Got my first order from Colleen.

Went to check the mail this afternoon, got the Dovo stuff from Flounder and a great little box from Colleen:

- 2 cakes of Oak & Moss
- 2 cakes of Savon de Comte
- 1 Highlander
- 1 Orange/Patchouli (a little stronger than I expected but still very nice).


I shaved with the Oak & Moss a few hours ago and the scent is still with me, not overly heavy just a nice, clean, fresh earth and forest type of scent - exactly what I was hoping it would be. I'm not much into musk scents so this one's a nice alternative to the leather and heavy spice some guys prefer. The Savon is a clean citrus scent that I'm really looking forward to, it'd be a great Springtime shave. Tomorrow will likely be the Highlander unless something changes between now and then. Don'cha just love experimenting?
Thanks Colleen, I couldn't be more pleased.
Jack

Another fly trapped in Colleen's web od great products. I've got seniority and get the spot next to the bar-fridge :D

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Another fly trapped in Colleen's web od great products. I've got seniority and get the spot next to the bar-fridge :D

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That is true... It is really addictive stuff..:roflmao

All of those are scents that I really like from her collection. She's got something for everyone, and experimenting is definitely part of the fun.

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Another fly trapped in Colleen's web od great products. I've got seniority and get the spot next to the bar-fridge :D

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That's fine with me but ... be a pal and pass the pretzels! ;)
I decided to use my C&E Sweet Almond Oil cream today. Had a spare cup to work the lather up in & the volume of the lather was really impressive - but it didn't feel nearly as rich or slick as Colleen's soap. Nicked myself up pretty good this morning working on the throat and chin trouble spots - wish I'd used the Highlander or another of her soaps to limit the variables and determine the problem.

Tomorrow morning: Savon de Comte! Or Highlander ... or orange/patchouli ... maybe I'll just close my eyes and grab one. :hmmm:
Jack

Here's my take on C&E shaving products:
Soaps -- Don't bother. They're pure excrement
Creams -- On the par with Colleen's stuff in performance but nowhere near as good in the scent department.

I think I'll be sticking with Colleen's soaps from now on. The C&E was actually included in the Dovo set I bought off Flounder here so it was a freebie - not too shabby and it's the big jar.
Jack

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Here's my take on C&E shaving products:
Soaps -- Don't bother. They're pure excrement
Creams -- On the par with Colleen's stuff in performance but nowhere near as good in the scent department.

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Sorry but I have to disagree there. Not to knock Colleens in the least I love them but C&E creams rock. Nomad, Sienna and sweet almond are really great for both use and scent.

Good Morning Gents,

A big Thank You for all of those wonderful compliments....

RichZ, this next question/comment is for you; I too think my creams are pretty good ;) , but still not quite where I want them to be. So if you don't mind, and please don't worry about hurting my feelings, this is soley a "Mad Soap Scientist" kinda question.

What is it about the C&E creams that you like better ? I'm looking for comments like.....better slick? more moisturizing ? is it simply the feel of the cream....?

I am very serious when I say I don't mind constructive criticism....for me the creams are like a puzzle....and one I enjoy working on. Now in my opinion, I am pleased with the creams ability to produce a "small bubble matrix" , but I continually think that the cream could use more slick or have better moisturizing qualities.

So do you have any clues for me....?

XXWarm Regards, Colleen

I haven't used C&E creams but I absolutely LOVE the scent of the Nomad soap. It's one of the great scents I have experienced. It also makes slick and rich latherr.

Too bad I can't use the soap much because it irritates my skin :rant:

Can't say about the creams.

Colleen, I have a question: the sample Oak & Moss I got with a brush from Matt irritates my skin (it is very sensitive) - what would you recommend from your soaps for ultra-sensitive skin? I hope there is a scent I like to it, but if you say unscented I am willing (finally) to go this route just to see if I find what works for me.

Thanks
Ivo

Ivo, one of the reasons it irritates is b/c the thick and rich lather looks that way even after it dries out (and it does fairly quickly). Can't hold onto the water to save its life, which means it doesn't hydrate your hair and the glide can't compare to Colleen's soaps.

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Ivo, one of the reasons it irritates is b/c the thick and rich lather looks that way even after it dries out (and it does fairly quickly). Can't hold onto the water to save its life, which means it doesn't hydrate your hair and the glide can't compare to Colleen's soaps.

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Um, I'd say 'no' - glide is very nice! At least for me Nomad has great glide. However, as soon as I lay it thick it starts burning my skin (before I even have the chance to start shaving. Pretty much in a few seconds...

I hope Colleen will recommend something from her line to me and I find what I'm looking for...

Cheers
Ivo

I'd recommend Oak & Moss. It's very easy on the fragrance and uses EOs only, so it should be the gentlest of them all.

Afternoon Gents,

I have been taking photographs for what seems like two solid days now, for the website. I've become fairly proficient at removing the photos from the camera and moving them into the appropriate file ;) geez, the computer is like some giant labyrinth.

I've stopped to take a break and eat my current favorite sandwich....Homemade bread, with mayo, a slice of cheese and potato chips smashed in between! mmm.

I'm pleased to meet you Ivo...

first I need to clarify; it is my soap that you have had the irritation with ? yes....? and it is the Gentlemen's Oak & Moss....shaving soap ? not the cream ?

My very first choice for you would be the Provence Lavender, French Fine. This is an essential oil, and a very fine one at that....grown high in the French Alps. It is woodsy and green smelling, but with a touch of sweet.

More importantly it really is an essential oil that is kind and healing, especially to sensitive skin, and my second and third choices would be the Orange Patchouli, or the Savon de Comte. Essential oils only.

Drop me a note at my email address listed below.
XXWarm Regards, Colleen

Hi Colleen!

Yes, I think the sample size Oak & Moss I received from Matt with my brush is your creation (and I see Ilija's not paying attention :nono: )

Do you have a small sample size of the three soaps you recommended? If you do, I'd try this. If no sample sizes are available, I'll just take the first one in a regular size.

Thanks
Ivo

Yea I can't wate to get home this Sunday and Monday go pick up the soaps I ordered just recently from Colleen.

Eddie

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Originally Posted by izlat

Hi Colleen!

Yes, I think the sample size Oak & Moss I received from Matt with my brush is your creation (and I see Ilija's not paying attention :nono: )

Do you have a small sample size of the three soaps you recommended? If you do, I'd try this. If no sample sizes are available, I'll just take the first one in a regular size.

Thanks
Ivo

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Sorry Ivo,
I was so focused on selling the Boker in about 1min that it completely slipped my mind :o

Ivo:
The Savon de Comte scent is amazing, nice and light citrus - really fresh smelling. The Orange/patchouli is one I'd ordered but haven't had the chance to use yet - it does smell much stronger than the Savon though (I think it's just the nature of patchouli). Going on what Colleen just said about the Provence Lavender it just got added to the list for my next order. I didn't think about it having a "woodsy" scent but if so then it's right up my alley.
Jack

EDIT:
I just finished shaving with the Savon de Comte - it's PHENOMENAL!!! While I really like the Oak & Moss, relathering for the second pass gave me sort of a "menthol tingle" (maybe that's what irritated Izlat?). I felt nothing like that with the Savon and the lather was thick, rich and almost cooling to the skin - the scent is also excellent. Only problem I have now is ... the Highlander and Orange/Patchouli maybe be setting a long while before they get used.

Great job Colleen!
Jack

Thanks for this, Jack. Yes, maybe this irritated my skin.

Oh, how I wish I could just use any soap, whose scent I like... :rant:

On a good note, I have e-mailed Colleen and asked about ordering the 3 in sample sizes or just the first one in a regular size

Cheers
Ivo

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Originally Posted by izlat

Thanks for this, Jack. Yes, maybe this irritated my skin.

Oh, how I wish I could just use any soap, whose scent I like... :rant:

On a good note, I have e-mailed Colleen and asked about ordering the 3 in sample sizes or just the first one in a regular size

Cheers
Ivo

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I'm sure its very frustrating to not be able to run the gamut of yummy scents available due to sensitive skin.

Prior to making shaving soaps, or any soap for that matter.....I was a Hemodialysis Tech and I worked with people on a daily basis suffering from all sorts of ailments related to kidney failure......sensitive skin being at the top of the list for the simple fact that everyday life involves taking a bath (we hope ;) ) and what to do about any soap you used that just seemed to aggravate already sensitive skin and then you have those with sensitive skin and are very sensitive to smells (cancer/chemo patients)

One of the aspects of soapmaking that I continue to enjoy and it drives the focus of the scents I offer, is simply the more healing aspect of essential oils vs. fragrance. I have nothing bad to say about fragrances....I use them, (love some of them...yummy!) and often times use a combination of essential oils (eo) and fragrance oil (fo). But it is simply my nature to look more to the regenerative capabilities of EO's. Your Soapmistress is some weird combination of Florence Nightingale and Mae West....;)

As TGQ continues to grow and build a good foundation....I REALLY want to develop a line of products for men with sensitive skin. Ivo, perhaps you'll be the beginning TGQ's line of sensitive skin products. :hmmm:

Just a note on the Lavender.....I too, was a little surprised at the number of men who liked lavender as I thought it seemed "girly"...but in actuality, lavender is in the mint family....and has a very nice brisk, clean.....green scent. With a touch of sweet. There are different types of lavender; some are more brisk than others and some are softer and more sweet. I can say that I've learned as a general rule of thumb....the higher the quality of the oil, the more sweet.

Here is an interesting link on the healing properties of lavender;http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytochemical

XXWarm Regards, Colleen

remind me to check my links before I attach them.....phytochemicals are an important part of lavender....but this particular article isn't very clear on that...:gth

Let me find a better one and I'll post it a little later.....I am frantically taking photographs for Amir....and better get back to work...lol. Its just so hard to stay off of here!

C.

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Originally Posted by churley

Your Soapmistress is some weird combination of Florence Nightingale and Mae West....;)

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Stop that, you're making my brain sweat! ;)
Jack

Quote:

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Originally Posted by churley

As TGQ continues to grow and build a good foundation....I REALLY want to develop a line of products for men with sensitive skin. Ivo, perhaps you'll be the beginning TGQ's line of sensitive skin products. :hmmm:

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Colleen,

This sounds like a great idea!

Also, I'd like to say that I shaved yesterday with your Desert Ironwood soap (1oz sample). Good news: it did not irritate my skin!

I was a bit quicker than normal, but still... I will shave with it again in a few days and I hope the results are going to be the same!

Cheers
Ivo

Really ??? now that is very interesting.

The Desert Ironwood has clove and cinnamon....both can be irritating to sensitive skin. But heres the twist, the Desert Ironwood is based on essential oils only.

The Oak & Moss is a combination of essential oils and "fragrance". I'm wondering if its the fragrance oils your skin is sensitive to....:hmmm:

Colleen

I can imagine that's it. I've tried some soaps from Mammabear (and a few from you colleen...samples) and out of the 5 I've tried I can only use one and the lady that made them said that was probably because they have mostly EO's as opposed to FO's.

Tried the Highlander soap for today's shave ... I thought I liked the Oak & Moss but the Highlander just kicked it down a notch on my list of favorites. I'll give the Highlander a second try tomorrow and see if I can rate it against the Savon de Comte. Right now I think I like them both equally well but what's the fun in stopping there? ;)

The Highlander also gave me my closest, smoothest shave yet. Maybe I'll use Highlander for Fall and Winter and Savon for the Spring. Of course, I still have to try my Orange/Patchouli and then order some Provence Lavender, French Fine to give that a shot (maybe the Desert Ironwood too).

Anyway, nice job Colleen the Highlander's GREAT! :tu
Jack