XX Review

[shavefreak]

Thought I would start a new thread from the other, this soap/croap deserves it.


The XX is a really nice scent, it has an ADP resmblence but sweeter and lighter not as masculine, floral/rosey and feminine but I am really dissapointed it is not stronger, the balm also not quite the scent match and not as strong as the other balms I have used in the RR line including the waxes that I love.

Great scent that I wish was stronger is the only bad point for me, I like strong scents. It is and will be known as the best value in a soap for the money. It needs more water than XXX but turns into yogurt, thick yogurt cream similar to strop shop special edition barbershop with tallow, and similar to Pana Crema. I think the makers really paid attention to the top soaps when making this. Very protective and held its hydration in a thick way rather than slick way like ADP or a Tabac type soap that is a bit more fluffy of a lather. Incredible price for this kind of performance, in fact I will say that there is nothing in it's price point peformance wise. It will take a top position in my rotation for sure and I don't see it as a replacement in any way for ADP or XXX if you can find it. Newbies starting with a damp brush and little dips in water while loading should easily get a yogurt lather going in 20 seconds or so and then even faster.

XX Balm review - not sure this is an equal pairing. I wish it was in the style of the wax balm little tubs in the RR line, the scent is close but more orange than the soap and does not seem to moisturize as well as the wax and some other products I have. If you are on the fence on the balm you could pass it is not on the same level as the soap but certainly worth the price.

 

[GregDR]

Thanks for the review! I'm hoping to get some in soon...

 

[rand77]

Thanks for the review, I shaved with XX today and I echo your comments. The scent and performance is hard to beat especially in its price range.

I think the soap is moderately scented, and actually prefer how it is right now. I wouldn't consider the soap lightly scented, but the balm is much more subdued.

 

[shavefreak]

Most of my RR soaps have an in your face scent when you open the cover and XX was not as potent. Talking with Joe it is to reduce irritation. 10% of XXX users reported irritation so they dialed XX in a bit for that and makes sense to me business wise.

I think the soap is moderately scented, and actually prefer how it is right now. I wouldn't consider the soap lightly scented, but the balm is much more subdued.

 

[ShavingPlenty]

Thanks for the review!

 

[BrookR1]

The ingredients look similar to their La Famiglia line. Have you tried any of those? If so, how would you compare? If they are similar, I think I will pass on this one.

Thanks.

 

[Taborcarn]

I tried it this morning and would have to say it's similar to the TFS (La Famiglia) soaps. I consider that a good thing, since to me the TFS are some of the best performing soaps available.

Although I do have to agree that the scent is very mild. It was almost overshadowed by the Proraso pre shave I had used.

 

[mctmatt]

I have several of the La Famiglia soaps and other than fragrance you could not tell the difference between them. Keep in mind La Famiglia and XX provide a great shave with great luxurious lather that protects and provides for an easy glide of the blade. The fragrance like others have said is very weak and that is disappointing as the fragrance is why I placed my order. I think it is almost identical to Aqua Di Gio cologne which is a wonderful cologne, and should they up the strength of the fragrance then you will see this product soar from my perspective. I have both XXX and Fresco which have twice the fragrance strength of XX and is why I love those two so much. Pump up the fragrance is my only suggestion if that is possible.

 

[BrookR1]

Thanks...that's what I was afraid of. I have a few of the La Famiglia line and they are good performers but they are not my favorites. What I really like about the old RR formulations was their over-the-top scents. Luckily I stocked up on XXX.

 

[mattdenicola]

I do agree that TFS soaps are pretty weakly scented. However, in my experience, the scent got a bit more prominent with daily use. Not to the level of XXX or R-160, for example (which I find to be the heaviest RR scented soaps I've used), but definitely noticeably more prominent than when the soaps first arrived.

 

[Rjacklin]

Shaved with xx last night. I think the smell is amazing. If it smelled a tad stronger, it would be the top soap in my book. Lathers very very easily and is an overall protection machine.

The balm on the other hand I am not fond of. It doesnt really smell likethesoap IMHO more like a faint urine? Smell. Weird to me. Love the soap, dont love the balm.

 

[mattdenicola]

The balm on the other hand I am not fond of. It doesnt really smell likethesoap IMHO more like a faint urine? Smell. Weird to me. Love the soap, dont love the balm.

Not only urine, but faint urine?? Oh man. That's bad. Here's hoping that is an idiosyncratic thing with your olfactory system.

 

[rand77]

Scents are a highly subjective thing, but he balm smelled exactly the like the soap to me. However it less intense.

 

[CyberJCM]

You guys are drawing comparisons to La Famiglia which is TFS. ID be almost positive that XX is also a TFS soap packaged for RR, as well as the balm. I have just about every TFS soap currently, so I'm curious which one XX actually is. I'm on the Sabbatical otherwise I could tell you. TFS in my opinion is one of the top soaps out there, thats why i bought all of it!

 

[xillion]

You guys are drawing comparisons to La Famiglia which is TFS. ID be almost positive that XX is also a TFS soap packaged for RR, as well as the balm. I have just about every TFS soap currently, so I'm curious which one XX actually is.

The scent of XX is Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mirto di Panarea. As far as I know there is no other TFS soap with this scent. As for the soap formula, I'm unsure if it's exactly the same as La Famiglia.

Just to Clarify; XX is not a copy of another scent, it is "the scent"

No, it is surely the AdP Blu Mediterraneo. The description of the RR XX is nearly word for word the description of Blu Mediterraneo on Fragrantica.

There are others, but the notes in MdP match pretty much verbatim the description of the notes in XX.

The scent is Acqua di parma Blue Mediterraneo - Mirto di Panarea. This was pointed out to me by someone else. Just in case you aren't convinced yet....

RazoRock XX Artisan Shaving Soap description from Italian Barber
This unbelievable fragrance presents itself with aromas which vividly present landscapes of Italy and breezes of the Mediterranean in our imagination. The scent of this artisan made shaving soap accentuates your sensual side and regenerates your body and soul with aromas of myrtle, along with citruses, Calabrian lemon and sweet, passionate orange, with the calming effect of basil. At the heart of this complex scent you are taken with the aromas of jasmine, rose and green lilac, which meet mediterranean breezes and black currant leaves. Some of the base notes include precious wood, juniper, cedar and warm amber. This complex scent is one of our personal favourites.


Acqua di parma Blue Mediterraneo - Mirto di Panarea scent description from fragrantica.com
With aromas which vividly present landscapes of Italy and breezes of the Mediterranean in our imagination, perfume Mirto di Panarea accentuates sensual side and regenerates your body and soul with aromatic aromas of myrtle, along with luminous citruses, Calabrian lemon and sweet, passionate orange, with calming effect of basil. A heart develops with aromas of jasmine, rose and green lilac, which meet sea breeze and black currant leaves. Base notes fondle with accords of precious wood, juniper, cedar and warm amber.


With regards to the soap recipe... I have no idea.

 

[CyberJCM]

If its specifically that scent Chris, its likely Joe has TFS scenting it that way for RR. I still think its TFS, because it sounds like their product by all accounts. And that's a good thing!

 

[xillion]

If its specifically that scent Chris, its likely Joe has TFS scenting it that way for RR. I still think its TFS, because it sounds like their product by all accounts. And that's a good thing!

Agreed. Also, it appears to be sputtered into the tub just like my other TFS soaps. I'm a big fan of TFS soaps. They are some of my best performing soaps.

 

[Galactimax]

It turns into yogurt, thick yogurt cream similar to strop shop special edition barbershop with tallow, and similar to Pana Crema. I think the makers really paid attention to the top soaps when making this. Very protective and held its hydration in a thick way rather than slick way like ADP or a Tabac type soap that is a bit more fluffy of a lather. Incredible price for this kind of performance, in fact I will say that there is nothing in it's price point peformance wise. It will take a top position in my rotation for sure and I don't see it as a replacement in any way for ADP or XXX if you can find it. Newbies starting with a damp brush and little dips in water while loading should easily get a yogurt lather going in 20 seconds or so and then even faster.

I agree wholeheartedly on the performance of this soap. I can't comment on the scent in comparison to XXX as I haven't used XXX. But as someone who isn't making the comparison, the scent is wonderful, unique and lasts well though out the shave. I lathered this and a Tabac stick back to back for testing and the comparison on lather quality you've made is especially true. Everyone should try this soap at least once. One lather and it's near the top of my list already.

 

[shavefreak]

I am not sure I would wear this scent as a cologne. I mean it is like a woman's perfume to me. I like shaving with it but does anyone have this cologne? I see it as being more feminine after another day with this scent.

The scent of XX is Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mirto di Panarea. As far as I know there is no other TFS soap with this scent. As for the soap formula, I'm unsure if it's exactly the same as La Famiglia.

 

[kingfisher]

I had a small sample of the cologne at one time. I thought it smelled great on me. Not the most masculine cologne scent in the world, but still a nice scent.