Update on my quest to identify my “Top 10 High Performance Soaps/Creams”

I can tell everyone is in suspense as I journey to identify my “Top Ten High Performance Shaving Soaps/Creams” that will serve as the foundation for my rotation well into the future (…or at least until I discover a new high performer!) I thought it was time for an update.

My criteria for inclusion on this distinguished list are simple: reasonable cost/volume, easy to build a lather, rich dense lasting lather, excellent lubrication, leaves my face feeling nourished, moisturized, hydrated and pampered, well designed container (in other words, it has to look good on my shelf), and finally, a pleasant, mild or non-existing scent.

I am pleased to report my Top 8 High Performance Soaps/Creams (in no particular order):

1. Mitchell’s Wool Fat
2. Proraso --White
3. Cella
4. Barrister & Mann -- Unscented
5. Nivea Men Originals Extra Moisture Shaving Cream
6. Sterling Soap Company -- Naked and Smooth
7. Taylor of Old Bond Street -- Natural Shaving Cream
8. The Body Shop For Men Maca Root Shave Cream
9. ??
10. ??

The next 2 soaps to be added to this distinguished list are still to be discovered. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

 

Cool. I was just starting to look for a new soap. This list should help!

 

Try Mem Olive. It's the shizna.

 

RazoRock, and Ginger's Garden. Shocked faces all around at me suggesting these, no doubt.

 

i Coloniali Mango.
$19 in terracotta bowl from Connaught.

Amazing performance and the best smelling soap I've ever had.
It's sort of..smoky in a way. (The word 'Mango' is due to the mango oil..nothing to do with the scent).

 

What he just said.

The only thing I would add is it just feels great on my face. Plus I like the nice gentle menthol in it. Without a doubt my favourite soap.

 

If you tell us what soaps you have tried that did not make the list, we don't have to be redundant in our suggestions for what to try next.

That said, have you tried TSD soaps?

 

Try some Geo F. Trumper creams or soaps. I'm sure they'll make your list

 

I am surprised that Mystic Water hasn't already made your list. It fits your list of requirements to a tee.

 

Arko is a great performer.

 

See his final criteria, "pleasant...scent."

 

I have not tried TSD soaps...and they are on my list to order and try. Most of my selections so far have been based on the recommendations and advice from others in the den....and lost of reading.

 

I will order some and give it a try.

 

OK, I'll concede that one.
How about VDH Luxury Shaving Soap. A great performer and mild, pleasant scent.

 

Anybody have any experience with Dr. Jon's soaps? I've seen generally positive reviews, but haven't tried myself.

 

I have some Razorock on order...

 

Has anyone tried Valobra?

 

With all these suggestions on this thread, from reading other posts and from friends I can see there will be lots of pushing and shoving to make it into the top ten. Maybe I should expand this to the "Top 15"...There are just so many excellent soaps and creams from which to choose.

 

I agree that TSD soaps are awesome and I don't think I have ever had a bad shave using them. there are so many artisans that really take their time to perfect their recipe and make great products that it is hard to pick a winner.

 

I'm with you part of the way. The scent is appealing, and the subtle hint of menthol feels great. But I find I Coloniali falls down badly in the lather department. A scant single pass, unless you really wail on that puck. Plus that terracotta bowl holds a pretty tiny puck. I can't see it in a top ten list, but different strokes I guess.

Where is Martin de Candre in this list? The 'Fougeres' is fantastic on all counts and while not cheap, a 200 gram glass jar of the stuff would seem to last forever. In the long run, surely a much better value.

For creams, I like DR Harris Arlington and Windsor a lot, as well as Muhle Sea Buckthorn. The Muhle is stupid expensive and hard to find in the US but much more affordable and available from Euro sources.