Has anyone tried this? It's $60 at Lee's. Does it smell anything like SMN cream?
Santa Maria Novella Emulsione Analcolica
- Thread starter mretzloff
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After using this for several weeks after DE and straight shaves, I am seeing real benefits for my skin. It soothes beautifully. Its scent is subtle, and doesn't overpower or compete with my cologne, Creed's Green Irish Tweed. Like the Creed cologne, it isn't cheap. It will last a long time, though. I find it worth the price, easily.
SMN Balm is similar to Proraso Balm? i ask this for if this is equivalent to the dispute on SMN/Proraso shaving creams
I've only sniffed a tester of the SMN balm at a nearby store, and dabbed a little on the back of my hand, which isn't enough of a test to say anything conclusively. However, as far as I can tell, it's different enough from the Proraso balm to allay concerns that it's being made by Martelli. My understanding is the only SMN product made by Martelli is the shaving cream, specifically because SMN's production facilities are not set up for making that kind of product. They certainly are set up for making facial lotions, so I wouldn't think SMN would have to outsource for that.
From what I could tell, the balm is quite heavy, and will only appeal to those who like to use a moisturizing application after they shave. As for the scent, it's a straight-up copy of the scent used in the Floreale-Cologne soap, which is similar to, but slightly different from, the Russian Cologne. It is very citrusy, with an herbal underpinning.
thanks Horatio
I wouldn't recommend it. From what I could tell, the balm was moisturizing enough in and of itself. I do have the SMN pre-post, and that stuff is molto heavy. I couldn't imagine actually using it following a shave on its own, let alone on top of a balm. Then there's the heavy pomegranate scent to consider, which isn't something I personally would want lingering on my skin. But if you're curious, give it a try and tell us what you think.
The Emulsione Analcolica has left my face feeling a little tight afterwards. I'm fairly new to this so perhaps that's normal. For the past few days I let it dry and then applied the pre-dopo cream. I love the way it feels and don't mind the scent that you mentioned. Unfortunately it adds a step but I think I'll continue using it.
Hence the phrase "YMMV." It sounds like a recipe for goop soup to me, but if it works well for you, that's what counts.
BTW, ideally, one's face should not feel tight after using an ASB. Your face might tend toward dryness, or perhaps the SMN balm isn't as moisturizing as I thought. Either way, it does sound like you need more than the SMN offers. Personally, I'd seek a more suitable balm, rather than paying SMN's premium price for one that doesn't work the way I need it to, then supplementing it with a second SMN product priced at a similar premium. (Of course, you have evidently already paid for the products, so these comments apply more to the time when you need to consider replacing them.) IMO, there are better, more affordable ways to get to where you want to go. But again, if you like the results of combining the two products, and are willing to pay for them, that's what counts.
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