Henri et Victoria Absinthe After Shave Splash – Amazing!
Lately, I have been swamped with product tests. Some taking longer than other and have been running somewhat behind on the regular pace of post output. One of the products that has been waiting patiently on my test bench is the Henri et Victoria after shave splash. Having been thoroughly impressed with the Henri et Victoria Cuban cigar and cognac pomade some months ago, it was simply a question of time before I got around to exploring their after shave splashes.
If you are not inclined in reading the whole thing, here is what you need to know: This after shave splash presents itself as an old-school alcohol splash, but it is rather a new school splash. The addition of Witch hazel to the formulation is the key differentiator for me to refer to this splash as a new school solution. But Henri et Victoria not doing thing in half measure, this new school approach is taken even further by also adding aloe vera to the mix as well as a touch of menthol. The result is an incredibly smooth liquid after shave that almost acts like a cream. It’s moisturizing effect is surprising as you don’t normally get that from a splash. The touch of menthol also makes it refreshing. The witch hazel and aloe vera are truly the smooth operators here.
Since the ingredient list is curbed around the bottle, here they are is a legible form:
- Denatured Alcohol
- Witch Hazel Extract
- Aloe Barbaenis Leaf Juice
- Dipropylene Glycol
- Hydroxethyl
- Urea
- Polysorbate 20
- Parfum
- Menthol
If I were to make a small comparison, this after shave reminded me a little of the one by ManSoap which is a non-alcohol product.
Urea is listed as an ingredient. Urea…isn’t that pee?! It is! WTF? Interestingly enough urea has skin rehydration properties. Urea can also be produced synthetically. Actually, read this Wikipedia extract, It’s pretty cool: Friedrich Wöhler‘s discovery in 1828 that urea can be produced from inorganic starting materials was an important conceptual milestone in chemistry. It showed for the first time that a substance previously known only as a byproduct of life could be synthesized in the laboratory without biological starting materials, contradicting the widely held doctrine of vitalism.
And this doesn’t even touch on the other appeal of this product, it’s scent: Absinthe! The initial note that becomes apparent is the anise fragrance or licorice. There is also an element of fresh greens. In so many words it is a very exciting and pleasant smell. As a side note, the absinthe story is totally fascinating and I completely envision a best selling novel. There is turmoil, sin and prohibition. All the makings of a “Thriller”! Henri et Victoria also knows how to dose things and this is not a loud face slap. It is a very subtle and civilized fragrance. I will also add that there is nothing out there, that I know of, that smells like this. So bonus points for originality and uniqueness! This is not a new scent as you will recognize immediately, but it is the context in which it is used that is brilliant.
When I bought this bottle, I also purchased the companion after shave cream, but considering the witch hazel and aloe vera elements, following up with a cream is almost unnecessary. I will assume that Henri et Victoria make both options simply to cover both types of Shavers.
TEST STAGE:
- State: Out of the shower
- Razor: MERKUR 180
- Blade: VOSKHOD Teflon Coated
- Pre-Shave: None
- Shaving Soap: Dr. Jon’s Defiance
- After-Shave: Henri et Victoria Absinthe After Shave Splash
After shaving and giving my mug a wipe with a wet wash cloth I moved onto the after shave. I poured about the size of quarter and gently slapped it on. Wooo! Smooth! The alcohol sting is in incredibly quick so quick that we might just skip over it. The next sensation is like a velvet caress. Not what I was expecting from a splash. It practically feels like an after shave cream, it’s that smooth! My face felt fresh…well…all day.
There is no two ways about it, this is an impressive product. I am further impressed to report that this after shave splash is produced right here in my home town of Gatineau. Way to go Claude! A special shout out and thank you goes out to Jean-Mathieu for his help in getting these product in our hands.
The skinny: I liked this aftershave so much that it will now be my point of reference when comparing any other after shave splash!
The overall Style4men.ca score is a simple:
You can shop for the whole Henri et Victoria product line here: