hawns, there was no danger of Colonia Balsamica smelling like a copy. I can see how you were inspired by Colonia Assoluta, but yours goes in a totally different direction, and the balance is more towards the top and base rather than the floral ylang elements. I really enjoyed the scent. Is there another similar scent from your line?
I tried the Champs de Lavande aftershave today. This is a really unique take on lavender! I'm used to lavender scents in the shaving world being mostly pure lavender or some slight variation on the note. Champs de Lavande is quite different, as it seems to pair a peppered lavender with almost equal parts (at least in strength) eucalyptus and rosemary. The result is a fine herbal concoction with an almost medicinal (in a good way) tinge. Barrister & Mann's Fougere Classique aside (another great scent if anyone is interested), this Champs de Lavande is the only other lavender scent in the shaving world that smells to me like a 50/50 mix of "green" and "purple" notes. I like it! To me this is how classic shaving products should smell. Elegant, refined, and a smidge medicinal.
Compared to the toner, the feel of the aftershave product was interesting and certainly different! I was nervous about my skin sensitivity, perhaps without reason. I don't know if the alcohol content on these splashes is high relative to others that I've tried (or maybe lower?), but somehow this gave me a strong bite. That said, instead of being uncomfortable, the sting was quickly soothed by a heavy amount of cooling elements (is this the eucalyptus? it also felt like a lot of menthol, or maybe both). Instead of the hot sensation that I get with most alcohol splashes, this one felt icy cool and eminently refreshing. Interestingly, the moisturizing elements seemed to take over at this point and my skin felt as soft and moisturized as it would have if I had used a balm. Despite my finicky skin, I find that I have no sensitivity or redness issue using this alcohol splash.
If I were to make recommendations based on the two products that I've tried, I'd definitely suggest the cooling Champs de Lavande in aftershave form for the summer, and Colonia Balsamica for the spring and cooler summer days/nights. Get you some! I really enjoy the refreshing bite of this product. I'd be curious to see how Champs de Lavande differs in feel and scent when in toner form. Next time I place an order from Chatillon Lux, I'll be sure to order samples in each format in order to compare.
Bottom line: I am impressed by the exceptional performance of these products. The toner will surely be a part of my regular rotation, and I'll probably fit in an aftershave during the summer. Well done
hawns!
Incidentally
Marko, I'd be interested to try the salve. From what I understand it is made with coconut oil. Do you find that if left on the skin in this manner, is coconut oil comedogenic?