Shaving & Talking #15 Featuring Brutis

Today's Shaving & Talking will be featuring Brutis our version of the classic aftershave Brut by Faberge. I think it's safe to say this was a big hit for Wet the Face the reviews on the website have been amazing customers really love it. It's basically spot-on as some have said and we couldn't be happier. We are currently thinking of turning this into a tallow version but that might be down the road some so stay tuned for that.

Captain's Choice Eucalyptus & Mr Warlock

This week we received a package from Captain’s Choice and inside we found a new aftershave called Eucalyptus. Also inside the box was a note explaining that the shaving soap is not available yet so with that information in hand I’m going to use my Mr. Warlock which is a Eucalyptus, camphor, and peppermint shaving soap. This shaving soap was such a hit I had to take it off the holiday release list due to the requests to make it available all year round. 

The focus is not on Mr. Warlock but if you want to witness the shave may I suggest taking a look at the YouTube video. I will however compare the eucalyptus scents which we took great pains in selecting for our shaving soap. I personally prefer our scent over the Captain’s but that’s not the complete story with this aftershave. 

Colgate Shave & Peaky Blinders

Recently I found a Colgate puck and I remembered using it around 4 years ago so I thought it would be a good idea to give this one more try. For this shave, I'm going to need my barber mug which I only take out on occasions like this. The one I have is very common in the wet shaving community but I just dig the way they look.

This is a solid hard puck with something that I just can't make out that is stamped on its face. The box it came in seems worn and I notice after not finding a date of production I see a 1-800 number for answers to questions you might have. Now 1-800 numbers started in 1967 so my guess is that this puck is at least 55 years old or less. That being said, I'm happy to have one in my collection to try again.

Nancy Boy Shave - Night Sky - New Products

Last week I had a call from a few friends and we got to talking and with each conversation, I concluded that Nancy Boy Shaving Cream was one of my top picks in many categories, As I look back at the last time I used this shaving cream it was 4 months ago and that's just way too long to wait.

If you never tried it don't wait any longer now is a perfect time. I will recommend the fresh, light signature scent this will elevate your shave to the next level and put a smile on your face all day long. The post-shave feel is fantastic along with its slickness and glide that will make your shave effortless.

This one shaving cream has changed my mind on what shaving creams should be this is what I judge all shaving creams against and if it stands up to this one then it gets to stay in the den.

AquaMarine Shave & Kate From Netflix

I was looking for something to shave with this week and came across an original formula puck of AquaMarine from Fine Accouterments. Created with the help of West Coast Shaving Aquamarine evokes the carefree feeling of relaxing sea-side, under a warm sun, accompanied only by the rhythmic sound of the surf. Um, not my words but I thought it sounded good from the website. Notes of lemon, sweet orange, rosemary, algae, oakmoss, driftwood, amber, and musk you might have to stand on the lifeguard tower to find them all.  

The current version of the soap from Fine is a hybrid of tallow and veggie created in Italy. It combines tallow acid with coconut oil, mango seed oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil. It contains no artificial colors or harsh chemicals. I don't have the new one so I can only give you my impressions of the one I have. It's a good performing shaving soap, but if you're looking for the sent to knock you over the head, this one is not for you. 

Cold Fusion On A Hot Day

Summer is coming and for some, it's already here so today I use Cold Fusion. If you’ve never heard of it let me explain. A few years ago I heard about these shaving soaps which had been jockeying for the coldest soap, some like Snake Bite, Kronos, Frostbite, Denali, and Cryogenics, So I got inspired and set out to create the coldest shaving soap on the market, this is so cold it comes with a warning, The aftershave is the same way.

Not only does this soap have a crazy amount of menthol but it has menthol sprinkled on the top of each tub. Most of the other soaps in the category lack two things, mine is enhanced with camphor, and the most important thing of all it has peppermint. All these things separate Cold Fusion apart from the others. There is not one shaving soap on the market today that comes close to the strength of Cold fusion. If you need proof just ask some of the people who’ve tried it.

Shaving & Talking #14 - Featuring Infinity

In today's shaving and talking, we dedicate our shave to Benjamin Moran. He has been sent overseas to Turkey for a year and I wanted to thank him for his service. As many of you may know we worked on the Infinity shaving soap together so this is what I am using for the tribute. All the best Ben!

I came across some interesting things on Netflix but before I get to that I’m sure everyone has heard by now that Netflix is suffering from subscription loss. This mainly can be contributed to a few things 1) Not reacting to the changing landscape. When Netflix first started we had very little in the streaming space but over the years we now have way too many to select from and at a cheaper price. 2) The worst thing that Netflix does is cancel popular series and they do this so often and without warning that it pisses people off and forces people to hold back on getting involved with anything other than a movie.

Spices From The Sea - New From Wet The Face

Today I’m proud to announce a new release from Wet The Face called Spices From the Sea. This is our take on the classic aftershave Old Spice. We think we’ve come as close as we could to the original scent profile but of course, you will be the judge of that. I had a few requests from our subscribers to get this one done. I told them I would see what I could do and oddly started to design the label first and after my second attempt I started bringing in colors and art that kind of matched the original theme and from that point, things just started to fall into place.

Arko Shaving Cream - Sensitive

When taking lunch at work, I like getting away from my desk to some of the local places we have in the city. My friend and I always pass this place called Davids its like any other dollar store filled with all kinds of stuff. Nestor loves to go to see what’s available and since it is on the way back it's not a problem but this last time was a shock. When we walked in I started to notice the shelves were almost empty in every aisle. We had the impression that the store was closing until I asked the cashier what was going on. She told us the products are just not getting to them nothing is coming in to restock the shelves that’s why they are so empty.

Denton Majik Shaving Soap - Kusafiri

Today we go back to Denton Majik Shaving Soaps and this time we are using Kusafiri. The name Kusafiri is Swahili "To Journey" and it has been a wonderful journey using the samples I was given.

The attractive label for this soap will make anyone curious. A majestic lion staring you down as if to say I'm the king here so make your move. A wonderful piece to show off your den with to be sure. 

The scent on this is a homage to Ralph Lauren's Safari for Men. Top notes are Lavender, Bergamot, Aldehydes, Coriander, Green Notes, Artemisia, Neroli, and Lemon; the middle notes are Tarragon, Carnation, and Cinnamon, Jasmine, Rose, and Cyclamen; base notes are Leather, Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Musk, Cedar, Patchouli and Amber. I would love to find out what the original Safari for men smells like because I might just like that one as well. 

Shaving & Talking #13 - Elvado - SpaceX

In this video of shaving & talking we feature the shaving cream Elvado. I’m still not sure why I have this in my den. It's a good soap but not the best I’ve used the scent on this is that of an almond. It’s very nice but nothing special. I still can’t understand why they call this a shaving cream and not a soap. it is in no way a cream but yet it is called that. Now, people may say Don your soaps are more like creams but you label them soaps and I get the irony in that but still, it bothers me.

It was still a great shave with no problems except the lather was disappearing over time from the brush and usually, this kind of thing doesn’t happen much with artisan soaps so for that reason I’m taking this out of the den. I need to go through things I never or hardly use and just get rid of them. I have over the years collected and purchased an amazing amount of software and hardware and with my YouTube channel doing reviews I have been provided products over many years this adds up and I have no room for things that just don’t work for me.

Rose Gold Occam’s Razor - Single Edge

By now everyone who watches my YouTube channel knows that I enjoy using the Occam's Razor Enhanced Nano or the O.R.E.N for short. Back in Sept of 2018, I created a video of using the razor for the first time and I just could not stop using it I was hooked. There has not been a razor in all my reviews that come close to its performance nothing so far until today.

A few weeks ago I had a conversation with Randy Wright and he was asking me did I think it was a good idea to purchase the original Occam’s Razor as a backup to the O.R.E.N you see Randy is an O.R.E.N owner as well. I told him I have no idea how the original shaved. After we went back and forth for while he told me he was going to purchase it anyway and let me know what the results were. I’m happy to say he was very pleased with his purchase and so I take the same journey and provide you with how my experience was with the Original Occam’s Razor.

INFINITY - New From Wet The Face

Today we release something new from Wet The Face called Infinity. This venture has an interesting behind-the-scenes story to it which involves one of our own Wet The Face community supporters Benjamin Moran. A few months ago Ben explained that he was in talks with another artisan to create a shaving soap for him based on Eternity for Men. I'm not sure why or what happened but things started to go south on this project and he asked if I would take the project over. I told him I had no idea what Eternity smells like he would have to provide me with a reference, so he sent me a few samples. I was working on our Brutis shaving soap at the time so I had to finish that project before starting to work with Ben. 

Shaving & Talking #12 Featuring Long Rifle Shaving Soap

Today's Shaving and Talking #12 we feature the shaving soap from Long Rifle Soap Co. This release has been out for a while now but I remember the first time I tried it Amanda sent it to me to give her feedback and of course, it was perfect. I’ve watched her grow as a company and I’m sure she will be giving us amazing products for years to come.

This soap base was introduced in 2020 and for me, it checks all the boxes. It still comes in a tin which now a day is going against the grain but with the theme of the company being Long Rifle, it just makes perfect sense, and nice to see this tradition continue.

Denton Majik Shaving Soap - Bright

Going back to the samples that I’ve received last week we have another new artisan or new to me I should say. The company is called Denton Majik Artisan shaving soaps. I had two scents Bright and Kusafiri both with great profiles the one I selected is Bright mostly for my love of menthol.

The packaging of the samples came in a small .652oz plastic tub with a twist on top pretty standard for samples and works extremely well. The two I received had been filled to the absolute top of the tub.

Angora Soaps - Midnight Lavender

Today we get back to doing reviews, we start with something I never used before from the company Angora Soaps. I was sent two samples of this artisan's soaps and for this review, I will be using Midnight Lavender oh and this soap is tallow-based.

The packaging of the samples I received was just fine, a generous amount of soap for about 3 to 4 shaves the way I bowl lather could be more for some other wet shavers.

I’m a big fan of lavender but with this soap, I had to acquaint myself a few times with the scent before I started to appreciate its notes. At first, I didn’t detect the main notes I just got what I think was the base formula which seemed to overpower the actual scent of the soap but after bringing the soap to my nose several times some of the notes were revealed. Notes of Lavender, bergamot, with a deep heart notes of rose, jasmine, orange blossom, sandalwood, musk, and amber. I didn’t detect all of them but the main notes are very enjoyable indeed. This soap was made with essential oils which can be tricky to work with when using the hot process method which I’m assuming might be the case.

Shaving & Talking #11 Featuring Mr. Warlock & Long Term Care

I had it all planned out, I ordered my coconut oil which I need to continue making shaving soap. I order about 5 8lb buckets at a time and it was to arrive on Saturday. Then I noticed UPS pull up in the truck and I was ready. I had everything set to get right to work and create replenished stock and also new products we want to start getting underway. Once I opened the box I found out my order was filled incorrectly and production could not begin. These issues seem to be happening in all businesses now. New staff members are not up to speed and mistakes are made. I get that shit happens but what bad timing. Needless to say, the correction was made and my 5 buckets of coconut oil are here so I’m hoping this weekend will be a more productive one than last week.

Brutis - New From Wet The Face

Today I’m happy to release Brutis my take on the extremely popular men's fragrance called Brut created by Faberge, an Aromatic Spicy fragrance for men. Brut was launched in 1968. The nose behind this fragrance is Karl Mann. The top notes are Anise, Lavender, Basil, Bergamot, and Lemon; the middle notes are Geranium, Ylang-Ylang, and Jasmine; base notes are Oakmoss, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Patchouli, Vanilla, and Sandalwood. It's been said this is perhaps the most iconic, distinctive scent for men ever created.

Palmolive Rinfrescante al Mentolo

Two years ago a friend of mine sent me a very special tube of Palmolive Rinfrescante al Mentolo this for me was a game-changer. I love menthol and when I got my hands on this I couldn't wait to try it. My friend knew I would love it and he was right it just floored me so I wrote in my blog about my experience in August of 2020 and I present that here:

August 2020

When you think of Palmolive the first thing that comes to my mind is dishwashing liquid. I remember the commercials of the woman soaking her hand in it at the beauty parlor that was back in the 70s. I never really knew about the shaving cream until I started to wet shave and someone sent me a tube of it to try. Just like the commercial I was shocked to find out just how good it was too.

Clubman Shaving Cream - Revisit

When I use a product a few times I usually form a solid opinion about it and never waver but after 5 years I find myself questioning my opinion about Clubman Shave Cream. I can say with certainty that my taste for the product has definitely changed I don't care for it anymore. 

You can say this product has the best slickness and glide and the scent is amazing but for me, if it's not going to lather then the party is over.  

Back when I used this for the first time I wasn't as experienced in wet shaving as I am now and with all the reviews behind me I think I have a good idea of what I like. 

You must try Arko Extra Fresh

When you mention Arko be it shaving stick or shaving cream it sparks a conversation. I remember my first time trying Arko stick and the pushback I got for saying I didn’t like the scent is still going on today, I released a video called Arko Shaving Stick (First Time User) on my youtube channel 5 years ago that one video now has over 29 thousand views and is the most-watched video currently on my channel.

I personally prefer the Arko shaving cream which comes in a toothpaste-like tube. The one that I reach for every time is called Extra Fresh Ice Mint a must-have for any menthol head like me.
Let me bring you back to Jan 14, 2017, over 5 years ago when I first used this amazing shaving cream.

Another Look At Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium

 We are getting down to the last few shaving creams and our journey takes us to Bathhouse Soapery. Here we find many offerings for shaving cream and the one we are revisiting today is called Milk. It's been a long minute since I've used this one and I'm glad to bring it back in the limelight for you. So let me repost my review from August 3rd 2019

We have some great members in our community and when they find something new they like to spread the word to everyone. This happened two weeks ago when a package arrived from a community member Benjamin asking me to take a closer look and possibly do a review of Milk a shaving cream from Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium. I’m always flattered that people think of me when it comes to something they want to be reviewed I always tell them I may not like the product so please be aware it may not go the way they had planned but Bathhouse soapers have nothing to worry about.

Revisiting eShave Shaving Cream

Keeping with the shaving cream theme we continue with this week's pick called eShave. I was introduced to this shaving cream by the owner who sent samples out for me to try and that was 6 years ago. I was very impressed by it but unfortunately doing reviews never leaves you the opportunity to use the same product twice people always want to see something new but after such a wonderful experience with this shaving cream, I managed to purchase a 4oz jar for myself. Whenever I’m looking for a relaxing shave one of the creams I reach for is eShave, especially the white tea scent.

The Amazing Nancy Boy Shaving Cream

 Whenever I take a break from shaving soaps and use a cream on my YouTube channel I get lots of questions. The one that comes up the most is out of all the shaving creams you use which ones would be the best. I usually follow this up with what is true to me all shaving creams are great they all offer the best possible slickness and glide compared to shaving soap even if that soap is tallow-based.

If you're looking for a unique experience then one does not need to go any further than Nancy Boy Signature Scent. Rated among the top ten shaving creams in the world this one is made with premium ingredients and the company motto “Better Ingredients Make Better Products”

Shaving & Talking #10 Featuring St James Of London

In this week's Shaving & Talking we bring out the glass jar of St James of London. This was a gift from a subscriber who after purchasing reacted to the cedarwood scent. He enjoyed the scent very much but had to give it up due to the irritation it caused.

The glass jar packaging stands out amongst all the rest of the creams I’ve used over the years. A simple label on the screw-on tin top and another side label denoting the scent. On the bottom is a warning label along with the amounts 5.07 FL oz, website, and made in England moniker.

Murphy & McNeil - The Cliffs Of Moher

About a month ago we did a review on Claddagh a Murphy & McNeil shaving soap sample. Today we continue with another sample called The Cliffs Of Moher. Now I’ve never been to Ireland but if the Cliffs of Moher smells anything like this scent I’ll be packing my bags for a flight over tonight.

The packaging of the samples is great for consumers. They have this reusable seal that allows you to keep things fresh for your next shave. A little goes a long way and with only 0.5oz this is a good thing.

Last shave of 2021 Welcome 2022!

Well, here we are at the last shave of 2021 and it sure has been a wild ride for everyone. The thing that has kept me going was seeing my wife after almost 2 years no one was allowed into the nursing home. She suffered from not seeing any of her family members altho we did do FaceTime but it was just not the same. I noticed it changed her not only physically but mentally.

I now see her every day after work which she started to show improvement almost immediately and I also demanded P/T to get her back to where she used to be physically they just let her sit in bed most of the time. I also have been watching lots of Netflix, HBO, Amazon, Etc… and this has made its way to my youtube videos suggesting something to watch.