Valobra 100 gm Hard Shaving Soap Puck
Valobra recently introduced four new 100 gm shaving soaps in the Fougére (fern-like), Cologne, Patchouli and Unscented varieties.
I quite like Valobra soaps and regularly use the semi-hard almond and menthol shaving soaps.
For someone used to the overpowering scent of Proraso, the Valobra menthol shave experience will be a non-event however.
Valobra shaving soaps have a very subdued scent, reminding me more of warm milk than anything else.
The new Fougere and Unscented hard shaving soaps that I tried were no exception.
Be that as it may, as I slap some Eau de Cologne and skin creme onto my face afterwards anyway, it does not really matter.
What matters is the shaving experience.
And I am happy to report, as is usual for Valobra, both soaps generated a rich, smooth and silky lather and the shave was very comfortable.
I took more than my usual time with the straight shave this morning and the lather on my neck area had started collapsing somewhat - possibly because I applied the lather too thin - but lubrication was still all there and my Aust straight sliced the whiskers without any effort.
In short, a truly rewarding shaving experience.
Initially, I had ordered two tubs of the new Valobra shaving soap, and have tried the Fougere and Unscented versions so far.
I keep one at home, one for travels (until I can create more space in my overflowing shaving cabinet), but due to the subdued scent it is not always clear which soap goes where.
A trifle complaint maybe, but the two plastic containers that I received the soap in were identical and have only the scent mentioned on the outer cardboard box. Once they are out of the box, there is no mention which soap is what on the plastic containers and I got only my nose to go by.
Not a big problem, I am attracted to Valobra because of their performance and - as I tend to leave sticks more for my space-limited overnight trips - I am glad that Valobra increased their shaving soap range with these four new soaps.
Price-wise, they are twice the weight of the Valobra shaving stick and are also about twice the price.
So, no surprises here.
The verdict, in short:
Good performer, rich, silky smooth lather.
Pleasant, warm, subdued scent
Price/Value ratio similar to other Valobra products
Recommended (Highly recommend for lovers of pre-existing Valobra products)
B.
