Thread: Declaration Grooming - Icarus Base

Does anyone have experience with this soap base they are willing to share? I'm considering giving it a try.

I have heard good things about DG, but I have never tried one of their soaps. The Icarus base is new for them, so experience is limited.

Beginning with the Icarus soaps, DG has chosen to describe their scents in a poetic manner rather than specifying the scent notes as they did with previous soaps and as most other artisans do as well.

There are certain scent notes that I chose to avoid. Some scents like lime and clove irritate my skin. My nose dislikes certain scents like vetiver and smoke if they are too prominent in the blend. Thus, I prefer to purchase from those artisans who provide a list of scent notes so I can better judge whether or not I will like the scent.

I've gotten all three of the latest iterations of the Icarus (Sweet Lemon, Shore, and Contemplation) and I think they may be without peer among artisan tallow soaps.

When I got the first limited release of the Santal Auster, which was the first Icarus base, it was so good I was concerned about using it because I wasn't sure the base would be a regular product.

The regular Declaration Grooming (formerly L&L) bison tallow was already in my top tier, but the Icarus base is on another level.

Now, since I've only had them for a short time, I have a limited number of shaves with each of the new releases. They are easily on a par with Wholly Kaw Donkey, Barrister's Reserve, A&E new formulation, Grooming Dept tallow, etc. and my first estimation is that they may be a cut above.

Very easy to lather, very good glide, takes water very well, and the post shave is phenomenal. I had absolutely no need for any after shave balm-just a bit of witch hazel was enough, although I did follow a few of the shaves with the matching AS-very nice, but note the after shave splashes are all slightly mentholated. The moist-but not heavy-feel lasted all day.

I'm not very sophisticated when it comes to scents, so I can't help with scent notes. I like simple scents. The Sweet Lemon is perfect to my nose. Makes me think of the lemon poppy seed cake my grandmother would make. Shore is difficult for me to describe, I get some salt water smell along with what smells very subtly like suntan lotion. It's like walking through a crowded beach toward the water. Contemplation is grassy, but doesn't have the 'dirt' element that many grassy soaps do. It's the most subtle of the three.

But based on my limited experience, if I had to pick only one tallow soap, the Icarus base would be it.

Originally Posted by MichaelPz

I've gotten all three of the latest iterations of the Icarus (Sweet Lemon, Shore, and Contemplation) and I think they may be without peer among artisan tallow soaps.

When I got the first limited release of the Santal Auster, which was the first Icarus base, it was so good I was concerned about using it because I wasn't sure the base would be a regular product.

The regular Declaration Grooming (formerly L&L) bison tallow was already in my top tier, but the Icarus base is on another level.

Now, since I've only had them for a short time, I have a limited number of shaves with each of the new releases. They are easily on a par with Wholly Kaw Donkey, Barrister's Reserve, A&E new formulation, Grooming Dept tallow, etc. and my first estimation is that they may be a cut above.

Very easy to lather, very good glide, takes water very well, and the post shave is phenomenal. I had absolutely no need for any after shave balm-just a bit of witch hazel was enough, although I did follow a few of the shaves with the matching AS-very nice, but note the after shave splashes are all slightly mentholated. The moist-but not heavy-feel lasted all day.

I'm not very sophisticated when it comes to scents, so I can't help with scent notes. I like simple scents. The Sweet Lemon is perfect to my nose. Makes me think of the lemon poppy seed cake my grandmother would make. Shore is difficult for me to describe, I get some salt water smell along with what smells very subtly like suntan lotion. It's like walking through a crowded beach toward the water. Contemplation is grassy, but doesn't have the 'dirt' element that many grassy soaps do. It's the most subtle of the three.

But based on my limited experience, if I had to pick only one tallow soap, the Icarus base would be it.

Thank you for your input! My goto soap as of now is Grooming Department products but always interested in trying new products. I will place an order for Icarus and see how they perform. Thank you again!

My pleasure, Rich. I hope you enjoy it!

@MichaelPz.... I certainly dont need anymore soaps/creams but just from your description my order has been placed.. Thank you sir and looking forward to using it.. And to top it off i just noticed its made in my good ol Michigan

I hear you, TCM, I already have enough excellent soaps to last me for the next 20 years if I use a 30mm brush, use the Marko method, and shave twice a day!

But this Icarus base is something special. I've been alternating days between this base and my other favorite tallow bases, and I'll continue to do that for the next few weeks. From what I've experienced so far, this has moved to the tippy top of the den.

Hope you enjoy it!

lol.. Ive adopted the way too much lather approach for going through my soaps... 2 inches minumum on my face.. Look a lot like Santa Claus in the morning.. I will update on this soap after a number of shaves.. Peace!

Well... I received my Declaration Icarus base Shore soap/ aftershave splash yesterday and really looked forward to using it today... And the verdict is in.. This is one awesome shave soap!! From the scent when lathering, 10 seconds in the bowl and it was an explosion of the best shave soap ive ever used.. I cant say enough good things about this stuff.. Perfect lather, slick, cushion, glide, smell, does not break down, my face felt so good after i didnt need an aftershave splash but used the Shore post shave anyway and thats superb also.. I ran out of CF not too long ago and it was on my list of items to get but I dont need it.. This Declaration to me meets CF in all catagories and its my #1 in the cabinet for sure... This is only after 1 shave!!! Thank you Michael P for the great reveiw/recommendation, so glad I read it and followed through on the purchase... Scott W

Originally Posted by TCMichigander

Well... I received my Declaration Icarus base Shore soap/ aftershave splash yesterday and really looked forward to using it today... And the verdict is in.. This is one awesome shave soap!! From the scent when lathering, 10 seconds in the bowl and it was an explosion of the best shave soap ive ever used.. I cant say enough good things about this stuff.. Perfect lather, slick, cushion, glide, smell, does not break down, my face felt so good after i didnt need an aftershave splash but used the Shore post shave anyway and thats superb also.. I ran out of CF not too long ago and it was on my list of items to get but I dont need it.. This Declaration to me meets CF in all catagories and its my #1 in the cabinet for sure... This is only after 1 shave!!! Thank you Michael P for the great reveiw/recommendation, so glad I read it and followed through on the purchase... Scott W

Happy you enjoyed the Icarus, Scott!

And thanks for sharing your thoughts on it: I'm always a bit cautious when recommending a soap-the old YMMV and all of that! Hope your subsequent shaves with it are just as enjoyable.