https://imgur.com/a/aJEmQ

Defining the barbershop scent appears to be somewhat elusive as there are many different variations and interpretations depending on your geography and the timeframe in which you grew up. Generally, though, no one would argue it smells like fish butt.

The typical scent notes include some variation of oak moss, lavender, sandalwood, bergamot and patchouli, as well as other bits and pieces that are either thrown in or excluded, which can make a scent profile completely unique to one’s nose, yet still find itself in the barbershop category. Some are powdery, while others are more citrus-centric, or sweet, and there’s even dark and earthy.

I just so happen to own quite a few of these barbershop-types and wanted to provide some small reviews of my experience with each. I shaved with each during what I dubbed the “10 Days of Barbershop” and have provided the mini-reviews below from my SOTDs.

The first of my 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈 comes from the pirate-themed Black Ship Grooming. Two Bits is vegan, but quite slick and very easy to lather. This is probably the crispest and cleanest smelling profile of any of the barbershops I’ve tried. It’s not very powdery...if at all, but instead it’s very fresh, yet not aquatic smelling. Perhaps it could be described as a sharp linen-type scent, but instead of smelling like an terrible candle it consists of barbershop components that work really well together. Either way, I think the soap quality and this particular scent profile are pretty underrated. Have a great shave today!

Day 2 of 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈 is Dr. Jon’s-Classic. Like BSG-Two Bits, Classic is a barbershop that also flies under the radar. I have a soft spot for Classic because it was the first non-Art of Shaving soap I used and I must say it’s a great performer because it’s Dr. Jon’s vol. 2 version. It’s unique because the top note is rosemary, which provides a dark, sultry barbershop which isn’t what you typically find in this category. Also, lavender is also one it’s top notes, which made pairing it with Chatillon Lux-Champs de Lavande really highlight its barbershop uniqueness. That being said, the bergamot and lime notes still shine through in all their citrusy glory. Have a great shave today!

Day 3 of 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈features my newest addiction addition to the barbershop category thanks to u/reut0. With Bergamot, Basil, Patchouli, and Oakmoss as the main notes, Mike’s Barber Shop comes across as more basic/boring than any other version I’ve tried. It’s not my favorite, frankly. The lather is good, although I had some trouble getting it right with Mike’s before. I find that Fine-American Blend is one of my favorite aftershaves and even though the ingredients seem sparse, I’m still left with a great feeling and scent afterwards. Will probably pick up the EDT at some point. Have a great shave today!

Day 4 of 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈 might be the sweetest of the group. Stirling’s Barbershop is powdery and sweetened with a vanilla that makes it unique. I’m a sucker for vanilla, so this one ranks pretty high. I find Stirling lather to be deceptively good...so much so that I could easily buy only Stirling and probably be happy bc the price per ounce. I only wish the aftershave scent lasted a little longer. Have a great shave today!

Day 5 of 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈features an underrepresented artisan around here. Cooper & French makes a great product and their Authentic Barber is top notch. Described by the artisan as a scent profile with “powdery Bay Rum, Sandalwood and earthy Patchouli,” you definitely get the powder and some creaminess and sweetness, too. Not a ton like Stirling, but it feels like it’s there a little vanilla in the background. C&F’s lather is top tier-ish, so I had an excellent shave. The AS Balm is quite nice...a little runnier than a Nivea, but it absorbs quickly and the scent lasts longer than nearly all balms I’ve tried. Have a great shave today!

Day 6 of 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈is all about that donkey milk. Wholly Kaw’s Man From Mayfair definitely smells like a top contender in this list and its performance is rarely challenged. The scent profile is powdery and sweet, but not quite at the level as both C&F’s Authentic Barber, or Stirling’s Barbershop. Mayfair’s accord includes musk, lavender and basil, which makes for a rather intoxicating mixture that feels complex instead of straightforward like some players in this category. Mayfair reminds me of Declaration Grooming ‘s Bandwagon, which I was a little underwhelmed by, but this kicks it up a notch in the right places and just works more favorably to my nose. Have a great shave today!

Day 7 of 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈might showcase the most popular non-barbershop, barbershop around here. Of course, I’m talking about Barrister and Mann’s Seville. Citrus, Herbs, and Oakmoss are highlighted on the sticker affixed to the tub. It’s powdery, earthy and, most of all, citrus upfront. Add the glissant base from B&M and you’re staring at a bonafide classic. Great match with Fine’s Italian Citrus AS and the Seville EdT is a necessity for fans of the soap. Have a great shave today!

Day 8 of 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈aligns with Thursday’s western theme. Chiseled Face’s Ghost Town Barber is typically lauded as a top two (if not #1) soap in this category. A little leather and spice and clean - almost sweet - scent profile. Truly a wonderful combination that’s deserving of all the accolades it receives. Lather is top tier-ish, and the experience is amplified by the aftershave and EdP. Have a great shave today!

Day 9 of 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈is a favorite of mine because I’m using Mickey Lee Soapworks-The Kraken. One of my earliest purchases, this one is fresh, aquatic, and not “barbershop-y” at all, but it has all the typical “barbershop” scents as part of its accord. As everyone knows, the MLS lather is top tier-ish and I really enjoy the post-shave feel and longevity of their aftershave. Threw on some Imaginary Authors ESaS for good measure. Have a great shave today!

Day 10 of 💈10 Days of Barbershop💈 is Reserve Cool from Barrister and Mann. A top tier lather that is based off a “classic Italian barbershop staple,” it features bergamot, lemon, and lavender. No menthol is included in the soap, but it still presents a crisp, cool lemon-blueberry forward scent. The aftershave is top notch and quite versatile (it also includes menthol). I only wish the Reserve line still came in their old bottles. Have a great shave today!

Bonus Day of💈10 Days of Barbershop💈 features a borderline barbershop in Reserve Classic from Barrister and Mann. It’s quite powdery with a citrus top note and some have suggested it could fall in the barbershop category, so I’m tacking it on the end of my 10 days. As noted with Reserve Cool, the lather is second to none. The aftershave is awesome and easy to match with other citrus-centric soaps. Added some Allure Homme Sport from Channel to bump up the senses a little. Have a great shave today!

ETA: Bought all items with my own Monopoly money