After some period of time, it becomes oxymoronic to refer to something as a “novelty,” since newness is the essence of novelty. (I recall a new construction at my alma mater that was called “the new building” for a decade or more — something possible only in a college that doesn’t do all that much construction.) Chiseled Face’s Summer Storm, a novelty fragrance by my previous definition, has proved to have an enduring appeal: the fragrance of petichor is appealing, promising renewal after a storm has passed, a rebirth of possibilities, and a fine way to start a new day (a novelty day?).
It helps, of course, that the soap is excellent, and with my RazoRock 400 synthetic, I got a really excellent lather from that soap. As with all synthetics, I shook it well before starting to load so that excess water held in the knot would not hinder the loading.
Three passes with my RazoRock Lupo — a razor with distinct blade feel and a sense of great efficiency, white still being quite comfortable — left my face perfectly smooth and ready for a splash of Summer Storm aftershave, which seems to bring a slight (and appropriate) chill, presumably due to a touch of menthol… yes:
Alcohol, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera Juice, Fragrance, Calendula, Sodium Lactate, Menthol, Vitamin B5 Pro, Astaxanthin
I note in reading that perhaps one reason that Summer Storm has legs is that the fragrance is more layered and has more depth than the simplicity of the Dark Chocolate of yesterday’s shave: “Moist earth, oak moss, cut grass, pine needles, orange, lemon, ozone, white jasmine, lily of the valley, geranium and musk.”
I will note in passing, though, that the Dark Chocolate aftershave wore very well. I still enjoyed catching a whiff of the fragrance, which seemed to have changed character and acquired more depth over the day, well into the evening. If it ever returns, I recommend it. And in the meantime, Summer Storm seems here to stay.