What is going on in Bulgaria? Surely it is the winner in the greatest number of shave creams produced in any country, the vast majority of which get good to excellent reviews.
I thought I'd share what I've gleaned from various bulletin boards (including this one of course).
Apparently the 3 best sellers are:
Biofresh: Many write of the great lathering capability of Rose of Bulgaria, but Biofresh also make Spatia, Pika (also called Nuka - advertised as containing menthol which noone seems to detect - but good lather with small quantity). Rose of Bulgaria and Herbs of Bulgaria are touted as having great lathering, but some describe the rose scent as more like cotton candy.
Fresh Up Cosmetics: Brands are Aspis Ice Rain (nice cooling effect, highly thought of "better than arko"), Kupa, Amigo. Also Super-Max Ultimate.
Lavena: Shaving Cream Icarus (also called Ikar?) and Addicto (not shown on website!)
Agressia: Shaving Cream: Fresh, Sensitive, Normal. A new company to the fray
Ventoni: Argo Neo shaving cream: silver/platinum/gold
THS Cosmetics: Adventure
Aroma, Sofia: Danubian Waves
STS Cosmetics: Compass: Ice Energy, Vital Comfort, Wild Power
Evterpa, Sofia: Menthol, Sensitive. The only reviews were that the smell was dreadful. Perhaps the only one to avoid?
Overall everyone reports two things consistently. Insanely cheap in Europe (wherever you can get them) and excellent lathering.
The second question is: whither the shaving soaps - why only creams?
Interested to get opinions on the above. Almost justifies a trip to Bulgaria (swinging by Turkey en route, to pick up some limon-kolonyasi, Dalan D'men, Derby, Arko....)
I thought I'd share what I've gleaned from various bulletin boards (including this one of course).
Apparently the 3 best sellers are:
- Kapo Classic/Fresh/Sensitive (made by Alen Mak). "ALEN MAK Bulgaria EAD is a cosmetic and perfumery company, offering products under some of the most popular and loved brands not only in Bulgaria, but also in the countries from the ex Soviet Union. Over the years through our beloved products we take care for your beauty, a feeling of comfort and well-being. In our business we are guided by our 6 main corporate values: -against animal testing; -"for" fair trading; -"for" good self-esteem; -"for" achieving the expectations of our customers and employees; -"for" defending human rights; -"for" the protection of the environment. We believe that the business has the power to bring change to the good and through their actions are trying to serve as an example of this philosophy."
- Viking (http://www.aroma.bg/en/) Sensitive/Normal, both mentholated. "AROMA has adopted a multi-level approach, including: Natural ingredients added; Low cellulose cartons are used for the individual and group packaging of our products;" one factory in Sofia. Germany's hard discounter "Kaufland" sells something called Pascale Menthol, which is also manufactured by Aroma and gets great reviews, although menthol hard to identify!
- Top Ten: Normal (menthol) & Sensitive (with yarrow extract and allantoin) made by Rubella ("a lovely mixture of citrus/mint, and the lather is so rich, thick, and creamy...well-mentholated").
Biofresh: Many write of the great lathering capability of Rose of Bulgaria, but Biofresh also make Spatia, Pika (also called Nuka - advertised as containing menthol which noone seems to detect - but good lather with small quantity). Rose of Bulgaria and Herbs of Bulgaria are touted as having great lathering, but some describe the rose scent as more like cotton candy.
Fresh Up Cosmetics: Brands are Aspis Ice Rain (nice cooling effect, highly thought of "better than arko"), Kupa, Amigo. Also Super-Max Ultimate.
Lavena: Shaving Cream Icarus (also called Ikar?) and Addicto (not shown on website!)
Agressia: Shaving Cream: Fresh, Sensitive, Normal. A new company to the fray
Ventoni: Argo Neo shaving cream: silver/platinum/gold
THS Cosmetics: Adventure
Aroma, Sofia: Danubian Waves
STS Cosmetics: Compass: Ice Energy, Vital Comfort, Wild Power
Evterpa, Sofia: Menthol, Sensitive. The only reviews were that the smell was dreadful. Perhaps the only one to avoid?
Overall everyone reports two things consistently. Insanely cheap in Europe (wherever you can get them) and excellent lathering.
The second question is: whither the shaving soaps - why only creams?
Interested to get opinions on the above. Almost justifies a trip to Bulgaria (swinging by Turkey en route, to pick up some limon-kolonyasi, Dalan D'men, Derby, Arko....)
