disclaimer: I am sick. I have reached that point where I've slept all that I can, medicated myself all that I can, and drunk all the orange juice that I can. Point is, I feel like crud and I have nothing to do and can't go anywhere. So I'll write my scheduled review. A while back I went to the local Dollar General store in search of blue Skin Bracer. I didn't find any, but I did buy a couple bottles of aftershaves since they were so cheap. I picked up: 1 bottle of Dollar General brand Classic Scent, which is a Brut knockoff and, 1 bottle of Barbasol Musk. They also stocked a green Barbasol, which I assumed was a green Skin Bracer knockoff. I already have some Skin Bracer so I passed. Turns out the Brut knockoff is pretty decent. Fair amount of menthol and a nice, lasting scent. The scent lasts long enough that I skip using a cologne when I use it. That leaves the Barbasol Musk. This stuff is orange and comes in a container very similar to Skin Bracer containers. Before this experience, I had never used a "musk" scented product. I seriously doubt this Barbasol a/s is representative. I used the Brut knockoff for close to a week and then gave the Musk a shot. The scent isn't good, but it doesn't last for more than a couple seconds. The alcohol content is through the roof. It contains no menthol. The end result is that it does what I want an a/s to do, which is close up my pores and stop minor bleeding. But it also noticeably dries out your face. Now, it takes a lot for me to notice my face drying out, which means the drying effect is pretty strong. I won't be buying Barbasol Musk again. I use it every now and again because I hate wasting money, and because the product is useable, by me anyway. Avoid if you have dry skin issues or if scent matters to you.
Thanks for bucking up and posting your review while sick Mike. Nice job. Musks' tend to be a take it or leave it type of scent. I have the AV Musk and use it very sporadically. I don't hate it when I do use it; I actually half heartedly enjoy it I suppose, but it's not something I clamor to use. I can only imagine that the Barbasol version is a cheap knock off of AV which itself is cheap so it doesn't surprise me you're not wowed by the Barbasol version. Plus which dry face is no fun at all...I'm getting ready to move back where it gets cold. Think I'll pass with this one. Thanks again and get better soon.
I actually use both the Barbasol's a decent bit. The green Brisk has menthol in it and I add menthol crystals to the Musk version. I won't ever keep it in a rotation but will use both of them up sooner or later. I think I prefer the scent of the Musk to the Brisk, which is surprising since the Brisk is typically closer to the things I like (Brut, Arko Komando).
I found the scent to be quite vile but I think a few musks smell that way as well. If you can tolerate the scent or decide to go pick up some not so pretty chicks at a biker bar or David Allan Coe concert....then this might be your AS I realize that some musks take time to really mature during drydown but this one just got funky. I tried some on at the dollar general. I aint scared to try the goods out I did buy the brisk and really cant stand it either and been trying to pawn it off for a while now(Omegapd).
I'm sick of musk... except Barbasol Musk. It has a very strong Bergamot note, and it's nowhere near as loud as say, AV Musk or Jovan. It's pretty classy for 1.25. The Brisk (green) is a capable Skin Bracer knock off, in fact I like it much more than regular Skin Bracer. It has a fresher scent than the real stuff and more menthol, to boot.
I'm planning on picking up some of the Brisk on my next DG run. You just can't beat a decent $1 and change aftershave. The problem is finding the one that works for you.
I've used both the Brisk and Musk Barbasol AS and enjoy them both. The Musk scent fades away fast; it's a great choice when you want a really light fragrance in your AS. The Brisk has a refreshing menthol blast and is a decent clone of Skin Bracer. I've blended the two Barbasols together, 1 part Brisk to 2 parts Musk. This adds some much-needed menthol to the mix and the resulting fragrance is rather complex and quite nice. FWIW, I have used both the AV Musk and Barbasol Musk. The Barbasol is not a knockoff of the AV; the two are completely different. The AV is just too perfumey and sweet for my tastes and would likely be cloying to others. :sick007
