The Gentlemens Refinery - After Shave Balm

[joel]

http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12071 http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12078


Simply the best.


The Gentlemens Refinery makes the finest after shave balm in the world, bar-none.



While many (myself included) were quite disappointed with the discontinuation of D.R. Harris' original formula of Aftershave Milk a year or two ago, I'm pleased to say i've found a replacement.... a much better replacement that is. "The Standard After Shave Balm" formulated by Perry Gastis and his team at The Gentlemens Refinery is truly a "best of breed" product. Not only does it work beautifully by fighting razor burn and irritation, but it smells nice, absorbs very quickly into your skin, leaves your face perfectly moisturized/toned - and the handy dispenser makes this stuff incredibly easy to use.

This balm is moisturizing enough for those with dry skin in the winter - yet absorbs so effectively and without an oily residue, it can also be used by those with oily skin, or during the summer. This balm is surprisingly well rounded, and should be a good fit for well... just about anyone.

With the exceptional product, the handy pump top that delivers the perfect, conservative dose time and time again - and the quality ingredients, they've really hit a home run with this product. I'm pretty nit-picky, but frankly, there's just nothing critical I can say about the product and its efficacy. More on that in a bit...

First - the packaging. Exceptionally classy, and certainly among the fanciest you'll find out there for mens grooming products. This balm comes in a black box, with a red interior sporting a "Barbers Tip" as you open the box. A bit pointless as the barbers tips are a little cheezy, and the box is merely going to be pitched - but hey, nice little touches are always appreciated and it adds to the "experience." Before we pitch the box however, lets take a look see....

http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12072

http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12074

http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12073

Top opened....
http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12076

Barbers tip close up....
http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12075

So as previously stated - this after shave balm comes in a nifty, and exceptionally ridged pump topped canister. While it certainly doesn't look like a traditional tube/jar/bottle of after shave, it is incredibly well built and looks/feels very nice in person. Actually... I think this is the first time i've mentioned, or noticed the "quality feeling" of a products packaging. In any event - it's extremely well built, and its quite clear no corners were cut...
http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12077

http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12079

Pump Top....
http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12080

Alright - now that we've gotten the packaging out of the way - let's get to the most important part - the juice.

1.) Consistency - This product is more of a "milk" than a "balm" and has nearly the identical consistency of the previous iteration of D.R. Harris' A/S milk. Very light and spreads quickly, and evenly on ones face, with zero tackiness.

2.) Scent - a very light rose/sandalwood like scent with some hints of citrus. While it is quite pleasant, it is light, and fades away in a few minutes - which is appreciated.

3.) Ingredients - as posted above (in the pictures showing the outside of the box) are simply first rate. While most high quality after shaves are expensive, typically you don't get what you pay for. With this product however, this is not the case. Loaded with rich butters, extracts fatty alcohols (the good alcohols) and oils, these ingredients aren't cheap, and surpass anything else i've seen/experienced on the market.

4.) Efficacy - as stated, it is my opinion this is simply the best stuff out there. Even the mighty good after shave balm from CAR/Enchante is served a heathy plate of comeuppance. This stuff just plumb works... and really well. Fights razor burn/irritations, moisturizes beautifully, absorbs remarkably fast, tones your skin, and smells nice... what more can you ask for?

Price - Not cheap. $40 for a 100ml tube/canister. Now, before you clutch your chest and scurry for the nitro tabs, keep 4 things in mind.

#1 - As previously mentioned, this balm comes with a handy pump top. Now, because it delivers the perfect amount of product each time (which is a pretty conservative amount) a bottle of this stuff goes a long way. I've been using this after shave exclusively for several months, and have barely made a dent on the bottle. I'd estimate this bottle to last about a year... maybe even longer.

One press from the pump top applied to the palm of my hand....
http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=12081

#2 - The price of this product is right in line with it's peers. In fact, per oz, its much less expensive than CAR/Hydrolast, and right in line with the new DR Harris A/S Milk - yet is markedly superior, and requires less product.

#3 - It's made with superior (and as a result more costly) ingredients. Keep in mind, it also has better packaging (which affects cost) and is just plumb more efficacious than the competition.

#4 - Products purchased from The Gentlemens Refinery (http://www.thegr.com) are shipped for free - so the price of shipping is built into the products. Add shipping into the price of a single balm (an additional $5-6) and all of the sudden that "heart clenching" price becomes pretty darn reasonable.

This balm gets two big thumbs up from me, and has secured itself as my favorite after shave. In my opinion, it's a must have - and I highly recommend it for gentlemen of all skin types. I'm hooked!

[Laz]

I hope to order some soon. Thanks for the great review (nice pics too).

[strifeknot]

I completely agree with Joel's assessment. This balm works wonders and is simply better than anything else on the market. It moisturizes as well as any moisturizing cream.

Money well spent.

[R-James]

I think I may have to give this one a go... I have never tried any gentlemens refinery products before

[Daves]

I heartily concur. Gentlemen's Refinery is the best. It is absolutely phenomenal how well it works.

DaveS

[Aevum]

is there a european retailer for these products ?

[BMWRider]

A very convincing review. I will have to order some of this.

[jlander]

Joel, thanks for a great review!

[Prince]

Are any of their other products as good as this one?

[Private Pwnage]

this looks nice, i may get some

[drandall]

taking a look at the ingredients list, i noticed it contains urea...which is used in moisturizers as well as facial cleansers. i was very amused to find a wikipedia entry which says urea is also used as:

1) a stabilizer in explosives
2) a component of fertilizer and animal feed
3) a raw material in making plastic, glue & tooth-whitening products
4) a browning agent for making pretzels
5) a flavor enhancer in cigarettes
6) a cloud-seeding agent
7) a de-icer for roadways and runways
8) an additive to stainless steel knives to retain their sharpness
9 an ingredient in dry chemical fire extinguishers

is there nothing this organic compound can't do?

[ashmanq]

is there a european retailer for these products ?

I found this retailer based in the UK

http://www.gentlemans-shop.com

Think I might buy myself one too.

[drumana]

Can someone compare this product to GFT Skin Food, which I find works best for me?

[deck360degree]

I use the unscented version and I have to say in my opinion it is the best aftershave product on the market.

[thevelvet]

Ill be getting some samples soon. Theyre very generous and helpful with product samples if you email them.

[analog_kid]

Great review as always, Joel. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't extremely interested...

[Baloosh]

Ill be getting some samples soon. Theyre very generous and helpful with product samples if you email them.

Just tried to email them from two different email address, and both times (to [email protected], from their "Contact Us" page) they failed with "relay not accepted" notifications. What email address did you use?

EDIT: [email protected] seems to work. They need to update their Contact page. :smile:

[joel]

Are any of their other products as good as this one?

Their moisturizer is also 10 out of 10 (however it's 1/2 the size, and $8 more expensive) - but if you need a REALLY intense/serious moisturizer, it's the best stuff out there - and you don't need to use much.

TGR's shaving cream (I like the black ice most) is also quite nice and is worth a look - but while it's a touch better than English stuff - it's not "knock your pants off" good like their after shave and moisturizer, which cannot be beaten - well, at least by anything i've tried.

The weird thing is - I have a sample of their balm, and while it's really good - it's in a small splash container - and it's hard to dose the perfect amount - and it really doesn't do the product justice. Since they offer a no b/s money back guarantee - and they provide free shipping - i'd jump in head first and pick up a full sized bottle.

[joel]

Can someone compare this product to GFT Skin Food, which I find works best for me?

100% different. Skin food is basically rose-water with a touch of glycerin made into a gel by adding tragacanth gum. It has very little healing/moisturizing properties, and essentially just seals your skin with some soothing ingredients. The cost of the ingredients/materials is incredibly, incredibly cheap. You could make a liter of the stuff mighty, mighty cheap.

TGR on the other hand is a very complex mixture of butters, essential oils, extracts, etc - and absorbs INTO your skin, versus sealing the outside and sitting on top of your skin.

Skinfood is nice - but I can make my own for a few dollars... TGR at least in my opinion is significantly superior, does wonders for my skin, and if I were to try and make it on my own would be 1.) A major PITA 2.) About the same $.

Unfortunately, the only way to find out what will work best for you is to try it. If you're completely satisfied with skinfood and don't wish to try anything else - you've answered your own question :wink: However if you're like myself, and most of the other fellas on here, constantly seeking "something better" i'd suggest giving it a go.

I've tried hundreds upon hundreds of after shave balms, splashes and milks, and i've created quite a few, and helped others create them - and this stuff, at least in my opinion, embarrasses them all.

[Diggity]

Thanks for the great review Joel. TGR was one of my first balm (I picked up the unscented version), and it is still my go-to balm. I am glad to see someone giving it some great justice. It is really a wonderful product and the best balm I have tried.

[zerohnine]

I'm guilty of just ordering some. :redface: I can't wait to try it. :001_smile

[cr8n]

Joel,

Great review. It was 100% positives. Was there nothing about this product that you didn't like?

Paul

[Conrad]

taking a look at the ingredients list, i noticed it contains urea...which is used in moisturizers as well as facial cleansers. i was very amused to find a wikipedia entry which says urea is also used as:

1) a stabilizer in explosives
2) a component of fertilizer and animal feed
3) a raw material in making plastic, glue & tooth-whitening products
4) a browning agent for making pretzels
5) a flavor enhancer in cigarettes
6) a cloud-seeding agent
7) a de-icer for roadways and runways
8) an additive to stainless steel knives to retain their sharpness
9 an ingredient in dry chemical fire extinguishers

is there nothing this organic compound can't do?

Not to mention that it's a waste product in human urine, but who's counting? That won't stop me from trying this product, though, after this stellar review.

[sanuginz]

I've had my eye on this product for a while. Originally it got 5 stars in the review section and a bandwagon of 2 thumbs up. Then I saw a post and again another bandwagon. Now Joel's 10/10 review and a 3rd bandwagon. This is what tells me when a product is good. Enthusiasm! Multiple, Repeated, ENTHUSIASM!!


My bottles have been ordered before it hits on backorder

[Evbo]

I've been using this product for months. I concur -- it's incredible.

Thanks for the great review!

[MaxP]

May I also, say 'Thanks' for the great review.

[Prospero]

Wow! Thanx for this excellent review.

I do feel the price of 25 GBP is quite expensive for a balm. So for this amount of money it better be a good balm ;-)

[jeffb]

I've been using the samples they sent me for a week or so now and my face feels better than it has in a long time!

[joel]

Joel,

Great review. It was 100% positives. Was there nothing about this product that you didn't like?

Paul

Paul,
As stated in the review - no. I can't remember a product/item I wasn't able to come up with a few critiques on. If I had to come up with anything - the only thing I could muster would be the scent. It's nice but after using it for a few months, it gets pretty old, and with a hint of a few other skin beneficial EO's they could make it a timeless scent... like a hint of lavender added to the fray would go a LONG way. Really though - since the scent fades away within a few minutes, it's not a big deal - and this is just me "manufacturing" a critique, again though, there's nothing you can really complain about. :smile:

[xnay]

is there a european retailer for these products ?

I bought it @ http://www.gents.co.uk - they ship internationally (from Europe/Sweden) and you don't pay any customs fees within the EU. Flat shipping rate (regardless of the products quantity).
Direct link to this balm: http://www.gents.co.uk/products/The-Gentlemens-Refinery-After-Shave-Balm.htm

As for TheGR AS Balm itself - this is also my favorite one. What may be important for some people - it contains 100% natural ingredients. More info about what's in it and why: http://www.thegr.com/DisplayPages/Products/ProductLongDescription.cfm?ProductID=43.

As for the price - you get 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz here and many companies sell their products in similar price but you only get 50 ml / 1.7 fl oz. So it's not *so* expensive.

[Tiggercat]

This was the first good ASB I purchased, and is still probably my favorite. It's truly excellent stuff, and lasts forever.

[krayziehustler]

how are its cooling properties???

[Dave12345]

Hi

I have had their full set for a while and must say they are very nice products. The aftershave balm is very good and absorbs in a couple of seconds, and a mean a few seconds. It stops the razor burn very quickly and doesnt leave the skin oily,shiny etc like my Nivea Balm.

Both their skin conditioner and eye balm is very good,though I do find that if you apply the conditioner on top of the balm,the shaving rash that dissappeared with the balm soon reappears as it reacts with the balm.

The only problem I find is the price,its not cheap at all,about 50 dollars for the balm alone.

The packaging is great but you pay for it,and it only ends up in the bin!

I would use their products all the time but at 50 dollars for balm... I wont be re ordering and thats a real shame. I do feel that we are beginning to pay far too much for all these products and if enough of us start resisiting then the prices are more likely to come down.

Regards

[Evbo]

how are its cooling properties???

It doesn't contain any menthol or mint so there are no traditional "cooling properties" per se. It will, however soothe & mellow out any razor burn you might have. So if you consider that to be a "cooling property," then it has it in spades.

[latheredup]

I began my wet shaving experience with the Gentleman's Refinery Shave Cream and ASB, and I think there are superior products on the market, especially considering the price of this stuff.

I judge an ASB solely on its ability to calm the razor burn I still get more times than I'd like to admit. Of course YMMV, but I have found both GFT Limes Skin Food and Nancy Boy Replenishing ASB to be more effective (read less irritating) than the Gentleman's Refinery ASB. But better than all of them - good ol' Proraso Pre/Post!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[Nancy Boy]

taking a look at the ingredients list, i noticed it contains urea...which is used in moisturizers as well as facial cleansers. i was very amused to find a wikipedia entry which says urea is also used as:

1) a stabilizer in explosives
2) a component of fertilizer and animal feed
3) a raw material in making plastic, glue & tooth-whitening products
4) a browning agent for making pretzels
5) a flavor enhancer in cigarettes
6) a cloud-seeding agent
7) a de-icer for roadways and runways
8) an additive to stainless steel knives to retain their sharpness
9 an ingredient in dry chemical fire extinguishers

is there nothing this organic compound can't do?

You forgot 10) End world hunger and 11) Make world peace. :lol:

Seriously, they make great stuff. I really love their shaving creams.

[doc_paul]

Well I think I am going to try this too. Great review!

[ameetmedi]

This is the best Balm out there. I have plenty of Old Harris Milk left over but I reach out for the GR Balm almost every other day. Goes on just as smooth and great smell. I will have to try the unscented as well, just to see if it anything like the Green Pond Unscented version of the Harris Milk that i much prefer

Ameet

[momo360]

I've tried hundreds upon hundreds of after shave balms, splashes and milks, and i've created quite a few, and helped others create them - and this stuff, at least in my opinion, embarrasses them all.

Would you say it's worth the extra $$ when comparing with say; Musgo's balm?

[pong]

The afterbalm is quite effecient for any type of shaving. Little nicks seal up instantly and small cuts seal within 2 minutes. This does away with the syptic pencil with its burning sensation and dry powder residue.

The next thing to use is their pre-shave oil, it stays on well and provides lubrication that no soap could think about.

[crichton]

Mine arrived this morning and I just finished using it - terrific product! They sent me 1/2 a dozen different samplers as well....thanks for posting the review and bringing this great ASB to our attention Joel!

[zerohnine]

Yea, this bad boy is great! I've used it for about a week now, and it's probably my favorite now, next to T&H's 1805. It really does smooth the skin well. I had a problem area next to my chin, on the left side, that looked like folliculitis. This area looks so much better now, and I no longer get the irritating and annoying small, white-headed pimples around the hair follicles! Very pleased and will definitely buy again in the future. Thanks for the review and for introducing this product to me and others.

[joel]

The afterbalm is quite effecient for any type of shaving. Little nicks seal up instantly and small cuts seal within 2 minutes. This does away with the syptic pencil with its burning sensation and dry powder residue.

The next thing to use is their pre-shave oil, it stays on well and provides lubrication that no soap could think about.

YMMV - I hate their pre-shave :biggrin:

[joel]

Would you say it's worth the extra $$ when comparing with say; Musgo's balm?

Yes. It's much lighter, sinks into the skin much faster, and in my opinion is more efficacious. :smile:

[momo360]

Yes. It's much lighter, sinks into the skin much faster, and in my opinion is more efficacious. :smile:

dammit... how do I justify this to the wife now... :sneaky2:

[Evbo]

dammit... how do I justify this to the wife now... :sneaky2:

3 words: Ship. To. Office. :biggrin:

[gunner6477]

Just tried to email them from two different email address, and both times (to [email protected], from their "Contact Us" page) they failed with "relay not accepted" notifications. What email address did you use?

EDIT: [email protected] seems to work. They need to update their Contact page. :smile:

I tried both...no response to either. How long did it take to get a response?:confused:

[momo360]

3 words: Ship. To. Office. :biggrin:

Evbo...!? You genius you!!!

[Baloosh]

I tried both...no response to either. How long did it take to get a response?:confused:

Once I used the "[email protected]" I got a response the next day.

[Aquanin]

I emailed them Sunday. I have the smaples in my hand now. I tried the moisterizer so far and its awesome, but at almost $50 I just can't do that. I will try the AS Balm shortly and compare it to Hydrolast.

[nueldwsa]

Ordered the balm on Saturday, received it on Monday (California):001_rolle. Lots of samples as well as the balm.

Newbie to DE shaving, so not much experience in different aftershave balms. It does resolve the problem of razor burn, for which I am grateful. Maybe in time, I'll learn technique and won't need it as much!

As stated in the review, you only need a small amount, so it will last a long time.

[Aquanin]

I finally got a chance to try the balm this morning. It is definately great stuff, but I don't think it will replace the Hydrolast balm for me. To me it seems very, very similar to Hydrolast, so there is no real reason to grab it at the high cost. I love the scent though. I am very tempted to get some of the moisturizer though, but we will see.

[Evbo]

I am very tempted to get some of the moisturizer though, but we will see.

The moisturizer is great stuff. As with the AS balm, a little dab'll do ya. But it is expensive, no question.

[Baronet]

G'day Guys

I thinking of getting some but …. Shipping to Australia is $25 ( it’s a long way I know !) so might get a couple to make it worth it, how do you think the balm will work in warmer weather( its sunny here all the time !!) have any of you guys in the southern half of the U.S used it in hot weather ? Thanks

[zerohnine]

G'day Guys

I thinking of getting some but …. Shipping to Australia is $25 ( it’s a long way I know !) so might get a couple to make it worth it, how do you think the balm will work in warmer weather( its sunny here all the time !!) have any of you guys in the southern half of the U.S used it in hot weather ? Thanks

I've using in in 90 degree weather lately, and it's worked great. It's kind of refreshing. I really don't think you'll have a problem using it in a warmer climate.

[Baronet]

:smile:Great, thanks Ric looks like I will give it a try .

[Scruffy1]

I need to quit reading reviews, I have enough stuff, but I just ordered some. lol

[Evbo]

I need to quit reading reviews, I have enough stuff, but I just ordered some. lol

I have enough stuff too but so far that hasn't stopped me. :biggrin:

Welcome to B&B! If you hang around here for any length of time you better get used to pulling out your wallet.

[shadowblade]

100% different. Skin food is basically rose-water with a touch of glycerin made into a gel by adding tragacanth gum. It has very little healing/moisturizing properties, and essentially just seals your skin with some soothing ingredients. The cost of the ingredients/materials is incredibly, incredibly cheap. You could make a liter of the stuff mighty, mighty cheap.

TGR on the other hand is a very complex mixture of butters, essential oils, extracts, etc - and absorbs INTO your skin, versus sealing the outside and sitting on top of your skin.

Skinfood is nice - but I can make my own for a few dollars... TGR at least in my opinion is significantly superior, does wonders for my skin, and if I were to try and make it on my own would be 1.) A major PITA 2.) About the same $.

Unfortunately, the only way to find out what will work best for you is to try it. If you're completely satisfied with skinfood and don't wish to try anything else - you've answered your own question :wink: However if you're like myself, and most of the other fellas on here, constantly seeking "something better" i'd suggest giving it a go.

I've tried hundreds upon hundreds of after shave balms, splashes and milks, and i've created quite a few, and helped others create them - and this stuff, at least in my opinion, embarrasses them all.

Do you have proper instructions for making skin food and places to buy the necessary ingredients?

[JoePerri]

Does it say "non-comedogenic" anywhere on the box? That is important for those of us with bad skin.

Joe

[xnay]

Does it say "non-comedogenic" anywhere on the box? That is important for those of us with bad skin.

Joe

http://www.thegr.com/index.cfm?event=AsktheBarber
- take a look at question/answer no. 9.

Tom

[JoePerri]

Awesome! Thanks Tom!

Joe

[jramire2]

For those that have tried both, and I know this is difficult considering the significant pricepoint difference, but how does this stuff compare to Mama Bears aftershaves?

Joel gave a pretty glowing review about MB aftershaves quite a while ago and I wanted to know how they compared.

thanks,

[vcowman]

bump, yes, has anyone tried both products? I feel like I get sold on the next "big thing", TGR, hair cream, etc?

[Elmo]

got it a few days ago based on the comments in this thread. love it so far. the pumpdispenser is a realllly great idea :001_tt2:

[joel]

Do you have proper instructions for making skin food and places to buy the necessary ingredients?

Take 4 oz of rose water, add a teaspoon or two of glycerin, and add gum by the 1/8th teaspoon until you reach desired consistency.

You can literally find hundreds of locations on the net to pick up the ingredients.

[vior]

For those that have tried both, and I know this is difficult considering the significant pricepoint difference, but how does this stuff compare to Mama Bears aftershaves?

Joel gave a pretty glowing review about MB aftershaves quite a while ago and I wanted to know how they compared.

thanks,

I would like to know this as well.

[Rem Freeman]

You guys are making a fiend out of me. Just when I think I've satisfied with the equipment I have, I read an interview about a product like this. Grrr...

[kbuzbee]

I really have to agree with Joel on this one. Given the glowing review I ordered a bottle and gave it a go this morning. It is everything he says. Moisturizing and completely absorbed in minutes. Very, VERY nice product I'm happy to add to my routine.

Ken

[Loren]

Picked up some myself and just want to echo everything everyone else has already said. Great stuff! If you pick some up TGR will also send you a sample kit which includes trial size containers of all three of their shavings creams, their after shave balm, and their preshave oil. I'm really pleased with the balm and when you combine it with the shave cream / preshave oil it's pretty hard to beat.

[Kbennett]

I was looking for another a/s to try and Joel's review (and the subsequent agreements) made my choice for me. I ordered a bottle yesterday and am now tracking the shipping progress hourly.

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/online_package_tracking.png

[B R A N D X®]

I was looking for another a/s to try and Joel's review (and the subsequent agreements) made my choice for me. I ordered a bottle yesterday and am now tracking the shipping progress hourly.


A watched pot..................

Personally, I think tracking numbers in general are yet another symptom of a much deeper problem in society!

I can just see my ancestors now.......sitting in their one room, dirt floor, log cabin in Texas, tracking those window panes ordered from NY and being delivered by covered wagon.:biggrin:

However, you'll like the balm.....it's very good stuff.

[SRock]

This has been added to my list!

[mankini]

TGR in my opinion makes a great balm. I have been using it for about 6 months. It really does stand in a class by itself. I stopped using skin food almost immediately after realizing and seeing the difference in my complexion with TGR asb.

They sent along a bunch of samples and considering the $$ I spent they should. All that seemed to accomplish is helping me spend more $$!

I still veer from the path on occasion, I am finishing my Floris asb samples now but can not wait to get back to TGR. I think the Floris smells better (santal) but it also feels and looks a little greasy on my skin whereas TGR just absorbs.

I know the price is up there and if I could find a comparable product for less I may even try it. Until that happens I will keep returning to TGR.

[andyx1205]

Well, I guess I'll order this immediately, as it seems to top out the balms! What's a good ASL to accompany this, to fill in the gap for lack of cooling sensation?