Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream Bowl, 5.3-Ounce

I decided to upgrade my morning routine and give myself something to look forward to when I'm feeling lazy and thinking about sleeping in. I also felt like it was time to stop using an electric razor since it was leaving me with a very amateur-looking shave (lots of stray hairs that I couldn't get no matter how much I tried). I wanted to get the most out of the safety razor experience, so I did a lot of research into which products are needed and how to use them. I made all of the purchases together on Amazon and tried them out as a set. After using an electric for the past 10 years, I was pretty worried that I would get some serious razor burn, but to my surprise I had none whatsoever! I was pretty careful to not get too aggressive with the shaving, so I went WITH the grain and only made one or two passes on each area. The result was a shave that was 100X closer than an electric with no discomfort, nicks, cuts, or razor burn! Here's what I bought and why: Safety Razor: Parker 96R – Long Handle Butterfly Safety Razor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IFFSOS/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_2 This safety razor has a great weight to it, a long handle for a comfortable grip, and a black and chrome coloring that looks great with the other items on the list. The butterfly razors seem to be the easiest to open and close for changing blades. Razor Blades: Astra Superior Premium Platinum blades https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXPTR0W/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_4 One of the great things about safety razors is that the blades are SUPER cheap. These Astra blades are some of the most popular and highest quality blades I could find. At $0.10 each, you can clearly see the cost advantage to regular razors. I have been told that one blade should last about a week. That means that 100 is nearly 2 years’ worth! Do yourself a favor and buy the best blades you can get. There’s no reason to save a few cents to get blades that dull quickly and give you razorburn. Brush: Perfecto 100% Badger Shaving Brush - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VF1NI5M/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_40 This brush is a fraction of the cost of the higher end brushes and it felt GREAT and worked up a nice, foamy lather very quickly. I don’t see any reason to buy a more expensive brush, especially if you are just starting out and want to see if you enjoy this process before you commit to a high-dollar brush. Personally, I still wouldn’t get anything more expensive. Bowl: Schöne Stainless Steel Shaving Bowl with Lid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQDEL8Y/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_37 I think this is a matter of preference and taste in aesthetics. This bowl matches the other items that I bought and has a lid, which I am hoping will allow me to make my soap last longer. It seems to be well made and is a great size for working up a lather with the brush and is shaped well for holding it in your hand while you apply the lather. I think there are a lot of options for you to choose from, so pick something that matches your style if this one isn’t for you. Razor and Brush Stand: SimplyBeautiful Deluxe Razor and Brush Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AG92BXY/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_35 This stand looks great and is balanced well so that it holds my brush and razor without falling over. I chose black for two reasons. One: It matches the other things that I bought (razor and brush). Two: It should resist rusting better since it is coated. Pre-shave Oil: The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil, Sandalwood https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGTTTM/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_3 The Art of Shaving makes some great products, but some of them have changes in recent years, so you can’t rely on the ratings alone. I read through them and found that the pre-shave oil is still a very popular product and from my experience, it definitely helps prep your beard and skin for the shave. Applying the oil is step 1 in safety razor shaving. Shaving Soap: Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007MW2ZW/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_1 TOBS shaving soaps are the highest quality soaps I could find based off of smell, quality of lather, and consistency of the product quality. This soap is more like a cream. I scooped out some with my fingers, put it in the bowl, added some hot water, and then worked up a lather. It felt and smelled amazing! In reality, I didn’t want to wash it off because it just felt so good! After-shave Balm: Truefitt & Hill Sandalwood Aftershave Balm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OWPW0I/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_29 This was my biggest splurge of the whole set-up and I did so for several reasons: First, using after-shave balm is said to be gentler on your skin than alcohol-based after-shaves. As I mentioned before, I switched from an electric to a safety razor with no skin irritation at all. This cream soothes the skin and makes it soft. It was the perfect way to finish my shave. Second, this stuff is rated as the absolutely best smelling after-shave balm out there and I can attest to that. It smells so great that I stopped using my cologne. Based on the small amount that is needed, this bottle should easily last for a year or more. Three, there are other “luxury” brand shaving balms that have been bought out by big brand companies and their formulas have changed significantly as a result. That means that some of the products out there have great ratings, but only because of the number ratings BEFORE they recently changed. If you look into other luxury shaving brands, then you will see what I mean. Razor Disposal Case: Feather Styling Razor Disposal Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWGEY1K/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_36 Even used razors are sharp, so I bought this little case to keep stray razors off of the counter, or better yet, off of the floor. Just drop in the used razor when it’s too dull for shaving. It holds over a hundred, so you can go without emptying it for a few years. It’s pretty cheap, so maybe you can just throw it away when it’s full? Your choice. That’s my whole set up. If you want to get into safety razor shaving, then I highly recommend the products on this list. All-in-all, you will spend about the same on this list than you would on a TAOS starter kit that only has the oil, brush, soap, and balm. I’m a morning shaver, so the sandalwood scent works great for me, but evening shavers may consider the same products in lavender scent if you want a relaxing experience to help you sleep.

Okay, so I was using Proraso for a while, which is fine, but I just grabbed this Taylor of Old Bond Street stuff, and holy cow, it’s in a different league entirely. The quality jump is just massive—like light years away. It's about twice the price upfront, yeah, but totally worth it. A tiny tap of my brush on the soap is all I need. Seriously, a little goes an extremely long way. I can actually see this one jar lasting me years, making it way more cost-effective than those wasteful canned gels. The lather is incredible. You get this dense, microfoam that spreads on super easy. It feels instantly moisturizing—none of that dry, tight feeling you get with cheaper stuff after a minute. My razor just glides right over it like silk. And the scent? The sweet almond smell is the perfect wake-up call in the morning. Honestly, no comparison. This is a must-buy for anyone who cares about a good shave. Love it.

I just recently made the plunge into the world of "Real" wet shaving using a DE Safety razor. I did a lot of reviewing of products before I bought. From everything I read I knew I wanted to get a Best Badger brush 100% Best Badger Bristle Shaving Brush -- White & Chrome Handle with Free Stand From Parker Safety Razor and a good shaving cream. After doing the research on and off of Amazon I decided to give the Taylor of Old Bond Street a try as my first good shaving cream. After much debating I choose the almond scent. I found this shaving cream to be easy to lather. I'll explain how I form the lather later in this review. It goes on nicely and seems to work well for my face. The almond smell is nice but light. I would personally like it to have a slightly stronger scent. But I do like that it wears off quickly and does not conflict with my aftershave. Moving from the world of spray can foams, I think this cream is wonderful. This is my first brush on shaving cream so I don't have allot to compare this too. But this shaving cream does it's job and the cost seems reasonable. I would recommend at least giving this shaving cream a try. I plan on trying a few other scents in this line. I also plan on trying a few soaps. But I think the bar has been set high by starting with this cream. How I make a good lather: I did a bunch of research on how to create a good lather with a cream. After that research I found it was actually very easy. And this method works like a charm with this cream. 1) Prior to showering in the morning I run the sink to get the hottest water I can. I then fill a ceramic (non-white) bowl with hot water, then put the bowl in the sink and fill the sink to the top of the bowl. I then put my brush and razor in the bowl to soak while I shower. 2) After showering I pull the bowl from the sink (leaving water in sink) and dump the water from the bowl (back into the sink). I just pour out the bowl and do not dry it. 3) Shake your wet brush a few times to knock off the surface water. Just a few times will do it. When done you shouldn't have any visible drops on the outside of the brush. 4) Dip the brush into the tub of cream making contact and pressing down slightly. Then spin the brush 2 full rotations and remove from tub. A little goes a long way here. You can always add more if needed later. You should see a small amount of cream on the tips of all the hairs. 5) Swirl brush in bowl in one direction. I go clockwise. Perhaps those south of the equator would go counter clockwise :). Every 10th or so swirl pump the brush once or twice. Repeat until you get a good lather. If you don't start getting a good lather (to thin) in 30ish swirls, spin brush one more time in the cream tub and then continue swirling. I've found this method to be foolproof and gives you a warm and wonderful cream. There is a possibility that you get too much cream versus water with this method. It hasn't happened to me, but if it does (super stiff or chunky) then just wet your fingers in the sink and sprinkle a little water in the bowl. It's likely that different types/quality of brushes could require more or less spinning in the bowl. You'll get the hang of how many times to spin and how hard to press after a few shaves. Remember when spinning the brush in the bowl less is really more.

Unfortunately it was shipped in an envelope with no interior protection, the container was broken in pieces. Seller was quick to refund as they didn't have any in stock to replace it. I was able to salvage half of the shaving cream, it's excellent, very smooth and the Peppermint not overpowering. Worth the price !

Bajo mi punto de vista, tiene un aroma perfecto para el verano. Al principio, nada más abrir el tarro, se aprecia cierta acidez, algo químico que no acaba de encajar del todo, aunque a medida que se va usando esa sensación desaparece y deja un aroma muy limpio y sobre todo cítrico y fresco. Sin duda es perfecto para los meses de verano

As an aficionado of traditional wet shaving, I’m always on the lookout for premium products that enhance my daily routine. I recently purchased the Taylor of Old Bond Street Shaving Cream Pot in Oud scent from Amazon, and it has truly elevated my shaving experience. Here’s my personal review. From the moment I opened the pot, I was captivated by the rich, exotic scent of oud. The fragrance is deep and sophisticated, offering a luxurious start to my day. It’s not overpowering but has a lasting presence that makes the shaving experience feel indulgent and refined. The texture of the shaving cream is smooth and creamy, making it easy to lather. I use a shaving brush, and with just a small amount of the cream, I can create a rich, thick lather that provides excellent coverage. The lather is dense and cushioning, which is perfect for protecting my skin from nicks and cuts during shaving. It helps the razor glide effortlessly, ensuring a close and comfortable shave. One of the standout features of this shaving cream is its moisturizing properties. After using it, my skin feels soft and hydrated, without any dryness or irritation. This is particularly important for me, as I have sensitive skin that can easily react to harsh products. The Taylor of Old Bond Street Shaving Cream leaves my skin feeling nourished and refreshed. The 150g pot is generous and seems to last a long time. Despite daily use, I’ve barely made a dent in it, which speaks to its value for money. A little goes a long way, and the high quality of the cream makes it worth every penny. However, it’s important to note that this product is on the pricier side compared to other shaving creams. While the quality and luxurious experience justify the cost for me, it might be a consideration for those who are budget-conscious. Nevertheless, the exceptional performance and delightful scent make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who appreciates a top-tier shaving cream. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with the Taylor of Old Bond Street Shaving Cream Pot in Oud. It has transformed my shaving routine into a daily ritual that I look forward to. The rich lather, moisturizing properties, and exquisite scent create a shaving experience that is truly unparalleled. For those willing to invest in a premium product, I highly recommend this shaving cream.

I am new to safety razor shaving. My interest in it started at the drug store, when a really nice looking $15 wooden shaving brush caught my eye. I purchased Proraso shaving soap for sensitive skin. I liked the scent of the Proraso, but I found no matter how I mixed it, I ended up with very thin shave cream. I found that adding water made the cream too foamy and runny, and with less water, the coating on my face was thin and transparent. I watched several Youtube videos on lathering to "brush up" on my technique, and then finally I thought I'd try another shave cream before investing in a $50 shave brush. After pouring over reviews, I ordered Taylor of Old Bond Street Jermyn Street Shaving Cream Bowl for Sensitive Skin, not even realizing at that point the difference between a shaving soap and shaving cream. Taylor of Old Bond Street seems to be a gold standard of both. The price was very reasonable. Out of the box, I was very impressed with the construction of the plastic housing. It is a heavy plastic and substantial, one that can certainly be reused with soap refills and for travel. Uncapped, the shave cream is soft. It isn't a hard bar of soap, but rather a cream, with a stiff toothpaste-like consistency. I immediately noticed a difference with lathering - shaving creams are much easier to prepare than shaving soaps. The resultant product mixed was creamy and lathery. I am somewhat of a scent-phobe. I am very sensitive to smell, and I resent it when people pour on cologne or perfume, and leave the elevator smelling like a department store. I much prefer an odourless product. For instance, the aftershave I use is a simple white unscentend lotion by Lubriderm. As such, it was a bit of a gamble ordering this product online without being able to smell it first. The product smell is not overpowering, and has a sweet, almost spicy almond-like fragrance. I liked it so much, I looked up the description on the Taylor of Old Bond Street description: "A modern fresh fougere fragrance with bergamot, lemon, lime and lavender supported by a heart of geranium, neroli and amber resting on a substantive base of musk, patchouli and vanilla. An allergen free fragrance which contains Patchouli oil." I'm addicted. The lather provides reasonable glide. I'm still nicking myself, but with practice I'm getting better. I apply it to shave down, and then re-apply to shave up with my safety razor. Then, a styptic pencil cleans up the red spots. I don't rate 5 stars lightly - this was money very well spent. I have a new favourite! Probably the best advice I could give anyone reading this review is that especially if you are just learning about lathering or trying to find a new favourite, don't throw out or give away any of your shaving creams - hang onto them. There is an element of technique involved that refines over time, and each soap has a bit of a learning curve. Just because you don't get a good lather now, doesn't mean you won't get one later. Also, even when you find "the one", you might get tired of the scent after months of shaving with it and need a break. So it's nice to have options around.

Creme fantástico! Desempenho superior a maioria dos cremes que já usei. A fragrância é sensacional! Recomendo muito a aquisição!