Honeybee soaps

[gundog]

Has anyone tried the shaving soaps from Honeybee Soaps available on Ebay that they could comment on?

Bud

[Kyle]

Do you have a link?

[gundog]

Sorry, Had I been thinking I would have posted the link, it is:

http://stores.ebay.com/Honeybee-Spa-Soaps

Bud

[letterk]

Now that you've posted it, I'm sure they'll be getting some orders.

[roughrider]

They have Shea Butter shaving soaps. I wonder how they compare to Will G's Shea Butter shaving soaps.

[Austin]

Very nice lineup of scents. Let us have a review if you buy them.

[letterk]

I'm going to buy some after they respond to my question. I should have them pretty quick as they ship Priority Mail.

[gundog]

I could not resist so I ordered a three pack sampler of the designer scents. $6.95 for three soaps seems resonable to me. With Soap coming from Mamma Bear and now the Honeybee soaps, I had better stay of this forum for awhile.

I'll report back with my opinion after trying the Honeybee soaps.

Bud

[gundog]

I received the Honeybee soaps the other day and finally gave one a try this morning (http://stores.ebay.com/Honeybee-Spa-Soaps). I had ordered a sampler pack of three which included the scents of Old Spice, Very Sexy for Men, and Drakkar. The one I opened was the "Very Sexy for Men". I opened this one as I thought it would be the one liked the least and if I did not care for it, I would use it for a bath soap. Well, as it turned out this is a very nice sent that I found to my liking. As for the soaps shaving ability, it is great and second to none. Up until this time the Mamma Bear soap I had tried was the best to date, now I have a dilemma, Both the Mamma Bear and the Honeybee soaps are every bit equal in their ability to contribute to a very smooth and close shave which is enjoyable. Both also provide a fantastic lather with no effort. Keeping in mind that I have only tried one of each these were of completly different scents. It is hard to compare as to the strenght and/or lasting ability of the scents. Both are very nicely scented and enjoyable. Scents are also more of a personal thing anyhow, so each will have his own and varying opinion, but the shave of both is great with no discernable difference that I can detect. I also had no adverse reaction to either soap.

The Honeybee soap does not come with a plastic container as does the Mamma Bear soap. It comes wrapped and securly sealed in cellophane. Not being in a container must help keep the cost down and consequently the Honeybee soaps is also sold for less. You can get the Honeybee soaps for $2.50 each or a sampler pack of three for 6.95 plus shipping. This makes the Honeybee soaps less than half the price as the Mamma Bear soaps. This would not keep me from buying the Mamma Bear soap again though as I will be trying other scents. I do like a strong scent and I suspect Mamma Bear may have the advantage in that respect. Hard to judge without having like scents to compare.

The bottom line is that both soaps are excellent in my opinion and I will buy from each again. Keep in miind that I have not tried very much in the way of soaps since I have always prefered creams. I have not tried any of the soaps from QED, Classic Shaving or some of the other high end soaps, but I will say that after trying the Mama Bear and the Honeybee soaps, I now prefer these soaps over the creams.

Has anyone else tried the Honeybee soap? I would really like to get some other members opinion on these soaps to see what they think. I should also mention that Sue, (another Sue) is also very accommodating and pleasant to deal with.


Bud

[roughrider]

Let us know how you like the other scents.

[gundog]

Gave the Honeybee Bakkar scented soap a try this morning. All I can say is WOW, what a fantastic scent. Again the lather and shave were fantastic, what an exceptional soap. Whether it is the Shea butter, Vitamin E, or White China Kaolin Clay in the ingredients that make it shave so smooth, I'm not sure, but it sure does make for a smooth shave and leaves my facing feeling really great.

At the price these soaps can be obtained for, I will be giving other scents a try. Now to make room on my shelfs. Not to take away from Some of the Col. Conk soaps, but some of these will be regulated to bathing with just to make room for some more Honeybee shaving soap.

Bud

[pitbulls20]

I got my soaps today and I think the scent right off the bat for me I did not like. I got the Mountain Mist, Oakmoss, and Lemon-lime. I will report back once I have used them some and tell you what I think.

BTW shipping was super fast and price was very cheap for the size you get.

[letterk]

I got my three today - Coconut, Oceania, and Vetyver. I think all three smell very nice. I was very nicely surprised by the Oceania. It smells just like Sue said it would. The Vetyver is a sweet Vetyver as explained by Sue. I think thats a good thing as this is my first experience with a Vetyver. I'll report back on performance shortly. I'm very much a Saint Charles Shave fan in terms of soap (a homer some would say). I hope the performance of the these are as good. If so, I'll be a very happy man. :biggrin:

We already had the Three T's, now we have the Three Sues.

[letterk]

I've used my Honeybee soaps for two days now. First impressions are that they lather easily, provide a close shave, and smell nice. My face feels great so the shea butter is moisturizing well. It took a little bit of experimenting to get the correct soap/water ratio for good lubricity, but reading the other reviews, I may chaulk that up to my hard city water. Two days of use and I've had zero irritation, which is saying a lot for me and my sensitive neck. You can't beat the price. Nice job Sue.

Also, Sue is another top-notch person to deal with. She answers emails quickly and even enjoys a little Red Sox talk.

[scotrace]

Honeybee soaps were five of the eleven new soaps that came in the mail this week. I've just tried one (coconut). It smelled wonderful and made handfuls of thick lather for me. Great shave. Great value.

[PottyDoctor]

Bud,

Just to update you on the Honeybee soaps, I shaved with the HB Amber as well as the Lavender again and really, really like the shave I have achieved with these soaps. I've been using a Swedish Gillette in a Merkur 1904. The only other soap I have been able to get to lather this well is Tabac. It is a great soap but several times more expensive. What I really like about the HB shave is that it was probably one of the closest shaves I have gotten to this point and my facial skin feels really different after using HB soaps. It's just smoother! And I love the texture of the lather this stuff produces. It's more of a wet, creamy lather instead of a foamier lather that some creams tend to produce. I am going to be ordering some more soon.

[gundog]

Ron,

Thanks for the update on the Honeybee soap. I'm particularly interested on the opinion of others on the various fragrances as I will be ordering more shortly. I have been using these soaps now for about a month and absolutely love them. I just love the way they leave my face feeling smooth and moist with absolutely no irritation. I'm convinced that the shea butter is an exceptional soap. It has all the advantages of soap as well as a cream with none of the disadvantages of either. And all this at an extremely reasonable price. I believe I'll try the coconut and the vetyver next. I do love all the scents I have tried so far, especially the drakkar, but anxious to try others.

I ordered some of the Honeybee shower gel and had it sent to my daughter in Florida. I'm anxious to get a report back from her. Hopefully it is as good as the Honeybee shaving cream.

Bud

[greenerock]

I've tried the coconut and will order it again. It's one of my favorites. Lemon-lime was not bad but I'm sure there are many smells that are better.

[letterk]

Vetyver is my favorite of the three I've tried. It's a toss up between Oceania or Coconut for second and third.

[JohnnyWolf]

Some differences I've noticed:

The Honeybee product does not come in a plastic tub like Mama Bears does.

Shipping for a single puck of soap is $4.05, Mama Bear's is $4.50, but its far easier to combine multiple items though Mama Bears site than on ebay.

Honeybee Soaps are 3.5oz while Mama bear's is 4.0oz

[Jim]

I have a bunch of these soaps they work great as do the bath soaps, combined shipping is available just wait for an updated invoice -they are very nice to deal with and the Shave soaps are terrific:biggrin:

[gundog]

At first I was concerned when ordering multiple items from Honeybee, but after having completed the order, I received an updated invoice with the shipping charges combined. No problem encountered, but it was at first confusing. After this last order I now feel confident in ordering multiple items. I had ordered multiple shower gels for my daughter as a gift and she just loves them. I'm still awaiting the depletion of some of my soaps and creams so as to justify another order of the shaving soaps from Honeybee. I have found these soaps to be excellent. I actually prefer them over any cream I have used.

[NE_Sue]

Hi Johnny,
Lots of new stuff is coming in Sept, including plastic jars and a bunch of new fragrances. Regarding shipping, while I agree that Ebay is not the easiest to navigate, I do always combine shipping on multiple purchases for all my products, and email a combined invoice quickly after you're done shopping.
The $4.05 Priority shipping cost stays the same for up to 3 pucks of shaving soap, as I charge actual USPS Priority rates by weight, and 3 soaps boxed just make it under the 1 lb. rate.

Bud, I'm delighted that your daughter is enjoying her shower gels.

Honeybee_Sue

[boboakalfb]

So we have 3 Sues (Honeybee...SCS...Mama Bear)...all nice ladies and all making Soaps. Or do we have one Sue? 3 aliases...3 product lines...capitalizing on SCAD's...or more accurately SSAD's...hhhmmmm...

What a coincidence...they all seem very nice and make great products...so now we have the 3T's and the 3S's.

Wow...I didn't even see the other thread...nevermind.

[NE_Sue]

Are you hearing Twilight Zone music in your head yet LOL? Is it really 3 Sues? 1 Sue with multiple personalities? Is Sue4 out there somewhere????? I think I've been sniffing too many different fragrances today LOL.


Honey (Sue3)

[Jim]

SueBee

As one of your VERY happy customers- can I reorder directly with you and avoid all those pesky ebay fees and whatnot?

An invoice can always be sent thru paypal...??:biggrin:

[PottyDoctor]

Just received my latest Honeybee order and it was no problem combining shipping...it's even noted in the item description that an updated invoice will be sent for combined shipping charges. Sue [Honeybee Sue] is a super lady to deal with and her customer service is tops in my book!

I shaved with the Oceania yesterday and it is a great fragrance, produces a great lather and gives a smooth, irritation free shave. I have several other HB scents to try...look forward to trying them all. Thanks HB Sue!

[PottyDoctor]

Honeybee Sue,

There has previously been some discussion about which soaps can be melted to fit a mug, scuttle, etc. Can you advise us if your shave soaps can be safely and successfully melted? If so, how do you recommend doing it? :confused: It is so nice to have the soap fit the mug and makes lathering easier in my book.

[NE_Sue]

Hi Ron,
Glad you're enjoying your latest batch of soaps! Melting soap is something that all soapmakers have varying opinions on. To answer your question, for my soaps personally, I see no reason why you can't melt them. Whether you choose to use microwave, or a double boiler method is up to you. The important thing is not to use excessively high heat, or you may break down the properties of the ingredients. My own personal method is to heat water in a pan to about 150 degrees. If you don't have a cooking thermometer, look for slight steam, and it's hot enough. Do not boil! If the water is bubbling it's too hot. Put your soap into a pyrex measuring cup, and put the cup into the pan of water and let it melt. When you think it's all melted, stir it to make sure, then pour the liquid into your shaving container.

The good news is, within a month, I'll be doing all that work for you, and my soaps will be available in pre-poured jars, as well as the current pucks, so you'll be able to take your choice.

HB Sue

P.S. Doesn't that Oceania make you feel like you're out on a terrific boat surrounded by the ocean and a cool breeze? I just love that fragrance.

[PottyDoctor]

Hi Ron,
Glad you're enjoying your latest batch of soaps! Melting soap is something that all soapmakers have varying opinions on. To answer your question, for my soaps personally, I see no reason why you can't melt them. Whether you choose to use microwave, or a double boiler method is up to you. The important thing is not to use excessively high heat, or you may break down the properties of the ingredients. My own personal method is to heat water in a pan to about 150 degrees. If you don't have a cooking thermometer, look for slight steam, and it's hot enough. Do not boil! If the water is bubbling it's too hot. Put your soap into a pyrex measuring cup, and put the cup into the pan of water and let it melt. When you think it's all melted, stir it to make sure, then pour the liquid into your shaving container.

The good news is, within a month, I'll be doing all that work for you, and my soaps will be available in pre-poured jars, as well as the current pucks, so you'll be able to take your choice.

HB Sue

P.S. Doesn't that Oceania make you feel like you're out on a terrific boat surrounded by the ocean and a cool breeze? I just love that fragrance.

Great ocean fragrance, a very clean smell and a great shave. I've still got five new fragrances to try...Oakmoss, Bay Rum, Drakkar, Old Spice and Very Sexy for Men! And you're planning on adding more fragrances? We're already like a kid in a candy store trying to decide which one(s) we want next.

I mentioned in another thread that a "Leather" scented shave soap would be a nice addition too. Maybe a "Spanish Leather" on steroids! :idea:

[NE_Sue]

Ooooh! Leather sounds interesting. You all have the best ideas and suggestions. Thanks!


HB Sue

[PottyDoctor]

HB Sue,

I didn't get to say it earlier, but a great big welcome and thanks for joining B&B. Hope you enjoy it as much as the rest of us do. It's so nice to have another master soap maker with us. :biggrin:

[NE_Sue]

Thanks so much Ron! I was lurking here for a while, and really enjoyed all the information and sharing of suggestions, techniques and reviews. I thought it was time I made myself available for any questions about my products, and as I offer a whole line of Bath and Body items as well as Hair Care, maybe could contribute some of my experience too.

I feel like I am in great company here, and am honored to participate with my fellow esteemed soapmakers.

HB Sue

[scotrace]

Let me also add my applause for Honeybee soaps. Fantastic stuff - Right now the Coconut is my favorite because it reminds me of the way Coppertone smelled when I was a kid - so to me, it smells like a day at the beach!

A GREAT shave every time. I'll be ordering more.

[greenerock]

Hi Sue,
Will you still have shave soaps in pucks too? I like one for the shower. I need to order more soon. Thanks!

[NE_Sue]

Hi Doug,
Yes I'll still be offering the shaving soaps in the current 3.5 oz pucks and also in a larger size pre poured jar with a flat lid for easy stacking, so you can have a choice and/or mix and match.

HB Sue

[PottyDoctor]

Here's how I'm currently storing my recent shipment of Honeybee Shave Soaps. Took a cake of soap to Wally World today and came up with these little plastic storage containers. They are called "Store Packs" and they are .236 Liter/1 Cup; made in Israel by Starplast [see www.starplast.com. They come two to a package for 94 cents. The soaps fit nearly perfect because of the taper of these bowls. I even labeled mine with my Brother P-Touch Labeler. The lids do not fit super tight but seal just fine for storing shaving soaps, plus they stack well.

This allows me to use a different scent every day! I almost had a sensory overload unpackaging these soaps and placing them in their new home. Wow...to bad I already shaved today!

1317

1318

1319

1320

1321

See next post for pics with brush for size reference.

[PottyDoctor]

For reference of how much lathering room there is here's a couple of shots of the soap storage bowls with a ShaveMac 23mm 22579 Silvertip and a C&E Best Badger.

1322

1323

[NE_Sue]

Those containers look really nice, Ron. I may try some of those myself. Storage is becoming a problem here with over 1800 product offerings lol.
Are they about 2" tall?

As for sensory overload, I know exactly what you mean. I've got Bay Rum, Coconut and Old Spice cooking right now. Ahhhhhhhhhh!


HB Sue

[PottyDoctor]

Those containers look really nice, Ron. I may try some of those myself. Storage is becoming a problem here with over 1800 product offerings lol.
Are they about 2" tall?

As for sensory overload, I know exactly what you mean. I've got Bay Rum, Coconut and Old Spice cooking right now. Ahhhhhhhhhh!

HB Sue


Sue,

The bowls are 2-1/4" tall; 3-1/4" inside diameter at top; 2-3/4" [approx] inside diameter at bottom. The cakes like about 1/8" seating all the way to the bottom of the bowl when it is inserted with the small side facing down. However, the sides of the cake fit very nicely against the inside walls of the bowl and after the first use it seats very snugly and doesn't move around.

I used the Bay Rum this morning and it is now my favorite Bay Rum that I have tried. I left it open in the shave den...what a great air freshener! I love the 'traditional manly' scents like this one. Reminds me of my dad and grandpa shaving and now I have that 'Pappaw' smell for my grandsons to enjoy when they are here.

[NE_Sue]

I know exactly what you mean, Ron. I got a good whiff of it while making it this morning and it always puts a smile on my face. You don't even want to know how many different Bay Rums I bought before finding that one about 1 1/2 years ago. I'm always hunting for better versions in fragrances, and when I finally find the one I like, it's party time! It's another reason I have storage problems lol. I'd guess there's over 300 bottles of fragrances floating around here.

HB Sue

[gundog]

Can anyone commeent on how the Honeybee Bay Rum compare to CoL Conk's Bay Rum? I don't particulary care for the Col Conk Bay Rum, but after reading the remarks on the Honeybee Bay Rum, I just may have to include it with my next order. I know for a shaving soap the Honeybee is superior, but how does the scent compare?

[PottyDoctor]

Can anyone commeent on how the Honeybee Bay Rum compare to CoL Conk's Bay Rum? I don't particulary care for the Col Conk Bay Rum, but after reading the remarks on the Honeybee Bay Rum, I just may have to include it with my next order. I know for a shaving soap the Honeybee is superior, but how does the scent compare?

Bud,

I have had two cakes of Col Conk's Bay Rum in the past and to me it was just not a rich bay rum scent I remember from the past [and I don't particularly like the Col Conk lather]. It was too 'artificial' for me. Sue's Bay Rum is a smoother, richer scent if that makes any sense. It's 'right on' for me. I like the scent so much I now have the open soap bowl sitting right here next to my computer; it will stay here until I shave with it again. It is currently my #1 Honeybee scent, however that could change because I haven't shaved with the Drakkar, Very Sexy, Oakmoss or Old Spice yet. But in all fairness you should know that I do tend to prefer 'spicy', 'woody', 'leathery', 'earthy' traditional scents. I have also tried the Amber and the Lavender [my favorite floral soap scent] and like both of those really well.

You should definitely consider the Bay Rum and quite possibly the Amber in your next order.

[gundog]

Ron,

That did it! I can't hold out any longer. Even though I have more soap and cream than I could possibly use in the next five years, I will now have to place another order and try the bay rum and the amber. I will tell you though, the Old Spice and especially the Drakker will always be in my rotation as they are exceptional scents that I really like, but I like variety so will give the other scents a try.

Bud

[PottyDoctor]

I shaved with the HB Bay Rum again this morning and used my Merkur Slant with a Merkur blade. I use the Slant only with soaps or creams that provide plenty of 'slip.' This was my first Honeybee/Slant combo and it worked great; the HB soap provided plenty of 'slip' and I ended up with zero irritation.

The biggest problem I am having with the Honeybee soap is that I don't want to quit brushing and painting this stuff on my face once I create the initial lather! I get to painting it on, smoothing it out and then remember, 'hey, put the brush down and shave!' Ya gotta' love it though.

Now if I only had some Honeybee Bay Rum cologne to bring it all together in the end! :001_rolle