition of menthol is more to balance out the other ingredients, and following the shave, my face was moderately smooth and moisturized.

At this price, I consider it a very good value in shaving cream/soap. I'm very pleased to have it and am going to enjoy using it regularly.

Image
Image
Image
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Shaving Cream

It took me a while to get around to trying Truefitt & Hill's Ultimate Comfort. I was able to buy it off the shelf in a local shaving shop, and was happy to pay full retail for it, considering the effort and expense of opening a brick and mortar store. It smells great, not really unscented, just a nice pleasant fresh fragrance. The lather is as good as any. The performance, cushion, glide, protection, and post shave moisturizing are as good as any. Just between you and me, I'm secretly weighing the possibility of buying the 1 Liter pump bottle container. It's that good, and the price in that large container is a very good value.
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

RazoRock MCMXXIV Italian Master Barber Limited Edition Artisan Shave Soap

1. Product name: RazoRock MCMXIV Italian Master Barber Limited Edition Artisan Shave Soap
2. Country of origin: Italy
3. Container size: 225ml (7.6 ounces)
4. Price: $19.99
5. Cost per ounce: $2.63 per ounce
6. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Classic Italian Almond
7. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Smooth soft soap
8. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes
9. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes
10. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes
11. Endurance: Does it require reapplication during or between passes? Yes
12. Washable: Does it wash off face & razor easily afterward? Yes
13. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
14. Time elapsed: How long did it take to shave, from prep to cleanup? 15 to 20 minutes
15. Brush lather: Will a brush make it lather in a bowl? Yes
16. Brush cleanup: Does it easily rinse out of a brush? Yes
17. Remarks:

First, let’s start with the ingredients: Stearic Acid, Tallow, Water, Cocos Nucifera, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Potassium Carbonate. If this looks familiar, it’s virtually the same ingredients as Cella, listed in a different order.

The soap is a limited edition of 100 available only from The Italian Barber in Canada. I got # 64/100. It comes in a hefty rectangular block wrapped securely in clear plastic. The soap’s in a white box. Inside the box, the outer wrapper is black tissue paper adorned with RazoRock’s logo on a sticker. I cut off a chunk and easily pressed it into an empty red Cella tub for ease of use.

My hope was that this soap performs as well as Cella, with a more acceptable fragrance to my sense of smell. The shave proved that to be true. I loaded with a wet brush and face-lathered. I had used a pretty wet brush to start with, and it didn’t take long for the brush to create a tight crisp avalanche of lovely whipped cream lather without having to dip the brush in the water.

I was very impressed by two facts. I use a small brush-sized scuttle with very warm water. First, the warmth of the scuttle did not cause the lather in the brush to deteriorate and dissipate. (Note: P160 for example, dissipates severly in the warm scuttle between passes. I don't use it for that reason.) Second, I didn’t have to revisit the soap for subsequent passes. The lather in the brush remained active and readily provided far more than enough lather for three full ample re-latherings.

The soap performed quite well, in my opinion as good as Cella, with a fragrance that is different from Cella’s but more pleasing to me. Looks like a winner in my book!
ImageImage
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
ShadowsDad
Posts: 3121
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2011 1:13 am
Location: Central Maine

Top Ten for Men "calming effect" shave cream

Post by ShadowsDad »

Top Ten for Men "calming effect" shave cream

Image

Day 1:
This is my first review. When I was doing photography and was stupid enough to ask a friend what he thought of a picture, I was subjected to a treatise of "if I had done this instead of this" it would have been better. All I wanted was an answer to "Do you like it or not?". FWIW, the pic was of frozen reflections on the ripples in a stream. It was hit or miss. Take that into account as you read my review. I want to ask myself, do I like it or not?

The tube feels like plastic, approx 6" tall and 1 3/8" D at the base of the tube. It holds 65ml (2.2 fl. ounces). I have absolutely no idea of the cost in the EU, it came to me from Bulgaria and I paid nothing for it.

Despite the fantasy drawing of the cream on the tube, it looks nothing like that. What I see in that drawing is a sort of Gillette Gel looking cream. The cream is white and similar to Bigelow or KMF in looks.

I face lathered the cream, but for my pre-shave I put a small amount on my cheek from a fingertip and worked it around with the brush before hitting my face with the hot towel. The tiny amount I used could have been enough for a shave. This stuff lathers extremely easily. OK, so I hot towelled for 3 applications, and I'm ready to apply it for face lathering.

The opening on the tube is 7mm or just a hair over 1/4" in diameter. I used a length equal to the nozzel diameter, about the size of a small pea. I used a Simpson Special Pure Badger brush. Taking the tiny amount and smearing it on both cheeks with my fingertip then lathering it proved what I found out when prepping my face. This stuff lathers incredibly easy. If anyone is brand new to lathering this would be an ideal cream to learn with. Anyone who can't lather this hasn't attempted to make the slightest motion related to lathering. I have never used any product that lathers as easily as this does. BTW, I have very soft water, so the lathering may vary for you.

OK, adding water by brushtips dipped in the sink, no unusual thirstiness on it's part, very well behaved. The small amount I used gave me a full brush and face of lather. It turned out to be enough for 2 full passes and enough for a bunch of blade buffing and touch ups of problem areas like under my jawline where the hairs grow in all different directions. Too, I was using a very mild razor and I simply had to put more time andmore lather into the shave to get the result I wanted. I moisten my face between lathering for each pass if that makes a difference for the readers of this review. My point is that I had enough lather with that small amount of cream and the additional water for each pass.

Lubricity was excellent, cushioning was excellent. The lather certainly felt good for my skin, not at all drying. I suspect if I had used no moisturizing after shave product I would have gotten away with it. Just feeling the face after the shave, the skin felt really good.

Comfort of the shave is hard to pinpoint to only the cream being involved since I was using a very mild razor and a sharp, smooth blade, but the shave was very comfortable. I'll probably revisit this review after I use the cream in a much more aggressive razor and update this, but I wouldn't expect it to change because of the quality of the cream.

Scent... I'm not a huge fan of strong scents, and initially I thought this was strongly scented straight out of the tube. Now either my nose got accustomed to it rapidly, or the addition of water tamed it down. I found the scent quite pleasant. I don't quite know what it smells like, but I had no problem with it.

It's not a big tube, but the quality is so high that I'd easily pay $5 for it and maybe more if I could get it easily.

What can I compare it too? It's better than KMF or Bigelow IMO. Provence Sante lathers easily, but TT (TopTen) lathers even easier. Skin feel is about the same for PS and TT, both during and after the shave, but the edge might go to the TopTen if I was pressed to make a choice. Provence Sante almost feels greasy to me, and the TT didn't have that feel yet made my skin feel cared for.

So here I am (returning to the beginning of the review) being asked how I like the photograph and giving the photographer a treatise on the photo. Amazing how that happens. But...

OK, did I like it? You betcha! Would I use it again if I could get more? Absolutely! I can't think of a single area where this cream doesn't shine brightly. Will I hate having my tube give up it's last squeeze? Yup. That should be quite awhile in the future though, I'll nurse it amongst the uses of other soaps and creams and dread when that day arrives.

This product gets a huge thumbs up and a huge grin from me!

Now if I found out that it was $1 a tube in the EU, I'd be extremely amazed.

Day 2:
I am officially amazed. Converting currency, I'm told it's under a buck for the tube. I was also informed that it comes in a 100ml tube.

One thing I noticed today, with some soaps they seem to have a fairly large window where they are at a useable hydration level before becoming over hydrated and breaking down. This cream appears to have a narrower window. That could be because it's useable "sooner" in the hydration level, I haven't persued that yet. But when I consider the hydration level right it's time to stop adding water because it breaks down very soon thereafter. That might be because of the miniscule amount I'm using to get all the lather I need. Maybe; I don't know. As with most soap/cream "problems" there are very few of them that can't be cured with the application of more product.

I used a Gillette Black Handle today which is slightly more aggressive. Again this soap performed like a champ. Tomorrow it's the Slim set to 9, then I'll be finished with this review.

Day3:

Today I used more cream, about 2x as much. That had the effect of using less water for a thicker and even more luxurious lather. If it was excellent before it was even better today. So I guess the "hydration window" I mentioned above was only an artifact of using such a small amount of cream and hydrating it fully.

Today I also returned to my Slim set to 9. I expected no negatives with an aggresive razor and sharp blade, and got none, but I had to fully test it there.

I consider this shave cream test more than complete.
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

Houbigant Fougere Royale Shaving Soap

This was my first opportunity to use this 1930's rarity. The bare wood bowl is dark and hard, and the product name is burned into the lid. The hard soap is a deep green color and smells great. The lather was dense, slick, protective and leaves the face feeling as smooth as a baby's skin. The shave was splendid. No after shave product seems necessary.

Image
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

1. Product name: Dr. Selby’s Lavender Luxury Shaving Cream

2. Remarks: (Note: This review only addresses the 3 times concentrated product in the plastic bowl. It does not address Dr. Selby’s soft shaving cream that’s sold in tubes.)

Image

The box states it is three times concentrated. There’s supposedly enough product in the bowl to provide 400 shaves. There’s no reason to doubt that statement. (I put a small amount of water on the soap before loading, then I load the brush for around 40 seconds, and after a few shaves, the top of the cream is as flat as the day it was new, no indentation seen.)

Image

This product does not produce weak watery suds with big or small bubbles. It produces lather. You get a rich, shiny, tight, slick and creamy abundance of lather. Because the product starts out highly concentrated, it permits the addition of water without getting too much water too soon. One would have to try to get too much water.

Image

I get the same lather and shave with Dr. Selby’s as I do with Martin de Candre. It smells nice, it’s readily available at the moment, and it’s $15 for enough to last more than a year.

There’s no dissipation of lather in the brush while parked in the warm scuttle, or just sitting on the counter between passes without a scuttle.

Your results might vary, but I have no problem recommending this product.

3. Ingredient list: Stearic acid, potassium hydroxide, coconut oil, sodium hydroxide, glycerin, fragrance. CI45350, CI42015, CI47005.

(For comparison purposes, here’s the ingredient list for Martin de Candre: Stearic acid, water, coconut acid, potassium hydroxide, glycerin, fragrance.)

Both soaps have only 6 ingredients (not counting coloring agents found in Dr. Selby’s). They have 5 ingredients in common, MdC has water and Dr. Selby’s does not. Dr. Selby’s has sodium hydroxide, MdC does not.
(Dr. Selby’s has 3 coloring agents listed.)

Image

Image

4. Country of origin: Product of Uruguay, SA

5. Container size: 125g

6. Price: $14.99 sold in USA by Razor Blades & More

7. Cost per ounce: $3.40

8. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes, clean, pleasant, and mild

9. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Silky, green and very firm

10. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes

11. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes

12. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes

13. Endurance: Does it dissipate in the brush between passes? No

14. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Yes
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
brothers
Posts: 21514
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:18 am
Location: Oklahoma City USA

Post by brothers »

1. Product name: Derby Shaving Soap

2. Remarks: This is a new product. Manufactured by Azmusebat. It comes in stick form with the name “Derby” embossed on the side of the stick. The stick is wrapped in foil.

Image

With a wet brush I loaded on the soap for 40 seconds. I like the brush because I’ve learned how to get the best out of it by using it exclusively every day with soaps and creams. The brush and the soap both hit their sweet spots and the lather was whipped cream just as I’d hoped for. It was the rich tight lather that works so well. It didn’t dissipate on the face or in the brush. No hint of soapsuds or the crackly poppy bubbly suds that I get with the similar looking and poorer performing dirt cheap sticks. There was an abundance of delicious lather.

3. Ingredient list: Potassium tallowate, potassium cocoate, stearic acid, sodium palm kernelate, aqua disodium distrylbiphenyl disulfonate, CL77891, paraffinum liquidum, parfum, geraniol, benzyl alcohol, linalool, glycerin.

4. Country of origin: Product of (Ankara) Turkey

5. Container size: 75g

6. Price: $6.49 including shipping from Turkey

7. Cost per ounce: $2.45

8. Fragrance: Does it have a scent? Yes, generic soapy fragrance, clean and mild

9. Texture: Describe the look and feel. Firm under pressure, not easily malleable.

10. Protective: Does it protect against razor burn and chafing? Yes

11. Lubrication: Is it slippery? Did it help the razor slide smoothly? Yes

12. Efficiency: Does it do what was expected to help me shave? Yes

13. Endurance: Does it dissipate in the brush between passes? No

14. Moisturizing: Does it add/restore moisture? Moderately
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
ShadowsDad
Posts: 3121
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2011 1:13 am
Location: Central Maine

Post by ShadowsDad »

3 (4 now) Italian soft soaps compared:

Cella, Valobra Almond, Vitos Red, and P.160


I've been using P.160 and Vitos for some time but just got the idea to compare the 3 soaps when I recently got a kilo of Cella.

First the Cella. I suspect I got a very fresh batch. When I opened the box and took a sniff I liked the faint smell of almond and cherry. I thought I had the wrapper opened a bit, but I was quite wrong. I put 200 grams in a ZipLock XS lidded food container from the supermarket and as I was doing this the scent nearly bowled me over. Strong was not the word to describe it. But I finished and told myself I'd try it the next day. Lathering it made it no better. It was a cheap, overly powerful, and synthetic scent that dominated the shave, and I didn't enjoy one bit. I used it the next day with the same result.

I decided to give it some time to age, maybe it would moderate with time. I used it one more time a few days later and it still stank, then after about a week or so (today) tried it again and noticed that it's definitely getting better. In another week or so, I'll come back to this and append something to the bottom regarding the scent at that time. (Cursor down. It's near the bottom.)

Performance is good. A nice stable, dense lather, with decent moisturizing properties, but nothing to write home about regarding moisturizing. It's just enough with no excess. After rinsing off after the shave the skin was in good shape. Definitely not the dry skin that ARKO or Williams leaves behind. Looking at the basin of water from the shave, there was relatively little floating on the surface.

Vitos Red: I've been using this for the past 2 months straight to try to use it up. And this is the soap that Cella followed for it's test.

The scent of Vitos is a nice soft almond. If you like marzipan, you'll love the scent. Performance is great, nice and dense and easy lathering. The moisturizing is significantly better than Cella IMO. It can be felt on the skin and seen floating in the basin of water. Cella exhibits little floating on the water after the shave.

Vitos has more of what Cella has and is a step up in performance.

P.160: This is going to be as extinct as the Dodo soon since the maker retired and no one wanted to buy his process, so he just stopped making it. What is "out there" is the planets supply of it and it's finite.

I used P.160 for a few months in my rotation before deciding to put it in the refrigerator to concentrate on using the Vitos to finish it off. For this comparison I brought it out, allowed it to warm up overnight, used it and put it back into the refrigerator.

The difference between Vitos and P.160 was immediately noticeable.

The scent of P.160 is a stronger almond scent than Vitos, though not overly so. This stuff smells good enough to eat, but I didn't try that. Performance mirrors the other soaps, but the tallow, fat, whatever the ingredient that makes it creamy and kind to the skin is significantly higher in P.160. After rinsing the face after the shave the "fat" is quite noticeable on the skin and it's extremely noticeable on the surface of the water in the sink. After using MWF, I think P.160 has even more than MWF has available to the skin. P.160 almost makes the skin feel greasy. Almost. That's the best I can describe it, but in no way is the skin greasy from it, but it is very moisturized. Almost like moisturizer cream had been rubbed into the skin.

Everything that Cella and Vitos has, this soap has more of.

What a shame it'll soon be no more. But Vitos is a close second.

I wish I had some Valobra Almond soft soap on hand to compare that also; maybe soon. I'll put the Vitos in the refrigerator to preserve it for when I do get some Valobra. I also want to compare the P.160 to MdC for moisturizer, but by the time that happens I expect the planets supply of P.160 might be gone so it'll be moot.

Edit: Valobra Almond: I have only seen this as a 150g block. That amount fits great in a ziplok xs size lidded food container from the supermarket. It's ugly, but it works great. The short story on the Valobra is that I place it between Cella and P.160. I can't determine yet if it's below, above or on a par with Vitos Red. Frankly, from a performance standpoint none of these soaps is a slouch, it's just a matter of degree as to how good they are. The Valobra is quite good. It lathers like gangbusters with little brush loading, is protective and has plenty of nice stuff for the skin, has excellent lubricity, and a pretty nice scent. It's amaretto with a hint of citrus. This is a very nice shave soap.

Now I didn't consider price with any of these soaps in this review. If that's an issue you'll need to figure out cost vs the quality you want to pay for.

----------------------------------------------------------------

3/24 Edit: It's too soon to test Cella again, but it's been 4 days since posting this and I've kept the lid off of the Cella for awhile (2 days?). Opening it and sniffing it certainly smells more like what others descibe the scent to be like. But I'm going to hold off for quite some time to give it it's best chance. Right now though it really smells good and the amaretto smell is definitely there and the nasty strong smell isn't.

4/02 Edit: Cellas scent... It's been almost 2 weeks and the scent is so much better. That little time has allowed it to mellow and it no longer had the strong and objectionable stentch it first had. It's now more of an Amaretto scent. It's a nice soap. But this is a comparison to the others and I still think the others are higher quality soaps, but Cella is very good in comparison to many other soaps and creams of the world.
Brian

Maker of Kramperts Finest Bay Rum and Frostbite
Or find it here: Italian Barber, West Coast Shaving, Barclay Crocker, The Old Town Shaving Company at Stats, Maggard Razors; Leavitt & Peirce, Harvard Square
User avatar
BullGoose
Vendor
Posts: 3078
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2009 7:23 am
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Contact:

Re:

Post by BullGoose »

Boyextraordinare wrote:I can imagine. I just wish they were neatly compiled. I'll add whatever I use, which thus far has been limited to Proraso, VHD Sensitive and Williams. Tomorrow-ish I'm going to try the new Body Shope's cream - probably on my GF, since I've nothing left but brows and the lovely locks atop my head.

I need more bases for comparison.
Yes, I agree. Perhaps SMF2 will have a review section at some point. [-o<

Here is my review of I Coloniali Mango Oil Shave Soap
http://www.bullgooseshaving.com -Rocnel, Barbaros, Boellis Panama, Savonniere du Moulin, Asylum Shave Works and so much more.

- Phil
User avatar
drmoss_ca
Admin
Posts: 10731
Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2004 4:39 pm

Re: Sticky: Soap and cream reviews

Post by drmoss_ca »

Any suggestions from Boyextraordinaire are one thing, but when they come from you that's quite another! WE might get there one day when I figure out how to drive this thing.

Chris
"Je n'ai pas besoin de cette hypothèse."
Pierre-Simon de Laplace
notthesharpest
Assistant Dean SMFU
Posts: 9449
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:32 am
Location: Vancouver, BC

Not-quite-a-review of not-quite-a-shaving-cream

Post by notthesharpest »

This is for those times when you arrive somewhere, need a shave, but haven't brought a brush with you - and it's probably not for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Noxzema (I don't mean their shaving cream, but the original Noxzema product in the large blue cylindrical tub) can reliably prepare you for a half-decent shave.

Product: Original Noxzema, dark blue jar
Appearance: white to yellow-white, semi-solid, slippery - not unlike Proraso's pre-shave in the glass jars
Brush: no
Lathers: no
Moisturizing: no; may be drying for some
Protection: fair
Lubrication: good to very good
Efficacy: very good
Endurance: good to very good
Rinsability: excellent
Fragrance: soapy, menthol - the fragrance is long-lasting and distinctive, which is probably a disadvantage; also the menthol is pretty strong

To use this product for shaving, wet your face with lots of hot water, take a very generous amount of Noxzema (more than you would use for shaving cream), and work it in vigorously with your fingers. It won't harm your brush, but the brush won't help anyway so don't bother. After you work it in, wait a few minutes for it to soak in; then shave. Does a fine job of softening the whiskers, and is quite slippery. Works well for a shower-shave with a cartridge razor. Because it doesn't lather, protective effect is lower than proper shaving products. I never had abrasions, cuts, or discomfort when using Noxzema.

Could also be used as "pre-shave for oily skin". The lingering menthol-ish Noxzema-ish scent would probably interfere with artistic fragrances, so don't use them on the same day.
Post Reply