Designer ASB ?

[Shave Cave Dweller]

I've been using witch hazel and a moisturizer from the pharmacy for my post shave and have been happy with the results. Recently a friend of mine passed on to me a designer ASB. Gave it a try and liked it, went to Amazon to check it out and OMG these things are EXPENSIVE.



So my questions are: For this price are these products otherworldly giving Harry Potteresque results or is it another case of paying for an average performer but a big time name on the bottle?

When using these do you need to co-ordinate the scents with your EDT? I would think the wrong combination could make you smell like 'THE SWAMP CREATURE'?

 

[theperfectstorm]

I've been using witch hazel and a moisturizer from the pharmacy for my post shave and have been happy with the results. Recently a friend of mine passed on to me a designer ASB. Gave it a try and liked it, went to Amazon to check it out and OMG these things are EXPENSIVE.



So my questions are: For this price are these products otherworldly giving Harry Potteresque results or is it another case of paying for an average performer but a big time name on the bottle?

When using these do you need to co-ordinate the scents with your EDT? I would think the wrong combination could make you smell like 'THE SWAMP CREATURE'?

You need to define your terms. "Designer" as in a recognized brand that makes colognes and perfumes and made the ASB as an ancillary product or designer as in a recognized maker of grooming specific stuff like Kiehl's or John Allen?

The stuff made by cologne companies to accompany their scents is hit and miss depending on whom they got to make the stuff for them. SOme are good, some are just fancy-label junk.

The stuff made by the dedicated grooming companies are generally good, the main difference being price and personal tastes concerning ingredients. And there is a label premium there as well.

 

[The Last Chimney]

I have been trying for years to smell like THE SWAMP CREATURE without genuine swamp-wallowing but have failed. If you have any information on these "wrong combinations" I would appreciate it.

 

[Shave Cave Dweller]

You need to define your terms. "Designer" as in a recognized brand that makes colognes and perfumes and made the ASB as an ancillary product or designer as in a recognized maker of grooming specific stuff like Kiehl's or John Allen?

The stuff made by cologne companies to accompany their scents is hit and miss depending on whom they got to make the stuff for them. SOme are good, some are just fancy-label junk.

The stuff made by the dedicated grooming companies are generally good, the main difference being price and personal tastes concerning ingredients. And there is a label premium there as well.

Sorry for the confusion.

I'm new to the DE scene and have come to associate certain brands with 'Shaving' such as T&H, Poraso, TOBS etc. or as you put it the 'dedicated grooming companies' (TGC'S). It's the stuff made by the cologne companies that I was curious about.

I've stuck with products from the TGC's so far and have not been disappointed (Thanks B&B). Just wondering if the shaving related stuff from the likes of Armani, Versace, Burberry etc are on par, performance wise.

 

[scottb]

In my experience, the AS products made by cologne companies are usually just diluted with a little glycerin for splashes, or their trademark fragrance added to a mediocre lotion for balms.

There are exceptions, particularly if the company focuses on men's products. L'Occitane is (or was) an example of one known for good fragrances but whose aftershave products could stand on their own. Unfortunately the Verdon line is not as good. This may be an example of what you're calling dedicated grooming companies.

 

[sid3000]

You can find some great designer AS at Marshalls. They used to be tester bottles so rarely can you find 100% full. Though I was able to grab some Tommy Hillfiger and Gucci AS for $2 each, both 60% full.

 

[Dewaine]

The only "designer" ASB I have is Armani, and it is really very good.

 

[ofelas]

I have been trying for years to smell like THE SWAMP CREATURE without genuine swamp-wallowing but have failed. If you have any information on these "wrong combinations" I would appreciate it.

 

[Mr. Styptic]

The only "designer" ASB I have is Armani, and it is really very good.

+1. Found a bottle cheap, $15 (well under full price), and it left my skin moisturized and smooth, not tacky. But I don't use this every day. Normally, I reach for AV, Skin Bracer or one of the Barbasols.

Another excellent "designer" AS is Alt-Insbruck. Leaves the skin smooth and taut, and smells great, IMO. Expensive compared to the drugstore stuff, but well worth it when you want a little something extra in your day.