Dupes or Homages?

Always look at the scent notes and the ingredient listing when purchasing soaps. Most of the time, natural fragrances will not be listed in the ingredients, but will be listed as "fragrance/perfume". However, cosmetic regulations require that some specific synthetic fragrance chemical be listed separately as they have the potential of causing allergic reactions. Even if you do not have an allergy, your skin might be sensitive to specific scent notes. For that reason, I avoid purchasing soaps that are described in poetic terms rather than listing scent notes.

Always look at the scent notes and the ingredient listing when purchasing soaps. Most of the time, natural fragrances will not be listed in the ingredients, but will be listed as "fragrance/perfume". However, cosmetic regulations require that some specific synthetic fragrance chemical be listed separately as they have the potential of causing allergic reactions. Even if you do not have an allergy, your skin might be sensitive to specific scent notes. For that reason, I avoid purchasing soaps that are described in poetic terms rather than listing scent notes.

You do realize that some EOs and natural aroma chemicals can cause allergic reactions too right? Just because something is synthetic doesn't automatically mean it's bad for you. Just ask a certain soap maker that only uses EOs how a few of their scents have burned the crap out of some people's faces. Besides that, I've found that most EO only scents just aren't as good as others that were created using the whole library of available scent ingredients.

Here’s another thing about scent/fragrance, not only is it hard, it’s subjective. Something you love will be despised by someone else. Fragrance makers, especially in the wet shaving space, have to try to appeal to as broad a range of potential customers as possible. They won’t get everybody. For example, Barrister and Mann.  RayClem doesn’t care for Will’s fragrances with some exceptions. I on the other hand was drawn into this crazy wet shaving world in large part because of Barrister and Mann and Will’s fragrances. I found them exotic and intoxicating. I won’t claim to like them all but there are definitely more on the “like“ side of the aisle. One thing I’ll say about Will, he’s not afraid to take chances and that’s led to some big winners and a few misses for me. I’ll say this, however, for every one that I’ve considered a miss there’s been those who love it. Subjective.

Here’s another thing about scent/fragrance, not only is it hard, it’s subjective. Something you live will be despised by someone else. Fragrance makers, especially in the wet shaving space, have to try to appeal to as broad a range of potential customers as possible. They won’t get everybody. For example, Barrister and Mann.  RayClem doesn’t care for Will’s fragrances with some exceptions. I on the other hand was drawn into this crazy wet shaving world in large part because of Barrister and Mann and Will’s fragrances. I found them exotic and intoxicating. I won’t claim to like them all but there are definitely more on the “like“ side of the aisle. One thing I’ll say about Will, he’s not afraid to take chances and that’s led to some big winners and a few misses for me. I’ll say this, however, for every one that I’ve considered a miss there’s been those who love it. Subjective.

Well said Marko same here I’m huge fan of B&M abc Will makes some of the amazing intoxicating fragnaces to me Le Grand Chypre is wowza   my fav among them all

Nice write up Marko


Alan H

Fragrances are highly subjective. For that reason, I seldom recommend fragrances. For example, Chiseled Face Midnight Stag has the scent notes of: Russian Leather, Motor Oil, Hoppes #9, Birch Tar, Oakmoss, Gasoline, Smoke, Cedar, Cade, Bergamot, Vanilla. That combination is not my thing, but if you love spending your Saturdays in a garage tuning up your motorcycle for a Sunday afternoon ride, the scent might be perfect for you. In this world, there are folks with many different interests. That is why there is such a wide variety of fragrances. I do not expect people to like what I like.

Fragrances are highly subjective. For that reason, I seldom recommend fragrances. For example, Chiseled Face Midnight Stag has the scent notes of: Russian Leather, Motor Oil, Hoppes #9, Birch Tar, Oakmoss, Gasoline, Smoke, Cedar, Cade, Bergamot, Vanilla. That combination is not my thing, but if you love spending your Saturdays in a garage tuning up your motorcycle for a Sunday afternoon ride, the scent might be perfect for you. In this world, there are folks with many different interests. That is why there is such a wide variety of fragrances. I do not expect people to like what I like.

Ha! I don’t own a motorcycle anymore and this one is still my kind of stank!  Yes sir, scent is subjective but if your nose differs from mine…….your just plain wrong.

Love the Stag