High End Creams - The Agony Of Choice

Thanks for all the great responses. And useful information. I think I am just going to close my eyes and pick one from either SMN or ADP - seems I cant go wrong.

I have used GFT soaps, so I have had some experience with triple milled soaps - and found it difficult to get used to - my lather would be thin and bubbly. So I may pass on the SV. If I did plump for that one - Stella Alpina would be my choice.

Sufshaver - could you describe the SMN scent for me? Have you tried ADP - how do they compare/differ?

And Michael P - your post really gave me food for thought. I like firmer creams (I like CF but don't like the scents too much) - it sounds like ADP and SMN are both firmer (especially compared to SJOL) and provide great glide and slickness for my Mongoose.

Hmmmm, choices!

SMN is a Tobacco Toscano scent -- think a warm, green tobacco (not at all smoky), but combined with menthol and eucalyptus. I find it an intoxicating blend of warm and cool. The menthol is mild and I don't consider it a "menthol" soap at all.

SMN is a Tobacco Toscano scent -- think a warm, green tobacco (not at all smoky), but combined with menthol and eucalyptus. I find it an intoxicating blend of warm and cool. The menthol is mild and I don't consider it a "menthol" soap at all.

Couldn't agree more, surfshaver-the scent on the SMN is just beautiful. Light enough to work year round, too, unlike some tobacco scents which work best in the winter.

And Michael P - your post really gave me food for thought. I like firmer creams (I like CF but don't like the scents too much) - it sounds like ADP and SMN are both firmer (especially compared to SJOL) and provide great glide and slickness for my Mongoose.

Toffeeman you said B&M and C&S dried out your face. Interesting, since they're both tallow-based soaps. You might lean toward the non-tallow for the Mongoose.

You also mentioned XPEC. You're right, the scent is pleasant, but nothing special, but the performance is top notch. I find it easier to lather than the AdP and SMN. SMN can be a little finicky. Nuàvia is probably the easiest to lather of the high-end Italian soaps, but the scents are not everyone's cup of tea. I love all 3 scents, especially the Blu.

I haven't tried ADP because my understanding is the new version of the cream does not come with the classic ADP Colonia scent. My understanding is the performance is top notch.

I love the Italians. SMN v3, ABC, and Valobra are among my absolute favorites. Someday I'll try Nuavia, SV, and Boellis.

Nick prone skin.....sounds like me! Ever get red skin, even if it isn't razor burn, after you shave?

Give Dolomiti from SV a serious consideration. That is my stand by and is always my first choice when my acne is acting up. If you have any questions on SV soaps, shoot me a PM and I get you all the info you'll want.

I haven't tried Nuavia but even though I am not a fan of creams, ST James of London is really nice stuff and I enjoyed testing it. I did try old formula ADP soap and it was good, and smelled heavenly but I am not sure whether that or SMV is better to most people.

So, searching availability, If I go for ADP or SMN, these are my options:

ADP Cream + ADP Aftershave balm - $110
SMN Cream + Tobacco Toscana Cologne - $206

Im ok with either price. But want quality and value for money. Im leaning towards the SMN products.

So, searching availability, If I go for ADP or SMN, these are my options:

ADP Cream + ADP Aftershave balm - $110
SMN Cream + Tobacco Toscana Cologne - $206

Im ok with either price. But want quality and value for money. Im leaning towards the SMN products.

What is your weather going to be like for the next 6 months? Hot? If so, go SMN! That stuff smells great, is cool, refreshing, a little bit intoxicating kind of like I Coloniali.

So, searching availability, If I go for ADP or SMN, these are my options:

ADP Cream + ADP Aftershave balm - $110
SMN Cream + Tobacco Toscana Cologne - $206

Im ok with either price. But want quality and value for money. Im leaning towards the SMN products.

What is your weather going to be like for the next 6 months? Hot? If so, go SMN! That stuff smells great, is cool, refreshing, a little bit intoxicating kind of like I Coloniali.

I live in Alaska. Max temps in the high 60's in July and August.

zaclikestoshave - I just sent you a PM - did you get it?

So, searching availability, If I go for ADP or SMN, these are my options:

ADP Cream + ADP Aftershave balm - $110
SMN Cream + Tobacco Toscana Cologne - $206

Im ok with either price. But want quality and value for money. Im leaning towards the SMN products.

What is your weather going to be like for the next 6 months? Hot? If so, go SMN! That stuff smells great, is cool, refreshing, a little bit intoxicating kind of like I Coloniali.

I live in Alaska. Max temps in the high 60's in July and August.

Well I don't know if you have any idea of what the scent is like but 2 weeks ago I smelled the Tobacco Toscano Cologne and it my nose it was pleasantly similar to the soap. This soap does have a bit of menthol. Do you cold water shave in Alaska tough guy? I'm in Cali. I wear a jacket in 75F weather. I'm not much of winter fan. Haha

I love the cold. T shirts in 20-40F days here. Love it. Only time I wrap up is when Im fishing. I used to shave with Queen Charlottes Soaps - Vostok - freeze your face stuff. LOL

Now, SMN - does the cologne really smell like tobacco?