Osage Rub: meh.

[auk1124]

I'm a balm guy. The alcohol in splashes break me out. But at heart I really wish I was a splash guy. Splashes smell better, and let's face it, smearing lotion on your face just ain't as manly as pouring bright blue hell-fire on your raw, scraped flesh.

Speaking of manliness, while browsing in my local Sally Beauty store this weekend, I noticed a couple of bottles of Osage Rub on the shelf, marked down to $1.57 per bottle. Snagged one. I am a miserable, cheap bastard at heart, and my fears of pizza face were overridden by how cheap this stuff was.

Used it this morning. Had read it was akin to dipping your head in a boiling cauldron of cough syrup, Kool cigarettes, and Icy Hot pain ointment. I expected my head to explode, but in reality all I got was some alcohol burn, followed by a menthol burn that really wasn't much different from Aqua Velva, or more prolonged.

So, what gives? Did I get a "stale" bottle, or is the menthol blast of this stuff a wee bit hyped? All I got was an ordinary menthol and alcohol kick, with a weak barbershop scent. Unless there was something wrong with my bottle, I see no reason why anyone should seek this juice out... Will try it a few more times, or until it starts breaking me out, but my first impression was underwhelming.

 

[tominabox1]

well, if you rinse in ice cold water before you splash, you should have a cold face for a couple minutes at least after you put on the 'Rub. I use a highly mentholated AS (Pacific Rush) and my face stays cool for long enough.

 

[xriley]

I like mentholated aftershaves. Osage definitely has more menthol than most. While I didn't find it too over the top, I did get the feeling that I had just put Vick's vapor rub on my face. Nothing I couldn't handle though.

I think that it is one of those every once in a while aftershaves.

 

[dwestenk]

... in reality all I got was some alcohol burn, followed by a menthol burn that really wasn't much different from Aqua Velva, or more prolonged ... a weak barbershop scent. ...

Wow. For me, the Osage Rub effect is much more intense and prolonged than AV! I'd venture to say that your reaction would be in the minority of those who have reported on it here. Not sure why. YMMV!?!?

 

[Deltaboy]

You might have got a old bottle usually OSR is like getting a shot of Ice water on your face.

 

[Will P.C.]

Osage rub was probably the strongest menthol splash I have used. However, it is not as strong as all the "hype"would have you believe. I remember reading that Proraso shave cream was crazy intesense menthol, but I barely felt it even after the cold water splash

 

[Charon2000]

I'm not a big fan of Osage Rub. I don't like the scent (smells like cough syrup) and although it gives me a pretty strong cooling effect initially, it fades for me pretty quick.

 

[BEAR DEN]

The effect is far stronger then you describe. I use it everyday...my eyes usually water and it actually makes my hands cold almost to the bone...really! I admit I use more then probably most men here but what you desribe is not the Osage Rub that I know. I like AV alot but as far as menthol goes with Osage Rub being a 10 I would rate AV a 1.5 YMMV!

 

[guitarslinger]

The effect is far stronger then you describe. I use it everyday...my eyes usually water and it actually makes my hands cold almost to the bone...really! I admit I use more then probably most men here but what you desribe is not the Osage Rub that I know. I like AV alot but as far as menthol goes with Osage Rub being a 10 I would rate AV a 1.5 YMMV!

This^^^^^^

absolutely.

You know how people open and close their hands when they're having a heart attack in the movies? That's what happens to me b/c my hands are numb!


Maybe, I got the strong batch, but yes,

If OSR is a 10 on the menthol scale, AV Blue is like a 2 at most.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

I'm curisous to see how the Barbasol products rank against Osage with regards to menthol. I think the Brisk is more mentholated than the Pacific rush, but others dissagree. All that I know is that it's the only after shave that I can feel on my hands even after I've rinsed them, and on my face for 10 or more minutes after a shave.

 

[poppi]

I just started using Osage Rub and love it. A liberal splash and I'm chilled for about 20 minutes. Then I add some Barbasol Brisk or Pacific Rush and get another 20 minutes or so. Marvelous.

 

[auk1124]

Wow, I must have a bad bottle then, no breath-taking, teeth clenching menthol freeze at all. Can menthol dissipate over time or something?

Then again, considering the bottle was marked down to $1.57, the cashier may have spilled half of it and filled the bottle back up out of the toilet or something.

 

[tominabox1]

brisk is more menthol than the rush??? well in that case...

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

brisk is more menthol than the rush??? well in that case...

I feel like it is, but I'd bet they contain the exact same amounts, honestly. The brisk is a way better scent though!

 

[ricardo9505]

the cashier may have spilled half of it and filled the bottle back up out of the toilet or something. [/QUOTE]

- (tears of laughter from my face)

 

[the_ogre25]

Have you tried giving it a good shake, maybe some settling?

 

[ladykate]

Wow, I must have a bad bottle then, no breath-taking, teeth clenching menthol freeze at all. Can menthol dissipate over time or something?

Then again, considering the bottle was marked down to $1.57, the cashier may have spilled half of it and filled the bottle back up out of the toilet or something.

I don't get the teeth clenching part either. It is certainly a menthol splash so it has a feel to it. I tried it after reading about it on here - didn't get the Arko-like kool-aid event that some have. It is OK and I'll probably use it but I doubt I'll seek out more. Alcohol splashes are easier to make from your favorite EDC and give just as much initial refreshment. The follow-on menthol is not cooling to me... but it isn't unpleasant.

 

[zeak]

It had to be a bad bottle or you didn't use enough. Even with a little bit I feel strong cooling. With a lot, my eyes water.
You can always try Alcolado Glacial too. I haven't yet, but many on this board claim it's stronger than the rub.

 

[cryhavoc]

I don't think Alcolado Glacial is any colder than the Rub, but it does have a nicer less medicinal scent. YMMV

 

[lt114]

Osage Rub is like dipping my face in a bucket of ice water. Maybe you got a dud.