Penhaligon's BB is the gold standard

[Amzimbo]

Thought I'd start a thread, and hopefully a discussion, for my 700th post.

I have literally dozens of creams of every kind, British, American, Italian, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Hungarian, etc., etc., etc., in tubs and tubes and jars. I like, even love, many of them (GFT Coconut, NY Shaving Co. Tonsorial, TOBS Grapefruit, old formula Proraso green, just to name a few), but recently came to the conclusion that none of them even come close to the BB in terms of a thick, cushiony, rich lather. I like variety and will continue to use all the creams, croaps and soaps in my ridiculously large inventory. I recognize that the BB is pricey, and there may well be better values to be had in terms of less expensive creams with excellent performance. But on those days when I want the ultimate in luxury, I'm gonna reach for that heavy, classy jar of Blenheim Bouquet. Anyone else feel the same way?

 

[Edinburgh]

I agree with you entirely, except for the part about the jar as mine is in a tube.

 

[evnpar]

Pens BB is probably on top of my list for creams, but not just because of the lather. I find Al's creams to produce an equally great lather, and with more complex scents. But I don't think you can top the scent of BB, nor the classiest glass jar in existence. For ultimate luxury and class, I also reach for Pens.

 

[SiBurning]

After trying about 30 creams, I got rid all but 4. Penhaligon's, Crabtree & Evelyn, and Castle Forbes for the shave, and Tabula Rasa dark lavendar strictly for the scent. Still, I haven't used any of them in a couple of years. Tallow soaps do better for me.

 

[Pudu]

I'm a soap guy, but BB cream rates at the very top of my stuff. It's the most luxurious thing I have in my collection. Adore it.

As a wise man once said: It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

 

[mistercitizen]

I agree with you entirely, except for the part about the jar as mine is in a tube.

Gotta get the Pen's BB in the heavy glass jar. I keep mine on my nightstand next to my bed at night for safety in case there is an intruder.


Ben

 

[zeeco]

How would you describe the scent? is it like jermyn street or blue beards revenge, or is it heavily scented like lavender or Almond etc.

 

[mistercitizen]

How would you describe the scent? is it like jermyn street or blue beards revenge, or is it heavily scented like lavender or Almond etc.

It's citrusy/woody. Lemons and pine with a little muskiness to it. It's pretty much heavenly and nothing like TOBS Jermyn St. I've never smelled Bluebeards Revenge cream. I love the scent, but the cologne doesn't have much staying power on me, so I've never bothered to get a bottle based on the samples I've gotten.

Ben

 

[Edinburgh]

Gotta get the Pen's BB in the heavy glass jar. I keep mine on my nightstand next to my bed at night for safety in case there is an intruder.


Ben

I will be replacing mine with the jar when it runs out. That jar does grab one's attention, doesn't it?

 

[CFSoto]

Thought I'd start a thread, and hopefully a discussion, for my 700th post.

I have literally dozens of creams of every kind, British, American, Italian, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Hungarian, etc., etc., etc., in tubs and tubes and jars. I like, even love, many of them (GFT Coconut, NY Shaving Co. Tonsorial, TOBS Grapefruit, old formula Proraso green, just to name a few), but recently came to the conclusion that none of them even come close to the BB in terms of a thick, cushiony, rich lather. I like variety and will continue to use all the creams, croaps and soaps in my ridiculously large inventory. I recognize that the BB is pricey, and there may well be better values to be had in terms of less expensive creams with excellent performance. But on those days when I want the ultimate in luxury, I'm gonna reach for that heavy, classy jar of Blenheim Bouquet. Anyone else feel the same way?

Hi amzimbo. BB is in my top five creams,however,IMO,its not nearly as luxurious as Castle Forbes Lime(and Lavender),or XPEC,the marvelous Italian cream.

Craig

 

[Labowski]

I can only find it in the tube. Where does one acquire the jar???

 

[Amzimbo]

I can only find it in the tube. Where does one acquire the jar???

Got mine from the source in ole' London Town. Not sure if you can buy it on line, or elsewhere.

 

[Amzimbo]

Hi amzimbo. BB is in my top five creams,however,IMO,its not nearly as luxurious as Castle Forbes Lime(and Lavender),or XPEC,the marvelous Italian cream.

Craig

I've got both those CFs. They don't do it for me in the same way. But I think I may try a head-to-head challenge based on your post. Haven't yet tried XPEC. Is it an almond scent (not my fave flave)?

 

[Pudu]

I can only find it in the tube. Where does one acquire the jar???

Good question. Vintageblades and Royalshave both sell it but are out of stock (I think I grabbed VB's last jar a couple of weeks ago). Send Jim a note to see when they expect more.


I really like CF lime (much, much more so than any 3T stuff) but for me it isn't on par with BB.

 

[CFSoto]

I've got both those CFs. They don't do it for me in the same way. But I think I may try a head-to-head challenge based on your post. Haven't yet tried XPEC. Is it an almond scent (not my fave flave)?

Now,I only have the Unscented version of XPEC.I love it strictly because of the great ,protective and slick lather it produces. I was not very fond of the 'Original' scented XPEC. It had an overwhelming kind of scent thats difficult to describe. 'Barbershop maybe.

Craig

 

[Mick]

The jar IS really a nice touch.

As far as performance, the Truefitt & Hill creams are very close and a fraction of the price

My local shave shop stocks BB in the jar which is convenient

 

[jwilock]

I wrote Pens about this recently. They're out of the jar and will be for some time but expect to have some back by the end of the year or early next year. I replied to them saying that I hoped they weren't reformulating it as it was a near perfect cream as it was.

 

[Mick]

This thread got me to break out my BB for today's shave

 

[Amzimbo]

Dropped in to Pasteur's on 34th St. This afternoon. They have the BB cream in the jar.

 

[Prof. Moriarty]

I would agree with you, but the pepper in the BB does not agree with me. Therefore to me a cream like Speick, or CF Lavender is best.