Right before the holidays, I took another dip into my sample pack and reached for the Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar. I’ve written enough reviews that I’m actually starting to run out of samples. I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but this is the best sample pack out there. Sure you have to shell out a few bucks for it. But what you get make the expense well worth the price. I get at least three shaves per sample of cream and aftershave balm. The samples have always been in excellent condition; never dried out, broken, or expired. I find them more than adequate to provide an opportunity for a fair assessment of each shaving cream, aftershave balm, and cologne.
Trafalgar Shaving Cream
I recently posted a picture on Instagram displaying the copious amount of lather I produced from my tub of Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood shaving cream. (I was not tooting my own horn, but displaying the quality of the shaving cream itself) One of the follower responses I received mentioned that he liked the TOBS shaving creams, but found that they dried his face out. He stated that Truefitt and Hill shaving creams were more moisturizing and nourishing on his skin. Prompted by this comment, I wanted to see how my skin responded. I also found that the Truefitt and Hill was gentler on my skin and more luxurious than the Taylor’s (which is still a great shaving cream in its own right). The price is higher for the Truefitt & Hill, but I found the value and quality to be about in line with that price increase.
Lathering the Trafalgar shaving cream is exceptionally easy. I was able to build a beautiful, bountiful lather using both boar and badger shaving brushes. I did find that using a badger brush increased the overall luxury of the process. The glide and cushion are fantastic as well. This is one of the most comfortable shaving creams I have used. I really enjoyed the scent. I found the strength of the fragrance to be right where I want it in a shaving cream; not too light, but not overpowering either.
Trafalgar Aftershave Balm
If I could improve on one thing about Truefitt & Hill’s sample packs, it would be to find a way to include samples of their aftershave splashes, either instead of their aftershave balms or alongside their aftershave balms. I simply prefer aftershave splashes. I already have the 1805 splash, and really like it. It’s not that I don’t enjoy Truefitt & Hill’s aftershave balms; they’re actually some of the best balms out there. I would just like the chance to try some of the splashes too. Okay, end of rant. Back to the Trafalgar aftershave balm. This balm is exceptionally nourishing and healing after a close shave. However, surprisingly, it is not overly thick. Typically, the most moisturizing balms I have used are also the thickest. Truefitt has crafted a wonderful balm that will not gum up the works with excess product. It is a perfect choice during colder months or for guys with drier skin.
Trafalgar Cologne
The Trafalgar Eau de Cologne (EdC) is a nice blend of spice and woods that suits cold weather perfectly. I would wear this from October through February. Unfortunately, my main issue is the longevity of this fragrance. I get a little under six hours from this cologne. Now that’s not too bad for a EdC, but I really wish Truefitt and Hill had formulated this (and the rest of their colognes) as Eau de Toilettes instead. On the whole, this is a solid, understated, classic fragrance, it could just use some longer legs.
