I recently moved the blog over to WordPress, and as I was reviewing my wet shaving content, I discovered something was missing: a review of the D. R. Harris Windsor shaving soap, aftershave, and eau de toilette. Spoiler alert: they’re some of my favorite products. I mean, for the amount of times D. R. Harris shows up in my instagram feed, they better be, right? But after all this time, I should have a few good reasons why? So, here is my D. R. Harris Windsor review.
D. R. Harris Windsor Shaving Soap
Admittedly, I am more of a shaving soap guy than a shaving cream guy. (Although the D. R. Harris Windsor shaving cream is fantastic too!) I prefer some extra slickness over cushion, and I find that my shaves are just slightly closer with a shaving soap. Now when it comes to shaving soaps, my preference will always be tallow-based soaps (which unfortunately seem to be a dying breed). Luckily there are a few left, and D. R. Harris Windsor is one of them. I have found over the years that tallow shaving soaps lather a little better and a little thicker than most veggie-based soaps.
The D. R. Harris Windsor shaving soap is a joy to lather. I tend to get my best results using a softer badger brush like a silver tip or a best badger. The additional water these brushes hold really help the building process. Once applied, the lather is exceptionally slick, and my razor always glides easily and effectively. The scent is present and noticeable, but not overpowering. It just helps enrich the shaving process. On the whole, there are very few shaving soaps I would list above the D. R. Harris Windsor. And, while I am aware it’s expensive, I think it’s worth every penny and lasts for quite a long time.
D. R. Harris Windsor Aftershave
I know this goes against conventional thinking, but I prefer aftershave splashes over balms. I used to refuse aftershave balms, but a few brands were able to convince me of their benefits. However, given my free choice, I’ll take a splash. I prefer using a splash in conjunction with a moisturizer. My skin seems to respond better.
D. R. Harris’ Windsor aftershave is just what I love in an aftershave splash. It has a touch of cooling menthol, some skin-nourishing ingredients, and a moderate strength fragrance that lasts about an hour on its own. Just like the shaving soap, I can’t think of very many aftershave splashes I would rank higher than this one.
D. R. Harris Windsor Eau de Toilette
While I don’t think the Windsor fragrance is anything revolutionary in the world of men’s fragrance, it is a wonderfully masculine blend of citrus, leather, and vetiver that will draw attention without causing offense. It’s a classic European fragrance that has made its way to the US over the past few years. It’s not groundbreaking, but is still quite enjoyable. If you love the Windsor fragrance and find the aftershave doesn’t last long enough for your taste, the Windsor EdT is the perfect year-round, everyday fragrance that isn’t too strong or too light. (If you need a little extra kick, this Parfum might fit the bill.)
Conclusion
The D. R. Harris Windsor shaving products are some of my favorite that I own, and I use them with more regularity that anything else in my shaving cabinet. If you’re new to wet shaving, or if you’re just new to D. R. Harris, I highly recommend picking up a few of these products. Start with the shaving soap and aftershave, then add the EdT if you love it. D. R. Harris also offers a shaving cream and an aftershave milk (balm) if that’s more your speed.