SOTD - September 5, 2017

Wholly Kaw

Shaving Product Review - Wholly Kaw "Chypre Rose Concerto" and
Guerlain "Habit Rouge"



Value (Cost, Packaging and Performance)

Lather (Density, Glide and Feel)

Post-shave (Healing, Moisture and Feel)

Scent (Quality, Strength and Longevity)

Each bar has three metrics, each representing 33% of the total (11% = below-avg, 22% = avg, 33% = above-avg, except cost)


Another shave with the special edition Wholly Kaw Chypre Rose Concerto #soap and #aftershave toner paired with Guerlain Habit Rouge #EdT!

Note: The chart above reflects only Chypre Rose Concerto and not Habit Rouge.

I actually extensively reviewed Fougére Bouquet special edition soap and standard balm from Wholly Kaw before and reviewed Chypre Rose Concerto as well. So check those out for my take on their scent and performance. Just to recap, there are a few new things to mention... The soap now also contains hops extract with omega 6 and omega 3 linolenic acids. They provide relief for skin inflammation and alleviate skin redness. There's also a new ingredient in the splash, toner and balm - dragon's blood (croton lechleri) resin powder. This enhances the anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects even further. Finally, the balm comes in new packaging; a so-called "airless container" (gone are the little round tubs). Much, much nicer. There's no awkward settling of the balm to deal with and cleaner in application; one tiny squirt is more than enough!

I've reviewed #WhollyKaw a fair amount on this site (click that hashtag and see!) and the reviews have kind of followed along their transformation - from an underrated artisan to one I would place in the top tier today. Check out my review of Washington's Blend (which was then their new tallow formula) followed by a review of Fern Concerto - also a really nice soap and scent. Finally, Fougére Bouquet and Chypre Rose Concerto. They've come a long way from their earlier vegan formula, of which I had a mixed review about Almond Medley.

To mix it up after the shave, instead of applying more of the aftershave as I typically do, I went with #Guerlain Habit Rouge #EdT. As you might have guessed, I did a fairly in-depth review of Guerlain Habit Rouge in the past, so check that out for the skinny on this great fragrance. I'm a Guerlain fan, so, yeah.

Whereas Chypre Rose Concerto has citrus top notes with lime, bergamot, rose, lavender, rosemary, geranium, lilac, middle centered on labdanum on top of patchouli, oakmoss and cedarwood base... It lays a great foundation and segue to Habit Rouge which has top notes of bergamot, lemon, rosewood, basil and pimento; middle notes of sandalwood, carnation, patchouli, cedar, rose and cinnamon; base notes of vanilla, amber, moss, leather, benzoin, labdanum and olibanum. So lots of citrus, florals, woods and leather that go great together!

For all my readers, enjoy this special promotion and receive 15% off at FragranceX! You can also find a ton of Habit Rouge products there (and support me in the process!).

There's not too much I'd add to all these prior reviews. Just that I had a fantastic shave today. Hardware included the #TimelessRazor "aggressive edition" with a RazoRock Halo handle and a #Feather blade on shave two, using the open comb side on this custom baseplate. The #WildWestBrushworks brush made quick work of loadin' and latherin' in the #GTP scuttle.

The manly florals, woods and leather all came together for a lovely (and direly needed) shave this Tuesday morning. Great software, great hardware!

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