St James of London (Mandarin & Patchouli) - Shaving Cream (Mandarin & Patchouli)

I have shaved with Taylor of Old Bond Street creams for 15 years and saw an advertisement (and great reviews) for the St. James of London line. They're more expensive than TOBS, but the fragrances sounded interesting, so I gave it a chance. I'm blown away after only one shave. It lathers beautifully, probably using 1/4 to 1/2 of what I was using of TOBS per shave. The Mandarin Patchouli fragrance is also superb--more patchouli than orange. I can't wait to try others. The container also looks great on the counter.

The cream itself is great. In the jar it's actually soft, more like very thick lotion. When I first opened it I thought since it wasn't solid that it wouldn't last any time at all. It took some adjusting to change my brush habits but now that I know how to use it, it really only takes a tiny bit for each shave. I just wet my brush, dip the tips into the cream and brush it onto my face. It takes a few swirls to work it up but that little touch of cream quickly coats my shaving area in rich quality. The quality of the cream is vastly superior to anything I've ever tried in a can or in a solid cake (round bar) of shaving soap. At 64 years of age I've never been big on worrying about skincare but I can absolutely testify that this cream is helping this old leatherface to soften up and not dry out. My wife likes the result and has commented favorably about it. The only negative is only slight; the smell is a bit strange, to me at least. Not unpleasant really, just... different. I expected heavier patchouli aroma but it's barely there. I suppose it's the mandarin smell that comes through strongest. Still, I am very, very pleased overall. I plan to try the Sandalwood and Bergamot next but may very well settle on the Mandarin/Patchouli as my favorite. It's rich cream, not cheap masculine smelling soap. I thought it was a bit pricey before I ordered it but having used it now for several weeks it's well worth the money and I expect the jar to last several months. Try one jar; I'll just bet you'll be hooked!

I’ve tried lots of other similar shaving creams. None compare to this. Great lather. A little goes a looooonnnnggg way. Lasts forever!

The product itself is decent. A little bit goes a long way. The fragrance is mild, and not overwhelming. It works best with a shaving brush. The big question in my mind it was it a good value for the price? I am thinking no, and will not likely buy it again. In addition, the heavy glass jar, is about one/third larger than the claimed 5.07oz. of cream. The jar probably costs more than the product. They should either fill the darned jar, or get smaller jars. The lid had some dents present. At first I though it was a short fill, and/or that someone had used it and returned. The package was sealed so probably not a used product. All things considered for me anyway, I would not recommend, and will not order again.

I tried a few cheaper options, mainly from the top selling on Amazon and they just aren't as good. Easy to make a lovely rich lather and a pleasant scent. Packaging could use some work though, was pretty battered on arrival.