*Link to Pall Mall Barbers of London
"The foam doesn't foam, the gel doesn't cool and the balm, just simply doesn't balm!!!"
Have you ever purchased or been given as a present a new shaving gift pack for a birthday or special occasion? Been so excited to use it that you are actually willing those follicles on your face and neck to produce some truly majestic bristles just so that you can try this new pack?
Well, most of you if you are honest will at one time in your life remember the time you stood in front of the basin, half naked and poised to try out this tremendous new product that is going to revolutionise your daily shaving routine - only to be gravely disappointed from the very beginning!
As you dipped the brush into the cream for the first time and suddenly, while being perfectly synchronized with the sinking sensation of your heart's expectations waning, you realise that the consistency just isn't right and that this is never going to give you the shave you long desired! From that point on, but you are too far on to go back, you know in your heart of hearts that this is going to be a major disaster, however you proceed to shave with a substandard product. I'm sure we can all recall a day like that guys, and if you have (or haven't) I'm sure you're going to like what I have to say here! Read on...
...thankfully, not one of these statements can be said about the fantastic newly developed shaving system from Pall Mall Barbers!
Right guys, so just who am I to review such a product range I hear you ask? Well let me tell you a little about myself!
I am a barber of 27 years experience and one who has been not only conducting the traditional shave for over 20 of those years but an educator who reinvented the traditional shave based on the techniques used by the masters of old!
I am director of the Original Belfast Barbering Co. and principal of the Charles Clarke Male Grooming & Barbering Academy and am also a member of the City & Guilds Barbering Industry Board. So, I think I have enough credentials to say when I see a good product or not! :)
Ok, so let's get to the review!
In the Pall Mall Shaving system that I have been using of late there are 6 products and a classic wobble shaving brush. The products are as follows;
- Pre-Shave Scrub 100ml
- Shave Oil 100ml
- Shave Cream 100ml
- Post-Shave Balm 100ml
- Cooling Gel 100ml
- Cologne 50ml
Pre-Shave Scrub
The Pre-Shave Scrub didn't disappoint! As someone who has extremely sensitive skin I was slightly apprehensive to use this product as scrubs can sometimes feel quite uncomfortable, however when applying this to the skin I found the abrasiveness to be quite minimal yet still giving a great exfoliation to the stratum corneum. Instantly I was taken aback by the subtlety yet obvious fragrance of the Sandalwood and Clove which is uniform throughout the range. The scrub felt quite fresh on my skin too and after removing with the towel my face felt really vibrant. Packed with Guarana, Prickly Pear and Cocoa Butter this product is a great way to encourage fresh new skin growth while removing the stratum corneum and allowing the epidermis to breathe free and easy.
* Out of 5: *****
Shave Oil
With it's almond oil base and generous helpings of Jojoba and Prickly Pear oils this makes for a very smooth but resilient barrier to the skin against the frictions of shaving.
Applying shave oil just before the lathering stage gives the skin the extra resilience it needs to protect against the razor burn of friction shaving. The dispenser ensures that just enough comes out with one squeeze of the pump to lubricate the skin without saturating it and making the entire experience messy and slippy. Again, the scent of sandalwood and clove is very prominent in the experience causing you almost to relax and enjoy the ritual. This product does exactly what it is meant to and can also be used instead of cream or foam when outlining beards.
* Out of 5: ****
Shave Cream
A good shaving cream is hard to find, one that lathers well, holds it's consistency, requires only a small amount and doesn't dry out too quickly. In fact, until now I have not found a single cream that does all of the above!
Again, brushing aside the instant but pleasant aroma of sandalwood and clove, I was pleasantly surprised that the lather felt instantly refreshing on my skin, light and fluffy on the brush (almost like a good meringue) and with a very small amount too. I must admit that I did require two pumps of this cream from the dispenser to retain enough of the lather for my second shave, but still a very small amount and with absolutely astounding results.
My skin felt really fresh with this product, and I found the razor glided through the bristle with no drag of the razor at all. Overall I found this an amazing addition to the shave ritual and am extremely impressed! Prickly Pear and Jojoba - we love you!
* Out of 5: *****
Cooling Gel
This is my absolute personal favourite product for shaving, ever!!! Never in the history of close shaving have I had what I could term a completely hassle free shave. My skin is so sensitive that even when using clippers I get red welt marks on my skin when pressing hard. After shaving my neck always feels on fire, especially when I get the shirt and tie on, however when using this Cooling Gel it all goes in an instant!
Is it the Aloe Vera, the Bisabolol or is it the Witch Hazel that does the trick? I don't know, but what I do know that as soon as I put this gel onto my skin, even when it is inflamed from the collar later in the day, the soothing sensation is unbelieveable! Instantly I have relief from the itchy and sore redness that has taken over my skin. It also clears up all of the blotches and small friction spots that occur from the irritation and leaves my skin looking respectable and feeling normal. I cannot praise or recommend this product enough.
* Out of 5: ***** (I would give 10 for this!)
Post-Shave Balm
This product really and truly benefits from the specially designed pump bottle. A big problem I find with Balms and Moisturisers is that due to the consistency they tend to squeeze out too quickly and leave you flicking some into the sink. Not with this one though, the pump distributes just enough product to cover the face and neck without leaving the skin greasy.
Another aspect of the Pall Mall Barbers Shave Balm is that as a result of the entire process, the skin can truly absorb the goodness from the balm and all of the nutrients get deep down into the epidermis. This process in turn leaves the skin feeling tacky to the touch and not slippery and wet.
It is paraben free, does not contain Camomile like most, and is completely hypo allergenic. I really believe this product is a must for anyone's shaving cabinet.
* Out of 5: *****
Cologne
Crisp. Fresh. Masculine. Enduring. All fantastic qualities for a modern day fragrance, giving you the confidence that you need to go about your busy day.
This fragrance hides subtle hues of Spiky Rose and Cardamoms, giving you an almost musky scent of Sandalwood and Cloves. Consistent with the theme and experiences of the entire shaving process, and strong enough to take you to the streets.
* Out of 5: ****
Overall a fantastic system that promotes the natural functions of the skin and hair. I would personally recommend this system to any gent who wants to up his shaving game and also to any professional who wishes to incorporate this into his commercial shaving routine. These will have excellent retail opportunities for any stockist / salon.
It has been a pleasure to use and review the Pall Mall Shaving System.
