I've been reading a little lately about a new all natural shave soap called Mystic Water made in MD by a lady soap artisan. It's recently new and initial reviews sound pretty good. Tallow is the first listed ingredient and it also contains shea butter plus other good stuff. Supposedly, it has the consistency of Cella. I thought the price was fair (but shipping is steep), so I ordered some of the Marrakesh scented soap to give it a shot. If anybody's tried it yet, what do ya think?
Well I got in on the free sample to be one of her testers and the reviews so far have been positive, so I'm looking forward to getting mine. It should be here sometime this week and will give it a go next week and report back here. I got the tea tree/rose something or other since I've never tried a rose scented product.
I have the Lily of the Valley scented sample coming this week. I'm looking forward to trying it. How much was shipping?
Sounds like you and Williams Warrior are getting new scents to test that aren't offered to the general public yet. Like to hear what you guys think.
Considering she renders the tallow herself from a local cow farm, and considering the costs of essential oils, the price doesn't seem too off putting. Although a USPS Small Flat Rate Priority Mail box does ship for $5.15 with free delivery confirmation if printed online via USPS.com, eBay, PayPal, etc. but $1.85 difference in shipping isn't something to complain about.
I received my sample today and the proper title of it is "Lavender,Rose Geranium and Tea Tree". I'll be giving it a spin on Tuesday, and I must say the scent managed to get through the plastic bag and envelope and made my mailbox and all my mail today smell good. In fact I was able to smell it walking up to the box.
I had my first shave with Mystic Water Lily of the Valley last night. It's a wonderful smelling soap with just the right amount of scent. My sense of smell is not that great, particularly in this dry winter air. I had to get the sample close to my nose to be able to smell it and what I smelled was wonderful. Floral, but not in a feminine way. There was a hint of spiciness to it. I did make the mistake of putting the sample in a wooden bowl that once held TOBS sandalwood, so no I get the sandalwood smell with it. My Vulfix 660S, a super badger, was given a few good shakes before loading. The loading time for this brush was very short, probably half the time as I take for loading the triple milled soaps I have. I face lathered, adding water to the brush 3 or 4 times, and was rewarded with a very nice lather. It reminded me of the the lather quality I get with Tabac. The shave, using a Personna Lab in my 38C, was very smooth. I hardly felt the blade as the razor glided across my face. I could have stopped with 2 pass shave, but went my usual 3 and had one of the best shaves yet. Further testing is required, but after one shot, I LOVE this soap. Even now, 8 hours later, my face is still super smooth.
My sample molded easily into an old bowl I've used for several soaps and I don't think I can hold out until next week, so I'm bumping the Bigelow and will use it today and the cream next week.
Thanks for reviewing, Pat. It's good to hear that. Most guys who have used it so far think it has great slickness. That's my #1 characteristic in a soap. If it's slick, I like it. Please let us know how it progresses.
My shave was just fine. The soap loads on a badger easily and face lathering I had no trouble building a quick, thick, slick and scented lather. The sample looked rather small but only a little is needed, so I'd say I've got at least 6-7 shaves if not more so I can do more runs with it. I'd rank it below Cella of course but, just as good as any other Italian soft soap. If the other shaves are as good I'll definately get a tub when other stuff gets depleted.
I got a partial shipping refund from Michelle at Mystic Water for $3.50 on my recent order. Here's her note: "Hi Randy, I revised my shipping today to only charge $3.50 for a single puck, so I'm refunding you $3.50 from yesterday's order. Hope you enjoy the soap when it comes! Michelle" So, for a single puck shipped, it's now $3.50 instead of $7. A classy move on her part.
Thanks for the reviews. I'll either try this soap ( Marrakesh ) or Calani Oriental Plum. I'll wait for Randy's take on the scent of the Marrakesh.
I just checked their website and samples size are available, also for shipped for just $3.50. You get three 1/2 oz samples for $3.50 + $3.50 shipping. I just ordered samples of Marrakesh, Lime and Bay Rum. I sent a note to Michelle at Mystic Water to let her know I appreciated the lower shipping charge for samples and single pucks. She said she made the change after reading and thinking about our discussions on this thread. I think it will result in more folks trying out this wonderful soap. Good move!