This weekend I had the chance to actually pamper my self, and enjoy a quality shave. I used that time to try three new products I’ve recently received samples of
  • American Crew Herbal Shave Cream
  • American Crew Aftershave Moisturizer
  • Jolene's Face Tools Granular Scrub


First, I took the usual shower, skipping the face during the wash. Then, while at the sink (waiting for the little crock pot of water to warm up) I used Jolene's scrub with just a dam wash cloth. My first impression was that I loved the scent of her product! It's kind of a neutral "clean" scent. The size of the granular product is just right IMO. It's not big enough to "dig" into your face while washing but defiantly big enough to be noticeable and effective. The Soap/medium rinses easily and leaves no oily "moisturizing" residue after, just a very clean feeling.
I have used this every day this week after work during my normal get home and wash the crud off routine. It's not intended as an everyday use product and I don't think I will continue to do so past today, however I have to say that I have not noticed any drying of the skin nor any irritation or abrasion from using the product four days in a row. It's a great product, and I highly recommend it. I'm not much of a metro sexual, nor am I one to really over do the manly pampering on my self and I can say this is the first "scrub" type product that I would actually consider purchasing and using on a regular basis.

The next step (after proper prep) was to lather up with the American Crew Herbal Shave Cream. First impression here was the scent; Wow.. it's a trifle brisk.. and I can only relate it to the Paul Mitchel Tea Tree brand products. It's very fresh, and invigoration.. and it actually "tingles" on the skin like any product with tea tree does. Reading the ingredients one quickly notices some power players like like Tea-Stearate,Clove, and Eucalyptus along with some very nice natural oils that are too numerous to name here but Almond and Avocado are among the ingredients and give you an idea of what to expect.
Having never used a "cream" before, it was a little tricky to get a suitable "lather" (or maybe I just tried too hard in all the wrong ways) but the shave went with out drag or a single hang up... very smooth! Another product I'll defiantly buy and use in the future. I love the tea tree extract (and smell) and I love the way I could "feel" it work on my face..
I finished the shave with the American Crew After Shave Moisturizer and this was probably the biggest surprise of all. The scent was so delicate and clean even my wife liked it (and that's hard to accomplish, she cant stand Clubman!!). It Is sort of a cream or lotion, but it doesn't leave any residue on the face once it's absorbed into the skin and for once I can say I think it actually moisturizes my face!! It's not just another lotion, nor just some smelly stuff diluted in alcohol... no burn what so ever, no irritation and the scent was so subtle and clean that one could easily use their own cologne after and not have a conflict of odors.

Here shortly, my William's soap + mug will be replaced with some American Crew herbal Shave Cream and I will finish every shave with the American Crew After Shave Moisturizer! If you like tea tree products, you should check out their Herbal Shave Cream, and if you'd like an after shave that actually does more than just make you smell good, try the After Shave Moisturizer; excellent products IMO!
Also if youre looking for a good facial cleanser Jolene's Granular Scrub would be an excellent product! Or, if you work in a dirty, grimy, crudy, envorment like I do (the ship yard), her scrub is an excellent way to clean the grime out of the pours, take the dead skin off and leave you with a very clean, healthy, looking face!
Three product's I'm very pleased with and will likely continue to use... American Crew is offering a free sample of their herbal shave cream and after shave moisturizer on their web site.. I'd encourage everyone to at least give the samples a try.