Shaving Product Review - Barrister and Mann "Solarion" and
Barrister's Reserve "Cool"

Happy #FriYAY and welcome to today's SOTD - brought to you by Barrister and Mann Solarion #soap and Barrister's Reserve Cool #aftershave!

I've reviewed Solarion from #BarristerMann before, albeit from a sample. When I recently set about collecting all things B&M I grabbed a new tub at Pasteur Pharmacy while I still could. There were a few left; though it is now discontinued. For some reason, it just never sold well. Perhaps the ad copy didn't do it, though it's hard to see how:

...a sunny, spicy, energizing soap that triumphantly announces the return of Summer. Stylish and sexy, Solarion is the perfect compliment to a hot day and a cold beer.

I mean, that sounds good to me! Maybe it's the notes of bergamot, petitgrain, geranium, carnation, saffron, and black pepper that turned people off. As I noted in the earlier review, it's a subtle, citrusy/floral scent. But not as bright as you might expect; the saffron, which is herbaceous, woodsy and warm... Along with the black pepper and slightly bitter note of the bergamot tone it down. Smelling it in person - as opposed to reading it in print - it's nice. At any rate, great performance as is typical of B&M white/black label soap pre-glissant.

I also reviewed Barrister's Reserve before, both in a general first impression and a close look at Cool specifically. It's good stuff. You should get some.

The hardware today was my new-to-me black #StandardRazors razor with an #Astra blade on shave three. If you've been following along, I've been trying out this blade and for today - it continued to be nice and smooth. Not quite as close on the shave as I'm used to but honestly, unless you're chasing the elusive BBS and potential razor burn/nicks... This is an easy rider. I think it'll make the most difference in something like the #Mühle #R41 - can it tame the beast? The #BSB Shaving Brush whipped up the soapy goodness in grand style in the #GTP scuttle.

Another lovely shave, on this fine, fine #FriYAY. A discontinued soap that should've sold better... Great performance with a scent that just didn't seem to grab people. Adagio proved to be the bigger seller this (and last) summer. Alas, only one will be coming back. A darn shame. The Barrister's Reserve can do no wrong. I've been using it almost all week, and it's just rock solid.