Scent Pairings - what aftershaves for my soaps?

Mark1966

Canberra dwelling Happy Clapping Bean Counter
Staff member
Site Moderator
Grand Society
2016 Sabbatical Fail
2018 Charity Auction Winner
2019 Charity Auction Winner
2020 Charity Auction Winner
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Location
Canberra
OK, let me admit that I probably have too much stuff, which equals too many combinations and thus too many decisions!

While I already have some ideas and combinations I'm interested in others thoughts on what aftershaves might go with the soaps below, particular products or styles is fine, whatever you think to suggest. Thanks in advance!

Martin de Candre - L'Original
Mike's Natural Shaving Soap - Pine and Cedarwood (have not used yet, not sure what I have which might compliment it)
Cold River Soap Works - Savon No.1
Valobra Fourgere
Klar Seifen - Klassik
P&B Baskerville
P&B Spitfire
Shaver Heaven Lilith
 
I would be very interested in hearing what soaps people like to pair with the various Australian Private Reserve aftershaves too!

I
f people want to post soaps and we can all suggest pairing that would also be cool be they from APR or anyone else for that matter :)

Martin de Candre - L'Original

Anything herbaceous and citrus, or even herbaceous or citrus alone would work very well with that - think the 'Colonias' a really big family of choice.

These immediately come to mind: AdP, Hydra, Arlington, The Orange Place, Tea Bag and even 'The Mail' if you wanted to be bold and it was for an evening dinner, etc.

Valobra Fourgere

Any Fougère works exceptionally well as Valobra is so subtle in it's scent, it leaves you with so many options and if I am truthful I look for reasons to wear Fougère's year round.

My favourite choices with Valobra are: Penhaligon's English Fern, Fougère Royale from Houbigant and of course the pinnacle of the Fougère's over the last 200 years, the General Ledger. <coughs>
 
I would be very interested in hearing what soaps people like to pair with the various Australian Private Reserve aftershaves too!

I
f people want to post soaps and we can all suggest pairing that would also be cool be they from APR or anyone else for that matter :)

And I can consolidate the posts if needed :)

Anything herbaceous and citrus, or even herbaceous or citrus alone would work very well with that - think the 'Colonias' a really big family of choice.

'Colonias definition, (in the southwestern U.S.) a city neighborhood or a rural settlement inhabited predominantly by Mexicans or Mexican Americans.' (Source: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/colonias) - Hmmm, not sure that is what you have in mind? Certainly a really big family of choice though!

of course the pinnacle of the Fougère's over the last 200 years, the General Ledger. <coughs>

PHEW! I knew it had to be good for something ;)
 
I like to wear AdP Leather with the P&B Spitfire. On occasion over the last few months I've worn Spitfire solid and AdP Leather together.
 
I have really been enjoying the scent of B&M reserve Fern soap. Specially with the nice weather (I think most the other soaps I have are more suited to winter/autumn). The scent of the soap does not really stick around at all.

Can anyone recommend me an aftershave (that is obtainable) I can pair this with?
 
I have really been enjoying the scent of B&M reserve Fern soap. Specially with the nice weather (I think most the other soaps I have are more suited to winter/autumn). The scent of the soap does not really stick around at all.

Can anyone recommend me an aftershave (that is obtainable) I can pair this with?

General Ledger.
 
Myrsol Aqua Basilica is a near perfect match for MDC original.
Spitfire I found was great with Pashana Original Aftershave. Baskerville would also probably pair well with it.
Mikes Pine and Cedarwood works well with Pino Silvestre.
 
Mm....what I want to know is how does one know what aftershave to buy when they live in a small place where just finding any aftershave is a full days expedition? Buy off the net is my only guess and Get them mailed if possible (not sure what the mail restrictions are?)etc. you probably end up with lots of bottles you don't like (and a wife who is less than impressed)....Desperately would like to find something but too scared to try (of the wife)
 
Mm....what I want to know is how does one know what aftershave to buy when they live in a small place where just finding any aftershave is a full days expedition? Buy off the net is my only guess and Get them mailed if possible (not sure what the mail restrictions are?)etc. you probably end up with lots of bottles you don't like (and a wife who is less than impressed)....Desperately would like to find something but too scared to try (of the wife)
You are pretty much on the money.
I get everything online. Typically from TheStrayWhisker or MensBiz.
 
Mm....what I want to know is how does one know what aftershave to buy when they live in a small place where just finding any aftershave is a full days expedition? Buy off the net is my only guess and Get them mailed if possible (not sure what the mail restrictions are?)etc. you probably end up with lots of bottles you don't like (and a wife who is less than impressed)....Desperately would like to find something but too scared to try (of the wife)

sounds like a job for a travelling box of samples! :whistle:
 
General Ledger.
Thanks! I'll check it out.

Mm....what I want to know is how does one know what aftershave to buy when they live in a small place where just finding any aftershave is a full days expedition? Buy off the net is my only guess and Get them mailed if possible (not sure what the mail restrictions are?)etc. you probably end up with lots of bottles you don't like (and a wife who is less than impressed)....Desperately would like to find something but too scared to try (of the wife)

Yeah second this question. What do most people do if you want a matching A/S. Most of the Aussie sites mentioned have a limited range (specially for the unknowledgeable). Are the only options the 3 month ground shipping? Is that what everyone does? Are the chances high for an AS or EdT getting picked up if you used a freight forwarder?
 
I think some people are confusing terms:
Aftershaves like the name indicates you apply to your skin after you shave, in most cases has beneficial ingredients to help.
Fragrance (Eau de Cologne, Toilette, etc.) are not aftershaves and should not be applied to your face. Though you can get aftershaves scented with a popular fragrances.

Most (not all) aftershaves splashes and fragrances contain a high amount of alcohol so both are an issue to get shipped, which is why I normally just settle on getting balms.
I think most freight forwarders according to their policies would refuse to send any dangerous goods and I doubt the store or forwarder would bear any responsibility if the package was sent but destroyed.

I'd go ground shipping even if it takes much longer, as you would be more likely to receive your purchase in the end.
 
I think some people are confusing terms:
Aftershaves like the name indicates you apply to your skin after you shave, in most cases has beneficial ingredients to help.
Fragrance (Eau de Cologne, Toilette, etc.) are not aftershaves and should not be applied to your face. Though you can get aftershaves scented with a popular fragrances.

Most (not all) aftershaves splashes and fragrances contain a high amount of alcohol so both are an issue to get shipped, which is why I normally just settle on getting balms.
I think most freight forwarders according to their policies would refuse to send any dangerous goods and I doubt the store or forwarder would bear any responsibility if the package was sent but destroyed.

I'd go ground shipping even if it takes much longer, as you would be more likely to receive your purchase in the end.

Yeah I realise that about the fragrances.

How strong are the scents in the balms? Do they hang around?
 
How strong are the scents in the balms? Do they hang around?
I'd be the wrong person to ask as I shave at night and I haven't tried using the balms during the day. The balms I've tried are scented nicely that I still enjoy using a matching balm when possible.

Something worth mentioning, is that our brain will remove any scents that become too common (olfactory fatigue), so normally you won't smell a balm or aftershave after you apply it, as it's right in your face, but might get whiffs now and then. So ideally you'd want a matching edc/edt/edp and it's probably best to test it without the aftershave to judge strength over time.

I used Wickhams Club Cola soap and balm last night. After applying the balm I couldn't smell it, but I'm not sure if it's due to olfactory fatigue or the balm. I will apply some to the back of my arm now and see how it goes in a bit of time.
 
I'd be the wrong person to ask as I shave at night and I haven't tried using the balms during the day. The balms I've tried are scented nicely that I still enjoy using a matching balm when possible.

Something worth mentioning, is that our brain will remove any scents that become too common (olfactory fatigue), so normally you won't smell a balm or aftershave after you apply it, as it's right in your face, but might get whiffs now and then. So ideally you'd want a matching edc/edt/edp and it's probably best to test it without the aftershave to judge strength over time.

I used Wickhams Club Cola soap and balm last night. After applying the balm I couldn't smell it, but I'm not sure if it's due to olfactory fatigue or the balm. I will apply some to the back of my arm now and see how it goes in a bit of time.
I NEVER KNEW THAT, WOW!! Is that why I think everyone else smells good when I can't smell my own AS/EdT? Makes sense now
 
I NEVER KNEW THAT, WOW!! Is that why I think everyone else smells good when I can't smell my own AS/EdT? Makes sense now
It is the likely reason, but it also depends on the fragrance. Lighter (think aquatic and citrus) scents usually don't last as long as darker scents (woods).

The best way I've found to test how long a fragrance lasts, is to apply it just below your wrist, so you won't wash it off, but far away enough that you shouldn't get olfactory fatigue from it. This way you can bring it up to your nose to see if it's still there over time. However this doesn't test projection or how far you can smell it and you'd need another person to work that out.
 
Top