Thursday, February 12, 2015

Seattle Based DomeCare Solutions: Embrace the Dome

February 12, 2015 0
A few months ago I had been lucky enough to visit Seattle.  During my trip I had the opportunity to meet up with the founders of DomeCare Solutions.  I had never been there before and they suggested that we meet up for coffee. After all, what else do you drink while in Seattle? It was a rather casual night and we wound up talking about a variety of things: Seattle, Northeastern Pennsylvania, beer, books, coffee, music, and of course … shaving (Head Shaving Specifically).  
Once of the places I enjoyed seeing: Pike Place Market At Night
I had been using DomeCare Solutions’s (or DCS for short) products in the routine for a few months.  I like and enjoy using them, but wasn’t entirely sure what made it specific to the head.  DCS had educated me a bit more on their products and pointed out that DomeCare is formulated with anti-irritants to help prevent bumps that could occur from shaving, especially around the base of the neck area where this could be common. 
DomeCare Solutions Family of Products
Another question I immediately asked was how they came up with the idea for DomeCare Solutions?   Deserie, one of the co-creators, used to work for a cosmetics company and gained a lot of knowledge in the area of skin care.  Her husband and other co-creator, Richard, started shaving his head in his 20s to combat his thinning hair. Richard wanted to develop a line of products that could help promote a healthy looking shaved head so men could, to use a common saying at DomeCare Solutions, “embrace their dome.”  So, together Deserie and Richard set out to create a line of anti-aging skincare products designed specifically for the guy who shaves his head.   

DomeCare Solutions Dome Shave Gel:
The consistency of Dome Shave Gel reminds of some of the shave gels I’ve tried, such as Bulldog Natural Skincare Shave Gel or Bold for Men.  For me, what worked best for applying the DCS Shave Gel after taking a hot shower.  Using my fingers, I applied about a dime sized amount of the blue-greenish gel to my head.  

 
Dispensing a little of the Dome Shave Gel into a white bowl to get an idea of the greenish color

After applying, I wet my hands a bit and ran it over the gel. Dome Shave Gel had a nice slickness to it and the razor (whether I used a DE Razor or my HeadBlade) glided nicely over it.   This is a non-lathering shave gel intended to be applied with the fingers.  So, this may not be the product of choice for head shavers who prefer to use a shave brush.

DomeCare Solutions Dome Relief Calming and Hydrating Splash:
Dome Relief has a smell that I just can’t pinpoint.  To my girlfriend’s nose it reminded her of a fresh cut, crisp, tart apple … like a cutting into a granny smith.  DomeCare Solutions are free from dyes or fragrances, so the aroma comes from the blend of the ingredients used.  Personally, I do like the smell and I don’t find it to be overpowering.  I could smell it when my nose was up to the bottle but I didn’t notice any smell after it was applied.  Dome Relief is a clear liquid, so it applied smoothly and not gloppy and it didn’t leave an oily or tacky feeling.  

The Clear Dome Relief Calming and Hydrating Splash
After shaving, I applied Dome Relief to my head.  Dome Relief Calming and Hydrating Splash has what I would describe as a soothing feel rather than a bracing one of an aftershave splash.  It is free of menthol and alcohol so my head felt soothed and I also felt as if it didn’t need to apply moisturizer after applying Dome Relief.  I did try this post shave on my face as well.  Similar to my experience with post shave lotions, applying it alone didn’t feel satisfactory for my face.  I felt like my upper lip still craved the sting of an aftershave splash or a balm before this was applied.  This was just my preference.  As with all things wet shaving … your mileage may vary (YMMV).

Dome Shine-Absorber Anti-Aging Finishing Serum:
Like the name implies, it applied with a matte kind of finish.  DomeCare Solutions has informed me that there is a combination of ingredients in Dome Shine-Absorber that work together to hold and trap sebum which leaves a soft matte finish.  

The off-white colored Dome Shine-Absorber Finishing Serum

After applying it felt dry to the touch as if I had applied a light layer of baby powder to my head.  I thought it did a good job keeping down the oily look to a minimum. The longevity of that powdery feeling and matted look varied.  If I wasn’t prone to sweating the shine absorber would last awhile (in my experience 60 - 90 minutes …  again YMMV).  Thought, if I was out in the hot sun or exercising, my sweat would wash away the matte look much more quickly. To my nose, Dome Shine-Absorber has an extremely light scent.  I had to put it close to my nose to smell anything and I didn’t notice anything after it was applied.  

Dome Shine Anti-Aging Finishing Serum:
The Dome Shine product is more hydrating than the Dome Shine-Absorber.  So this was a product DCS recommended for me during the winter. DomeCare Solutions mentioned that one of the main moisturizing ingredients is a derivative of coconut oil that is an emollient which also has skin-repairing benefits as well as helps skin retain its moisture balance. 

A Couple of Pumps of the Clear Dome Shine Serum
Dome Shine also has silicone-based emollients in the formula which helps to lock in skins' natural moisture balance and prevent water loss. I felt it left a nice sheen, but not an oily shine.  Once applied it felt dry to the touch; not oily or greasy.

View of Seattle from Columbia Center - Hopefully will see this city again real soon
As the night came to an end I asked if they had any new products that we could look forward to.  They had mentioned that they have some products in the works but couldn’t provide specifics.  I guess we’ll just have to stay tuned to see what’s next with DomeCare Solutions.

Have you tried DomeCare Solutions products?  Feel free to leave a comment below.





Saturday, January 17, 2015

A Closer Look at the Edwin Jagger DE3D14 3D Laser Diamond DE Razor

January 17, 2015 0
The Edwin Jagger DE3D14 3D Laser Diamond DE Razor was released in 2014.It is a three piece, closed comb, razor and features a 3D patterned handle with knurling effect for both an improved grip.  The Handle measures about 3.5 inches from the bottom of the handle to the base of the razor head.  It measures roughly 3.75 inches from end to end and weighs 2.4 oz according to our scale.
Length of the Edwin Jagger DE3D14 compared to the Merkur 34C
To compare it to another popular razor, the Merkur 34C HD measures 3.25 inches  from end to end with a handle that measures about 3 inches from the base of the handle to the base of the razor head. The 34C razor weighs 2.8 oz according to our scale.
Weight of the Edwin Jagger DE3D14 compared to the Merkur 34C
We took a look at this razor in a short video.

I've had the Edwin Jagger 3D Laser Diamond DE Razor in the wet shaving routine for a little while. Personally, I like the handle and find the texture helps to maintain a grip with wet and even slightly soapy hands.  If my hands were too soapy though, I found it didn’t help much. Crystal Razor Blades (a.k.a Israeli Personnas) have been the go to blade and have typically used it in this razor. Admittedly, the only other blade I’ve  tried in the razor has been the Shark Super Chrome Super Stainless Blades.  I didn’t have any problems with it, but the Crystals are still my favorite. I'll probably give it a spin with a Feather DE Razor Blade some time in the near future.



Have you tried the Edwin Jagger DE3D14 3D Laser Diamond DE Razor?   Feel free to  leave a comment below and let us know!

Monday, January 5, 2015

A Little on Soap Commander

January 05, 2015 2
It started as Simply 7 Skincare making bath soaps, lip balms, scrubs, and assorted lotions.  However due to a trademark conflict, Simply 7 Skincare set out to rebrand itself.  After speaking with the company, they told me rebranding seemed like it would be a rather bitter pill to swallow.  At the time the company’s founders, husband and wife team Darren and Carrie Seibert, had been exploring the idea of bringing some wet shaving products to market.   So, after a thoughtful and very emotional discussion they decided to make the jump and re-launched the company with a more male-centric brand with an emphasis on wet shaving .  In May of 2014, Soap Commander was born with their Recharge Line geared towards women and the Take Charge line designed for men.



The Take Charge line is made up of Shave Soaps, Bath Soaps, and Aftershave Balms geared towards men and the scents are named after characteristics that embody “Take Charge” Leadership.  As of this writing, Soap Commander currently have has nine core scents, a few which have been carried over from the previous company.    

Soap Commander Shaving Soaps
Confidence:  Carried over from the original company.  However, due to a component of the original formulation becoming unavailable, Confidence was reformulated to blend that is a honey, musk, and patchouli scent.  The new Confidence scent is in the same scent family as the original formulation and is steadily growing in popularity. 

Courage: Peppercorn, Citrus and Cedar. Courage was a scent that was carried over from the previous company. 


Endurance: Described as “Classic Spice,” the Endurance scent was inspired by the original Shulton Company version of Old Spice Aftershave.  From what I hear, this is Darren’s favorite scent.


Integrity:  Designed for people who may suffer from allergies or sensitivities to fragrances or colors.  Integrity is Soap Commander’s standard recipe without any coloring or fragrances added.


Love: Contains notes of roses. Nothing more. Nothing less. Inspired by the Klar Kabinett™ rose scented shaving soap. 


Passion: Another scent carried over from the previous company.  The Passion scent is described as slightly woodsy; a blend of teakwood surrounded by rich spices of cardamom, cinnamon, and clove upon a base of cedar, amber, sandalwood, and patchouli.


Respect: From what I hear this is Carrie Seibert’s favorite.  Respect combines lime and patchouli essential oils for a refreshing experience.
 

Vision:  This scent was also carried over from the previous company. Of the core scents this one is probably my personal favorite. Vision contains notes of citrus, black currant, pineapple, honeydew, muguet, and water lily upon a base of vetiver and mulberry along with peppermint essential oil. 
 

Wisdom: a blend of lavender and peppermint essential oils.


Soap Commander also periodically releases seasonal scents of their shave soaps, bath soaps, and aftershave balms.  These seasonal items are only available for a about two or three months.  


Soap Commander's Resolution Scent Aftershave Balm and Shaving Soap

They released a Sweet Tea scent titled "Refreshment" for the summer; an Apple, Orange and Clove scent for the fall which they dubbed "Thanksliving;" and most recently a Mistletoe, Fir, and Cranberries for the winter which is called “Resolution.”  Personally, I haven’t smelled Refreshment, but I really do like the Thanksliving and Resolution aromas.  We hear that a Fougere scent is in the making for the Spring of 2015.

The one noticeable characteristics of the Soap Commander shave soap is the rather large tubs that they are stored in.  Upon asking the company, they had informed me that this is by design. 



“We wanted a substantial container, in both form and function.  By filling an 8 oz tub with a little over 6 oz of soap, we were able to leave an intentional headspace which would allow the user to load his/her brush in the container, instead of needing a separate bowl for lathering.  In conjunction with that decision and those purposes, we chose to use waterproof labels which would withstand normal, daily use of the tub.”
Soap Commander leaves a headspace for brush loading and uses waterproof labels
Personally, I found the lather to have a nice cushion to it.  For me, running a badger brush under the tap hot water for about 10 seconds, shaking out some excess, and swirling it over the soap for about 30 seconds was enough for a pass over my head and two for face. Though, as with most things wet shaving … Your mileage may vary (YMMV).


Endurance Shave Soap

The Aftershave balm I found to be nice as well.  In general I like an aftershave splash for its bracing qualities. I do like balms too, but prefer ones that stimulate my skin after a shave. With the Soap Commander Aftershave balm I could feel a cooling build of the menthol after applying.  While I felt the cooling feeling of the balm was different than that of a splash, it was still an enjoyable feeling.  The aftershave balm didn’t leave my skin feeling greasy and fragrance seemed to last a while. 
Soap Commander Aftershave Balms
I asked Darren and Carrie what is currently in development at Soap Commander. Is there anything in the making that we could anticipate?  They had mentioned that Soap Commander will be releasing the reformulated “Purpose” scent.  This Bay Rum scent should be available very soon.

Do you have a favorite Soap Commander Scent?  Feel free to leave a comment below to tell us what it is.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Col Conk Natural Shave Products

December 17, 2014 0
Legend has it that Colonel Ichabod Conk dated and later married a woman who owned several barbershops.  While helping his wife with the business, he had the idea of packaging and selling the products that were regularly used.   Col. Conk traveled the old west selling his products until his death in 1898 when the business ceased to exist. 

 
Colonel Conk Circa 1871
Photo Source: ColConkProducts.com

The company informed me that the Col. Ichabod Conk Company was re-established in Newhall, California in 1972.  In 1988, Frank E. Shofner purchased the company and moved it to New Mexico where it operates today.  Mr. Shofner Passed away in 2004 but his wife continues to serve the company as Chief Operating Officer.  She and the Colonel Conk team strive to continue to preserve the legend of Colonel Conk and offer products to help make shaving a pleasurable experience. 

Colonel Conk Soap pictured in vintage wrapped packaging
The original Colonel Conk soap, now known as Amber, started as wrapped pucks and was the only variety in the Colonel Conk Shave Soap line thru 1989.  In 1990, “Almond Tone” shave soap was introduced.  The Lime glycerine shave soap was released in 1991 and the soaps went from being wrapped to being packaged in the flip open containers we’ve come to know.  In that same year the “Almond Tone” would be reformulated to the Almond formulation that is currently used today.  The Bay Rum scent would follow in 1995. The Amber and Almond Super Bars were released in 1994 and 1997 respectively. The Bay Rum Super Bar was the last release in 2009.

Traditional Scents of Colonel Conk Glycerine Shave Soaps

Now, in 2014, Colonel Conk has released their new Natural Shaving Products line. Colonel Conk’s Natural Shaving Products consists of a pre-shave oil as well as five different scents of shaving creams, shaving soaps, and post shave lotions.  The pre-shave oil is currently available in one scent, which they have named “Original.”  But the other products are available in five varieties:

Unscented: Fragrance Free
High Desert Breeze: Tea Tree & Eucalyptus
Rio Grande Lavender: Lavender Blend
Santa Fe Cedar: Cedar & Rosemary
Southwestern Sun: Citrus Blend


The Pre-Shave Oil
 
 Front and Back view of the Pre Shave oil from the Colonel's Natural Line

As of this writing, it’s rather cold in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the combination of the rather warm shopping malls, the hot showers I tend to take, and some of the deodorant soaps I use tend to dry out my skin.  I use a pre-shave oil, especially in the winter months, to add a little more glide and help prevent irritating my skin during a shave.

The pre-shave oil from the Col Conk Natural line is a proprietary blend of oils and vitamin E with no added dyes or fragrances.  Currently, this pre-shave oil is only available in what Colonel Conk has named their “original” scent, which smells only of the blend of its natural ingredients.  Personally, I like the scent. Peppermint oil is one of the ingredients listed and there is a light (to my nose) peppermint aroma.   


Shaving Soap
I’ve always liked Col Conk Shaving Soaps, currently I have Amber and Bay Rum in my rotation.   Admittedly, I wasn’t sure what to make of the new scents and what to expect in terms of performance.  

 
Southwestern Sun Shave Soap

I was pleasantly surprised.  I do like the new scents, but have to admit that Southwestern Sun is my favorite.  Personally, I found the lather to have a decent slickness and cushion to it.  I found that running a badger brush under the tap hot water for about 10 seconds, shaking out the excess, and swirling it over the soap for about 30 seconds yielded enough for one pass over my head and two for face. But as with all things wet shaving, your mileage may vary. 

Post Shave Lotion
Like the soap, the Post Shave Lotion is available the Unscented, High Desert Breeze, Rio Grande Lavender, Santa Fe Cedar, and Southwestern Sun varieties. 


Five Varieties of Post Shave Lotion
Like other post shave lotions I’ve used, it has what I would probably describe as a “calming feel” and does not have that bracing feel of a splash. Personally, I do enjoy the burn of a splash or the sting of a balm. I’ve written before that I typically use this kind of post shave lotion after use a splash or I’ll apply it more regularly if my skin has been irritated.  I have the High Desert Breeze in the rotation and I do like this lotion.  I find that it absorbs into my skin nicely and I find that doesn’t leave an oily residue on my head or face.

Col Conk Natural Line PreShave Oil, Shave Soap, and Post Shave Lotion

Have you tried any Col Conk Natural Line products?  Do you have a favorite scent? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

*Edited 5/5/2016 - Changed title, removed links to store (now closed)

Thursday, November 13, 2014

SoSharpDavid's Straight Razor Shave w/ Game Day Shave Cream

November 13, 2014 0

SoSharpDavid Loves Sandalwood, so we sent him Game Day Men’s Sandalwood Shave cream to try. Check out his video where he’s giving it a try with a straight razor: 

Don’t forget to subscribe to his channel as well!