I had expected this shave stick from Mystic Water to have a sweet fragrance, but to my surprise, the fragrance seemed more serious, with a dark, masculine vibe. The fragrance I experienced could be the effect of age (of the shave stick and/or myself), but it was a far cry from the somewhat cloying fragrance I anticipated — and a pleasant surprise. The first thing in the morning is for me not a good time for sweetness.
The lather was strikingly good. After rubbing the stick against the grain over my pre-shave stubble, I brushed vigorously with the damp Mühle gen 2 synthetic, and immediately the lather arose. I brushed it over and into all my stubble, and found that the lather became thick and dense — much as though I had spread shaving cream in a thin layer over my face with a palette knife.
So I wet the brush a little more with a heavy driblet of water, and the dense deposit of shaving cream lightened into lather — a very pleasant lather with the fragrance as descrbed.
My 1940s Gillette Aristocrat was on its best behavior today — razors do like a fresh blade, and I believe I replaced the blade in this razor just a few shaves ago. I easily and comfortably produced a perfect result in three passes.[
I chose Myrsol’s Lemon Water to carry forward the citrus theme, and it was a pleasant choice. I applied a good splash mixed with a couple of squirts of Grooming Dept Hydrating Gel, and now I’m ready for the weekend.
The tea this morning is Murchie’s 1894 Select Orange Pekoe: “A union of bright Ceylon and rich Assam teas, this strong, traditional blend is designed to celebrate and elevate the everyday ‘cuppa’ tea.”