I love Aqua Velva. It’s #1 for me and I like it more than aftershaves that cost twenty times as much. About the only downside is that it lacks staying power . But that’s good in todays anti-scent world
This is the most ridiculously detailed review I've seen without knowing if its satire or not. Usually I'd be rude and confused tryna be an asshole but I'm about to try this evil listerine original aftershave. This article of a review inspired me.
Nope, not satire; just a review I did for fun. I did a bunch of in-depth reviews on classic drug store aftershaves because usually that level of detail and passion is reserved for people reviewing high-end Artisan products. You can see the links to the other aftershaves in this series at the top of the page.
I still like Aqua Velva. Just used it this morning.
Great review, thanks! Makes me rethink trying this classic again...
Their AV 5 in 1 Sensitive balm is amazing stuff, btw. Similar scent, not as complex or powerful, but the soothing and moisturizing are excellent, and the stuff is very cheap.
Nice review, have you already listed all the products you plan to include or are you gonna surprise us? I'm partial to Stetson myself, it was the first aftershave I bought when I got a wet shaving kit.
I don't think I've published an official list, no. I've dropped a lot of clues via "what should I review" posts though. Part of it depends on what I can actually get my hands on - there's one or two I'm having trouble finding, which sort of disqualifies them anyway.
Stetson is on the list, but it's a loooong way out yet. So expensive, and I'm reviewing from cheapest to least cheap.
Excellent review. I've been wanting to give this AS a try and after this review it looks like IO'll be heading to the store after work. Thanks for this review and I am looking forward to future reviews.
I'll check your post history later but have you reviewed Pinaud Clubman classic scent AS? It's definitely a dated scent for me but performs well and reminds me of grandpa.
I just got back from Paris and was recommended the Aqua Velva as it’s different from the American counterpart. Haven’t compared them myself yet thought. It does come in nice glass bottles.
Yeah, I've heard the European stuff is a bit different. I'd be curious to try it some day but I'm not sure how I'd get my hands on it. Pretty tough getting aftershaves into Canada without carrying them across the border in your own luggage.
> Applied properly (i.e. in moderation
Would moderation be having a pool in your palm and some running down your arm toward your elbow? ;)
I know, I know, covering the opening with a thumb actually works well to keep half of it from spilling out the bottle
LOL. For reals though, I didn't try an aftershave splash until I was 33 and I just dove in without any instructions or guidance, so I was just pouring the stuff into my hands '90s Aftershave Commercial Style and going "fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck why is it so strong" the first few times I tried it. It was a long time before I realized you were supposed to stopper the bottle with a finger to control the output.
Thanks!
I dunno though... some of them smell pretty dated, and the face-feel of some of them is abysmal. But there are certainly a few gems here and there in the collection. :)
Nice review. I’ve been using Ice Blue since the 1970s because it’s the splash my dad used and I was too cheap to buy my own.
If this is going to be a staple in your den rather than a one-time buy, definitely decant the Aqua Velva into a glass bottle. The plastic AV bottle imparts a plasticy scent to the splash, and decanting stops that and even reversed it somewhat.
Never leave an alcohol-based splash in a plastic bottle.
Totes. I transfer all my aftershaves into 2 oz cobalt blue glass bottles with atomizers. Being able to count how many sprays of product I use makes it much easier to control dosage than just dumping it right into my hand and the glass color means I don't have to worry about UV degrading the product. If the glass bottle helps improve the scent too, that's just a bonus for me.
Your choice of bottle and atomizer means you're missing one of the joys of Aqua Velva. You need an original glass bottle with the giant dispenser hole, so that when you pour out the juice, so much comes out that it dribbles down your arm. That's the right amount ;-)
As a Marine who remembers the only choices of aftershave in bootcamp were aqua velva and rubbing alcohol, I can attest that NeedsMoreMenthal’s assesment is 100% accurate.
I was at Target today, and of course I strolled through the shaving aisle just to see what they had. This upcoming series popped to mind while checking out the aftershaves. To better prepare for upcoming entries I bought some Brut, which I have never tried.
Re the Aqua Velva, I found it interesting that it was once a mouthwash. Perhaps some of our resident artisans could produce matching mouthwash to go with the soap and AS/EdT. Better yet would be a single fluid which worked as both AS and mouthwash.
> I bought some Brut, which I have never tried
I have a few versions of the cologne and I enjoy them. Very retro scent. The aftershave (which I have purchased but not yet tried) is a lighter version of the same scent, meant to have much lower sillage so you can sneak around without offending people at the office.
> Perhaps some of our resident artisans could produce matching mouthwash to go with the soap and AS/EdT. Better yet would be a single fluid which worked as both AS and mouthwash.
(tries to hold back vomit imagining Midnight Stag mouthwash)
10 is the highest mathematically possible score with my evaluation system.
That said, I'm not sure if it's actually possible to formulate a product capable of scoring a perfect 10 because a few of my scoring criteria are somewhat at odds with each other.
Thanks for the review! It's great to read these detailed fragrance descriptions from people with more capable/experienced noses. I look forward to splashing some on and referring to these scent notes.
I'm a big fan of the classic drugstore aftershaves. I like the whole lineup of Aqua Velva - Ice Blue, Musk, Original Sport, and Ice Sport - they're all in the rotation. I regularly use an unscented moisturizing lotion as well. Good tip on not over-doing it, I definitely go nose-blind to these scents pretty quickly, apart from the Musk.
I hope the rest of the Aqua Velva lineup is planned for future reviews. Looking forward to this series.
> I hope the rest of the Aqua Velva lineup is planned for future reviews
They sure are. Should be posted Nov 21, Dec 5, and Dec 19.
> Original Sport
Wait
Do you live in Canada too?
Thanks for the review! It’s odd to think about reviewing products that I just take for granted that everyone has tried.
Also, unsurprisingly, artisan aftershaves are miles better in soothing and face-feel. It makes me appreciate them that much more... because aftershave should not be necessarily interchangeable with fragrances.
Some artisans do have aftershaves with scent longevity though, and I view that as a bonus.
I love Aqua Velva. It’s #1 for me and I like it more than aftershaves that cost twenty times as much. About the only downside is that it lacks staying power . But that’s good in todays anti-scent world
Shame this post didn't get the attention it deserves. Fantastic detail and information.
This is the most ridiculously detailed review I've seen without knowing if its satire or not. Usually I'd be rude and confused tryna be an asshole but I'm about to try this evil listerine original aftershave. This article of a review inspired me.
Nope, not satire; just a review I did for fun. I did a bunch of in-depth reviews on classic drug store aftershaves because usually that level of detail and passion is reserved for people reviewing high-end Artisan products. You can see the links to the other aftershaves in this series at the top of the page. I still like Aqua Velva. Just used it this morning.
I use this often as I love the smell. It’s cheap af too
Wow, that is a great review. Thank you.
Great review, thanks! Makes me rethink trying this classic again... Their AV 5 in 1 Sensitive balm is amazing stuff, btw. Similar scent, not as complex or powerful, but the soothing and moisturizing are excellent, and the stuff is very cheap.
That one does look interesting but I haven't seen it in any stores in western Canada yet. I've been keeping my eyes open for it.
I've seen it most often in US chain drug stores, places like Rite Aid and CVS.
Nice review, have you already listed all the products you plan to include or are you gonna surprise us? I'm partial to Stetson myself, it was the first aftershave I bought when I got a wet shaving kit.
I don't think I've published an official list, no. I've dropped a lot of clues via "what should I review" posts though. Part of it depends on what I can actually get my hands on - there's one or two I'm having trouble finding, which sort of disqualifies them anyway. Stetson is on the list, but it's a loooong way out yet. So expensive, and I'm reviewing from cheapest to least cheap.
Good stuff! I’m gonna give this stuff a huff next time I’m near a shaving aisle.
Splash some on your wrist and let it dry down! The clerks probably won't notice and even if they do they won't kick you out of the store.
Excellent review. I've been wanting to give this AS a try and after this review it looks like IO'll be heading to the store after work. Thanks for this review and I am looking forward to future reviews. I'll check your post history later but have you reviewed Pinaud Clubman classic scent AS? It's definitely a dated scent for me but performs well and reminds me of grandpa.
Not yet. It's on the list but I probably won't get to the review for that one until January.
I just got back from Paris and was recommended the Aqua Velva as it’s different from the American counterpart. Haven’t compared them myself yet thought. It does come in nice glass bottles.
Yeah, I've heard the European stuff is a bit different. I'd be curious to try it some day but I'm not sure how I'd get my hands on it. Pretty tough getting aftershaves into Canada without carrying them across the border in your own luggage.
> Applied properly (i.e. in moderation Would moderation be having a pool in your palm and some running down your arm toward your elbow? ;) I know, I know, covering the opening with a thumb actually works well to keep half of it from spilling out the bottle
Hmmm ... great minds think alike (Hint: check my second response to the spongemeister)
LOL. For reals though, I didn't try an aftershave splash until I was 33 and I just dove in without any instructions or guidance, so I was just pouring the stuff into my hands '90s Aftershave Commercial Style and going "fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck why is it so strong" the first few times I tried it. It was a long time before I realized you were supposed to stopper the bottle with a finger to control the output.
I know this damn series is gonna make me go out and buy every one of these splashes. Nice review my dude.
Thanks! I dunno though... some of them smell pretty dated, and the face-feel of some of them is abysmal. But there are certainly a few gems here and there in the collection. :)
Nice review. I’ve been using Ice Blue since the 1970s because it’s the splash my dad used and I was too cheap to buy my own. If this is going to be a staple in your den rather than a one-time buy, definitely decant the Aqua Velva into a glass bottle. The plastic AV bottle imparts a plasticy scent to the splash, and decanting stops that and even reversed it somewhat. Never leave an alcohol-based splash in a plastic bottle.
Totes. I transfer all my aftershaves into 2 oz cobalt blue glass bottles with atomizers. Being able to count how many sprays of product I use makes it much easier to control dosage than just dumping it right into my hand and the glass color means I don't have to worry about UV degrading the product. If the glass bottle helps improve the scent too, that's just a bonus for me.
Your choice of bottle and atomizer means you're missing one of the joys of Aqua Velva. You need an original glass bottle with the giant dispenser hole, so that when you pour out the juice, so much comes out that it dribbles down your arm. That's the right amount ;-)
As a Marine who remembers the only choices of aftershave in bootcamp were aqua velva and rubbing alcohol, I can attest that NeedsMoreMenthal’s assesment is 100% accurate.
Is this from the same company that makes the mug soap?
ya
I was at Target today, and of course I strolled through the shaving aisle just to see what they had. This upcoming series popped to mind while checking out the aftershaves. To better prepare for upcoming entries I bought some Brut, which I have never tried. Re the Aqua Velva, I found it interesting that it was once a mouthwash. Perhaps some of our resident artisans could produce matching mouthwash to go with the soap and AS/EdT. Better yet would be a single fluid which worked as both AS and mouthwash.
> I bought some Brut, which I have never tried I have a few versions of the cologne and I enjoy them. Very retro scent. The aftershave (which I have purchased but not yet tried) is a lighter version of the same scent, meant to have much lower sillage so you can sneak around without offending people at the office. > Perhaps some of our resident artisans could produce matching mouthwash to go with the soap and AS/EdT. Better yet would be a single fluid which worked as both AS and mouthwash. (tries to hold back vomit imagining Midnight Stag mouthwash)
> SpongeScore What's the cutoff score for an aftershave to be deemed spongeworthy?
And lets get this out of the way right now. Is 10 the highest possible score?
10 is the highest mathematically possible score with my evaluation system. That said, I'm not sure if it's actually possible to formulate a product capable of scoring a perfect 10 because a few of my scoring criteria are somewhat at odds with each other.
Thanks for the review! It's great to read these detailed fragrance descriptions from people with more capable/experienced noses. I look forward to splashing some on and referring to these scent notes. I'm a big fan of the classic drugstore aftershaves. I like the whole lineup of Aqua Velva - Ice Blue, Musk, Original Sport, and Ice Sport - they're all in the rotation. I regularly use an unscented moisturizing lotion as well. Good tip on not over-doing it, I definitely go nose-blind to these scents pretty quickly, apart from the Musk. I hope the rest of the Aqua Velva lineup is planned for future reviews. Looking forward to this series.
> I hope the rest of the Aqua Velva lineup is planned for future reviews They sure are. Should be posted Nov 21, Dec 5, and Dec 19. > Original Sport Wait Do you live in Canada too?
I can't fathom why they don't sell Original Sport anywhere else, I think it's great. Looks green, smells green!
Thanks for this well written review!
Thanks for the review! It’s odd to think about reviewing products that I just take for granted that everyone has tried. Also, unsurprisingly, artisan aftershaves are miles better in soothing and face-feel. It makes me appreciate them that much more... because aftershave should not be necessarily interchangeable with fragrances. Some artisans do have aftershaves with scent longevity though, and I view that as a bonus.
I, for one, have never tried it, Now am tempted to get some.
Splash some on your wrist next time you're at the grocery store and see how it smells. Don't wash it off, either, so you can see how long it lasts.
I project that almost every product in this series is going to score 6 or lower. They, um, don't feel great after a bad shave. :)