B&B Vendor soap recommendation

[zethreal]

Ok, I know soap scents are really a 'ymmv' thing, but I just have to ask... I'm looking to try a soap/cream other than what I have ( a vdh puck & green proraso cream - new formula ). Does anyone have any recommendations?

I'd really just like some thoughts & ideas for someone that's just starting out... I'm game to try just about anything & that's my problem. There are way too many choices and I just can't narrow it down. I'm looking for some recommendations so I don't end up just going through and buying 3 or 4 soaps/creams at random.

If I end up with something I don't like, I'll definitely PIF it or add it to the b/s/t forum. Also, let me know if this isn't the right place for this

 

[superbleu]

I like to break soap scents down into these categories
There is citrusy (lemon, lime bergamont, neroli)
Flora(rose, laveneder, violet0
Woody (sandalwood, cedar, musky )
almond(self explanitory, most italian soft soaps fit this category)
herbal, mint/menthol (peppermint/eucalyptus/menthol/sage)

if you can pick a couple categories, you might get better/more specific reccos

 

[zethreal]

I'd probably go with citrusy or woody. Floral ones can give my allergies a run for their money and I have a proraso w/menthol for now.

 

[Big_OC]

Order samples from Mystic Waters, Mike's Natural Soaps or Queen Charlotte Soaps. Minimal costs to try them out. Great scents and great performance.

 

[superbleu]

are you specifically looking for an artisan soap like mikes or mystic waters?
or are you open to other brands like DR harris, AOS, cella ect?

Not sure what based on the title of the op.

 

[zethreal]

I'm really just looking for some new soaps to try, but would like to support the artisans/small businesses. I'm open for anything really, I just like spending money with the little guys when possible

 

[UngerWoo]

Mike's are very good.

 

[cpeter47]

Order samples from Mystic Waters, Mike's Natural Soaps or Queen Charlotte Soaps. Minimal costs to try them out. Great scents and great performance.

This.

 

[Techichi]

Order samples from Mystic Waters, Mike's Natural Soaps or Queen Charlotte Soaps. Minimal costs to try them out. Great scents and great performance.

Fantastic advice. +1

 

[Cochese2323]

Order samples from Mystic Waters, Mike's Natural Soaps or Queen Charlotte Soaps. Minimal costs to try them out. Great scents and great performance.

This is really an excellent suggestion and all are top performers. Can't go wrong these at all.

 

[Mike_P]

I'll be 100% honest with you. I started the same way, just supporting the "little guys" who tend to customers needs around B&B. Getting the personalized help from them was awesome, not to mention being able to custom order scents, samples, etc... I too stay away from floral like you do to avoid allergy issues.

Now to get down to the nitty gritty of my opinion.

If you like citrus (Which is my favorite scent in soaps), Mike's Lemongrass & Eucalyptus is awesome. My favorite scent he offers followed by his lime. If you're willing to pay for a custom scent, Queen Charlotte was able to produce a matching set of Lemon & Pomegranate soap and Aftershave Balm that are to die for. Both Mike and Matt have outstanding customer service and super fast shipping. They go above and beyond to make sure their customers are happy.

If you want to expand the look outside of artisan soaps but still stay away from the florals, check out Cella. Sweet scented soft soap with amazing performance.

OR your other option, creams. Trumpers Coconut is amazing stuff. I love making Uber lather out of this an any of the above. GREAT performer!

 

[SteveWY]

Mike's are very good.

I know this is YMMV but any scent standouts in Mike's lineup for you?

 

[Haggises]

Mystic Waters Lime is very, very lime-y. I've also tried the mysore sandalwood - great soap, but sandalwood not my complete cup of tea.
I dont think you can go wrong with MW in my experience, or Mikes or QCS from reading others here.

 

[PugslyCat]

You may want to try the samples from Mama Bear as well.

 

[cryhavoc]

I know this is YMMV but any scent standouts in Mike's lineup for you?

Lime, Bay Rum, Rose & Cedarwood and Pine & Cedarwood

 

[SteveWY]

I'm a sucker for any Bay Rum, so that is a must try!

 

[cluelessdude]

Mike's!!!!! The Orange is AMAZING (I'm just guessing but I think it might be his best seller by the amount of love it gets). To me it's like peeling the perfect fresh orange from Florida. Amazing scent though I will try other scents of his.

 

[tinashubby]

Only soap I've ever used is Mystic. I started with a few samples, smells great and no problem lathering. Samples are cheap!

 

[UngerWoo]

I know this is YMMV but any scent standouts in Mike's lineup for you?

Orange, Cedarwood and Black Pepper is the one to get first, but I like all the ones I have.

 

[DeepOvertone]

I agree with Mystic Waters and Queen Charlotte!! I haven't tried Mikes yet but I will.. The samples from each of those companies will give you three or four good shaves per. If you order a handful of samples, you are looking at quite a few shaves! I have also tried the Mamma Bear soaps but didn't care for them very much. Mamma Bear soaps are glycerine based which I didn't find as rich as the others. I also didn't like the scents as much.