I'll have to keep this in mind next time I use it. Maybe there is something else in it I'm smelling, but don't realize.
The Sandalwood Shaveoff
- Thread starter Fordfather
- Start date
Hey fellas, my name is Daniel.
I started traditional wet shaving in January 2015. For several years I sported a beard trimmed about 1/4 inch and perfectly lined up underneath the jaw and above the cheek line. About 18 months ago I changed careers and now I have to shave clean everyday. I never had a problem with Barbasol cream and a three blade razor but was very interested and traditional wet shaving the first time I heard about it. The added benefits have been amazing but my favorite part is all incredible shaving cream options. I recently bought my first high end cream, AOS sandalwood and I enjoy it thoroughly. I'm a one cream kinda guy and value is the most important thing to me. Once I buy a cream and like it, I'll use it for 3 months or so and change seasonally before I switch to another cream. I don't care to pay a premium price for a cream that is superior to less expensive options. I use an ATT S2 for example. Not an inexpensive razor but it's the only one I use and I'll never buy another one. To me that's a better value than spending twice as much money and owning 20 different razors. I'll just buy the best and master it as I'm a perfectionist and somewhat of a craftsman.
I'll go more into detail about my technique and prep tomorrow when I post my results of my first use. I'm not big on the frills, I like to keep it simple, streamline and efficient.
I look forward to sharing my opinion over the next two weeks.
I started traditional wet shaving in January 2015. For several years I sported a beard trimmed about 1/4 inch and perfectly lined up underneath the jaw and above the cheek line. About 18 months ago I changed careers and now I have to shave clean everyday. I never had a problem with Barbasol cream and a three blade razor but was very interested and traditional wet shaving the first time I heard about it. The added benefits have been amazing but my favorite part is all incredible shaving cream options. I recently bought my first high end cream, AOS sandalwood and I enjoy it thoroughly. I'm a one cream kinda guy and value is the most important thing to me. Once I buy a cream and like it, I'll use it for 3 months or so and change seasonally before I switch to another cream. I don't care to pay a premium price for a cream that is superior to less expensive options. I use an ATT S2 for example. Not an inexpensive razor but it's the only one I use and I'll never buy another one. To me that's a better value than spending twice as much money and owning 20 different razors. I'll just buy the best and master it as I'm a perfectionist and somewhat of a craftsman.
I'll go more into detail about my technique and prep tomorrow when I post my results of my first use. I'm not big on the frills, I like to keep it simple, streamline and efficient.
I look forward to sharing my opinion over the next two weeks.
Day two. Sorry, no pictures yet. I'm still self conscious about bringing a camera into my bathroom.
I used predominately the same set up as yesterday: 1969 Super long handle with a personna blade (first pass on 7, second on 9), Jagger best badger brush and of course the TOBS.
Today I did an exfoliating scrub first. I don't think that had a great impact on the shave (I always wash). Today I started with a couple fingerfulls for each side of the head and face. Using the brush I worked it into a nice thick lather, I would say less than the bowl lathering of yesterday, but a very good lather nonetheless. The slickness I was complaining about yesterday? My razor flew over the face and head. Conclusion? TOBS benefits greatly from face lathering as opposed to bowl lathering.
The scent did not mellow nearly as much as bowl lathering. It was fairly perfumy throughout the shave and even a lingering scent after the cold water rinse. I followed this with some Clubman and I have a nearly BBS shave. There's a tricky spot on the back of my head and the lower fringes of the neck that have a little feel, otherwise it's a smooth expanse of face and head.
I used predominately the same set up as yesterday: 1969 Super long handle with a personna blade (first pass on 7, second on 9), Jagger best badger brush and of course the TOBS.
Today I did an exfoliating scrub first. I don't think that had a great impact on the shave (I always wash). Today I started with a couple fingerfulls for each side of the head and face. Using the brush I worked it into a nice thick lather, I would say less than the bowl lathering of yesterday, but a very good lather nonetheless. The slickness I was complaining about yesterday? My razor flew over the face and head. Conclusion? TOBS benefits greatly from face lathering as opposed to bowl lathering.
The scent did not mellow nearly as much as bowl lathering. It was fairly perfumy throughout the shave and even a lingering scent after the cold water rinse. I followed this with some Clubman and I have a nearly BBS shave. There's a tricky spot on the back of my head and the lower fringes of the neck that have a little feel, otherwise it's a smooth expanse of face and head.
Shave #2 - another good one. I'm pretty happy with this cream so far. Strong scents sometimes cause irritation for me but thankfully no signs of that with TOBS Sandalwood. Again, not the slickest cream around but I continue to get good results with it. I splashed on some Osage Rub after my shave this morning and felt no stinging. Any cream or soap that can consistently do that for me is a winner in my book. After the Osage cool wore off, I put on a little AOS sandalwood balm. Not sure I needed it but it doesn't hurt, right? I would say I prefer the AOS scent over TOBS but that's a personal preference.
Gear was mostly the same as yesterday. Schick Golden 500 with Personna injector blade and 24mm TGN finest brush. I might switch brushes tomorrow but will probably continue with the Golden 500 another day or two before changing to something else.
Here's some lather porn - my brush after face lathering for the first pass.
Gear was mostly the same as yesterday. Schick Golden 500 with Personna injector blade and 24mm TGN finest brush. I might switch brushes tomorrow but will probably continue with the Golden 500 another day or two before changing to something else.
Here's some lather porn - my brush after face lathering for the first pass.
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Am thoroughly enjoying these fantastic reviews. Great pictures as well everyone!
You sir are a true connoisseur.
An early Monday morning, awake before the Sun.
A hot shower with a cold rinse, and a shave must be done.
I lather up a London classic and the aroma fills the air.
I shut my eyes and take it in, and began to shave with care.
I must admit I took my time and shaved my face with pleasure.
Taylor of Old Bond Street, you are my newfound treasure.
Every morning I shave immediately following a shower. I take a hot shower but I always rinse in cold water. If you have never tried a cold (not cool, completely cold) shower I highly recommend it, It's invigorating and has many benefits. The Only pre shave do is the shower where I use a facial scrub to clean my face and get it ready for the shave. I dry off and begin my shaving routine.
Once I finish drying off, I grab my brush that has been soaking while in the shower and I take a small dallop of cream from the tub and place it in my Whipped Dog 24mm High Mountain, splash some cold water on my face and begin to lather. Everything I do is with cold water.
My hardware is an ATT S1 loaded up with a Bolzano Superinox Blade.
Upon initial lather, I quickly realized that this cream is very easy to lather and control. As I added water I quickly found the consistency I prefer. I face lather and I usually take my time but I took an extra minute or two this morning to really form an opinion of the scent. The scent is definitely more than Sandalwood but I absolutely love it. It is complex and perfect for the cooler weather of November. The lather provided very good protection and ease of shaving. Once I finish shaving, I always do a cold rinse and pull the rest of the lather from the brush and lather it by hand to my face and proceed to clean up my sink, rinse my razor and clean out my brush. Once I finish cleaning up I do I final rinse and apply aftershave. I had no trouble spots and the post shave was fantastic, much better than average and possibly the best I've experienced so far.
I finished with Stetson Cooling Moisture and 6 hours later my face feels incredible. I possibly got a better shave due to the fact that I was very tuned into what I was doing because I knew I would be writing a review about it but this is the absolute best cream I have used to date. I can only hope the rest of this week proves the same.
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shave 2 with TOBS Sandalwood
i've really come around on the scent.. it was reminding me of the "complexity" of C&E Nomad, but Nomad is way green fresh bamboo, while TOBS is more dark and heavy.
the lather is incredible using the Vie-Long Epsilon white horse hair brush. no way to over-incorporate air into the lather with this brush.. face lather all the way. I wish the cream was a bit harder, like an older croap, that's my current preference as i hate forgetting how soft the cream is in a tub and getting a bit more than expected when "dipping" the tips.
as i mentioned before, the fragrance is really growing on me, it's strong, a bit of a tingle(i compared it to older creams C&E sandalwood, Green Pond (D.R. Harris) Sandalwood, and the scents are very different). The fragrance is also really strong. the scent stays throughout the whole shave and then some. I can even smell a bit of it after a WH splash that usually takes care of most lather scents.
I've been sniffing the tub in the evening and morning, trying to feel out the fougere part. i think it's one of those scent s for me that i need to use a bit to get a better scent appreciation. i didn't smell much of the powder as i did yesterday and not sure why.. but i also didn't let it linger as long as a lather. i lathered, took a few seconds to revel in the goodness, and shaved. everything i look for in a lather was present.. i followed it all up with a light application of lucido and very light application of unscented balm and feel great.
#sandalwoodshaveoff
#palmera14
#vielongepsilon
i've really come around on the scent.. it was reminding me of the "complexity" of C&E Nomad, but Nomad is way green fresh bamboo, while TOBS is more dark and heavy.
the lather is incredible using the Vie-Long Epsilon white horse hair brush. no way to over-incorporate air into the lather with this brush.. face lather all the way. I wish the cream was a bit harder, like an older croap, that's my current preference as i hate forgetting how soft the cream is in a tub and getting a bit more than expected when "dipping" the tips.
as i mentioned before, the fragrance is really growing on me, it's strong, a bit of a tingle(i compared it to older creams C&E sandalwood, Green Pond (D.R. Harris) Sandalwood, and the scents are very different). The fragrance is also really strong. the scent stays throughout the whole shave and then some. I can even smell a bit of it after a WH splash that usually takes care of most lather scents.
I've been sniffing the tub in the evening and morning, trying to feel out the fougere part. i think it's one of those scent s for me that i need to use a bit to get a better scent appreciation. i didn't smell much of the powder as i did yesterday and not sure why.. but i also didn't let it linger as long as a lather. i lathered, took a few seconds to revel in the goodness, and shaved. everything i look for in a lather was present.. i followed it all up with a light application of lucido and very light application of unscented balm and feel great.
#sandalwoodshaveoff
#palmera14
#vielongepsilon
Gonna have my shave number 2 today but wanted to comment on the scent...
For hours after my shave (afternoon/night) I could still smell the cream and it's scent is growing on me.
I used an unscented type of AS (Shea Moisture tonic) and Nivea sensitive which has a slight scent but is gone withing an hour or so and I like that because I can still smell my aqua velva later when I use that.
It's definitly on its own as far as sandlewood products I've tried but not in a bad way.
Been enjoying it.
Gonna dabble a bit throughout the week with lather technique, product amount, brush, as well as water content to find my niché.
Looking forward to shave #2 today after work!!!
P.s. being a soap kinda guy I'm noticing that my lather with this and other creams can look different and work awesome, so gents, done fear trying some new stuff like adding more water or making it a bit thinner!!!
For hours after my shave (afternoon/night) I could still smell the cream and it's scent is growing on me.
I used an unscented type of AS (Shea Moisture tonic) and Nivea sensitive which has a slight scent but is gone withing an hour or so and I like that because I can still smell my aqua velva later when I use that.
It's definitly on its own as far as sandlewood products I've tried but not in a bad way.
Been enjoying it.
Gonna dabble a bit throughout the week with lather technique, product amount, brush, as well as water content to find my niché.
Looking forward to shave #2 today after work!!!
P.s. being a soap kinda guy I'm noticing that my lather with this and other creams can look different and work awesome, so gents, done fear trying some new stuff like adding more water or making it a bit thinner!!!
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What follows will be entirely too much information following a single shave.
TL;DR - I wasn't overly pleased with the sandalwood scent compared to the TOBS sandalwood soap or other versions of sandalwood I've experienced. The scent did develop from sniffing it in the tub to lathering on my face. Going from exclusively lathering soaps to a cream requires MUCH LESS PRODUCT!
Here goes the review.
Scent comparison, first impression:
To begin with, I compared the scent of TOBS' Sandalwood to other sandalwood in my den. When just considering the first sniffs in the tub, TOBS came up very short. For comparison I drew from TOBS Sandalwood Soap, AOS Sandalwood cream, T&H Sandalwood cream (part of this shave-off), and a little-known artisan soap from Alabama which is scented only by sandalwood essential oil and represents a true one dimension scent.
I think global_dev described my impressions best:
Based mostly on TOBS Sandalwood soap, I was expecting a warm, cozy, muskiness that wraps your face in a comfortable hug. What I got instead, again, based on initial sniffs in the tub, was a soapy, scented astringency. It wasn't "bad" per say, just not what I expected. At least we have nowhere to go but up!
Scent impression upon lathering:
Once the brush hit my face, and I began adding water (more on this later), the scent started to open up a bit. I was able to note more of the brighter notes that differentiate this scent from other sandalwoods. I was not turned off by the scent as I lathered, in fact, it started to grow on me throughout the shave. While not my favorite, it certainly was not a bad smell, just different, but much better than my initial sniff would have indicated.
EDIT: I had a whole section on latherability and my aftershave choice that disappeared when I hit "post." It wasn't available from the auto-restore feature for some reason. Long story short... TOBS lathers with effortless ease. I like my lather wetter than many who use creams, so I add a lot of water. I was more than thrilled with both the slickness and cushion provided.
TL;DR - I wasn't overly pleased with the sandalwood scent compared to the TOBS sandalwood soap or other versions of sandalwood I've experienced. The scent did develop from sniffing it in the tub to lathering on my face. Going from exclusively lathering soaps to a cream requires MUCH LESS PRODUCT!
Here goes the review.
Scent comparison, first impression:
To begin with, I compared the scent of TOBS' Sandalwood to other sandalwood in my den. When just considering the first sniffs in the tub, TOBS came up very short. For comparison I drew from TOBS Sandalwood Soap, AOS Sandalwood cream, T&H Sandalwood cream (part of this shave-off), and a little-known artisan soap from Alabama which is scented only by sandalwood essential oil and represents a true one dimension scent.
I think global_dev described my impressions best:
Based mostly on TOBS Sandalwood soap, I was expecting a warm, cozy, muskiness that wraps your face in a comfortable hug. What I got instead, again, based on initial sniffs in the tub, was a soapy, scented astringency. It wasn't "bad" per say, just not what I expected. At least we have nowhere to go but up!
Scent impression upon lathering:
Once the brush hit my face, and I began adding water (more on this later), the scent started to open up a bit. I was able to note more of the brighter notes that differentiate this scent from other sandalwoods. I was not turned off by the scent as I lathered, in fact, it started to grow on me throughout the shave. While not my favorite, it certainly was not a bad smell, just different, but much better than my initial sniff would have indicated.
EDIT: I had a whole section on latherability and my aftershave choice that disappeared when I hit "post." It wasn't available from the auto-restore feature for some reason. Long story short... TOBS lathers with effortless ease. I like my lather wetter than many who use creams, so I add a lot of water. I was more than thrilled with both the slickness and cushion provided.
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Shave #2:
Georgetown G20 Scuttle
Rooney Victorian Heritage Super Badger
Mergress Long
Gillette 7OC Superstainless Green
John Allan SlickWater pre-shave
Swirled soaked slightly damp brush about 50-60 times in tub
Whipped lather an scuttle about 50-60 times until a fine, rich lather was on the brush
Lather for first pass went on thick and rich and moist.
Brush still pretty full after applying first pass, but I thought it needed more moisture so I threw in a couple of drops of water and whipped it a little again.
Got another great lather.
Third pass lather, same process, equal quality.
overall, DFS although lather had begun to lose moisture.
Next time, I'll add glycerin
Georgetown G20 Scuttle
Rooney Victorian Heritage Super Badger
Mergress Long
Gillette 7OC Superstainless Green
John Allan SlickWater pre-shave
Swirled soaked slightly damp brush about 50-60 times in tub
Whipped lather an scuttle about 50-60 times until a fine, rich lather was on the brush
Lather for first pass went on thick and rich and moist.
Brush still pretty full after applying first pass, but I thought it needed more moisture so I threw in a couple of drops of water and whipped it a little again.
Got another great lather.
Third pass lather, same process, equal quality.
overall, DFS although lather had begun to lose moisture.
Next time, I'll add glycerin
Attachments
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Second verse, almost the same as the first
Today was a bowl lather day with the Omega 49. It was a much slicker lather today. I think it was the extra hydration I gave it.
That was after the first pass. I also used an old 40's tech with a GSB so a super nice, mild shave.
The scent does last a while and mellows to an old spicey scent then to a Clubman like scent. It's grown on me quite a bit.
Today: 7.25/10
Today was a bowl lather day with the Omega 49. It was a much slicker lather today. I think it was the extra hydration I gave it.
That was after the first pass. I also used an old 40's tech with a GSB so a super nice, mild shave.
The scent does last a while and mellows to an old spicey scent then to a Clubman like scent. It's grown on me quite a bit.
Today: 7.25/10
tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
John #2 here with shave #2
This morning I busted out the heavy hitters:
Razor: Gillette Red Tip Super Speed - my favorite razor (right now, anyway)
Brush: Semogue 1800 - my favorite brush for creams
Aftershave: Pinaud Special Reserve - the only choice for All Soul's Day - The Day of the Dead (this stuff will wake the dead - I love it!)
I followed my normal prep of shower + Nivea face scrub and then went to work with the 1800. A few swirls in the tub and to the face! The boar brush produced some lovely, THICK lather. Maybe a little too thick. A little dip and in the basin and back to the face and I ended up with great peaky lather, still a bit thicker than yesterday. I'm chalking it up to the boar brush not holding as much water as the badger I used yesterday.
Oh yeah!
The thicker lather did two things - 1) it intensified the scent. At least it smelled that way to me. I got more of an incense vibe than yesterday. Spicy incense. Fougere? No way, not me. Not if fougeres are supposed to have a coumarin and oakmoss base. Not a bit of that. Just incense and perfume to me. 2) it intensified the burn. I felt a bit of irritation yesterday, but a whole lot more today. That could have also been due to having less than 24 hrs between shaves. It wasn't so bad that I need to pull out of the shaveoff, but I don't think this cream will be finding a permanent place in my den. I realize this is a highly YMMV thing, but I'd recommend that anyone with sensitive skin considering this cream should try a sample taking the plunge on a full tub.
Except for the irritation, the rest of the shave went flawlessly. The lather performed brilliantly. Plenty of "cushion and glide" for me. The Red Tip was its usual awesome self - so close, yet so comfortable. Nothing like it (for me). Three passes = BBS, minimal touch up, no weepers. The SR felt great going on. In my earlier post about pairing SR with the TOBS sandalwood, I was right about one thing and wrong about one thing. Right - the leathery goodness of SR capped off the sandalwood scent perfectly. Wrong - SR did not crush the sandalwood scent. Maybe it was my imagination, but I could swear I was getting whiffs of the sandalwood through the leather for a good hour or so. It was a great combo, actually. Sort of like being being in a old church full of leather kneelers and old leather-bound missals and a censor swinging on its chain in the corner, billowing sweet fumes in the air. Pretty good for the Day of the Dead.
This morning I busted out the heavy hitters:
Razor: Gillette Red Tip Super Speed - my favorite razor (right now, anyway)
Brush: Semogue 1800 - my favorite brush for creams
Aftershave: Pinaud Special Reserve - the only choice for All Soul's Day - The Day of the Dead (this stuff will wake the dead - I love it!)
I followed my normal prep of shower + Nivea face scrub and then went to work with the 1800. A few swirls in the tub and to the face! The boar brush produced some lovely, THICK lather. Maybe a little too thick. A little dip and in the basin and back to the face and I ended up with great peaky lather, still a bit thicker than yesterday. I'm chalking it up to the boar brush not holding as much water as the badger I used yesterday.
Oh yeah!
The thicker lather did two things - 1) it intensified the scent. At least it smelled that way to me. I got more of an incense vibe than yesterday. Spicy incense. Fougere? No way, not me. Not if fougeres are supposed to have a coumarin and oakmoss base. Not a bit of that. Just incense and perfume to me. 2) it intensified the burn. I felt a bit of irritation yesterday, but a whole lot more today. That could have also been due to having less than 24 hrs between shaves. It wasn't so bad that I need to pull out of the shaveoff, but I don't think this cream will be finding a permanent place in my den. I realize this is a highly YMMV thing, but I'd recommend that anyone with sensitive skin considering this cream should try a sample taking the plunge on a full tub.
Except for the irritation, the rest of the shave went flawlessly. The lather performed brilliantly. Plenty of "cushion and glide" for me. The Red Tip was its usual awesome self - so close, yet so comfortable. Nothing like it (for me). Three passes = BBS, minimal touch up, no weepers. The SR felt great going on. In my earlier post about pairing SR with the TOBS sandalwood, I was right about one thing and wrong about one thing. Right - the leathery goodness of SR capped off the sandalwood scent perfectly. Wrong - SR did not crush the sandalwood scent. Maybe it was my imagination, but I could swear I was getting whiffs of the sandalwood through the leather for a good hour or so. It was a great combo, actually. Sort of like being being in a old church full of leather kneelers and old leather-bound missals and a censor swinging on its chain in the corner, billowing sweet fumes in the air. Pretty good for the Day of the Dead.
TOBS review #2
So today, I started off just like yesterday, with a good dollop of cream. Added some water and whipped it up in my salsa bowl with my badger brush.
Then I added more water and really whipped it up.
Then applied it to my face.
If you compare that to my previous pic, it's obviously less thick, so less cushion, but the added water definitely added slickness. Still not as much as I desire, but was workable.
The shave was a little better than the less-water lather. Less irritation, and less dry feeling after.
Scent wise, still don't like it, still one dimensional. I can tell there is something in it aside from sandalwood, but it all just blends together, and my nose can't isolate separate notes. It's just pungent and somewhat cologney smelling to me. I really don't understand it being a Fougere, because I love fougere scents, and I do not love this.
The cream is OK, just average to me. Not nearly as good as my favorite soaps. But the scent is the true downfall for me.
I'll be attempting a pure face lather tomorrow, then probably switch to a boar for my 4th shave & review.
So today, I started off just like yesterday, with a good dollop of cream. Added some water and whipped it up in my salsa bowl with my badger brush.
Then I added more water and really whipped it up.
Then applied it to my face.
If you compare that to my previous pic, it's obviously less thick, so less cushion, but the added water definitely added slickness. Still not as much as I desire, but was workable.
The shave was a little better than the less-water lather. Less irritation, and less dry feeling after.
Scent wise, still don't like it, still one dimensional. I can tell there is something in it aside from sandalwood, but it all just blends together, and my nose can't isolate separate notes. It's just pungent and somewhat cologney smelling to me. I really don't understand it being a Fougere, because I love fougere scents, and I do not love this.
The cream is OK, just average to me. Not nearly as good as my favorite soaps. But the scent is the true downfall for me.
I'll be attempting a pure face lather tomorrow, then probably switch to a boar for my 4th shave & review.
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Day 2,
I decided to use 2 fingers of cream since I was using my 26 mm shavemac. This was definitely too much cream. 1.5 finger will be the target tomorrow.
Overall shave was alright. I'm having my typical battle with creams where I can't nail the slickness of the lather. When I think I have enough water added it's too dry, but when I add water, the slickness dissipates along with the lather. Maybe Day 3 will change things.
Overall shave was DFS+ with some irritation. Used my special cure so hopefully I'm good to go tomorrow.
After the first pass.
I decided to use 2 fingers of cream since I was using my 26 mm shavemac. This was definitely too much cream. 1.5 finger will be the target tomorrow.
Overall shave was alright. I'm having my typical battle with creams where I can't nail the slickness of the lather. When I think I have enough water added it's too dry, but when I add water, the slickness dissipates along with the lather. Maybe Day 3 will change things.
Overall shave was DFS+ with some irritation. Used my special cure so hopefully I'm good to go tomorrow.
After the first pass.
KJ, to my nose it screams fougere. Really don't get sandalwood out of it.
SWMBO (who is expecting btw) said she really doesn't like the TOBS scent on me lol. I told her it's only a little bit longer with this one and then I'll move on to the other sandalwood.
TOBS Sandalwood SOTD #2:
Started the day with a great shave. Went off to work with a spring in my step and a smile on my face. Gear for this shave:
Razor - '59 Fatboy
Blade - Personna Blue (2nd shave)
Brush - Vulfix 10A Badger-Boar mix
Cream - TOBS Sandalwood
Aftershave - Nivea Men Sensitive
Loaded the brush from the tub. For shave #1 I did not load enough cream and today I (sort of) unintentionally loaded WAY too much. Oh well, what's done is done. The brush loaded very easily as the cream is very soft. A few swirls and a couple of twists in the tub and I was off and running.
Shave #1 was loaded from the tub and then went straight in to a face lather. Today I loaded from the tub and went in to a bowl lather in my EJ Apothecary mug. Lather formed very easily with just about 3-5 drops of water and the aroma filled my den in seconds. I am still picking what seems to be like sweet vanilla candy or cake batter out of this cream. I love it.
Application for my first pass was very even and thick. The lather could have used a little extra water but it provided great cushion and a very thick yogurt like texture. Again not as slick as I would like but a great lather nonetheless. This is the brush after first pass.
After the first pass I rinsed and reapplied. The water left of my face helped to thin out the lather and definitely lent itself to a very slick second pass. Not as much cushion but the razor was just gliding over my skin. VERY slick.
2 WTG passes left me with a DFS that I would have been very happy with but seeing as though I loaded so much cream into the brush and I was on my way to work (at zero dark thirty) I knew I could stand to use a XTG touchup. If not I would develop shadow around noon seeing as how early it was. This is the lather pulled out of the brush for the cleanup pass.
After my third pass I rinsed in cold water and continued with my routine with the exception of aftershave application. I was appreciating the very pronounced lingering scent and didn't want to ruin it yet. In this time I had noticed that the skin on my face had felt a little plump and tacky, definitely not slick. Definitely not a problem for me as that is what aftershave is for anyway. I applied the Nivea balm and noticed that once that subsided I could still pick up the scent of the Sandalwood Cream.
A few here have said that this cream is effecting their sensitive skin. I have extremely sensitive skin but a very coarse beard and this cream does not bother my skin at all. Of course YMMV but it works very well for me. Now I just need to figure out the right amount of cream and water to get everything dialed in.
Started the day with a great shave. Went off to work with a spring in my step and a smile on my face. Gear for this shave:
Razor - '59 Fatboy
Blade - Personna Blue (2nd shave)
Brush - Vulfix 10A Badger-Boar mix
Cream - TOBS Sandalwood
Aftershave - Nivea Men Sensitive
Loaded the brush from the tub. For shave #1 I did not load enough cream and today I (sort of) unintentionally loaded WAY too much. Oh well, what's done is done. The brush loaded very easily as the cream is very soft. A few swirls and a couple of twists in the tub and I was off and running.
Shave #1 was loaded from the tub and then went straight in to a face lather. Today I loaded from the tub and went in to a bowl lather in my EJ Apothecary mug. Lather formed very easily with just about 3-5 drops of water and the aroma filled my den in seconds. I am still picking what seems to be like sweet vanilla candy or cake batter out of this cream. I love it.
Application for my first pass was very even and thick. The lather could have used a little extra water but it provided great cushion and a very thick yogurt like texture. Again not as slick as I would like but a great lather nonetheless. This is the brush after first pass.
After the first pass I rinsed and reapplied. The water left of my face helped to thin out the lather and definitely lent itself to a very slick second pass. Not as much cushion but the razor was just gliding over my skin. VERY slick.
2 WTG passes left me with a DFS that I would have been very happy with but seeing as though I loaded so much cream into the brush and I was on my way to work (at zero dark thirty) I knew I could stand to use a XTG touchup. If not I would develop shadow around noon seeing as how early it was. This is the lather pulled out of the brush for the cleanup pass.
After my third pass I rinsed in cold water and continued with my routine with the exception of aftershave application. I was appreciating the very pronounced lingering scent and didn't want to ruin it yet. In this time I had noticed that the skin on my face had felt a little plump and tacky, definitely not slick. Definitely not a problem for me as that is what aftershave is for anyway. I applied the Nivea balm and noticed that once that subsided I could still pick up the scent of the Sandalwood Cream.
A few here have said that this cream is effecting their sensitive skin. I have extremely sensitive skin but a very coarse beard and this cream does not bother my skin at all. Of course YMMV but it works very well for me. Now I just need to figure out the right amount of cream and water to get everything dialed in.
I guess there are different takes on fougere. Fougere meaning fern, I always assume fougeres to have a green plant-like scent. But there are more woody/earthy takes on fougere. I prefer the greener side.
tankerjohn
A little poofier than I prefer
I see Vez is our Simon Cowell. 
Tell it like it is, brother!
Tell it like it is, brother!Similar threads
