![[Image: UnrcD0L.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/UnrcD0L.jpg)
Member
Woodstock, VT
(This post was last modified: 02-26-2016, 12:13 AM by vtmax. Edit Reason: spell )
Tabula Rasa Steampunk is a great cream/soap and scent. It's been a while. TB came bursting on the scene, faded a bit, came back with Steam Punk and again not much talk of the brand these days. I have not used it in quite some time and would pick this up down the road. I remember it being a quality product.
Member
San Francisco
(This post was last modified: 02-26-2016, 12:18 AM by onethinline.)
Yay Tabula Rasa! Granted my experience with it is somewhat limited since my tubs are fairly new to me, but I've really enjoyed my shaves with it. And the scents (I have Vetiver & Tangerine, Cardamom, and now Steam Punk) are excellent. To me it's a luxury cream experience at a more approachable price.
David : DE shaving since Nov 2014. Nowadays giving in to the single-edge siren call.
Member
Tabula Rasa Vetiver & Tangerine
Overall Rating: 9/10
Packaging: Decent, but not especially noteworthy. The plastic tub is plastic (meh), yet very solid and well designed. Ingredients are listed on the top of a seal, which sits under the cap and fits over the opening of the tub.
Olfactory impressions: Smells like the name. From what I can tell, and based on the ingredients, it appears that the scent is crafted using essential oils/extracts. Vetiver & Tangerine is a simple scent that smells very natural, very high quality, and very pleasant. Most of the scents I have tried from this line are similarly high quality. If you are interested in trying this brand, I'd recommend the Vetiver & Tangerine flavor and Steampunk, which is a powdery violet-based scent that brings to mind the Steampunk aesthetic.
Performance characteristics: First, despite what it says on the label, this should not be considered a soap. The consistency is that of a very soft, airy cream. Airy is a word that I have chosen carefully - the product looks and feels very much like a "whipped" cream. Supposedly there was an earlier version of this soap that was much harder and more difficult to lather. Perhaps then it could have been considered a soap, but not anymore. A rather large tub of the "soap" contains 90g of product, which tells you a great deal about its consistency.
Moving right along, the newer, softer version lathers very easily. On the other hand, there is still a sweet spot for the lather, but with no visual sign that it has been reached. If you lather it properly, you can tell the difference in feel and performance, as it will perform much more effectively than when lathered improperly. Properly lathered and hydrated, Tabula Rasa is extraordinarily protective, very slick, and possesses extreme cushion. There is a Swiss ingredient compound in this product (STIMU-TEX), which supposedly makes it better for those with sensitive skin. I say supposedly because this claim is accurate, but with some caveats (see the post-shave section for details). In any case, this ingredient compound - combined with a significant amount of other oils and butters - seems to aid performance, particularly in the area of in-shave protection.
Post-shave feel and look: My complexion post-shave looks and feels neutral, as if the skin had not been shaved (it is not extremely dry nor extremely moisturizing with my skin). And while it does calm redness and many other sensitive skin issues very effectively, despite the claim of this product being good for sensitive skin, I don't think this would be great for those with especially (and I mean especially) dry skin or skin that is prone to shave bump issues. It will simply not be moisturizing enough for those people, though the combination of ingredients does seem to condition the skin very well. If you have normal to oily skin, this would be a great choice, as the moisturizing properties and other aspects of performance will likely work well with your skin type.
Who might like this product: Users with normal to oily skin types who are looking for a great shaving cream with exceptional fragrances. Scent is a big attractor to this brand, as the fragrances are unique and very high quality. If you have a few creams but are looking for something unique that is scented with care, give Tabula Rasa a try. It's actually quite different from the British creams, both in consistency and performance.
Who might not like this product: Users with extremely dry and sensitive skin (I'd recommend something else for you). Additionally, while I don't like to comment on cost issues, I feel that I should make an exception here, hopefully for a good reason: This is a luxury product at an approachable price, as onethinline suggested. However, it is not a good investment if you are especially concerned about price per shave. The large tub is somewhat deceptive - again, it only contains 90g of product, and since the consistency is lighter and more airy than other creams, it is actually much more expensive than the price tag might suggest. In terms of price per shave, it would probably work out to be nearly equivalent to a tub of ADP, XPEC, or SMN.
******
Thanks for reading gents! If you have any comments or suggestions on the format of this review, please let me know.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Packaging: Decent, but not especially noteworthy. The plastic tub is plastic (meh), yet very solid and well designed. Ingredients are listed on the top of a seal, which sits under the cap and fits over the opening of the tub.
Olfactory impressions: Smells like the name. From what I can tell, and based on the ingredients, it appears that the scent is crafted using essential oils/extracts. Vetiver & Tangerine is a simple scent that smells very natural, very high quality, and very pleasant. Most of the scents I have tried from this line are similarly high quality. If you are interested in trying this brand, I'd recommend the Vetiver & Tangerine flavor and Steampunk, which is a powdery violet-based scent that brings to mind the Steampunk aesthetic.
Performance characteristics: First, despite what it says on the label, this should not be considered a soap. The consistency is that of a very soft, airy cream. Airy is a word that I have chosen carefully - the product looks and feels very much like a "whipped" cream. Supposedly there was an earlier version of this soap that was much harder and more difficult to lather. Perhaps then it could have been considered a soap, but not anymore. A rather large tub of the "soap" contains 90g of product, which tells you a great deal about its consistency.
Moving right along, the newer, softer version lathers very easily. On the other hand, there is still a sweet spot for the lather, but with no visual sign that it has been reached. If you lather it properly, you can tell the difference in feel and performance, as it will perform much more effectively than when lathered improperly. Properly lathered and hydrated, Tabula Rasa is extraordinarily protective, very slick, and possesses extreme cushion. There is a Swiss ingredient compound in this product (STIMU-TEX), which supposedly makes it better for those with sensitive skin. I say supposedly because this claim is accurate, but with some caveats (see the post-shave section for details). In any case, this ingredient compound - combined with a significant amount of other oils and butters - seems to aid performance, particularly in the area of in-shave protection.
Post-shave feel and look: My complexion post-shave looks and feels neutral, as if the skin had not been shaved (it is not extremely dry nor extremely moisturizing with my skin). And while it does calm redness and many other sensitive skin issues very effectively, despite the claim of this product being good for sensitive skin, I don't think this would be great for those with especially (and I mean especially) dry skin or skin that is prone to shave bump issues. It will simply not be moisturizing enough for those people, though the combination of ingredients does seem to condition the skin very well. If you have normal to oily skin, this would be a great choice, as the moisturizing properties and other aspects of performance will likely work well with your skin type.
Who might like this product: Users with normal to oily skin types who are looking for a great shaving cream with exceptional fragrances. Scent is a big attractor to this brand, as the fragrances are unique and very high quality. If you have a few creams but are looking for something unique that is scented with care, give Tabula Rasa a try. It's actually quite different from the British creams, both in consistency and performance.
Who might not like this product: Users with extremely dry and sensitive skin (I'd recommend something else for you). Additionally, while I don't like to comment on cost issues, I feel that I should make an exception here, hopefully for a good reason: This is a luxury product at an approachable price, as onethinline suggested. However, it is not a good investment if you are especially concerned about price per shave. The large tub is somewhat deceptive - again, it only contains 90g of product, and since the consistency is lighter and more airy than other creams, it is actually much more expensive than the price tag might suggest. In terms of price per shave, it would probably work out to be nearly equivalent to a tub of ADP, XPEC, or SMN.
******
Thanks for reading gents! If you have any comments or suggestions on the format of this review, please let me know.
Member
San Francisco
A well-written, detailed, and helpful review. Bodes well for more to come (which I'm looking forward to).
Adding to what you wrote, I find the quality of Tabula Rasa's lather to be very immediately likable. For me it lathers into creamy slickness pretty quickly, and somehow feels a bit more luxurious than something like TOBS (which also lathers nicely, and which I enjoy). The skin-friendliness and slickness are there, of course, but what I'm liking best about TR now is the scent and feel of the lather. Olfactive-tactile satisfaction FTW.
Adding to what you wrote, I find the quality of Tabula Rasa's lather to be very immediately likable. For me it lathers into creamy slickness pretty quickly, and somehow feels a bit more luxurious than something like TOBS (which also lathers nicely, and which I enjoy). The skin-friendliness and slickness are there, of course, but what I'm liking best about TR now is the scent and feel of the lather. Olfactive-tactile satisfaction FTW.
David : DE shaving since Nov 2014. Nowadays giving in to the single-edge siren call.
Member
Thanks for the kind words onethinline, and I'm totally with you on Tabula Rasa. I really enjoy using it! The scents and feel of the lather are indeed very unique. 
Member
I own 4 Tabula Rasa's and will most likely add 2-3 tubs in the near future.
Tabula Rasa is in my personal Top 8 soaps/creams among the 300+ soaps and creams I have tested and owned.
The Vetiver-Tangerine I actually sold, because even though I enjoy Vetiver in fragrances somewhat, I did not care for the scent in the Tabula Rasa.
The 4 scents I own are Stream Punk, Tea, Your Shaving ltd edt and Dark Lavender. All are exquisite smelleing, the lavender is my favourite lavender of all time in front of B&M Black Lavender and CF Lavender.
I would personally rate Tabula Rasa 9.5/10. An almost perfect soap/cream.
Tabula Rasa is in my personal Top 8 soaps/creams among the 300+ soaps and creams I have tested and owned.
The Vetiver-Tangerine I actually sold, because even though I enjoy Vetiver in fragrances somewhat, I did not care for the scent in the Tabula Rasa.
The 4 scents I own are Stream Punk, Tea, Your Shaving ltd edt and Dark Lavender. All are exquisite smelleing, the lavender is my favourite lavender of all time in front of B&M Black Lavender and CF Lavender.
I would personally rate Tabula Rasa 9.5/10. An almost perfect soap/cream.
Cheers, Claus from Denmark
Member
(This post was last modified: 02-26-2016, 02:23 AM by NeoXerxes.)
CHSeifert thanks for posting your impressions! How would you characterize your skin type, if you don't mind me asking?
Steam Punk is probably my favorite (along with Vetiver & Tangerine) out of what I have tried. I haven't had the chance to smell Dark Lavender yet.
Steam Punk is probably my favorite (along with Vetiver & Tangerine) out of what I have tried. I haven't had the chance to smell Dark Lavender yet.
Member
My best performing creams/soaps that I own are:
Le Pere Lucien - own 6, 5 200 gram pots and one 125 gram pot
Martin de Candre - own 2 200 gram glass pots
Savonniere du Moulin - own one 100 gram 30% ASS milk pot
Savon de Volcans - own 6 150 gram pots, all 6 perform fantastic, only let down by the presentation
Acqua di Parma - own 2 pots, one performs slightly better, the other smells much better. Love both.
Boellis Panama 1924 Almond - own one 250 gram refill puck, which I have in my empty 200 gram Martin de Candre Unscented glass pot
Antica Barbierra Colla - own both the soap and the cream. Both are excellent.
Castle Forbes - own the lavender and the Lime. Both are fantastic performers.
Penhaligon - own 4 of their creams, and they perform great. Opus 1870, Blenheism Bouquet, Endymion and the new Sartorial. Own 2 soaps, Sartorial and Bayolea, the soaps are nice, but the creams are better.
Floris No. 89 shaving cream - arguably amonst the best shaving creams I have ever owned.
Meißner Tremonia - own 14 soaps & pastes. 7 scents total. Great perfomers. Great scents. Great presentation.
Haslinger - own 4 of their pucks. Great performance at a great price.
Klar Seifen - own their 3 newer scented soaps. Fantastic performance through and through.
Tabula Rasa - own 4 of their soaps/creams. Will add 2-3 further soon. Amazing performance.
Musgo Real creams. Own all 6. Love them. Slick and fantastic performance. Disliked TSE instantly, where Mr. Plisson Sucks Brush of the Devil took his Musgo real cream and threw it in the sink, because he didn't like the scent. Lost all respect right there......
Alvarez Gomez shaving cream - very underrated performer. Love this stuff.
Portus Cale - great performer. Awesome scent. Contains SLS though. Still love it and rate it highly.
Antica Barbierra de Bairo - made by Portus Cale, again an awesome and underrated soap. Excellent scent. Shave the Man, know his stuff.
Xpec - own the original unscented and the new scented version. Both performs extremeyl well. The old one may be a bit more slick, but hard to differ for me between the two, even though some thinks they are like night and day performance wise.
Baume.Be - own both the cream and the soap. The cream is among the best creams you can find. The soap is okay.
Esbjerg - own two of the,, will add 2 more soon. Perfect cream.
St. James - own all 5 glass jars. Perfect cream
Czech & Speak - own 2, fantastic soaps.
Valobra - own 3 pots, fantastic soaps. Valobra makes the C&S mentioned above.
Santa Maria Novella v1 - a better performer than Proraso. Some say they are identical. I disagree. Better slickness. Better cushion. Need to get v3 of the SMN soap.
Saponificio Varesino - own 5 of their soaps. All are great perfomers.
Barrister & Mann - own 14 of his soaps now. Scent is an scquired taste. Performance is not. It's fantastic.
Cold River Soap Works Select - own 8 total of version 1. Great great soap.
Caties Bubles - own 8 of Caties, enjoy them all highly.
I Coloniali - own both their Rhubarb shaivng crea, which is awesome, and their Mango soap, which also is awesome.
Atkinson Lavender cream - made by I Coloniali. Fantastic performance.
O' Melhor - a great great Portugese cream. Can turn rock hard on you. Only down side this amazing shaving cream.
Tabac - own both versions of the soap and the old version of the cream. What a great classic perfomer.
MWF - best post shave feel in the business. KING of post shave feel.
These are what I think are the best performers in my current collection. I may edit this, if I forgot some or when I buy the two Nuavia soaps and SMN v3.
Le Pere Lucien - own 6, 5 200 gram pots and one 125 gram pot
Martin de Candre - own 2 200 gram glass pots
Savonniere du Moulin - own one 100 gram 30% ASS milk pot
Savon de Volcans - own 6 150 gram pots, all 6 perform fantastic, only let down by the presentation
Acqua di Parma - own 2 pots, one performs slightly better, the other smells much better. Love both.
Boellis Panama 1924 Almond - own one 250 gram refill puck, which I have in my empty 200 gram Martin de Candre Unscented glass pot
Antica Barbierra Colla - own both the soap and the cream. Both are excellent.
Castle Forbes - own the lavender and the Lime. Both are fantastic performers.
Penhaligon - own 4 of their creams, and they perform great. Opus 1870, Blenheism Bouquet, Endymion and the new Sartorial. Own 2 soaps, Sartorial and Bayolea, the soaps are nice, but the creams are better.
Floris No. 89 shaving cream - arguably amonst the best shaving creams I have ever owned.
Meißner Tremonia - own 14 soaps & pastes. 7 scents total. Great perfomers. Great scents. Great presentation.
Haslinger - own 4 of their pucks. Great performance at a great price.
Klar Seifen - own their 3 newer scented soaps. Fantastic performance through and through.
Tabula Rasa - own 4 of their soaps/creams. Will add 2-3 further soon. Amazing performance.
Musgo Real creams. Own all 6. Love them. Slick and fantastic performance. Disliked TSE instantly, where Mr. Plisson Sucks Brush of the Devil took his Musgo real cream and threw it in the sink, because he didn't like the scent. Lost all respect right there......
Alvarez Gomez shaving cream - very underrated performer. Love this stuff.
Portus Cale - great performer. Awesome scent. Contains SLS though. Still love it and rate it highly.
Antica Barbierra de Bairo - made by Portus Cale, again an awesome and underrated soap. Excellent scent. Shave the Man, know his stuff.
Xpec - own the original unscented and the new scented version. Both performs extremeyl well. The old one may be a bit more slick, but hard to differ for me between the two, even though some thinks they are like night and day performance wise.
Baume.Be - own both the cream and the soap. The cream is among the best creams you can find. The soap is okay.
Esbjerg - own two of the,, will add 2 more soon. Perfect cream.
St. James - own all 5 glass jars. Perfect cream
Czech & Speak - own 2, fantastic soaps.
Valobra - own 3 pots, fantastic soaps. Valobra makes the C&S mentioned above.
Santa Maria Novella v1 - a better performer than Proraso. Some say they are identical. I disagree. Better slickness. Better cushion. Need to get v3 of the SMN soap.
Saponificio Varesino - own 5 of their soaps. All are great perfomers.
Barrister & Mann - own 14 of his soaps now. Scent is an scquired taste. Performance is not. It's fantastic.
Cold River Soap Works Select - own 8 total of version 1. Great great soap.
Caties Bubles - own 8 of Caties, enjoy them all highly.
I Coloniali - own both their Rhubarb shaivng crea, which is awesome, and their Mango soap, which also is awesome.
Atkinson Lavender cream - made by I Coloniali. Fantastic performance.
O' Melhor - a great great Portugese cream. Can turn rock hard on you. Only down side this amazing shaving cream.
Tabac - own both versions of the soap and the old version of the cream. What a great classic perfomer.
MWF - best post shave feel in the business. KING of post shave feel.
These are what I think are the best performers in my current collection. I may edit this, if I forgot some or when I buy the two Nuavia soaps and SMN v3.
Cheers, Claus from Denmark
Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)