Cream and Soap Scents

[Huy]

Is there a reason for scented creams and soaps other than smelling nice while you shave? It seems like most people care a lot about how their creams and soaps smell. The way I see it, the lather may smell nice for a little bit while you shave, but once you're done and wash your face the smell is either very faint or not there at all.

Are there any creams or soaps whose scent will last a while after the shave or would a scented aftershave be better?

[burnwood]

smelling while I shave. that is all.

[Gruder]

Your question is a fair one. Generally speaking, neither soaps nor aftershaves are designed for longevity of scent. That's the purpose of a cologne. Still, there's something to be said for smelling nice during the shave, and even more enjoyment, at least for me, in pairing scents (e.g. QED sandalwood shave soap, Ogallala Bay Rum and Sandalwood AS, Diptyque Tam Dao cologne).

[Eagle]

Strictly for the pleasure of it I assume. If you are looking for a light, fade-quick product try KMF. The bottle says they are flavored, but the smell doesn't last long at all.

[john parker]

As I understand it, there is/may be therapeutic value to some of the essential oils used to scent the creams and soaps, and that there are certain skin types that can either benefit or be aggravated by these oils. I also understand that these oils and essences can vary the efficacy of the cream relative to the shaving qualities. I apologize that I have limited personal experience, but feel certain that others can add to this response. A visit to an "essential oil" site on the web will add more; and I think some of the small cream/soap makers list benefits of these oils in the descriptions of their products. Check The Shave Den, for one. And then, there is the wonderful aroma in the morning!!!

[blade08]

The only soap that I know of with some sort of a 'lasting' scent is 'De Vergulde Hand'. DVH is a true Dutch classic and that smell is instantly recognizable for all Dutch men born before WWII..... (and shaving freaks like I).

[Walking_Target]

I'll say that it makes a big difference to you and the first few people you talk to right after your shave.

If you're anything like most of the gents here, that person is probably SWMBO. The right soap/cream/aftershave combo can have.... other benefits..... in that situation.

Oh, and as my SWMBO commented, some soaps/creams leave the bathroom smelling nice for several hours.

[L. Martino]

Is there a reason for scented creams and soaps other than smelling nice while you shave? It seems like most people care a lot about how their creams and soaps smell. The way I see it, the lather may smell nice for a little bit while you shave, but once you're done and wash your face the smell is either very faint or not there at all.

Are there any creams or soaps whose scent will last a while after the shave or would a scented aftershave be better?
Hi there,
Having that fragrance variety was one of the attractive things about this 'hobby'. Knowing I could sniff just about anything I cared to in a shaving lather was (and still is) a kick for me. It's not a big thing, but it's something.

Other side of the coin is a shaving soap/cream that I just hate the scent of. Now THAT will put me right off my shave, and take a good bit of the general pleasure away. I like getting a fresh whiff of whatever I'm using when lathering after each pass.

The QED soaps have a strong scent to em, at least from the 5-6 I've sniffed, and there's a few fragrances that last a looooong time.............wafting around for hours after my shaves. The first would be 'Sandalwood', and the other's 'Wild Rose' (unavailable now). Both of those are noticeable enough so you'd have to be careful with your after shave so as not to conflict.
Hope that helps,
Martin

[Rorschuck]

Some creams and soaps just smell so dang good that it can make my morning. I don't need coffee; a nice Nancy Boy Signature or Castle Forbes Lavender or T&H Grafton or AOS Sandalwood or HoneyBee Ye Olde Barbershop shave really perks me up and is just a freakin' sweet way to start the day. That last one burns my skin a bit, but it smells so good I still deal with it on occasion.