Today's shave:
- Barrister & Mann Beaudelaire (Excelsior)
- Maggard "Green Haze" 2-Band
- Gillette Fat Handle Gold Tech with ASP blade
- Brut Original aftershave
I remain rather underwhelmed by the Excelsior base. After a few uses between Vespers and Beaudelaire, I'm still not done dialling it in yet. If I follow my usual routine which works for most soaps, I end up with a lather consistency resembling Nutella on toast. The answer appears to be to use both way less product and more water, but the sweet spot keeps eluding me. It is more comfortable to use than Reserve, though. For me, Glissant is head and shoulders above both; I can lather that one up to perfection with ease in complete darkness if necessary. (Disclaimer: I bowl lather exclusively.) One thing Excelsior does better is the post-shave quality; my face feels positively soft and freshly balmed for quite a while. (Or maybe I still use too much product?)