Uppercut Deluxe launches a solid cologne
Back in 2016 when this whole Style4men thing started, the focus was on hair pomade almost exclusively. We did cover a few other things here and there, but figured “one site – one mission”! I couldn’t be more flattered that you guys have stuck around to see the project grow. By now we have touched on nearly all of the essentials a man would need to make himself presentable. One product area in particular that can be make or break your whole game, are colognes! It is in many respects the ultimate finishing touch.
With that in mind, when I was made aware that Uppercut Deluxe was making a solid cologne, I sported a big happy grin! Uppercut Deluxe is one of the most recognizable underground barbershop brands. They recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. With the hard realities of establishing a brand in the hair industry, these guys have managed to carve themselves a beautiful space. They have also successfully grown their business from a Barbershop pomade focused thing to a complete product line up covering everything from shaving and beard care to shampoo and now a solid cologne.
Shout out to my friends at Toucan Trading, who are the Canadian distributors of Uppercut Deluxe. Thank you for making this review possible.
Back when Style4men wasn’t a thing, I was trolling the web for folks who made pomade. I remember when I first saw the red Uppercut Deluxe emblem and the fighting guys on the jar. The whole thing spoke to me. There was a bit of a time gap from that first sighting to actually being able to purvey a jar. When I finally got the jar – it was like I had found my tribe. The jar was exactly what you would expect from a proper old-school barbershop and the product inside was a dream. Fantastic aroma along with a serious hold. From that moment onward, I have been a fan of Uppercut Deluxe. To this day it remains one of my all-time favorites! Yes, you could say that I am somewhat bias. Read that review here.
Before going any further, the solid cologne scent is not the same as the pomade. Like many of you, I was expecting that it might be. After all, that aroma is half of the Uppercut Deluxe pomade experience. That said, I was very pleased to find allot of the same vibe when unboxing the new solid cologne as when making contact with their pomade.
The outer box is tastefully done in contrasting black and white with the expected red accent. Looks authentically vintage and undeniably Uppercut Deluxe. Good presentation goes a long way and keeping with your established image shows your commitment to the cause. It’s not about a trend but more about the spirit of the adventure. Let’s not forget that Uppercut Deluxe started the ride before people realized that there was a barbershop and pomade revival underway.
Solid colognes are not a new thing. In fact it’s one of those forgotten little gems and that thankfully has come back. There are a few simple beauties to solid colognes. First off, it is incredibly portable. Secondly, it is a big step away from alcohol and a number of the usual chemical participants in spray on colognes. Thirdly, the oil and wax in which the aroma is housed does not alter the said aroma. To me this is one of the biggest aspects of what make solid colognes a winner. The scent is pure and un-disturbed. The scent stays true to itself as opposed to a spray that starts off as one thing and becomes another over the course of the next hour. What you smell in the thin can is what this thing will smell like on you for the duration.
Scent description
It is labelled as Cedar & Spice, but I will venture that it is a little bit more subtle than that. The first thoughts to go through my mind are: rich, warm, familiar and comfortable. It is a more organic arrangement in the sense that it is a natural occurring composition like spices being crushed next to freshly chopped wood. My nose can’t quite recognise this cedar as I have only catalogued the common cedar that grows in eastern Canada, but I do pick up the woodsy element which must be the “Australian” cedar. 🙂 I want to say that there is also a powdery floral element. So here is what my nose is suggesting: wood (Australian cedar), turmeric, cardamom, clove and rose
Projection
I am a very tamed cologne user. A touch around the neck and a few swabs on the forearms. Nothing like some of the other Instagramers and YouTubers that can be seen taking a shower in their fragrances. In my humble opinion, a fragrance is an intimate pleasure for you and that special someone whom you love having in your personal space. That said, I will mention that there is some projection to be considered and it might go a bit beyond 2 feet.
Longevity
The arrangement is a tad more potent and as such it has more staying power. Something along the lines of 3-4 hours which is a bit more than many solid colognes. The cologne being in a small rectangular can makes it such that having in your pocket for a later application is totally practical. Further to that, you might be shy to spray yourself in your work place before heading out, but applying a few passes of solid cologne is very un-intrusive
Usage wise, I would compare this tiny can of solid cologne to a standard 100 ml bottle of spray cologne. Assuming you are a reasonable user 🙂 this will last you a number of months.
Approval
To my nose, it was a flat out – Yeah Baby! This scent was also Mrs. Style4men approved which is a big thing. My lady is not difficult but she is asthmatic and many perfumes are an issue.
In closing
It feels like 2019-2020 are big years for our Aussie friends as they have launched and are launching a number of new products: this solid cologne, a styling powder (review to come out shortly) and a salt spray has been announced. This cologne has turned out to be a surprise that did not disappoint and is yet another sign that Uppercut Deluxe produces solid grooming products. This one is getting a spot among my favorites!
