Since I haven't seen much about it on here I thought I'd provide a short review of this soap. I'd like to start with a small disclaimer that, while I've tried a good number of soaps(about 40), I am far from an expert. This is also the first review I've attempted.
I have enjoyed Molton Brown products in the past with the exception of their products that were marketed for shaving, particularly the multi-purpose soaps and gels that I found to be mediocre. They're body washes are on point though, especially that black-peppercorn. I recently found out that they released an actual shaving soap and I immediately purchased it with high hopes. I'm happy to say that I'm quite pleased with it.
Appearance: The package was nice. I ordered it direct from Molton Brown's website for 45$ with free shipping and a free sample of their face scrub included. I splurged for the puck with the metal bowl that I thought resembled the L'Occitane bowl. The puck alone is 15$. The package arrived surprisingly quick, I believe it only took 2 days.
First Impression: I found the bowl to be nice. I was actually not very impressed with the scent. It smells good and fresh but it's a very light scent. I was also expecting more of an "orange" scent and I had decided to pair it with my Fine L'Orange Noir before I had even opened it. I know very little about fragrance notes but the website says "A top note of mandarin. Middle notes of jasmine and violet. Base notes of musk, sandalwood and vanilla" so I was expecting it to have that mandarin fragrance be noticeable and I don't really think it is.
Lather: It lathered quickly. I loaded for less than 10 seconds lightly swirling my Amici brush and then took to the bowl. It was a good looking thick and creamy lather that took minimal time to create.
Shave: It provided a great shave. I think it's what some would consider to be a "thirsty" soap. I may not be using that correctly. Basically, I found it to work better with a wet face whereas I've found that I can use some of my argan-oil based soaps(read: Razorock XX and ABCBA) I can use with a dry face. The lather was slick when my face was wet and provided a very comfortable shave. Coupled with the Fine aftershave my face felt great afterwards.
I recommend this soap to anyone. The puck alone seems rather inexpensive in my opinion compared to English bath houses of similar repute.
I have enjoyed Molton Brown products in the past with the exception of their products that were marketed for shaving, particularly the multi-purpose soaps and gels that I found to be mediocre. They're body washes are on point though, especially that black-peppercorn. I recently found out that they released an actual shaving soap and I immediately purchased it with high hopes. I'm happy to say that I'm quite pleased with it.
Appearance: The package was nice. I ordered it direct from Molton Brown's website for 45$ with free shipping and a free sample of their face scrub included. I splurged for the puck with the metal bowl that I thought resembled the L'Occitane bowl. The puck alone is 15$. The package arrived surprisingly quick, I believe it only took 2 days.
First Impression: I found the bowl to be nice. I was actually not very impressed with the scent. It smells good and fresh but it's a very light scent. I was also expecting more of an "orange" scent and I had decided to pair it with my Fine L'Orange Noir before I had even opened it. I know very little about fragrance notes but the website says "A top note of mandarin. Middle notes of jasmine and violet. Base notes of musk, sandalwood and vanilla" so I was expecting it to have that mandarin fragrance be noticeable and I don't really think it is.
Lather: It lathered quickly. I loaded for less than 10 seconds lightly swirling my Amici brush and then took to the bowl. It was a good looking thick and creamy lather that took minimal time to create.
Shave: It provided a great shave. I think it's what some would consider to be a "thirsty" soap. I may not be using that correctly. Basically, I found it to work better with a wet face whereas I've found that I can use some of my argan-oil based soaps(read: Razorock XX and ABCBA) I can use with a dry face. The lather was slick when my face was wet and provided a very comfortable shave. Coupled with the Fine aftershave my face felt great afterwards.
I recommend this soap to anyone. The puck alone seems rather inexpensive in my opinion compared to English bath houses of similar repute.