Got the new A/S from Stirling Soap . . . but . . .

[Darkbulb]

I love Stirling soap and I think Rod is truly amazing to deal with, SO a few days ago I placed an order for some additional stuff and I also bought a small bottle of his new A/S splash. There were three fragrances to pick from and I decided on the 'Coniferous' one as I liked the idea of something smelling of pine, wood and general outdoorsy freshness.

However, I must say the A/S did disappoint.
I could not pick out any of the notes I was hoping would be there. It came across as a very 'medicinal' smell and not something resembling natural/pine/wood at all.

I emailed Rod some feedback and being the gentleman he is he took it all as constructive feedback and mentioned that there is "zero alcohol in it, and zero synthetics" but made a comment that maybe it was the Witch Hazel smell that was coming through.

The smell 'haunted' me and over lunch I went down to the local grocery store and smelled a bottle...and that was it. It's definitely WH I'm smelling.

The A/S didn't linger long, I'd say it was pretty much gone after about 10 mins.

So whilst I may put this A/S on the backburner for a bit (will re-visit it in a week or two to see if I get the same sensation from it) - I'd be curious to hear others impressions as I'm pretty sure that how you react to a smell is also highly YMMV.

Note: Stirling Soaps are fantastic and I'll be back for more soaps and lipbalm


Attractive old-style label:


Splash-opening:

 

[shaverjoe]

I have the vetiver and it is a straight vetiver scent, and quite a strong one as well. I don't detect any WH in it.

 

[Darkbulb]

I have the vetiver and it is a straight vetiver scent, and quite a strong one as well. I don't detect any WH in it.

I was tempted to go for the Vetiver but read somewhere that it can smell like patchouli (ugh) so opted for the Coniferous instead.
And yeah, as I said I think things like this is a bit "YMMV". I get a very strong medicinal scent from mine.

 

[Draven451]

After placing a recent order for some samples from Rod, I also was looking at AS options. I ended up ordering something from etsy and a couple days later I saw Rods post on his new AS products.

I have since received the soaps and like the different scents but have not shaved with them yet. I would like to try his AS products as I find the soaps to be well made.

While it sounds like you didn't enjoy the scent, did you notice any soothing, cooling, skin tightening or healing sensation from using the product?

 

[Darkbulb]

I have since received the soaps and like the different scents but have not shaved with them yet. I would like to try his AS products as I find the soaps to be well made.

While it sounds like you didn't enjoy the scent, did you notice any soothing, cooling, skin tightening or healing sensation from using the product?

I'd very much recommend Rod's soaps as well.
There is no alcohol in the A/S which I like. No stinging or drying out.

I must say I didn't notice a whole lot of beneficial effect from using it but keep in mind that the ingredients that it does contain (WH (which is an astringent) and Aloe Vera) normally doesn't give strong, noticeable sensations - they are more subtle and long lasting.

I'll be returning to Nivea Sensitive ASB - but at the price ($4 for a small bottle I think) I'd say it's worth trying out to see how it works for you.
I'll be re-trying the A/S in a week or so to see if I react in the same way to it..and if I do I guess I have my first PIF-item to give away