New and trying to find a regular cream.early impressions and input request.

[Sendit]

Thanks all for such a great community and help so far. I'm in the process of trying new creams and have some questions.

First, I discovered wet shaving with Art of Shaving products and really like the silky feel (lather) of their unscented cream. Their lemon scent set my face on fire so I am searching for a clean and subtle fragrance that is equal in quality.

I got a sample of the TOBS Avocado and Coconut and both have a "chemical" overtone that just doesn't work for me. Both scents are just too bold, for lack of a better term. It seems like they had a good base scent and then added something that just rubs me the wrong way. Instead of putting my nose closer, I pull back.

I am considering, but have not tried, the following brands/scents:

-TOBS Grapefruit (interested but concerned about lemon "burn"
-Jagger Aloe (I use Clinique after shave heal balm w/ Aloe and like the cool / calming Aloe scent)
-Jagger Limes and Pomegranate (again, citrus burn?)
-Jagger Cool menthol (sounds good....too bold?)
-Trumper Extract of limes (citrus burn?) also concern is Trumper samples are "random"

In hopes of giving enough information about myself to help you help me, I am 43 and more into Aveda and Clinique than Old Spice and Aramis. Although I appreciate the nostalgia of the old barber shop scents, cool and refreshing "less is more" is my taste.

Any feedback on the above would be great as well as suggestions of something that I have not mentioned.

 

[Shaving_CHENG]

Check out Queen Charlotte Soaps; they're extraordinary in quality and have a wide range of scents.

 

[oldhickory]

I would recommend going to http://www.truefittandhill.com and getting one of their samplers. It comes with a small sample of each of their creams. Its like 20 bucks. Also Musgo Real has some really good creams as well. I have the Spiced Citrus and like it alot

 

[shaverjoe]

QCS creams are awesome, but for a general cream with a "less is more" approach, I would recommend Kiss My Face unscented or Cool Mint.

 

[gosiaopus1]

TOBS Grapefruit has a realtively strong but rather natural delicious smell with no man made notes present. It is super smooth and leave no burn of any kind. I tend to go for low budget creams and sticks but this one will be a goto product for me due to the good smooth action and natural fragrant quality. From what I read you will like it. I bought only by recommendation from bullgoose and it really did what I was looking for.

 

[Mick]

If you are having reactions to some of the commercial products on the market step back a bit and look locally for this brand

Stick your zip code into the Kiss My Face store locator to find a retailer near you and grab a tube ($5) or pump bottle ($8) of any scent.

http://www.kissmyface.com/store

These are amazing creams and one of the easiest to lather. They are sold as "brushless" but stick a brush to it and you will have a lava flow of slick, luxurious, lather to use.

 

[Sendit]

The 'Kiss My Face' stuff may be a good test since it is everywhere around my area (grocery stores) and not expensive.

I don't want to be to particular but since shaving is such a treat for me now, I don't want to lessen the experience with something from my grocery store unless it matches up to the best creams.

I am spoliing myself with silver tip badger brush and Chatsworth razor, I want the full experience.

Also, I think I have options since neither of the TOBS reacted poorly, I just don't like the scents.

Keep em coming....this is helpful

 

[Mick]

The 'Kiss My Face' stuff may be a good test since it is everywhere around my area (grocery stores) and not expensive.

I don't want to be to particular but since shaving is such a treat for me now, I don't want to lessen the experience with something from my grocery store unless it matches up to the best creams.

I am spoliing myself with silver tip badger brush and Chatsworth razor, I want the full experience.

Also, I think I have options since neither of the TOBS reacted poorly, I just don't like the scents.

Keep em coming....this is helpful

Don't let the cost blind side you. It is one of the better products out there.

This is the quality of lather I get with it

 

[branford]

+1 on the Kiss My Face cream, particularly the Mint if you like a cooling sensation. The lime is also quite mild and enjoyable.

I would recommend any of the Proraso creams and soft soaps. At some point almost every wet shaver will try, and very likely enjoy, these long-time, beloved and inexpensive products. If you want to buy in-store, the Proraso Green cream is re-branded as C.O. Bigelow cream at Bath & Body Works.

Lastly, I also have sensitive skin. I realized early on that I generally tend to fare better with creams and soaps that are scented with essential oils rather than fragrance oils. YMMV.

Good luck!

 

[Sendit]

+1 on the Kiss My Face cream, particularly the Mint if you like a cooling sensation. The lime is also quite mild and enjoyable.

I would recommend any of the Proraso creams and soft soaps. At some point almost every wet shaver will try, and very likely enjoy, these long-time, beloved and inexpensive products. If you want to buy in-store, the Proraso Green cream is re-branded as C.O. Bigelow cream at Bath & Body Works.

Lastly, I also have sensitive skin. I realized early on that I generally tend to fare better with creams and soaps that are scented with essential oils rather than fragrance oils. YMMV.

Good luck!

Very helpful.....two questions:

Is the Bigelow the natural (no parebum) Poraso?
How can to determine whether a product has essential oils vs fragrance oils?

Thanks!

 

[Sendit]

Don't let the cost blind side you. It is one of the better products out there.

This is the quality of lather I get with it

Wow, I am surprised. I will grab some for sure.

Thanks for posting that pic!!

 

[Mick]

Wow, I am surprised. I will grab some for sure.

Thanks for posting that pic!!

Their scents are very subtle (not over powering). "Key lime" and "green tea and bamboo" are the two that I enjoy the most. They also have an unscented if you want nothing but the performance.

 

[JCinPA]

Very helpful.....two questions:

Is the Bigelow the natural (no parebum) Poraso?
How can to determine whether a product has essential oils vs fragrance oils?

Thanks!

Both the Bigelow and the new formula Proraso are paraben-free.

If a company uses essential oils they are more expensive ingredients and the maker will likely tout that fact. If they don't it is usually safe to assume they are not using essential oils.

Just so you know, essential oils are not always going to give people less of a reaction than synthesized. Lots of folks are sensitive to a variety of essential oils. Unfortunately, YOU have to try a cream to see if YOU are going to get a reaction. Nobody else can help you there.

 

[branford]

Very helpful.....two questions:

Is the Bigelow the natural (no parebum) Poraso?
How can to determine whether a product has essential oils vs fragrance oils?

Thanks!

All the new stock Proraso and C.O. Bigelow is the new formula without Parabens, SLS, etc. Nevertheless, if purchasing the C.O. Bigelow in-store, I would certainly be sure to check the label.

Fragrance or essential oil is generally specifically indicated on the label. Most "All Natural" or organic products like Kiss My Face include only in include essential oils (KMF's old formula many years ago included parabens). Artisans and niche manufacturers also tend to clearly differentiate their essential oil vs fragrance oil products due to customer preferences and allergies.

When in doubt, email or call the manufacturer or vendor, or post your inquiry on B&B. Sensitivities and allergic reactions to popular products are often discussed on the boards, and we wet shavers are a friendly and helpful bunch!

 

[branford]

Their scents are very subtle (not over powering). "Key lime" and "green tea and bamboo" are the two that I enjoy the most. They also have an unscented if you want nothing but the performance.

"Pomegranate and Grapefruit" is also quite good. However, I sure miss the Vanilla Earth . . .

 

[Sendit]

......we wet shavers are a friendly and helpful bunch!

Perhaps the understatement of the year!!

 

[John Von Wuggz]

TOBS Jermyn St (hard to describe but light, crisp, and my wife's favorite) or TOBS Eton College (fresh, very light citrus, good summer scent).

 

[Zombeezy]

Samplers are the way to go, really.

Besides Garry Johnson in this forum with his samplers (he has 10 TOBS creams, for example), go check out buying samples from Mike's Natural Soaps, Queen Charlotte Soaps, Truefitt & Hill, Barrister & Mann, Al's Shaving Products

 

[Sendit]

Thanks all......as a quick update......I went to my local Bath and Body works and get a nice size sample of the Bigelow cream.

It is very clean smelling, reminds me of the old Irish Spring green/white soap bars from long ago. I used it this morning after a long hot shower and find it be be much less "soapy" smelling when on the face.

Having said that, it is less subtle than I like and seems to be drying to my skin. I saw a video where a Truefitt master barber was discussing the glycerin creams (3 Ts) being more moisturizing (or less drying) than the Proraso type.

The hunt continues.....I have ordered the Truefitt $13 sample pack and am trying to find a source for a sample of the Simpsons new cream as well as Castle Forbes. At this point, the AoS unscented is still the standard to beat.

 

[Steve_in_CT]

I would recommend D.R. Harris. Arlington is a great cream with a fairly subtle fragrance. My new favorite D.R. Harris cream is Windsor. If you're looking for great performance and subtle fragrance it would be hard to beat.