Lucky Tiger Mint & Menthol Vanishing Cream

It's not as strong as Proraso pre-post cream but it certain has several advantages over it. It works almost as well, it's not as strong smelling, it goes in better and smooths out better and last but not least, it's a heck of a lot cheaper. Now, I use the Proraso as a post cream so that is what I'm comparing it for. I use the Lucky Tiger Mint & Menthol Vanishing Cream as an aftershave base and then layer my favorite aftershave lotion or splash on top of it after giving it a minute or two to soak in. The results are outstanding. If I need something stronger I can go to the Proraso or I can add aloe vera and some Olbas Oil to the vanishing cream to boost performance even more.

Pinaud Clubman Citrus Musk Eau De Cologne

A nice finishing touch to a citrus based shave or refreshing during the summer. Not too strong and easy on the skin. Light enough so that you can add a cologne on top.

Penhaligon Colognes

Some of my favorite cologne fragrances and I don't use colognes very often. I scrounge for samples whenever I can because these colognes are expensive and sometimes downright hard to find. Here is a list of some of my samples. They are either for men or unisex. The one I really want to try is Opus 1870

ItemName
Blenheim Bouquet
Castille
Eau de Verveine
Eau Sans Pareil
Endymion
English Fern
Esprit de Lavande
Esprit du Roi
Extract of Limes
Hammam Bouquet
Lords/Douro
LP No:9 for Men
Quercus
Racquets

Basenotes Frangrance Database Listing

Manufacturer's Web Site

Old Spice Pure Sport Aftershave

I got this on a whim the other night at Wal-Mart for about $5. Know what? It's pretty good. I'm not really a fan of regular Old Spice but then again, maybe I need to revisit it. It's what my grandfather used religiously. This stuff is light, refreshing and has decent skin care products. It has a kick going on from the alcohol but that doesn't last long and leaves a scent that won't get you kicked off the bus for overpowering the other riders. I give it a thumbs up for a decent bargain aftershave.

Proraso Pre Post Shave Cream

The package says pre post and the instructions say to use it as a pre shave product. I've found it does nothing for me as a pre shave product but it sure does a lot as an after shave product. Smells like old barbershop memories. It will freeze your face pretty good. A lot of shavers are kind of on the fence with this product but I have been a fan since day one. I don't know, it works for me. Put this in combination with a some witch hazel and aloe and you really have something.

Ogalla Bay Rum Aftershave

If you like Bay Rum, get it. It has all the right properties for an aftershave and then some. The scent is outstanding and lasts a fair amount of time. If you pair it with the Ogallala Bay Rum Cologne, even better. This is one if I run out, I'm going to replace real quick. I may even buy a couple of bottles for aging. You can bet when The Shave Den has a Pirate or Bay Rum day, this is probably going to be one of the items used. I sometimes have Ogallala shave days. I start with the Bay Rum Shave Soap and finish off with the Bay Rum Aftershave and Cologne.


Manufacturer's Web Site

Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue Aftershave and Balm

I can't believe I'm actually doing this. I'm going to catch a lot of flack for sure. First of all viva la AVCL (Anti Velva Citizens League). OK, I got that out of the way. The is the number one drugstore, supermarket, bargain bin aftershave sold in the world probably. OK, I don't know if it is or not but they sure sell a hell of a lot of the stuff. Let me make this clear. I DID NOT buy this. It was a gift along with the balm. :) My wife even tortured me with wrapping it up and re-gifting what was already something that was mine. Sheesh. Now, what do I think of it. Well, I do like to use it after exercising on occasion. It has really nice cool down properties after a creating a big sweat on the Treadmill. So, it does have at least one redeeming quality. Toilet bowl cleaner is another one. AV does have decent skin properties too. Should have used it in WW I for chemical warfare. War would have been over much quicker. It's been classified as an WMD. It's officially classified as a terrorist threat under Homeland Security rules. OK, joking aside. Many people like Aqua Velva and swear by it. Many people can't stand it. You have to try it for yourself and decide. Are you A.C.L.V. or H.A.V.O.C.? Seriously though for me it's a decent product once I get past the initial splash into dry down. The smell overpowers my sensibilities when it first goes on. Much tamer and pleasant once it dries and the room clears.

Now the balm is a different story. I'd put it on a par with a Nivea or Neutrogena over the counter products and it has a much tamer scent.

Saint Charles Shave Colognes, EDTs, and Aftershaves

SCS Blend 2-11 Eau De Toilette

I'm pretty picky about my colognes. I don't like them overpowering. I don't need to have them last all day. Since I work in an office with a lot of people, I have to keep it toned down. It used to be that my body chemistry made a lot of colognes smell poorly. The Saint Charles Shave line of colognes suit me perfectly. Subtle, last long, good skin properties and most of all, they smell great . Every one of them. Even my wife likes them on me and that is saying a lot. When I run out of these, I will be buying more. The one I'm hoarding the most is the Sandalwood which smells faintly of coconut for some reason. It's not made anymore. A shame since my daughter loves to smell it on me. There are several new scents I'm itching to try. I am a little disappointed that Sue tends to discontinue products on a regular basis once a market is saturated. No chance for second purchases. So don't buy something and expect to be able to get another bottle later. If you like it, buy another bottle right away and put it away.

Manufacturers Information:

Bay Rum With a Twist Eau De Toilette
Bay Rum With a Twist, combines the clean fresh scent of Lime with the warmth and spice of Bay Rum.

Embrace Eau De Toilette (Closing Out)
Embrace Eau De Toilette is a gentleman’s sensuous blend of sandalwood, touched with vanilla and musk, with a light splash of orange and cinnamon

Sandalwood Eau De Toilette (Gone) - My Favorite
Warm Sandalwood with a hint of coconut? It must be my chemistry. Very different but oh so nice smelling.

SCS Blend 2-11 Eau De Toilette (Gone)
A nice subtle citrus type of smell.

Embrace Aftershave Milk (Closing Out)
You can almost classify this as an aftershave balm. Very good skin conditioning properties.

Sandalwood Aftershave (Gone)
Haven't had a chance to try this yet. Didn't need to since the Eau De Toilette is so nice. Thought it might be overkill. I'll have to dig it out from the garage and see how it is.

Mama Bear Spellbound Woods Cologne

This cologne is a really nice match to Mama Bear's Spellbound Woods Shave Soap or Cream. Good moisturizing properties along with a scent that lasts all day. A good standalone subtle cologne. I have the winter aftershave balm and Issy's bath soap that goes with this. Love the scent.

Tabac Colognes

Mäurer & Wirtz Tabac Original Men's Cologne

Top Notes

Pepper, Petitgrain, Citrus, Neroli

Middle Notes
Lavender, Camomie, Geranium, Oakmoss

Base Notes
Carnation, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Moschus, Ambergris

A very nice compliment to the Tabac Shave Soap & Cream. A little strong going on but drys down to a nice subtle fragrance. Lasts maybe 3-4 hours.

Mäurer & Wirtz Tabac Culture for Men Eau De Toilette

Top Notes

Melon, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Cedar Leaves

Middle Notes
Rose, Geranium, Spice, Leather

Base Notes
Pine, Sandalwood, Ambergris, Patchouli, Oakmoss

Very weak and subtle. Does not last long. You hardly know it's there but good if you are ound a lot of people and don't want to offend them with a stronger cologne.

Olbas Oil

Olbas Oil by Penn Herb Co, LTD, has a number of uses. Massage Oil, sinus clearing, sore muscles and an additive for customizing shave products to make them mentholated. I like to add this to shave creams of custom aftershave mixes. It;s god for when I have a sinus cold too. I put a few drops on a tissue and breath deep or a few drops on a cloth and put it inside my pillow case. Makes me sleep a lot easier when i can breath.

Manufacturer's Information:

The information provided by the manufacturer is too lengthy to put here so it's best that you click on the Manufacturer's Information link.

Em's Place Minty Menthol Aftershave and Body Splash

When I first got this aftershave, I went Wow! This is one cooling aftershave and it feels nice, moisturizes and cuts down on irritation. Big menthol/minty splash. OK, this is still a great product after having it for about six months but it's lost it's menthol/minty. So, I added some Olbas Oil to spruce it back up. That worked. I'm not sure what happened so, I'm using it up and I'll let Em know it did that. It just might be the nature of the menthol beast.

Manufacturer's Information:

Skin freshener and astringent that can provide a tingling and cooling sensation which is normal due to the menthol content. This stimulating blend is especially good at the start of the day, during hot spells and anytime a lift is desired. Has a mentholated minty aroma with an herbaceous undertone. The pure witch hazel distillate and rosemary hydrosol is the real thing. #mn-wasm

Ingredients: Rosemary Hydrosol, Witch Hazel distillate (from Hamamelis virginana), Glycerin, Jojoba, Vit. E., Rosemary Extract, Black Willow Bark Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Vit. C and Essential Oils of Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint and Frankincense.

Mama Bear Unscented Summer Aftershave Milk

This is kind of a strange product. Not an aftershave splash and not a true aftershave balm. Kind of in between. It has very good moisturizing properties and then spray bottle is nice but I spray it into my hand and apply it like a splash. You can have Mama Bear customize it with other scents. The unscented version smells like raw sandalwood but it quickly fades. A nice summertime product.

Manufacturer's Information:


Summer aftershave milk is made specifically for the hot summer months when a heavy or sticky product is not desired.This is wonderful for men with oily skin as it is virtually oil free. Completely alcohol free (except the menthol version) with very little oil, this is light, refreshing, hydrating and revitalizing to skin, this is made with hydrosols, aloe vera gel, witch hazel, collagen, natural Vitamin E and glycerin. Custom scenting is available, but otherwise these are scented simply with the hydrosols and some peppermint essential oils.

De Vergulde Hand Aftershave Spray

Bad tape job on the shipping so the label got a little ripped. Who cares. It's what's inside that counts. This company has been around for a long time for good reason. Subtle, smooth, calming and lasting. Minimal to no burn. Spray versus splash is a nice touch but I end up spraying it in my hand and then applying since this an aftershave and requires a bigger application area. This is a more "refined" aftershave for a more refined shave.

Pinaud Clubman Aftershave Talc

Trader Joe I think is the one who turned me onto using a talc after I shave. Glad I listened. Nice way to finish up a shave. Makes the skin balanced out and hides any minor irritation you might have given yourself. This is the whiter version. There is a flesh toned version. With my skin coloration, I think I'll go with the flesh tone next time. Just dab a little on and smooth it in after you've used your aftershave product. Don't overdo it. Appleton Barber Supply carries it.

Nivea Extra Soothing Sensitive Skin Balm

Short and simple this is a very good over the counter after shave balm. Put a little in your hand and a few drops of water and smooth it on. Can be used as a base for adding other ingredients like witch hazel and aloe vera gel for even better healing and toning properties. Can be found at most drug stores and major department stores.

Lucky Tiger Special Formula Hair Tonic

I started using this product about a month ago. I have to say I was a little skeptical about using a hair tonic product since I have used shampoo and conditioning products exclusively since I can remember and even then, it was usually just a shampoo. OK, now I'm a believer. Shampoo and condition as usual and a splash of this on the scalp feels just fine. The alcohol evaporating dries the hair faster too. I don't find that it dries out my hair and it's keeps my scalp feeling nice. There is the added benefit that if I work up a sweat, the hair tonic warms up and makes my hair smell good even 24 hours later. I'm not noticing any dandruff either.