Does anyone else find the scent of TOBS Sandalwood too harsh and soapy? I have used TOBS Eton Collage scented shave cream for the past year and absolutely love it. Wonderful scent. When I discovered that the sandalwood was actually the most popular scent, I figured I ought to love it too, so I ordered some. I was shocked at how harsh and soapy it smells. Has anyone else had that experience?
TOBS Sandalwood
- Thread starter umgowa997
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I was a little disapointed in TOBS Sandlewood as well. Smells more like anise to me.
I do like the qualities it has. I prefer it to my D.R. Harris, but the scent just isn't there for me.
I do like the qualities it has. I prefer it to my D.R. Harris, but the scent just isn't there for me.
I agree with both of you. I have TOBS Eton & Rose. Both are scents that I really like. However, I bought a sample of sandalwood and felt that it was not for me. I'll pass on sandalwood stick with what I have.
Have to disagree on all counts. Not harsh by any means, and middle of the road as far as the actual scent--I have a few varieties of sandalwood soap and it seems to fall between the Indian varieties and the stuff I find at Whole Foods. But it is not perfect--I do feel the scent could be better.
The AOS sandalwood seems far more artificial (and ultimately repugnant) to me. GFT seems to have no scent at all. For the money, TOBS is a reasonable performer.
The AOS sandalwood seems far more artificial (and ultimately repugnant) to me. GFT seems to have no scent at all. For the money, TOBS is a reasonable performer.
TOBS is a truly great company, but their sandalwood is one of my least favorite creams. The OP nails it with the description of "soapy". Feh!
S
Sam
Coates is the best, but it is harder to find. Just scored a backup tub. SOme say the AOS smells closest to it. I like the Trumper sandalwood soap next best. Other than that, Crabtree was a bit medicinal, sharp, and well, never cared for the TOBS
I used to think that it was too harsh. I then acquired AOS sandalwood which downright stinks in comparison. After using that for a week, I took a whiff of TOBS sandalwood - much more pleasant to me now 
Funny that you posted this. I used TOBS Sandalwood from a sampler pack 3 days ago and I'm still smelling it in the bathroom. Usually, the shave cream scents disappear after a few hours. It's still strong on my brush, too, so I guess I'll just have to rinse it more than I do with other creams. It's not a bad smell. It's just odd that I'm still smelling it.
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- #9
I appreciate this and the other comments. I'm wondering if the TOBS sandalwood cologne and after shave smell anything like the shave cream discussed in this thread. I would think they would have to smell much better, but I'm wondering. I know they smell a little soapy and a little soapy is not a bad thing. It can be fresh and clean . . . but this shave cream is harsh and really soapy.. I was going to order some TOBS sandalwood cologne and now I'm just wondering if it's better than the sandalwood shave cream.
I was given a sample of the TOBS sandalwood and used it all, but I did feel the scent to be a bit over the top.
I have to give a big 
to TOBS Sandalwood (and Avocado as well). It is strong, but I happen to like a good bit of frangrance in my creams and soaps when I can get it. It doesn't linger after the shave, at least not for me.
For some reason, I am not partial to their (or other manufacturers') cologne-type scents (Eton College, St. James, Mr. Taylor, Shaving Shop).
to TOBS Sandalwood (and Avocado as well). It is strong, but I happen to like a good bit of frangrance in my creams and soaps when I can get it. It doesn't linger after the shave, at least not for me.For some reason, I am not partial to their (or other manufacturers') cologne-type scents (Eton College, St. James, Mr. Taylor, Shaving Shop).
Have the TOBS sandalwood cream, cologne and aftershave. To me none of them smell soapy. (If you want soapy, try C&E sandalwood cream.) I think the cream, cologne and aftershave complement each other nicely. Not exactly the same, but very similar. And the cream has a long-lasting fragrance which lasts all through my shave - which is one of the reasons I like it. But then that is my nose on the matter; yours may vary.
I have to give a big
I do agree; however, of the three TOBS I have used--Avocado, Lavender, and Sandalwood--I find Avocado works best and Lavender smells best. They all work well.
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- #14
When people say one fragrance works better than another fragrance in the same manufacturing line I get confused. I would think that all TOBS shave creams are formulated with the exact same shaving fundamental ingredients except for the scent. In some batches they squirt in some lavender, in others they squirt in some Avocado, and in others some Sandalwood, but the basic ingredients, amount of glycerin, etc. would all be identical. So when you say "Avocado works best" . . . it just confuses me. Am I missing something here?
I believe that avocado has a different formulation - the addition of avocado oil being the most frequently cited source of extra lubrication and/or skin hydration
So far I have not found a TOBS that I don't like!!!
I like the performance of the TOBS Sandalwood (it was also my first cream, so I have a bit of a soft spot for it) but the OP is right on with the soapy remark.
It smells like Imperial Leather soap.
Not how I pictured a sandalwood sc at all, really.
It smells like Imperial Leather soap.
Not how I pictured a sandalwood sc at all, really.
Indeed. It also explains why people have such a hard time discerning any Avocado scent in the Avocado cream - it doesn't refer to the scent, confusingly.
Exactly, the avocado oil creates--at least for me--a more protective, moisturizing shave when my face feels "worn out." My blip concerning the avocado referred to this notion. The second part of my post ranked the 3 creams not according to the efficacy of each but with regard to my opinion of the relative scent of each.
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- #20
Thank you for such helpful, posts above. On a follow up note, I noticed that the secondary scents of the stuff are not bad at all. I just get that harsh, almost medicinal, super soapy sensation when I put my nose down into the tub. But the secondary whiffs from my brush etc. seem pretty decent. Not wonderful like my Eaton College, but decent.
