Thread: Santa Maria Novella

I shaved with SMN this morning!

It lathered thinly at first, I may have left too much water in the brush, but once I got the consistancy right it was like a thin yogurt layer on my face.
It has a different appearnce to it on my face. It looks like it is slick just setting there, a sheen to it.
The glide I think is excellent. No noticeable irritation after two passes. I used a Gillette NEW with a fresh Derby blade. The only weepers I had were hitting some stupid clogged pores.

So, in all for me it functions just as good as any other soap I have in my rotation, MDC, Stirling, Penhaligons, Castle Fobes, Proraso White and Red, Cella, Taylor's, and Goerges Spanish Leather.
What makes it a keeper is the darn fragrance its smell alone. Especially in combo with the cologne!
Would the price kill the sell for some yep because there are cheaper soaps that work just as well. Like Stirlings, inexpensive and great performers.
BUT, this stuff smells just to dang GREAT for me not to keep using.
Too me it has a nice Ceder woody scent!

Okay now for the third day.
This soap likes a stiff hand. I got brutish with it this morning while face lathering. I mean I jammed the bristle down.
The soap responded very positively to this torture. It lathered up a little thicker than it has the past two days.
The shave was still the same. Great glide from the razor. No facial irritations.
I could have stopped after two passes but did a third for the pure enjoyment.
Razor used today was a Tim Zowada Custom.

Obie, what a lovely gift from a thoughtful brother. Santa Maria Novella is one of my favorite luxury shaving creams, and when paired with their Tobacco Tuscano Cologne, it's like I died and went to heaven every time I shave. Enjoy, my friend.

Originally Posted by evnpar

Obie, what a lovely gift from a thoughtful brother. Santa Maria Novella is one of my favorite luxury shaving creams, and when paired with their Tobacco Tuscano Cologne, it's like I died and went to heaven every time I shave. Enjoy, my friend.

Thanks for the kind words, Richard. Yes, my brother is a sweetheart, and quite generous. And what a gentleman. As for Santa Maria Novella, I am really fond of this cream. Not the biggest lather maker, but cushion and glide are excellent; so is the face comfort after the shave. Good stuff. That it was a gift from my brother makes it extra special.