Performance is and will always be king when it comes to evaluating shaving soaps and creams, but, for me, a close second is fragrance. Shaving is a sensory experience. The feeling of the blade just barely scraping the surface of my skin, the precision of finishing off the tough spots, and of course, the scent permeating my entire shave setup. Certainly, if a soap or a cream is ineffective, I won’t use it, but I will avoid those that don’t smell good too. I don’t have the time to waste on bad smells.
For me, there are no scents better than those that crop up during fall. I’m not talking about pumpkin spice and sickeningly sweet candles. I mean real fall scents: earthiness, dampness, smoke, wood, leather, etc. These are the fragrances that get me going, and that’s why I think autumn is my favorite time of the years for olfactory opulence. With that in mind, I picked out five shaving soaps and creams that, in addition to their performance, are perfect for this time of year.
Truefitt and Hill Trafalgar Shaving Cream
Trafalgar is classic fall. Cedar and spice and everything night. This is also one of the best lathering, most comfortable shaving creams I have tried. And if you don’t want to take my word for it, listen to Sharpologist.
Pick up the complementary aftershave balm too.
Barrister & Mann Hallows Shaving Soap
Want to check out what Halloween smells like? Then Hallows is for you. I don’t mean candy and costumes. I mean death, dirt, damp, and evil. Hallows is all those and more. It’s a top-performing shave soap from one of the best makers out there when it comes to fragrance. This is certainly a unique one, but one that won’t disappoint.
Pick up the complementary aftershave balm too.
Tabac Shaving Soap
Now Tabac is old school. This is what men were shaving with in the sixties. The fragrance is described as lavender and citrus, but I always found it darker than that. I think this is more of all fall fragrance than a spring or summer one, albeit a lighter one.
Pick up the complementary aftershave splash too.
Fine Accoutrements L’Orange Noir Shaving Soap
Mr. Fine is known for basing his shaving soaps and aftershaves on some of the most iconic fragrances in the world. I love using a consistent fragrance in my shaving routine, so when I can match up shaving and cologne, I’m a happy man. L’Orange Noir is based on the ubiquitous Hermès Terre d’Hermès EDT. I think this fragrance could be a signature scent used all year long, but it really shines in fall.
Pick up the complementary aftershave splash too.
Stirling Soap Co. Gatlinburg Shaving Soap
Have you ever been to Gatlinburg? Well, I have, and it’s quaint AF. I remember going through the Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum there as a kid. It’s pretty close to Dollywood, which is also awesome. G-burg is nestled in the Smoky Mountains, which is exactly what shaving with this soap feels like.
Pick up the complementary aftershave splash too.
All five of these shaving creams and soaps are perfect for autumn and winter. The scents will get your day started off on the right track even when the weather outside is harsher than you might prefer. Which one are you going to try first?
