The shave cream and balm scent do not match at all, imo. The balm has a slight lemongrass scent to it, if it's not my imagination. Mostly it just smells like lotion. Now, just because they don't match, doesn't mean they aren't complimentary. They don't clash with each other at all, and the balm helps to cut down on the floral scent, though the floral scent does push back through after a bit.
This is one of the few products I've shaved with that I feel actually needs the pre-shave oil. This is the least slick shaving product I've ever used. The lather dissipated fairly rapidly, and I had to squeeze out a tad more product for the third pass, so if you're a slow shaver you might want to pass on this one.
It was not as cushiony on the face as initial impressions implied.
The post shave feel exceeds expectations. This is, without a doubt, one of the best post-shave skin care product combos I've ever used. It's light and does not leave the skin feeling greasy.
I think this would actually work pretty decent with a cartridge razor, which is a rare trait in a traditional wet shaving product. It was barely adequate for a straight razor shave. It would probably be okay for a DE shave.
Scent: 2/10
I hate floral scents.
Cushion: 3/10
Slickness: 0/10
Post-Shave: 11/10
Bottom Line: Does the fantastic post-shave make up for the lack of performance during the shave?
Kind of.
I'll give it another go tomorrow with a DE and see if it was just user error. I might need to dial the lather in just a bit more, and perhaps start off with a drier brush and a bit more product.
It also has a conditioning effect on the badger hair, leaving it soft and shining.
...
Second shave. In honor of Chucky's coronation, I dug out the No. 58, (not a coronation edition) and used it for the second pass. First pass was with the Rolls Razor.
Not changing my opinion. Dissipates quickly, no slickness, little cushion, and over-the-top skin moisturizing effect. Perhaps someone who also has the pre-shave oil will have a different opinion, but I cannot recommend this shave cream for people who don't use pre-shave oil.
I'm sorry. I had high hopes for it.
