In praise of MdC.
I now own all three LE versions; Argumes (citrus), 'Vetyver' and Rose. Contrary to my own philosophy, from a few years back, paying £50ish for a shaving soap was bordering on insanity. I know fully appreciate the cost:quality:longevity argument. Evidentially I'm happy to pay this sum for this brand of soap, but still feel the price is relatively high (especially with the exclusion of glass jars).
Compared to the standard options (Fougere, Original and Unscented) the LE soaps are slightly softer. I don't think this is intentional, IMO purely curing time. Being softer it is easier for the brush to pick up the soap. I should verify that when I state 'softer' this does not suggest a putty texture but soft enough to make an impression when pressed. So being softer it is easier to load a brush (especially badger) and subsequently quicker to lather. As a rough visual guide my fougere used approx 6 times has no indication of use. The Vetyver after 6 uses had a small central impression. I will upload pictures at some point.
I absolutely adore the Vetyver option, with Rose coming in at a close second. The beauty of MdC apart from the drier post shave, which I prefer, is the complexity of scent. The bouquet is always understated, not in your face, yet it develops throughout the shave and lingers after. No heavy face feel or over oily residue is left.
Rose and Vetyver have to my nose a similar base, with the latter being slightly spicier and again IMO having a slight rose tone. 'Vetyver' as mentioned before is a clean note, no muddy or earthy tones. Lavender and the vetiver root itself add a depth, incorporating spiced notes. Heather and rose is what I describe as base notes, to smoothen and warm the bouquet. Argumes had me prepping my BST post mentally on opening. On lathering the sweet opal fruit/starburst scent is transformed to a sour lemon oil and rounded off with a citronella-bergamot-lavender mix. It provides that gorgeous zesty fresh sour lemon fragrance after the shave too. Very light on the face and not as drying as other citrus based soaps. Rose has a garden or freshly cut flower profile, the green stem is also apparent. No sickly sweet rose syrup or Kewra water esq scent. Delightful.
I now own all three LE versions; Argumes (citrus), 'Vetyver' and Rose. Contrary to my own philosophy, from a few years back, paying £50ish for a shaving soap was bordering on insanity. I know fully appreciate the cost:quality:longevity argument. Evidentially I'm happy to pay this sum for this brand of soap, but still feel the price is relatively high (especially with the exclusion of glass jars).
Compared to the standard options (Fougere, Original and Unscented) the LE soaps are slightly softer. I don't think this is intentional, IMO purely curing time. Being softer it is easier for the brush to pick up the soap. I should verify that when I state 'softer' this does not suggest a putty texture but soft enough to make an impression when pressed. So being softer it is easier to load a brush (especially badger) and subsequently quicker to lather. As a rough visual guide my fougere used approx 6 times has no indication of use. The Vetyver after 6 uses had a small central impression. I will upload pictures at some point.
I absolutely adore the Vetyver option, with Rose coming in at a close second. The beauty of MdC apart from the drier post shave, which I prefer, is the complexity of scent. The bouquet is always understated, not in your face, yet it develops throughout the shave and lingers after. No heavy face feel or over oily residue is left.
Rose and Vetyver have to my nose a similar base, with the latter being slightly spicier and again IMO having a slight rose tone. 'Vetyver' as mentioned before is a clean note, no muddy or earthy tones. Lavender and the vetiver root itself add a depth, incorporating spiced notes. Heather and rose is what I describe as base notes, to smoothen and warm the bouquet. Argumes had me prepping my BST post mentally on opening. On lathering the sweet opal fruit/starburst scent is transformed to a sour lemon oil and rounded off with a citronella-bergamot-lavender mix. It provides that gorgeous zesty fresh sour lemon fragrance after the shave too. Very light on the face and not as drying as other citrus based soaps. Rose has a garden or freshly cut flower profile, the green stem is also apparent. No sickly sweet rose syrup or Kewra water esq scent. Delightful.