Before my shower, I opened the tub of soap, as is my habit, and I wet the knot of the Omega Pro boar brush thoroughly so it could soak while I showered. Because these products are newly arrived, I also unscrewed the aftershave to remove the seal that protects against leakage in transit. This is a recent innovation, as is the new size of the orifice reducer, which now is extremely small, parsimonious in its dispensation of aftershave.
I started the timer when I turned on the hot-water tap to wet my stubble. I unscrewed the tub of Grooming Dept Moisturizing Pre-Shave, took a small amount on a fingertip, replaced the lid, and then rubbed the preshave thoroughly into the wet stubble. I then splashed a bit of hot water on my face and rubbed that in.
I held the shaving brush under the hot-water tap and shook it out and started loading the brush. At this point, a minute had passed. With the brush well-loaded, I worked up a lather and spent a little time working it into the stubble.
The razor today is the Parker slant (which, I imagine for marketing reasons, they call a “semi-slant”), mounted her on a Yaqi handle because I found the Parker handle uncomfortably long. I did my usual three-pass shave — not rushing, but also not dawdling: just a good workmanlike daily shave.
After three passes, I rinsed the brush (hot water until clear, then cold water and shake it dry) and also my face. I dried my face and applied a splash of Lo Haiku aftershave, and stopped the timer, which was almost exactly 5 minutes: 05:00:29 — 5 minutes and 0.29 seconds. (That last count is not sexigesimal but decimal and shows hundredths of a second — so a little less than 5 minutes 1/3 second.)
Lo~Haiku is Phoenix Shaving’s take on Hai Karate. It’s not currently listed on the website (I ordered it from an email). His comment:
… I would put Hai Karate in the same family as Old Spice and English Leather, all classics in their own right…but HK was different. I think of it as the goofy, younger brother of Black Belt that got the job done in a leisurely fashion, and never took itself too seriously.
- Top notes: lavender, bergamot, lemon, rosemary, anise
- Middle notes: geranium, fern, carnation, cinnamon, cedar, heliotrope
- Base notes: oakmoss, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, musk
Typically we as wet shavers collect the classic scents that our dads and grandads wore, but this is probably more like a classic that your older brother wore…a classic none the less and a musk everyone should have in their shave arsenal!
As you might expect, I decided to rewire Lo~Haiku with some much needed upgrades. In the splash and EDP you will find Indian Bdellium resin and Willow Bark Extract. Both superstars in their own right!You’ll also see on the label I dropped the Rose Water and chose to go with French Lavender Hydrosol & Oakmoss Hydrosol instead and man what a difference, a whole other world of subscents!
Guggul It!
Indian bdellium, known as guggul (myrrh) in Hindi, has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicines since ancient times for its powerful therapeutic properties. Guggul is a gum resin obtained from the guggul tree and contains various plant essential oils and steroid compounds.
Guggul Resin also contains a potent compound known as guggulsterone, which has been used to support skin health. It has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for skin related problems. What better an additive for an aftershave?
White Willow Bark?
Willow bark contains salicylic acid, derived from salicin, which helps to thwart ingrown hairs.
In addition to salicin, Willow Bark Extract is also high in tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and various minerals, all of which help soothe the skin and aid in cell regeneration, allowing for a more youthful, refreshed complexion. Below, we’ve broken down the major ingredients to delve more thoroughly into their unique benefits.
- Salicin — Named after the willow tree genus itself, salix, salicin (natural salicylic acid) has excellent skin saving properties. Suitable for most skin types, salicin has been shown to diminish wrinkles, reduce the appearance of pores, and even out skin tone while promoting increased firmness. A natural exfoliant, salicin sloughs off dead skin cells and clears pores to reveal a more radiant, clear complexion. Although extremely effective, Salicin is gentle and non-irritating, making it safe for nearly all skin types.
- Polyphenols — Phytonutrients (nutrients found in plants) with high antioxidant activity, polyphenols help our bodies—and therefore our skin—fight free radicals that damage our skin’s DNA and contribute to signs of aging. Polyphenols also aid in moisture retention, allowing our skin to stay hydrated and healthy. These powerful nutrients even help protect against photodamage, protecting our skin during sun exposure and minimizing redness and puffiness afterward.
- Tannins — Willow Bark Extract also contains tannins, organic substances found in bark and other plant-based tissue. Tannins are highly astringent, which means they shrink or constrict body tissue, including the skin’s. Tannins may also help control excess oil on the skin.
- Flavonoids — A type of polyphenol, flavonoids are high in antioxidant properties, making them excellent anti-agers. Fighting free radicals, flavonoids help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They’re also effective in protecting the skin’s barrier from environmental damage, such as UV exposure, and thereby preventing DNA damage. Flavonoids have even been shown to inhibit photodamage after UV exposure.
So yeah, this is one of those reasons why you prefer aftershave/colognes from PAA over anywhere else…Epic, well thought out, skin food additions! Lastly, the artwork! Being that I consider Lo~Haiku the younger brother of Black Bot, it only seemed only fitting to have little bro emulate big bro in a less epic and more comical way…and under careful observation of the CUBE!Super excited to bring back yet another classic musk to the folks that “get it”! …
As you might guess, although the full scent profile is intriguing, it was the vanilla and tonka bean that won me over. I like it — and feeling my face as I write, I have to say today’s shave was excellent — naturally enough (CK-6 and slant razor).
The tea this morning is Murchie’s Assam Tippy Golden: “A dark, rich tea with full-bodied, malty flavour, with a hint of sweetness and a silk smooth finish.”