While not exactly hidden gems, both Southern Witchcrafts and The Body Shop seem to get some occasional praise around here but are still very underrated, IMO.
Chicago grooming now - that's good to know! Thank you!I thought I'd give CG a try since she has a 30% off sale. I picked up Bonaire since I have had a bottle of Creed VIW that I hardly ever wear, even though I love the scent. I also picked up Animal Crackers because who doesn't love Animal Crackers.
Whenever Dr. Jon's comes up it always gets praise but I never see a hype train for it. Definitely fits the bill of underrated, absolutely agree.Another vote for Dr. Jon's. Superb non-tallow soap.
I would also add Blue Devil Soap Company to the list. Kind of expensive because it is made in Tasmania, but awesome stuff.
Pinnacle Grooming has really been a fantastic find for me. I started with Japanese Plum which is superb both in fragrance and performance. So good that I ignore the tingling sensation to my lips - ha haSome that aren't the usual suspects in my shave den, but have been getting some love recently:
- Chicago Grooming Co (fka Oleo Soap Works)('firmer' soft soap but that Canard base is superlative) // they're currently clearing stock at 30% off to make way for the new soapbase - Darkwing
- Crowne and Crane (Wish they made alcohol splashes - great tallow and vegan formulas)
- Shannon's Soaps (Have 3 in their standard base and they perform REALLY well)
- Pinnacle Grooming (UK Based - odd smelling base but great lathers)
- Summer Break Soaps (Teacher's pet is the most realistic apple I've ever used, and gave great lathers)
I would also say that LEA is criminally underrated among soaps and shave sticks. La Toja and Arko get their well deserved praise, but I don't see as much talk about LEA despite how good it is.
I feel that it frequently gets overshadowed by Cella, but Razorock P.160 is an excellent soap and has an excellent almond marzipan scent in its own right. By that same token I would say that RR Classic and TFS Red are themselves overshadowed by RR P.160 and Cella. RR Classic does have a better base that sets it apart from TFS Red, but as a classic Italian soft soap with the (to my mind) classic almond scent, TFS Red is nonetheless very well executed in its own right.
I would also say that LEA is criminally underrated among soaps and shave sticks. La Toja and Arko get their well deserved praise, but I don't see as much talk about LEA despite how good it is. It's also quite cheap at that if you get it from Gifts & Care or if you happen to be shopping in Spain.
Agreed!
I would agree, also. I use the Lea shave stick quite often. It's up for my shave this afternoon. That will be the 2nd use this week. The performance is very good and I really enjoy the scentI would also say that LEA is criminally underrated among soaps and shave sticks. La Toja and Arko get their well deserved praise, but I don't see as much talk about LEA despite how good it is. It's also quite cheap at that if you get it from Gifts & Care or if you happen to be shopping in Spain.
Tomo and APBinNCA both recommended Baume.be Cream to me. APB suggested I add the pre-shave as well....My ‘off the radar’ picks are
Baume BE (cream)
Fitjar Islands (cream)
Klar Seifen
Musgo Real (cream)
I’m telling you , try the Baume. Be aftershave balm too. Great product IMHOTomo and APBinNCA both recommended Baume.be Cream to me. APB suggested I add the pre-shave as well....
I have to tell you.... I haven't tried the pre-shave on its own... I was too excited to wait so I used the two together yesterday. It was easily the best shave of my life.. and I'm not exaggerating. I have a great shave on Sunday... but Tuesday's shave was significantly better.
I had asked for suggestions of soaps/creams that had a subtle scent. The Baume.be delivered in spades. It isn't scentless... just a hint of something. My sense of smell is limited so I can't tell you the "notes" and all that. I just know... it was pleasant and mostly missing: absolutely perfect for me.
Not that it matters, but the jars are nicer than the packaging from any of the other soaps/creams I have. Very solid. I'll repurpose them after they are gone.
I'll take a look... I recently switched to Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel-cream extra dry skin... it's been wonderful.I’m telling you , try the Baume. Be aftershave balm too. Great product IMHO