Thread: Care to opine?? What AS would you recommend?

For alcohol-based a/s, I'd have to go with Tabac, Old Spice, and Dominica Bay Rum. Dominica does not last long, but I really dig the scent. Tabac and OS last a long time and remind me of my childhood - my father wore them then. All three are classic scents, but I'd have a really hard time describing them (well, the Bay Rum is Bay Rum). Maybe others could help me out here.

On the higher end, I also like Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet and English Fern. I have the EDTs, but want to see if they make them in a/s strength as well. Again, my knowledge of scents is not up to describing these. The EDts last all day on me, which is saying something as most don't.

Aftershave and colognes are one of the most personal areas of shaving so its best to try things out and see how you like them (isn't that the case with everything we do though?) .

Jordan

Hi Jordan,

thanks for the post. I agree everything is personal in the grooming marketplace but since I don't know alot of other brands, this is a good place to start.

Can you clear up a terminology question? Wat is EDT?

I've been reading that many people here like Tabac. I don't know where to find it locally though.

Steve,
Using words like opine and quoting Romans. Sure sounds like you should be a good old suthun boy. You sure you are from the cold cold north.

Phillip

Well, I love a good opine...

I use Giorgio Armani Mania aftershave balm. It's a bit pricey, but is very soothing and does seem to tone the skin. Pretty sure it's non-alcohol.

The reason I use it is mainly the scent. Hard to describe - if you smell it straight out of the bottle it's a bit overpowering, but on my skin it is a mellow, masculine scent (my wife's words) with hints of citrus. Lasts a working day for me as well.

I also use the Mania cologne, so the scents blend (the cologne and the aftershave don't quite have the same scent, suprisingly).

Besides all that, the chicks dig it, baby!

James.

Philip:

Shore 'nuff. I'm northern born and raised however I do claim 1/2 Missouri blood since my father is from MO. As to Romans - believers are everywhere. And speaking of cold, it's as cold today as I ever would care for...and it's only October, brrrrr.

James - thanks for opining

I really like the Musgo Real A/S.

It's an alcohol-based A/S, but includes glycerin & allantoin in the formula too. It doesn't take much to be effective either. I've punched a hole into the plastic stopper to make a shaker top. 3-4 shakes into my palm will cover my entire face. It finishes well too; it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry, oily, or tacky/sticky.

The scent is a blend including vetiver and patchouli, "offering a subtle interfusion of woody and spicy scents to create a sophisticated and masculine aroma." The scent is strong enough and lasting enough on its own.

I use (and swear by) the Royall Lyme aftershave. It's got a nice clean fresh citrus scent, isn't heavy but lasts a good long time.

-- Gary F.

Steve,
If you really like Pinaud, then there's a thread from a few months back that talks about mixing 1/3 Pinaud with 2/3 witch hazel (unscented). I do this and it's my favorite aftershave. This mixture will keep it's scent all day.
Next, go with James recommendation about Armani Mania, I use both the balm and cologne and he's right, the chicks dig it!
Another suggestion is to try Saxon woodspice. I haven't seen it in stores for a while but if you do some searching, you will find it online. I love this scent and this is my traveling aftershave as I don't like large bottles of liquid in my suitcase. http://www.galabs.com/products_skincare.htm
-Fred

Hi Fred:

I found the thread you mentioned and tried the Dickinson's witch hazel. I mixed approx. 1/3 Clubman to 2/3 w.h. and it immediately turned cloudy and has stayed that way.

At first, all I could smell was the hazel (I know it isn't supposed to have a scent but it does to me). However, the longer I've been wearing it tonight, the stronger the Clubman scent is becoming. It's like the scent stays after the hazel evaporates or dries out.

I think I may like this in the end. When putting it on, the first thing I noticed is that it felt soothing on my face which must be the effect of the witch hazel. Then the smell seems to be sticking around. I'll try it tomorrow and see how long I can notice it for.

Thanks for the advice!

I'm on my second bottle now. The first time it didn't turn cloudy, the next time it did. The cloudiness doesn't seem to affect the overall results. I have a bottle of Truefitt and Hill Spanish Leather that I'm going to try the mixture on next.
Glad that you liked it. Welcome to the addiction!
-Fred