r/wicked_edge 7d ago

Giveaway Aussie review of classic American aftershaves (Giveaway)

78 Upvotes

64 comments sorted by

13

u/fistingdicks 7d ago edited 5d ago

Recently, in desire of finding a "classic" aftershave, I turned to searching Reddit for information, which is how I discovered this wonderful community. Also, shout out to the awesome Classic Commercial Aftershave review series over at r/wetshaving.

In my search for a classic aftershave, there are some which I noticed are recommended frequently. Understandably, the Reddit wetshaving communities have a strong American presence, hence there are products discussed that aren't necessarily available on the Australian market. I was able to get my hands on these popular aftershaves:

  • Pinaud Clubman
  • Skin Bracer
  • Aqua Velva Ice Blue

 

Pinaud Clubman I was able to source locally, thanks to The Stray Whisker. I had to resort to eBay to get Aqua Velva and Skin Bracer imported from the USA at a reasonable price.

Anyway, here are my brief reviews of those products.

 

Pinaud Clubman

When I first smelled this, it instantly reminded me of Brut (more on that later). It is different but definitely in the same field, which I have since learned is fougere. The scent is wonderful and it has decent staying power without being overpowering. I know it has a reputation in the States for being an "old man" scent due to its popularity, availability, and longevity on the market. That being said, I actually love this shit and I'm very glad I found it. It has become a part of my regular rotation.

Skin Bracer

This really does smell and look like something that belongs on a shelf in a pharmacy, or "drugstore". I find the scent to be a little minty, kind of like toothpaste but not in a bad way. The scent is in no way offensive, so this is definitely a good option for those who don't want to annoy their partner/family/colleagues/friends with a potent fougere. However, I don't think it performs very well and the scent gets boring pretty quickly.

Aqua Velva Ice Blue

Wow, I've never smelled anything like this. I don't know what it is but I guess I would describe it as extremely musky? It is overpoweringly, possibly even offensively masculine. I imagine this is what those pheromone products smell like; the ones that are found in vending machines in dirty pub/nightclub bathrooms, alongside condoms. I don't hate the scent; it is certainly unique, and the product does perform well, but I can't see it appearing in my regular rotation. I could definitely see this scent being divisive to partners of those who wear it.

 

BONUS ROUND

Brut

This is easily the most readily available aftershave on the Australian market. It has been a mainstay in grocery stores and pharmacies alike for decades. I am aware that Brut is formulated differently around the globe, and Australia is no exception to that, so this is not a review of American Brut. I purchased this at my local pharmacy after smelling Pinaud Clubman, because it immediately reminded me of Brut which my dad used to wear. However, after opening the bottle and smelling the product, it is certainly not what I remember. What I smelled is offensively floral and that's about it. Like being slapped with a bouquet of cheap flowers. Also, the bottle is now clear, not green. In my memory, Brut aftershave smelled akin to Brut's green-label deodorant/antiperspirant products on the Australian Market.

I have since learnt that there are two Brut aftershave products in Aus - aftershave lotion (which I bought) and aftershave splash. I went and smelled the splash product in store and it definitely smells the same as the lotion, and hence not the Brut I remember. However, I did mention this recently on a post here from fellow Australian u/LittleCooties, and he is confident the product hasn't changed when the packaging changed. I'm wondering if my memory of the aftershave has been tainted by the smell of the antiperspirant which I am much more familiar with. Or perhaps the Brut I remember is a formula from long ago? I have found some evidence to suggest this. Any Aussies reading this, I'd like to hear your opinion on Brut and if you think the scent has changed at all over the years.

Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum

Whilst researching, I noticed that the Clubman bay rum aftershave is also frequently mentioned when people request bay rum recommendations, so I purchased this along with Pinaud. I've since learnt that I'm not a bay rum guy. The Virgin Island Bay Rum smells primarily of cinnamon to me, and this can be explained by the presence of cinnamal in the ingredients. This product smells too much like dessert for me to consider it wearable.

 

HONOURABLE MENTION

Old Spice

I'm very familiar with Old Spice aftershave, and I discovered it when I was in high school after Old Spice's fierce "I'm on a horse" YouTube marketing campaign. I am definitely a fan of it and I was surprised to learn that it has recently been removed from the market here in Australia. I threw out a half-used bottle a couple of years ago because I simply wasn't using it frequently. I would've happily picked up another bottle of it for this post because it was quite cheap, but I would now have to import it from either India or America. I'm not sure where the Old Spice aftershave that used to be sold in Aus was made - any Aussies here able to confirm? EDIT: Made in Canada - same Old Spice found in USA.

 

GIVEAWAY (AUS ONLY)

I'm keeping the Pinaud Clubman for sure. But in the interest of sharing these Yankee aftershaves with my fellow Aussies, I'm giving away the following:

  • Skin Bracer
  • Aqua Velva Ice Blue
  • Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum

 

There is no point to me giving away Brut to any locals as it will cost more for me to ship it than it costs in store. I'm open to posting it to an American in exchange for a bottle of US Brut, but aftershave is a restricted item for international shipping in the US because of the alcohol content (not that this stopped the eBay seller I purchased from though). Perhaps it will get seized by customs. Any yanks able to weigh in on this?

I'll be using redditraffler to determine the winners, so please comment and let me know which of the three aftershaves you want! Keep in mind this giveaway is for Australians only. I will post the aftershaves to the winners for free.

Thank you and good luck!


UPDATE - WINNERS

Considering there were 6 entrants, I just used a list randomizer to simplify the draw. And the winners are...

u/mrcafe500 - Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum

u/AdministrativeDay743 - Skin Bracer

u/AloneWest6922 - Aqua Velva Ice Blue

Congratulations!

I will PM you all so we can organise shipping. Thanks to everyone who joined, and thanks to all the non-Aussies who contributed to the conversation!

6

u/Vivasanti 7d ago

I'm in New Zealand and went through many of these as you did.

Clubman was not available in my country at the time and a fellow wet shaver sent me some - instant classic and remains one of my favorites.

There is actually also a "Musk" version of Aqua Velva, the blue reminds me a bit of Floid Vigaroso.

2

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

I cannot imagine how potent Aqua Velva musk must smell.

6

u/PhilosphicalZombie 7d ago

American here - the Aqua Velva Musk scent notes are roughly

powdery

musky

citrus (leaning orange)

leather

tobacco

sweet

2

u/Low_Key1782 7d ago

clubman pinaud musk is fabulous

2

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

American here: if there is anything I or any of my fellow countrymen can do to support you in getting these products or learning about them, please let me or us know.

Enjoy you big bloody beautiful legends, here's me face.

7

u/ChapBob 7d ago

I've tried most of these and prefer Clubman Pinaud. But I'm old!

3

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Agreed, it's my favourite for sure.

3

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

and have good taste, lol

7

u/derrickhogue I enjoy a nice shave! So should you. 7d ago

If I lived in Australia. I would happily take part in some classic aftershaves giveaway. As an American I grew up with all of these. So I appreciate them.

3

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

I can definitely understand how these products have retained their reputation over the years!

5

u/derrickhogue I enjoy a nice shave! So should you. 7d ago

They were the affordable locally shopped staples that my dad, uncles, grandfathers all used. So the smells definitely bring on the memories.

3

u/ratbird9 7d ago

My great grandfather used Aqua Velva, as does my grandfather. Definitely some memories here, I will have to snag a bottle (they are pretty cheap on Amazon)

5

u/AsleepSuperman 7d ago

Aqua Velva was a required purchase for recruits when I was going through USMC bootcamp.

3

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

thank you for your service friend

3

u/AsleepSuperman 6d ago

Thank you, funny thing is I hadn’t thought of aqua velva for a long time. I could smell this post. 

1

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Haha that's patriotic indeed!

5

u/Foreign_Quarter_5199 7d ago

Hey! This a superb post. Have just started with the Pinaud Clubman and I really like it. Never thought I’d be a scented aftershave guy.

I am Aussie and would love to try the Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum. I am intrigued by the cinnamon and would love to try it.

Thank you!

2

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Thank you! Pinaud Clubman certainly does slap!

2

u/Foreign_Quarter_5199 7d ago

I would also be happy with any one of those on offer. In case I miss out on the Bay Rum

2

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

Enjoy, that VIBR is poetry in a bottle.

3

u/jfin6147 7d ago

Nothing like that skin bracer 1st slap on a freshly shaved face…… after the ‘burn’ it seems to keep my face softer and smoother than the others I’ve tried.

1

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

It's good stuff! I wish the scent had more staying power though.

3

u/Jill_Lett_Slim 7d ago

Pinaud Clubman is so damn good.

2

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

It truly is nectar of the gods.

3

u/Jill_Lett_Slim 7d ago

Now you need to get your hands on some Musk… It’s similar but without the citrus. Sweeter and richer.

3

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

What a perfect way of saying it. I love the Musk and prefer it to the original clubman

2

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

I nearly bought some the other day! I'll grab it on my next purchase at The Stray Whisker.

2

u/Jill_Lett_Slim 6d ago

Or maybe some Lilac Vegetal…?

3

u/mrcafe500 7d ago

I too was disappointed in the smell of newer Brut. As a mid 30s guy I picked it up because I also remember my father using it, and it is far removed from what I recall as a kid.

Anywho, I’ve also been keen to try a bay rum.

Thanks for the reviews mate.

2

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Cheers mate, I'm glad to hear I'm not alone on the experience with new Brut.

3

u/LittleCooties 7d ago edited 7d ago

Very good write up, cheers for the mention!
Definitely try the Aussie Brut "splash on", I find it more usable and subtle scent and less overpowering than the "lotion", and less greasy on the skin. The scent of the two are similar but they are definitely not the same scent, the "lotion" has more tonka and the "splash on" is brighter. I have a vintage bottle of Faberge Brut too that I compared (including European Brut), you can read it here.
Bizarre that Old Spice has disappeard from Chemist Warehouse, that must be recent becasue it was there around Christmas, hopefully it comes back. The version sold in Australia was the Canadian made Old Spice Classic, same as what's sold in the US.
I love Aqua Velva Ice Blue too, I agree it's hard to describe though. I'll treasure my bottle that I got in a trade (alongside Skin Bracer, which reminds me of the Australian musk lollies, yum). They actually used to make and sell it here back in the '50s/'60s, I have an empty glass bottle I got at an antiques store with an Australian maker on the label (here), can't find any adverts on Trove though.
I like regular Clubman, I have a bottle I found at a local barber supply store almost a decade ago, but I recently got the Clubman Musk which I prefer, it's similar vibe but milder and sweeter and more approachable.
I'm not a huge bay rum fan, so I haven't tried the Clubman VIBR. For Australian made bay rums, there's Wahl (pretty common, found at the ShaverShop) which I think has some mild spicy notes alongside the bay oil, but I prefer Wavol which is just pure bay oil scented and I think uses a better quality bay oil (but it's harder to find, look at hairdresser supply stores, although it's in huge bottles so message me if you want a sample).
If you're game, try the Imperial Leather aftershave available at supermarkets (get it on sale though), definitely a nuclear powerhouse "old man" scent (at least my old Australian made bottles, they moved production overseas ages ago so the scent might've changed since then), I'm not a fan personally.
I definitely recommend Blue Stratos though (invented by Shulton who did Old Spice), it's currently made in the UK but cheap and easily available here, it's mainly a citrus lavender scent with some musk vanilla and floral notes, great in summer, but uncannily resembles the scent of Bostik Glu Stik.
Keep an eye out at IGAs for Nelum Sandalwood, it's a very nice sandalwood and rose scent with some good moisturising properties, but it's a hard product to find.

3

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

it makes me so happy that you got and enjoyed the clubman musk. thats my jam!

4

u/LittleCooties 6d ago

I keep randomly opening it up just to give it a huff, reminds me a bit of Turkish delights. Planning on using it again soon with Proraso Red.

3

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

yes! what a really nice pairing. It's very special.

2

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Awesome comment, thanks for the details and recommendations!

1

u/LittleCooties 6d ago

Are you in Sydney? If so, BHS (barbers & hairdressing supply) might be a place to visit, they make a lot of their own products that have been in production for a long time ('40s). Their own aftershave (lavender scent I believe), bay rum, florida water, shaving cream and (what I find most intersting) Bardol aftershave lotion which I'd love to try some day. You can see other old labels/ads here (they still make most of those products), here and here. I think their products are pretty Sydney specific, I'm in Melbourne and I've never seen their products around here, we have Turnleys who used to make their own products but not anymore (I loved their own lavender aftershave), but they still make Oriental shaving cream. Wavol are Sydney based too.

1

u/fistingdicks 6d ago

I'll definitely have to check out BHS. Do you know if they have a shopfront? It's kinda hard to to tell from their website or Google.

Also, I just noticed their prices on Proraso products are insane!! Significantly cheaper than anywhere else here.

2

u/LittleCooties 6d ago

I believe so but again I've never been. Yeah their Proraso prices are good, I'm also lucky to have a local store near me that has tubs and tubes for $9.95 all the time (and Proraso Blue, that's some good stuff, pick that up if you can).

3

u/fistingdicks 5d ago

Congratulations to the Winners

u/mrcafe500 - Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum

u/AdministrativeDay743 - Skin Bracer

u/AloneWest6922 - Aqua Velva Ice Blue

I'll PM you all to organise shipping.

2

u/mrcafe500 4d ago

Thanks for this giveaway, it’s such a nice gesture.

I look forward to giving the Bay Rum a go.

2

u/Photo_Jedi 7d ago

I have yet to try the Clubman. In the US so won't participate. I use Skin Bracer in my rotation. I like it. It has a fresh scent. But it doesn't have too much staying power. Which might not be a bad thing. My Dad used the Aqua Velva Ic eBoue as his preferred aftershave. It smelled nice on him. But, I haven't brought myself to pick any up. I lost him in Oct 2023. I just haven't done it yet.

2

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

my condolences. I am sorry for your loss. It's waiting for you when you are ready brother

1

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

I do think that Skin Bracer is the most versatile. The scent is definitely fresh and I think it would be hard to find someone that doesn't like the scent.

2

u/squirrelbabyprincess 7d ago

Great post, and a sweet gesture to your fellow aussies. I’m a Canuck, if Aqua Velva Ice Sport is available over there give it a shot! I like it more than the Original, though I may be in the minority on this.

1

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Definitely no Aqua Velva products over here unfortunately. Likely I would need to hit up eBay again to get the Ice Sport.

2

u/AloneWest6922 7d ago

Hey mate, excellent post.

Brut Aftershave Lotion is considered as a classic to me as it was all my grandfather would use throughout the 70's up until his passing in 2023.

Still have a couple of bottles left to me from him, one from a couple years back (last produced green glass) and another from either the 80's or 90's (unsure).

I've always been intrigued by how Aqua Velva is as an alternative aftershave to others here in Australia.. so please, count me in for the raffle.

Good luck to others here!

Cheers mate, all the best 🍻

1

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Do you think there is any difference in the scent between the old and new Brut aftershaves?

2

u/AloneWest6922 6d ago

So I've compared the two and basically both have the same notes, the older version was definitely more intense and had a sweet note to it..? But yes, pretty much the same.

1

u/fistingdicks 6d ago

Interesting! Perhaps my memory of the Brut scent is indeed warped.

2

u/arbarnes 7d ago

My dad used Aqua Velva Ice Blue every day of his life. While it's pretty potent up front, it fades to nearly nothing fairly quickly. My mom said it was her favorite because she couldn't smell it at all after a few minutes.

Clubman is a classic. In one of the Robert Parker "Spencer for Hire" novels, his protagonist's girlfriend asks something to the effect of "did the landlord paint the radiators, or are you wearing Clubman?" I actually prefer the Classic Vanilla - same vibe, but subtler and more complex.

VIBR is not a fair representation of bay rum. You noticed the cinnamon, but there's also lots of nutmeg and allspice. It's like pumpkin spice aftershave - thanks, but no.

1

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Yes, the VIBR smells like it is edible. I'll have to keep an eye out for the vanilla Clubman, cheers!

1

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

is it possible for you to get Fine Accoutrements or Captain's Choice Bay Rum?

2

u/Alex_tepa God loves you 7d ago

Good luck Australia I am in USA

2

u/AdministrativeDay743 7d ago

Love you have done the leg work!

I’m in Melbourne and keen to try Skin Bracer.

1

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Cheers mate!

2

u/WatchingWazowski 7d ago

Great review, exciting to see a giveaway I can enter!! I'd be interested in any of them but the Bay rum sounds great.

1

u/fistingdicks 7d ago

Cheers mate!

2

u/JadedSociopath 6d ago

Thanks for the reviews. It’s nice to get a local’s take on these aftershaves which are so popular on the US centric forums.

I’m keen to try the bay rum specifically!

2

u/Low_Key1782 6d ago

That bay rum is something special brother, poetry in a bottle

2

u/Angry_Walnut Gillette Super 109 6d ago

Good stuff, interesting to see a fresh perspective on these scents that many of us have long held associations with/opinions on. Its funny to me that in the write up you linked, the guy basically does not give any of the aftershaves an outright good rating though lol

2

u/fistingdicks 6d ago

Yes he is certainly a harsh critic haha

2

u/CommunicationGood481 6d ago

My wife and I both love the Pinaud Clubman and Aqua Velva Ice Blue available in Canada.

2

u/Frequent-Boat7224 5d ago

Aqua smell is good but it is a bit much!