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I'm in the market for a new aftershave. I love the smell of the Clubman but it doesn't stay very long anymore.
I'd appreciate hearing:
1. what brand do you like
2. why do you like it (long lasting, toning qualities, etc)
3. a description of the scent
Thanks in advance
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?):D .
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.:nj
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!:cool:
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.
Where do you get Royall Lyme?
I've seen it at Brooks Brothers. The outlet, even.Quote:
Originally Posted by steve
I like the T&H balms, which are nice and soothing, though the scent seems short-lived, so you might have to layer with a cologne. I also like coral skin food. I have Prorasso, which seems to keep its scent longer, and is alcohol free.
Actually, I have too many damn aftershaves. :)
Hi Steve, EDT, EDC etc. are eau de toilette and eau de cologne. This refers to the strength of the product (I don't know all the technicalities).Quote:
Originally Posted by steve
Finding Tabac in a store is pretty hit or miss. If you know of a store that carries a lot of different colognes, etc you might want to see if they can order it for you. I believe Charles at QEDUSA.com is in your neck of the woods and I know he carries Tabac. There has been reference to a couple of other sites on some recent threads also. Give it a shot :tu
Jordan
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
I'm not sure why but today, I can barely smell it after I put in on after my shower. Last night was pretty strong, today it's nothing at all. I'm going to try it for a few more days and see. I did slap on a generous portion and still nothing.
Steve,
My advice is to stick with it. It could be just a bad sniffer day with it being autumn and all.
-Fred
Boy that's the truth!
Favorite AS balm is L'Occitane CADE. Scent is juniper with various accents, very unique. Feels great on the skin.
I also use Gucci Pour Homme. Scent is, according to some, pencil shavings. I love it but I am not so sure it's as soothing as L'O CADE. Bulgari Black is another favorite for scent, supposedly Black Tea, woody / leathery / rubbery even, with some pepper, I think.
Others I have had decent experience with are: Nivea (can't compare to the above but not that bad for the price), JASON 6-in-1 AS, Lucky Tiger AS Toner (citrusy, which I don't like so much but getting used to). I like the scent of C&E Nomad but have not used it (only have the soap)
I generally like woody, leathery, peppery scents.
Sorry to say I have not tried yet the trad powerhouses (Coral / Lime Skin food, etc.) On my list now to try is Musgo Real AS balm.
Cheers
Ivo
PS Jimbo saying he wears Armani Mania 'cos the chicks dig it to someone quoting Romans was quite funny :D I hope it was not taken the wrong way, as I am sure he meant well
No problem at all. Hey, even married men have a "chick" they want to keep attracted to them. If my wife or I ever lost that physical attraction to each other, our marriage would lose out on a wonderful part of the relationship dynamic God intended for married couples. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by izlat
I only use 2 anymore, despite having about 11. I use the Trumper's Coral Skin Food, and Thayer's "Extra Cool" witch hazel, with grain alchohol. If those were the only ones available, I'd be happy. I use the Trumper's more in the winter, when my skin is prone to dryness and irritation. The Thayer's the rest of the time. They're very lightly scented (the Trumper's anyway...the Thayer's is unscented), so if I choose to use stinkpurdy, they don't clash.
Thanks Joe! I've heard alot about the Coral Skin Food. I assume it has moisturizing qualities if you use it mainly in the winter, am I right?
It does. It also smells very faintly of rose, though that scent fades very quickly. It's one of my favorite AS's. I haven't tried the lime skinfood yet, though I may pick up a small bottle.Quote:
Originally Posted by steve
Keith, thanks for the additional info
OK - new question:
Where in the US (other than online) can one purchase Tabac Original EDC? I have Target, JCPenny, Macy's, Kohls, Wal-Mart, and such as these all around my area.
well i have been lokoing at most of the infomation here and thought i would add what types of after shave i use or have, but they are mainly high street ones that everyone has when there 20-26 i guess.
Jupe, CK Eternity (think), Jean Paul gaulter, FCUK (Anoying Xmas present), Paul Smith
Looks like you can't? That's what I've heard as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by steve
that's what I thought so I went ahead and ordered it online. The only thing I don't like about that is I've never smelled it before so I wanted to before buying. I got it cheap enough though so I guess I don't mind too much.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer
Hi Keith,
What are the ingredients in the skin food?
Steve,
Visit the Trumper's website and view the Contact page. You can request samples of shaving cream and Coral Skin Food.
http://www.trumpers.com/
RT
RT- thanks for the info. I'll do that.
I would also recommend Crabtree & Evelyn Nomad After Shave Balm.
Has anyone else tried the Burt's Bees Bay Rum balm? That's what I've been using. It definitely soothes the skin, but I'm not sure I'm a bay rum kind of guy. The scent is a little over powering to me.
OK, so my order of Tabac Original EDC came in today. Is it me or does anyone else think this smells a little feminine? I would expect this smell on a woman, not a man.
Nearly every review I've read on this from men indicated that this is a great masculine scent but I'm not sure.
I don't find the scent feminine. Have you "tried it on" yet? The scent out of the bottle may come off as more fem. than when you put it on.Quote:
Originally Posted by steve
That said, the EDC does seem a little "sweeter" than the A/S. I would call the A/s even more masculine than the EDC - yes I'm splitting hairs a bit here.
Jordan
Yes, I did try it on last night. Never really did loose that feminine smell to me. Even my wife commented that she thought it would be more appropriate for a woman.
I think I did read somewhere there was a little difference between the AS and the EDC/EDT. Maybe I put it on too strong, I just tested it on my wrist. I'll try a more subtle application and see.
In my rotation I have some alcohol based A/S and A/S balms.
Alcohol based A/S are:
-Swiss Pitralon
-Lotion Opaline
-Pinaud Clubman
-Booster "Aquarius"
-Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue
The balms are:
-OLIVIA's A/S balm
-Herban Cowboy A/S balm
-SCS Tony's Choice
-Will G's alcohol free A/S balm #7
Almost I use a balm after the A/S splash and mostly OLIVIA's ( www.olivia-seife.de)
The Swiss Pitralon is also great stuff, leaves the skin very smooth and soft, smells a bit like hair tonic, but it's really great:tu
Thomas
I've never purchased an aftershave, but since I recently started shaving with a straight razor I decided I needed something. I just mixed up some witch hazel, aloe, and peppermint essential oil(a little goes a very long way). When I first put it on it's very refreshing and tingly and the mint is very strong. The strong scent goes away in a few minutes, but for most of the day I can smell faint whisps of mint. It leaves my skin in a very pleasant state.
It's in my rotation. I could go either way on it, I prefer the Pinaud Bay Rum over the burts bees. Just stay away from the soap for straights, it has no lubricity at all!Quote:
Originally Posted by spacetoast
-Fred