The Art of Shaving--Review of samples
Awhile back, I received a care package from the Art of Shaving. This morning, I finally got around to trying it out. They sent a number of products including facial wash, facial scrub, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and a few others. Gave most of these to my wife... They also sent a package called 'One perfect shave' that included a sample of shaving oil, shaving cream, and aftershave balm. As I've never used shaving oil before, I did not try it this morning either as I was a bit pressed for time. I opened the shave cream and squeezed it into my lathering bowl--the sample was about twice as much cream as I usually use for a shave. I really did not care for the scent. It was not strong, or unpleasant, just not my cup of tea. I'm not really sure how to describe it either. The cream may in fact be unscented, just the normal aroma of the various ingredients. Anyway, the cream lathered beautifully. The lubricity (don't know if this is a word...but it should be ;) ) was better than any shave cream I've used to date, downright slick. The lather was dense, very clinging, almost greasy. This may be a function of the amount of cream used, as I said, the amount in this single use sample was generous. It shaved well, but did not seem to protect my face as well as any of the 3T's. I ended up with a few unexplained nicks during the shave. This may have been a function of the razor, but I don't think so as I've never had this problem with my Hen and Rooster before. To be fair, I will try the razor again with another cream before making up my mind.
Much more than enough lather for three passes and I think this cream would do well for those that want to use a final water only pass, but still like a bit of extra lubrication from their cream. It took a lot of water to rinse my face, brush, bowl, and sink. This lather is tenacious.
I finished up with the shaving balm. Ouch! About the consistency of the T&H classic, but it burned as if I had rubbed an alum block over my face. Several abrasions that I had not noticed previously started to bleed--I've never had this happen before. The balm was also slow to be absorbed--felt oily/greasy to start. However, after it was absorbed, it left my skin feeling pretty good, similar to the feel immediately after an application of Trumper's skin food.
Take my experience for what it's worth. One man's shave on one morning. It may just have been a bad day, a razor in need of work, or a function of not using the pre-shave oil before the shaving cream. However, right now I'm kind of feeling like a guy that got food poisoning after eating at a favorite resturant...I'm not inclined to revist this product line soon.
I hope that anyone with contrary opinions/experience with Art of Shaving products will add their impressions.
Ed
Takes a little directive but it gives a really great shave.
You should try to use the pre-shave oil. It's really protective and makes the cream very slick. It shouldnt take more then 5 seconds to put on, just a little less then a dime size would make a big difference. leave it on rub it in, should warm up and it will help open up your pores. Another thing is that AOS cream MUST be mixed with a little hot water in your palms, then applied over the oil, using a hot brush helps as well. As for your after shave experince, try using only a little, very little goes a long way. And rub into your palms and pat on to the face never rub. If your rubbing on freshly shaven skin you will incounter burning no matter how good the product is. So next time be quick but use the oil only takes seconds, and you will be very happy.
I've been using this line with great sucess so pick up another sample try it again ( btw dont use a blade that's draging and pulling, if you feel draging with your blade no matter how good the product you use it just wont be enough). Also, its true the sampoo and conditioner are really great. :gl:
