High End Creams - The Agony Of Choice

Hi All

This is my first post! I look forward to some great discussions, and advice.

I recently purchased a Mongoose 2 SE razor, and I am really looking forward to using it. To treat myself, I want to by a new cream/or soap. High end - money no object. It has to have great cushion, slickness, a great post shave feel, and a nice scent.

After reading lots of threads on here I have narrowed my choice down to the following, and I was wondering what you all think would be a good choice. It will be my first time using a SE - which would be better a soap or cream?

Acqua Di Parma
Tabula Rasa
St James Of London
Saponificio Varesino
Santa Maria Novella

Another thing. I have relatively sensitive skin, and prone to nicks.

Thank you all in advance.

Welcome! Tabula Rasa is the only one I have on that list, and it's outstanding. I think I'd place Nuavia and MdC slightly above, but not by much.

Welcome! Tabula Rasa is the only one I have on that list, and it's outstanding. I think I'd place Nuavia and MdC slightly above, but not by much.

Thanks Scott. Yeah, I'm leaning toward Tabula Rasa (or Acqua di Parma). As I said I have sensitive skin so the Light Cream scented one is piquing my interest. ADP the same - as I hear the new formula is not as strong scented.

I've tried MdC - dried my skin out. And as for Nuavia - I said money was no object however I feel you are paying half that price just for the ceramic container - and there are no refills.

I hear ya. If you're looking for top performers with mild scents, I'd also look at Sudsy Soapery and Eufros, as well as Wm Neumann cream and Castle Forbes, but you've done your homework, obviously. I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of your choices.

Of your list I have Santa Maria Novella V.3, Tabula Rasa and St James of London and would rank them in that order. All are very close though in terms of performance but SMN is probably the best of any shaving cream or soap that I have used.

Of your list I have Santa Maria Novella V.3, Tabula Rasa and St James of London and would rank them in that order. All are very close though in terms of performance but SMN is probably the best of any shaving cream or soap that I have used.

Is the post shave as good with SMN as it is said to be with AdP? I cant decide between the two. Sigh!

Tabula Rasa intrigues me, and I actually have a sample of SJOL Cedarwood and Clarysage - which is a mesmerizing scent.

Of your list I have Santa Maria Novella V.3, Tabula Rasa and St James of London and would rank them in that order. All are very close though in terms of performance but SMN is probably the best of any shaving cream or soap that I have used.

Is the post shave as good with SMN as it is said to be with AdP? I cant decide between the two. Sigh!

Tabula Rasa intrigues me, and I actually have a sample of SJOL Cedarwood and Clarysage - which is a mesmerizing scent.

I have not used ADP but the post shave on the SMN is one of the very best I know of.

AdP shave soap is an amazing experience. Saponificio Varesino is among my favorite soaps, most notably Cosmo and Tundra. Tabula Rasa is a unique experience and one worth trying if money is no objective. I don't think you can go wrong with any of those, although SV probably isn't the best one to learn with if you haven't built lather with triple milled soaps.

Oops. I forgot I have SV Cosmo, in addition to Tabula Rasa. On my face, the TR is much better.

Oops. I forgot I have SV Cosmo, in addition to Tabula Rasa. On my face, the TR is much better.

It's been a while since I used TR but I recall the post shave was among the best, if not the absolute best. I think it's time to pick a scent and order one.