L'Occitane CADE Aftershave Balm

Generally, I've found pricey ASBs mediocre across the board, to the point that I've decided to stick to the stuff barbers used on me when I was a kid: witch hazel. Smells pleasant in its own subtle way, and does the job. And I was a happy little camper with this arrangement...until my Sig. Other got a shipment of goodies she ordered from L'Occitane for herself, which came with the usual "teaser" sample packets. They happened to include a sample of their Cade ASB, which she promptly tossed my way, "in case you're interested", she casually added. I put it next to my razor stand, just in case.

On my next shave, I decided to give the Cade sample a go, remembering the last sample I tried (Baxter), which was merely "okay", meaning not good enough to justify spending that kind of cash, but figuring that L'Occitane, given their overall rep, might be a little better than that. I was wrong: it's WAY better. From its wonderfully subtle (and lingering) scent, to its texture, to how it simply makes my skin feel right after applying, and hours afterward - the stuff lives up to its billing, which was sort of shocking given my disappointment with so many others.

Of course, the downside is that I am now enamored with an ASB priced solidly in the luxury-goods category, which isn't exactly my thing. At 34 bucks for a 2.5oz tube, this seems pretty spendy, but one mitigating factor is that, like the fabled Brylcreem, a little dab will literally "do ya"...in fact, you don't want to use any more than the tiniest dollop you can manage to coax from the tube. That two and a half ounces should go a pretty long way.

Highly recommended, albeit reluctantly. ;-)

This is a very good ASB. The scent is marvelous and matches the soap (which IMO is not of the same quality). The ASB is able to provide a lot of comfort after a bad shave and does not leave the face feeling tight.

It can be a little greasy, and therefore, may not be suitable for humid climates, but is definitely the ASB to use in a dryer winter weather.

I feel like a million bucks when wearing this stuff. And that makes it worth it, except that I tend to only wear on special occasions. The scent lasts all day. Drop the price by 10 bucks and I'd buy by the case.