Recommendations.............

WireBeard · 09-20-2008, 09:43 PM

Hi All! I have read through many of the posts and gotten a lot of info. I want to expand/improve my "after shaving" stable.

Here is my situation:

As noted by my handle, around my jaw where it meets the chin and the areas just below that point on my neck, I have very, very coarse whiskers. I keep my razors sharp (doing my own honing, thanks to JoshEarl and HeavyDuty for their training info!), but I still get some irritation and on occasion, razor burn (pressing too hard). In general, I do not have overly sensitive skin.

I use Mama Bear and Collen soaps/creams, so they have some unique and powerful scents. I don't want anything that would clash or overpower them.

After shaving, I splash on some Rose Water tonic from Bigelow (Bath and Body Works) and then some lightly scented aftershave balm from the same company.

I like scents that are citrus, pine, woodsy, or floral...not too much into spice.

A matching set of products (scent-wise) with a nice selection of scents would be great. I could better match them to the soap/cream I am using that day.

Thanks in advance!

thebigspendur · 09-20-2008, 10:38 PM

Castle Forbes is the best shaving cream in the world and you could match it with one of their aftershave balms which is witch hazel based.

WireBeard · 09-20-2008, 11:02 PM

I've read a lot about them...do they have tonics as well? Is there a "best" place to buy them...meaning with the widest selection? Online is cool for me too.

Thanks!!!!

netsurfr · 09-20-2008, 11:34 PM

Castle & Forbes is my favorite ASB right now. I have both the lime and the cedar & sandlewood combination. I have not tried their cremes because I have an very large supply of Momma Bear's soaps that I absolutely love.

dward · 09-21-2008, 02:48 AM

Like all else when it comes to scents it's entirely personal. My tastes run the traditional and conservative. That being said I have, and really like, TOBS Mr. Talyor and Brummel. I am also eyeing Caswell-Massey Newport. Of these, the TOBS sounds like the closest match for you.

WireBeard · 09-21-2008, 02:53 AM

Thanks! I have to ask...what is TOBS (not familiar with the acronym.)

sachin · 09-21-2008, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WireBeard

Thanks! I have to ask...what is TOBS (not familiar with the acronym.)

TOBS is "Taylor of Old Bond Street."

WireBeard · 09-21-2008, 08:05 AM

Oh, good Lord...duh!!!!

Thanks.....massive brain-fart there....

kubrick · 09-22-2008, 02:51 AM

I really like the aftershave balms from Emsplace. You could get the unscented if you don't want to overpower your soap or wear other scents. I have the minty menthol and it feel great with a really light scent. Plus they have witch hazel in them.

My other favorite combo is Arlington soap and aftershave from DR Harris. I really can't get enough of this stuff.

WireBeard · 10-03-2008, 04:17 AM

I emailed T&H, TOBS, and Castle Forbes and requested samples. Only T&H replied and sent a nice set of scents and shaving items. I guess TOBS and CF didn't need a new customer.

I'll try the T&H and post back.

WireBeard · 10-03-2008, 06:45 PM

Soooo...I tried the T&H shave cream and balm...v-e-e-e-e-e-e-ry nice!

I also tried a test spot for their colognes....Spanish leather, 1805, and Grafton seem best for me.

They sent me a 15% coupon with the samples - sweet!

I may have to switch colognes, just so it doesn't clash with the balm......hmmmmmmm.

matt · 10-04-2008, 09:58 AM

Take a look at Mama Bears aftershave balms. I have the peppermint and really like it alot. A little goes along way!

bevansmw · 10-05-2008, 02:49 AM

I got some samples from T&H as well, my favorites were pretty similar I like the 1805 best then Spanish leather and finally the clubman. I also got a coupon from them but haven't yet purchased any cologne yet but its looking like the 1805 will be what I'll use

Just a little off topic but I've given up on using Alum and Aftershave balms and instead I use some Murad products after shaving, I've tried their men's shaving stuff and didn't care too much for it but have found After shaving and hot water / cold water rinse I like to use their Hydrating Toner, followed by the Recovery Treatment Gel (found in the redness/sensitivity area) and then some Skin Perfecting Cream as a moisturizer. I don't have their perfecting cream with the SPF 30 in it but will probably get it next when I run out of the stuff I have now which has lasted quite a while.

I haven't really found the scents to last from the soaps or creams that I use after shaving as I normally do a hot water rinse followed by a cold water rinse so I just use colognes instead and enjoy the scents of the soap/cream while shaving.

I also tried getting samples from Castle Forbes for their colognes with no reply, would love to try some but a bit pricey and if you don't like the scent not much you can do

Churchill · 10-05-2008, 12:07 PM

Wirebeard,If you're looking for something that doesn't clash with your colognes you might want to give Clinique's Post Shave Healer a try.It's a balm but it's really light and goes on greaseless.Should be able to pick it up at any mall around you.It does a great job of soothing razor burn.