If you are a frequent reader of this blog, there are probably a few things you know about me. I typically prefer shaving soaps over shaving creams. I think men should experiment with more floral fragrances like they used to wear in the beginning of the twentieth century and earlier. And I am a big fan of the Geo. F. Trumper Coral Skin Food. You can read my review of this amazing post-shave product here. So, it only makes sense that I should try and like the Geo. F. Trumper Rose Shaving Soap. Unfortunately, things are not always as they seem.
My biggest issue with Trumper’s Rose Shaving Soap is the lather. I have tried and tried and tried to get a thick and rich lather from my puck and just can’t seem to find get it. Even when I get the lather looking meringue-like, it always dries up on my face. I am willing to admit that it’s possible there’s an issue with my water, but I have had no issues lathers soaps from Cella, Proraso, Taylor of Old Bond Street, The Art of Shaving, Barrister & Mann, RazoRock, Tabac, D.R. Harris or Arko. I’ve tried hot water, cool water, cold water, lots of water, just a little water and everywhere in between. The lather just never comes together. When I do lather my face, the soap feels extremely slick, but there is not a lot of cushion. My first few strokes are comfortable, then the lather dries up before my first pass is done and I almost always nick myself. My trouble spots, like my neck, are even more difficult due to the lack of glide for my razor. After some research, I believe the issue is linked to a reformulation in the production of their soaps switching from a tallow base to a palm oil base. I have always been a fan of tallow-based soaps, so I was disheartened to discover this. Hopefully Trumper’s can correct this issue.
I’m mostly disappointed because I love the smell of this soap, and wish I could use it. I think rose is a wonderful fall and winter fragrance. I also love Geo. F. Trumper’s as a whole. I think this is a fabulous company, with a rich history extending almost one hundred fifty years. They make some incredible products that I use almost daily, like the Coral Skin Food. However, I cannot, in good conscience recommend the Rose Shaving Soap, especially at thirty-five dollars. I do, however, recommend rose as a fragrance, especially for those with sensitive skin. With that in mind, I would try either the Taylor of Old Bond Street Rose Shaving Cream, the D.R. Harris Rose Shaving Cream or the Catie’s Bubble “La Rose du Mechant” Shaving Soap.
As always we love to hear from our readers. Please let us know your thoughts on anything in which you are interested, especially if you have had success with the Trumper’s Rose Shaving Soap. You can comment here or reach out to us on social media using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+.
Regards,