• June 1
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad #COMPOSITE #FAUXFUR #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: Gem G-Bar #FLIPTOP
• Blade: Gem Blade
• Lather: AA Shaving – The Hunt
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co – Deep Blue Sea
• Fragrance: Armani – Acqua di Gio

First time using a Gem and it wasn’t too bad. I understand the G-Bar is a pretty forgiving one to start with. At first I think my angle was a little to steep, but when I kept the razor’s head flat against my face, things went better. Good shave with no nicks or cuts.

It was also my first time using AA Shaving. u/iamhonestlylying sent me a bunch of smushes for these games, so thanks to him I can participate today!

And it’s also my first Lather Games! So I’m looking forward to winning #ROTY! A friend has been trying to get me into the hobby of wetshaving for some time. I’ve been using a DE for a little while, but never really got into the artisanal product side until somewhat recently, so I’m looking forward to trying a lot of new-to-me things this month!

Happy shaving ya’ll!

ROTY

• June 2
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar #HOLLOW #OLDWORLD #TOLL
• Razor: Aylsworth razors – Drakkant #CNC
• Blade: Astra
• Lather: Zingari Man – The Nomad
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Bay Rum
• Fragrance: Gentleman’s Nod – Bluegrass Muse

Ahoy, me hearties! Gather 'round, ye landlubbers, for a tale of a shave that be smoother than a mermaid's song and swifter than a pirate's blade. This be yer ol' shipmate, Captain Cleanbeard, bringin' ye the "Shave of the Day" with Zingari Man – The Nomad!

🏴‍☠️⚓️ Arr, I woke up this mornin' with a face as rough as a barnacle-covered hull. Me trusty cutlass had gone dull, and I needed somethin' to tame the wild seas of me stubble. Enter The Nomad, which chould have been called The Pirate, a shave soap so fine it could charm the gold outta Davy Jones' locker. They say she be a Bay Rum scent, but me nose smells a whole lotta lime in there too!

I lathered up, mates, and what a lather it be! Richer than a chest of Spanish doubloons and slicker than a dolphin's back. The scent? Aye, it whisked me away to distant shores, with hints of exotic spices and the open sea and plenty of lime to ward off scurvy. 'Twas like bein' on a treasure hunt in me own bathroom!

With me Drakkant in hand, I set sail across me face. The blade cut through the whiskers like a hot knife through butter, leavin' nary a nick nor a scratch. Smooth as a sea shanty on a moonlit night, me skin was left feelin' as soft as a sailor's sweetheart's kiss.

If ye be lookin' to tame the wild waters of yer beard, set course for a set up like this. The B&M Splash might be finest Bay Rum scent this side of the Seven Seas, guaranteed to make ye feel like the captain of a mighty ship, ready to conquer any adventure that comes yer way.

Then the Bluegrass Muse is the prrrrrrrfect compliment to Bay Rum soaps and splashes. Smells like a drink fit for Capt Jack Sparrow to drink out of a coconut once he commandeers a expeditious ship off the coast of Hispaniola. Yo-ho, yo-ho, a Pirates Shave for Meeeeeee!

Furrrr yurrrr fine challenge, u/Priusaurus seems to be a fine swashbuckler, with the heart o' a lion and the cunning o' a fox! His presence on this sub be as grand as a ship's mast on the horizon, and his spirit shines brighter than a treasure chest full o' gold doubloons. Aye, ye be the fiercest and most noble shaver to ever shave the seven seas! That Prius isn’t much of a pirate though, he be givin' away shushes and advise instead of takin' it like a good scoundrel should! He helped me a lot in preparation of these Lathering Games and I appreciate it more than a first mate appreciates a captain that still has both his hands!

Fair winds, smooth shaves, and fine smells to ye all! 🏴‍☠️🪒⚓️ #ROTY

* June 3

• Brush: Chisel and Hound – Maggard Razors 26mm SHD knot #SHD
• Razor: Baili TTO #ZAMAC #STAINLESSLESS
• Blade: Treet Classic Carbon Steel
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. – Montrose Beach
• Post Shave: Pinnacle Grooming – Virgin Islands
• Fragrance: Chicago Grooming Co. – Montrose Beach

A perfect shave for a hot summer’s day. It smells like I’m at the beach, sipping a drink out of a coconut. This shave wasn’t just any shave, but a luxurious journey to the serene shores of Montrose Beach. Are the shores actually serene there? I hope they are, because it smells like they should be. And the soap performs beautifully, thanks to the sacrifice of some ducks!

Yes, you read that right. Duck fat. The secret weapon you never knew you needed. Why duck fat, you ask? Because have you ever tried to catch a duck? Well, I haven’t either, but I imagine they are quite slippery and that’s why shaving soaps made with their fat are tops! The glide of this soap is among the best I’ve tried.

When I shaved, I imagined I was standing at the beach, the early morning sun casting a golden hue over the water, the air filled with a crisp, refreshing breeze. That’s the sensation this shave soap brings to every fiber of my being. Hints of oceanic notes, with a subtle touch of earthy undertones, instantly transported me to above mentioned serene shores.

As I worked the lather onto my face and the glide was unparalleled. The carbon steel blade effortlessly glided across my face like a surfboard cutting through the waves, leaving behind nothing but perfectly smooth skin and a lingering scent that’s as rejuvenating as a morning swim in the ocean. No nicks, no irritation—just a flawless shave that speaks volumes about the quality and craftsmanship behind Chicago Grooming Co’s creations. Behold! The magic of duck fat and the essence of Chicago’s finest beach turned my morning shave into a trip to the beach.

I kept that energy going with Pinnacle Grooming’s Virgin Islands Splash, which is like being served a sweet, fruity drink at the beach by a guy with a bunch of coconuts, a machete, and a bottle of rum. And finally, to bring myself back to the shores of Chicago’s finest Beach, I sprayed on the Montrose Beach Fragrance. Such an absolutely beachtastic shave for a Monday morning. If today’s shave is any indication, it’s going to be a great week.

🌊🪒

Challenge: I don’t have Osma and never tried alum. I read about it when I was first getting started and their seemed to be a big divide over whether or not it was recommended, so I skipped it altogether. Did I make a mistake? Should I be using this stuff?

ROTY

*June 4

• Brush: APShave Co – 24mm Synthetic knot #SMOLL
• Razor: Gillette Fatboy #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel
• Lather: Eleven Shaving - Lemon
• Post Shave: Clubman Pinaud – Citrus Musk
• Fragrance: Noble Otter – Lone Star

Today’s shave was a lemon-infused journey that left me feeling lemony refreshed and lemony fantastic – like a Texas morning breeze. Do lemons grow in Texas? No clue. It doesn’t matter. Here’s how it went down:

1. Eleven Shaving - Lemon Soap Kicking things off with the Eleven Shaving Lemon Soap, which I got from u/iamhonestlylying, it’s single scent note was like a zesty crescendo of lemon exploding in my bathroom. The rich, creamy lather enveloped my face like a delicious lemon meringue pie, only without the calories. While lemon may make some people’s faces pucker up, I found this soap to be a really nice, refreshing scent. Not something I would typically go for, but using this was a delight today. This soap doesn’t just smell great; it performed like a dream. Slick, protective, and incredibly refreshing. Have I mentioned how refreshing this was?
2. Clubman Pinaud – Citrus Musk Aftershave Next up, the splash that to finish the shave: Clubman Pinaud Citrus Musk. Definitely an old school splash that was made long before the phrase “skin food” had ever been uttered. Imagine walking through a one of those famous Texas lemon orchards on a sunny day, with a hint of musk trailing in the background – that’s Citrus Musk for you. It went on with a slight burn to let you know it’s doing its job, and then mellowed out with the quickly passing blend of citrusy and musk. Don’t blink or you’ll miss the scent because it’s gone nearly as soon as I splashed it on my face.
3. Noble Otter – Lone Star EdP To cap it all off, I reached for the Noble Otter Lone Star EdP. Now, this is where the scent magic of today happened. Lone Star took that single lemon scent note from the shave and built a wonderful scent profile bringing me straight to the heart of Texas. It has with its rugged, earthy notes, yet it’s surprisingly fresh, like standing on a Texas-sized lemon orchard at sunrise. It’s got a touch of leather, a whisper of wildflowers, and just enough lemon to tie the whole shave together. A spritz of this, and I was ready to tackle the day with the confidence of a cowboy and the scent of a gentleman.

And there you have it – a lemony, citrusy, musky, Texas-inspired shave that’s as refreshing as it is refined.

Challenge: I haven't been in the game long enough to miss a base, but I think my favorite that I've tried so far is House of Mammoth.

ROTY

• June 5
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar
• Razor: Baili TTO #ZAMAC
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel
• Lather: Gillette Fusion –Hydra Shaving Gel
• Post Shave: Harry’s - Post Shave Balm
• Fragrance: Tommy Hilfiger - Tommy

Today was a day marred by a dreadful combination of Gillette Fusion Shave Gel and Harry's Post Shave Balm. It’s been some time since I used canned gel, but I had this sitting at the bottom back and bottom of one of my bathroom drawers. No idea how old it is. But it doesn’t matter. This stuff sucked just the same today as when it was brand new. The difference is, a few years ago, I didn’t know there was a better way. But now I do. My brothers and sisters I HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT! My journey to get here was unconventional. Like many, I started with cartridges, then moved onto DEs for environmental reasons. Then I used Cremo for a long, long time. I tried a soap puck or two from amazon, but never had good results. Then a friend gave me a tub of Barrister and Mann and now I’m hooked on the good stuff. But I digress, I have no clue how long I’ve had this canned goop and I remember why I never enjoyed shaving before. It was just something that had to get done – like clipping my toenails. Today was also a reminder why I enjoy shaving now.

At this point in my wetshaving journey, I typically approach my morning shaving ritual with the anticipation of a kid on Christmas morning, but today, I move cautiously. I grab my trusty and cheap Bailli Razor, and I hesitantly reach for the Gillette Fusion Shave Gel. Like a recovering addict who’s afraid to relapse. The can is all smooth and slick, like a car salesman’s pitch, promising HYDRA!!

Challenge: I typically build my lather in a bowl, but today I sprayed that canned goo directly on the brush for the challenge. What a disaster. I lather up on this boar brush and the goo feels...plentiful. And that’s it. I think I went through like the whole can of gel using this brush. The lather covers my face like a mask. Disguising my features, allowing me to hide in the shame of going back to canned goo. No luxurious lather, no decadent scent—just the shaving equivalent of a sweaty, dead-fish handshake.

Undeterred, I press on. The razor glides over my face with all the enthusiasm of a teenager asked to mow the lawn. Each stroke feels less like a smooth cutting of whiskers and more like a reluctant trudge through mediocrity, reminding me that I used to live this life every day. I will forever regret the years wasted living like this. As I rinse off, I hope the post-shave balm will redeem this lackluster experience.

Enter Harry's Post Shave Balm. Its minimalist packaging whispers promises of soothing relief. I apply it, and...wait, did I just put on unscented hand lotion? My face feels neither relieved nor particularly soothed like it’s supposed to. It's like the balm gave my skin a gentle pat on the back and said, "Whelp. You’re on your own now."

And so, I stand before the mirror, my face half-convinced it’s been the victim of an elaborate Lather Games prank on Rookies. My skin is neither irritated nor particularly happy—just sort of...there. Like it showed up to a party expecting fireworks and got sparklers instead.

To finish off my routine, I sprayed on Tommy Hilfiger’s Tommy. Which is readily available pretty much anyplace you’d buy canned goo. It certainly isn’t bad. But isn’t anything special either. It’s inoffensive, clean, and forgettable. Almost reminds me of a dryer sheet. The fragrance is the highlight of today’s shave, but that’s not saying too much.

Today’s shave was a reminder that sometimes, it’s better to spend the extra time, effort, and energy using a great product, instead of settling for what you can buy at the big box stores (or find in the back of a drawer).

ROTY

• June 6
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Blackland Razors – Sabre #MODERNGEM
• Blade: GEM Blade
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Iced Coffee
• Post Shave: Elysian Soap Shop – Maple Coffee
• Fragrance: Gentleman’s Nod – Sidama

Today was a caffeinated adventure in shaving! Because what’s better than starting your day with a triple-shot of coffee-drink scents? Today’s line-up is a coffee lover’s dream: Iced Coffee Soap, Maple Coffee Splash, and Sidama Fragrance. I’m feeling wired just typing this out!

First up, Stirling’s Iced Coffee soap. Because why just drink your caffeine when you can lather it too? It is the LATHER Games after all! The invigorating scent of iced coffee hit me with a shot of menthol to really wake me up - like a double espresso on a Monday morning. Lathering up with this soap had me feeling wide awake before I even had my first cup. My face was thanking me for the refreshingly cool wake-up call. Who needs sleep when you have menthol coffee goodness?

To finish off the shave, Elysian Soap Shop’s Maple Coffee Splash. This stuff smells like Sunday brunch at your favorite diner – you know, the one where they serve pancakes drenched in maple syrup with a bottomless cup of coffee. Splashing this on was like giving my face a sweet, caffeinated hug. I half expected to look in the mirror and see a stack of pancakes staring back at me. It’s deliciously comforting and felt my face feeling great.

Finally, I finished my routine by spraying a couple spritzes of Gentleman’s Nod Sidama. The scent of Ethiopian coffee beans, rich and complex, adds a sophisticated finish to a caffeinated cocktail. It’s the perfect fragrance for today’s shave and those who like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. The earthy, slightly spicy notes make it clear that while you might enjoy a sugary coffee splash, you’re still all about that high-quality bean life.

So, there you have it, folks – a shave that’s sure to wake you up and keep you smelling like the best parts of a coffeehouse. My face is now a testament to the wonders of caffeine, from the invigorating chill of iced coffee to the comforting sweetness of maple syrup, all rounded out with the sophisticated aroma of Sidama coffee.

If you’re not a coffee lover, this setup may not be for you, but I am, so this is exactly for me! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to conquer the day smelling like a fully stocked coffee bar radiating from my freshly shaven face.

Challenge: I honestly haven’t really gotten into wettubing. The one video that helped me more than anything was this one from CosmoBarber Shaving, that was shared with me when I first started using artisan soaps and such. I'm ashamed to say I don't think I've seen a u/VisceralWatch video, so I don't know how they compare but would appreciate it if someone could link a couple must watch ones!

• June 7
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Lather Catcher #FOREVERSAFETY
• Blade: GEM
• Lather: Shannon’s Soaps - Vetiver
• Post Shave: Epsilon - Amber
• Fragrance: Dolce & Gabbana – K

Another thank you to u/iamhonestlylying for sending me this smush of Shannon Soaps Vetiver. This soap is basically Mother Nature giving you a bear hug after a rainstorm. It’s earthy, grounding, and frankly, a little dirty smelling. I didn’t think something that is designed to cleanse (soap) could smell dirty, yet here we are. The consistency of the soap was gooey, but it ended up lathering nicely and gave me a good shave. Never used Shannon’s Soaps before and it certainly wasn’t the best shaving soap I’ve used, but it got the job done. This is not a scent that I’d be interested in buying, but for Vetiver Day, it wasn’t bad to change things up from my typically scents of my shaving stuff.

Next, I used Epsilon Amber Splash, which has base notes of vetiver, patchouli and musk. It took the vetiver foundation of the shave soap I used and built a nice, ambery scent around it. It’s a nice warm, spicy aroma that perfectly complements the vetiver base of the soap. The amber notes are rich and comforting, a wonderful finish to the shave, and the splash left my skin feeling refreshed and invigorated.

To cap off the SOTD, I went with Dolce & Gabbana’s K. It opens with a bright blend of citrus and juniper, eventually revealing deeper notes of cedarwood and patchouli. It’s the perfect scent to finish my earthy/amber shave.

Challenge: One, against the grain pass? Sure. Not the most comfortable, but I think I’d rather do one, against the grain pass with quality products instead of 3 passes with drugstore day stuff. So I have that going for me. Which is nice.

ROTY

• June 8
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: 3D Printed Murker 34c Clone #RAINBOW
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel
• Lather: Maggard Razors (house-brand soap) – Orange Chill
• Post Shave: Sir Henry’s – Black Tie Affair
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Everett

I twisted the cap off this Maggard’s Orange Chill soap and I was immediately greeted by a burst of zesty orange, simple and refreshing. Using my favorite synthetic brush, I load up the soap and the lather builds quickly, transforming into a rich, creamy concoction that looks and smells like a citrus cloud. As I apply the lather, the cooling menthol gives me a little zing to wake me up and bright orange is marvelous. It’s like what I envision stepping into an orange grove on a freezing morning would be like. The combination of orange and menthol keeps my skin feeling cool and refreshed, making this shave a true sensory delight. The 3D Printed Razor actually does a pretty damn good job giving me a close and comfortable shave.

I finish off the shave using Black Tie Affair, which smells like a creamsicle. Perfect for a hot summer day. I kind of wish the splash was mentholated to really give me a zing (and match the soap), but alas, it’s not. The smell does take me back to my childhood, eating creamsicle after creamsicle all summer long.

And to complete this orange experience, I used House of Mammoth’s Everett fragrance. I’m immediately greeted by a whiff of orange, the sweetness of marshmallow, and rays of sun coming off on my pulse points where I sprayed the fragrance. An absolutely delight of a fragrance and perfect shave for a warm summer day.

Challenge: I’m not sure I have just one, huge, stupid order from Maggard’s. Most of the orders I’ve placed with them have been one or two items at a time (shout-out to us for keeping USPS in business) and even then, my orders mostly been reasonable things. I am fairly new to the hobbyist aspect of wetshaving though, so maybe that will change as I go down this rabbit hole I keep hearing about.

• June 9
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel
• Lather: Ariana & Evans – Barbiere Sofisticato
• Post Shave: Epsilon – Blue Mediterranean
• Fragrance: Azzaro – Chrome

Barbiere Sofisticato impressed me from the moment I unscrewed the top of this sample. They claim the scent is like walking into an old-world barbershop and who am I to argue? I imagine a place where the air is thick and everyone knows each other. The type of place where old-timers would gather and there was a true sense of community. Aromas of fine leather, woods, bergamot, and a hint of powdery sweetness would fill the room. It’s masculine, refined, and delightfully nostalgic. The lather was rich, creamy, and super slick. I have no complaints at all with this soap. As the razor effortlessly glid across my face, I couldn't help but imagine I’m being taken back to a time when grooming was an art form and barbers also doubled as surgeons, and every stroke of the blade was a testament to precision and care. This is not just a shave; it’s a ritual. an homage to the traditions of old.

For my splash, I reach for the Epsilon’s Blue Mediterranean Splash. This aftershave splash gave a chilling blast of menthol on this warm summer day. It’s supposed to be an exact reproduction of Floid Blue, which is a classic in barbershops. The initial zing is a reminder of its potency, waking up the senses and invigorating the soul. It’s a truly lovely refreshing contrast to the rich, warm lather of the soap, adding a touch of zest to the classic barbershop theme of the day.

To finish, I sprayed a couple spritzes of Azzaro Chrome. This fragrance is light and invigorating. With its crisp notes intertwined with nuances of bergamot, oakmoss, citrus and aquatic freshness, it adds a final layer of complexity to the barbershop theme of the day. It’s clean and vibrant, and ties the scents of today together wonderfully.

And there we have it, folks. I’m felling and smelling wonderful - like the epitome of barbershop Sofisticato.

Challenge: I didn’t do so hot. 3/32. I need practice.

• June 10
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli
• Post Shave: Elysian - Patchouli Peach
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli

I started the day with Declaration Grooming's Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli soap, which was a collaboration with Chatillon Lux. I don’t get a ton of Patchouli from the soap, the rose and citrus make it feel like I was transported to a serene Japanese garden. The zesty citrus is the first to greet your senses—a bright, citrusy note that dances around, waking you up gently. As the lather built up, the rose added layer of soft, floral sophistication. But deep down is the earthy patchouli that anchors everything, grounding the scent in so it’s not TOO light and floral.

As I worked the rich, creamy lather onto my face, I felt like a zen master preparing for a meditative moment of bliss. The slickness was great, the cushion of the lather was luxurious, and the scent was bringing me close to mediation. I glided the razor over my stubble like a rake in a zen garden. I kinda wish I could experience this shave for longer.

Post-shave, I reached for Patchouli Peach by Elysian Soap Shop. Now, if the soap was a serene Japanese Zen Garden, the splash was like stepping into a sunlit orchard. The initial hit of patchouli is present, familiar and grounding, but it quickly melds with the sweet, juicy scent of ripe peaches. It’s refreshing, invigorating, and adds a playful twist to the sophisticated notes of the soap.

To cap off the shave, I spritzed on Chatillon Lux – Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli. The same scent of the soap to close out the SOTD. This fragrance is the grand finale, tying everything together with its sophisticated blend. The scent comes across so much better in the fragrance than it does in the soap. The yuzu’s brightness, the rose’s elegance, and the patchouli’s earthy depth harmonized perfectly, creating a scent that beautifully lingered throughout the day. It was like carrying a piece of the morning’s tranquility with me as I went about my day.

Challenge: I couldn’t really think of any good songs about Patchouli, so I’m going with Roses by Outkast

ROTY

• June 11
• Brush: Antique Brass Boar #RUNT
• Razor: Gem Micromatic Open Comb #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
• Blade: Gem
• Lather: Moon Soaps – Tobacco Flower
• Post Shave: Moon Soaps – Tobacco Flower
• Fragrance: Liz Claiborne – Curve

Spring is in the air with this set. If you don’t believe me, the artisan themselves calls this “A Perfect Springtime Scent”. I point this out because having the word tobacco in the name does this scent a great disservice, IMHO. This is based on the fragrance of the flowering tobacco plant, not the tobacco that people smoke or use in fragrances. The scent highlights green tobacco flower, oakmoss, lavender, and rosemary. It’s a very green forward scent and perfect for springtime. A little more floral than I would typically enjoy, but nice for a day like today.

To finish, I spritzed on Liz Claiborne’s Curve. This classic fragrance is the perfect complement to the Tobacco Flower’s bright elegance. Curve’s blend of aromatic notes—spicy, woody, and slightly sweet—adding a layer of complexity to the scents of the shave. It’s a scent that has a certain charm about it and is perfect for a day where I wanted to smell like spring, but not TOO floral.

Challenge: Color Coordinated! I picked up in this antique brass brush because its color complements the razor and weathered brass accents of the Tobacco Flower and Curve labels… But it needs a new knot desperately! I soaked and washed it as best as I could but it is awful. Like, really, really, really bad. It’s only redeeming quality is it made the picture coordinated.

photocontest – no theme. I just want to enter to the best photo part.

ROTY

• June 12
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Taconic – Tequila Lime Cream
• Post Shave: Apex Alchemy – Gren River
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving – Sea Spice Lime

While today may be Cream Day, for me, it’s Lime Day! Limes in the soap. Limes in the Splash. And, you guessed it, limes in the fragrance!

I imagine myself waking up in a hammock strung between two palm trees. The sun high in the sky, the waves are gently crashing, and there's a refreshing breeze carrying the tangy scent of lime my way.

I start my shave with Taconic’s Tequila Lime Cream. As soon as I crack open the sample, it’s like a fiesta in a tiny jar! The zesty lime hits first, bright and invigorating, followed by a smooth tequila undertone. It's like drinking a margarita on the beach - without the hangover! I’m dreaming of my island paradise with each stroke of the razor.

Apex Alchemy’s Gren River splash is simply lime. Goes great with the soap as it is a burst of limey zest. It’s like I told the bartender I needed more limes in my margarita and he squeezed a fresh one out onto my face. It made my skin feel refreshed and invigorated.

To cap of my day of lime, used Spearhead Shaving’s Sea Spice Lime. A few spritzes, and I feel like the mist of the sea hit my body as I’m still laying on that hammock with my (now empty) margarita. Sea Spice Lime is the perfect finale—a blend of oceanic freshness with that irresistible zing of lime. It's crisp, clean, and undeniably captivating. As the fragrance settles, I feel refreshed, energized, and ready to conquer the world—or at least, the day ahead. This trio of products has worked together in perfect harmony, transforming my morning routine into a mini-vacation. Today's shave was more than just grooming; it was an experience—a tropical getaway wrapped in a refreshing, lime-infused embrace.

Challenge: My den is nothing compared to the likes of everyone else here. I’m still new to the hobby and learning my way around here. I only have 3 brushes and a couple razors I keep in my top bathroom drawer. Then I have a small collection of soaps in the drawer below that. A lot of these were actually given to me by my brother in law, who is big into wetshaving and pushed me over the edge to trying artisanal products. He’s also loaned me a bunch of razors/soaps/fragrances to use for Lather Games too. He got me set up pretty good with everything except for brushes. He won’t share his brushes.

• June 13
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Strike Gold Shave – Bees Knees
• Post Shave: Strike Gold Shave – Bees Knees
• Fragrance: Cartier - Eau de Cartier

Strike Gold Shave – Bees Knees is a dupe of Jo Malone’s Nectarine Blossom & Honey fragrance. I’ve never smelled that Jo Malone fragrance, so I can’t really comment on how accurate it is (or isn’t), but I can tell you this scent is delightful and bright. Imagine a sun-drenched meadow where bees buzz lazily over blooming flower blossoms. The air is thick with the sweet scent of honey and ripe fruit, yet there's a refreshing breeze that keeps it from being overpowering. That’s exactly where today’s shave took me.

As soon as I opened the tub, I’m hit with a wave of flowers. Flowers on flowers on flowers! There is a juicy nectarine note which is sweetened by the scent of rich, golden honey. The scent envelopes me in a cocoon of sweetness, making each stroke of the razor smell like springtime. There’s a slight vetiver note, which likely helps balance the scent so it’s not TOO sweet or floral. The bees may be busy, but I’m in a state of blissful relaxation with the scent as a whole. While I’d like to say this soap is the bees’ knees, the performance of it is just okay. I’ve used quite a few god-tier soaps so far in the Lather Games, but this one left something to be desired.

To complete this sensory journey, I spritz on Cartier’s Eau de Cartier. This classic fragrance adds a refined touch, with its crisp citrus opening, fresh floral heart, and warm, woody base. It harmonizes beautifully with the sweet notes of Bees Knees, elevating the overall experience to a level of understated floral bliss. It’s the perfect finishing touch, like a gentle breeze carrying the last whispers of a summer day. The combination of Bees Knees and Eau de Cartier is a match made in scent heaven, blending sweetness, flowers, and a little earth in perfect harmony.

Challenge: I’m a shit artist, so I wanted to recreate the label, using only basic circles and ovals. Here’s my attempt.

• June 14
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar
• Razor: Gem 1912 and EverReady 1912 #TWINS
• Blade: Gem
• Lather: The Holy Black – Lavender Creeper
• Post Shave: Maol Grooming – Wilde Flowers
• Fragrance: Prada – Luna Rossa

Since u/Enndeegee posted his poorly written manifesto and crackpot theories yesterday, I’ve been dragged into an all out Lather Games ~~investigation~~ witchhunt. But, I quite frankly, don’t know what to say. What’s the best way to engage with a crazy person on the internet? A normal person would have simply asked me who lead me here to reddit. But I’m not dealing with a normal person. I’m dealing with u/Enndeegee. And it doesn’t seem like “normal” is really his thing. So, I’m going to take u/jeffm54321’s advice and let him do his detecting. I’m sure there are clues sprinkled about and a quality detective would have figured this mystery out by now. But again – we’re not dealing with a quality detective. We’re dealing with u/Enndeegee.

Today’s shave was an ~~escapade~~ ice-capade where flowers and frost collide, leaving my face smoother than a glacier and fresher than a daisy in the morning dew. Fasten your seatbelts, for this flowery frolic was frosty!

I used The Holy Black’s Lavender Creeper soap. This isn’t just any lavender—it’s a lavender that creeps into your senses with a cool, refreshing mentholated touch. As I lathered up, it felt like a garden in springtime, but with a twist. The menthol in this soap snuck up on me like jack frost in a field of flowers. One moment, I’m inhaling the sweet, calming scent of lavender; the next, my face is tingling as if it’s been kissed by a frosty fairy. My cheeks went from a serene lavender field to an ice-cold mountain top in seconds. My floral fiesta turned into a refreshing tundra!

With my face already experiencing a menthol marvel, it was time for Maol Grooming’s Wilde Flowers splash. This is no ordinary aftershave—this is a wild bouquet in liquid form. The moment it hit my face, I felt like I was diving headfirst into a meadow. The lavender heavy florals danced around my senses. It was like hosting a garden party after a snowstorm—bizarre, delightful, and incredibly invigorating.

To top off this botanical bonanza, I reached for Prada’s Luna Rossa. This fragrance blends citrusy zest, a lavender punch, and aromatic herbs with a smooth, sophisticated base. After the cooling lavender and floral frenzy, Luna Rossa brought everything together with a touch of freshness. It was like stepping out of a cool, fragrant flower field and into a sleek, modern yacht. The citrus and lavender notes harmonized perfectly, creating a scent that was fresh and comforting.

Today's shave was an exhilarating journey through a world where flowers bloom on icy peaks and sophistication meets wild nature. My face emerged from this fragrant adventure feeling frozen while smelling like a botanical garden.

Challenge: Stack it to the moon!

• June 15
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Gem 1912
• Blade: Gem
• Lather: Grooming Dept – Earl Grey Gelato
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – The Noir et Vanille
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Rose Santal

Starting off with Grooming Dept’s Earl Grey Gelato soap, I felt like I was about to whip up a sweet treat instead of a shaving lather. My mystery brother-in-law, Los Dupe, gifted me this soap a little while ago and after using it, I was hooked. It’s no surprise to me it’s my most used soap and it’s actually going to be pretty sad when it runs out. The scent of Earl Grey tea with a creamy gelato twist is delightful. It’s like my face was enveloped by an Italian gelateria. The lather was puffy and dry today, but that made it look like a scoop of the finest gelato in Italy. So the challenge today wasn't ALL negative. The citrusy bergamot and sweet cream notes created a refreshing and mouthwatering experience.

Next up was Noble Otter’s The Noir et Vanille splash. Imagine finishing the sweet appetizer of Earl Grey Gelato and now we’ve moved on to sipping a cup of dark, rich tea while nibbling on a vanilla bean pastry—this splash captured that essence perfectly. As I applied it, my face was enveloped in a warm, comforting blend of black tea and vanilla, with just a hint of berries and spices. It was like stepping into a cozy café on a crisp autumn day. The splash had a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness, calming my skin and leaving it feeling smooth and rejuvenated. It was as if my face had just received a five-star treatment at a high-end patisserie.

To finish this olfactory banquet, I reached for Chatillon Lux’s Rose Santal EdT. This fragrance brought a sophisticated touch to the mix, combining the romantic allure of roses and black tea with the earthy elegance of sandalwood. One spritz, and I felt like I was walking through an opulent rose garden, sipping yet ANOTHER cup of tea with the subtle, grounding scent of sandalwood underfoot. It was the perfect way to round off the shave, adding a layer of refined elegance to the sweet and comforting notes from the soap and splash. The rose and sandalwood danced together perfectly, creating a scent that was absolutely wonderful.

Challenge: I made my lather very dry today and didn’t enjoy it. It reminded me of the old days when I used Cremo every day. The Grooming Dept soap usually needs a lot of water, so depriving it of that really made my shave a lot rougher than it should ever be.

• June 16
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Geo F. Trumper – Coconut Oil Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Captain’s Choice – Island Time
• Fragrance: Clinique – Lily of the Beach

I’m living Island Time today!

I started my morning by using the one of the original shaving products - Geo F. Trumper Coconut Oil Shaving Cream. As soon as I opened the sample, I was greeted by the rich, creamy scent of fresh coconuts. I tried to imagine I was on a pristine beach, the gentle waves whispering to me as I lathered up. I never used anything from this brand before, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. It performed far better than I was expecting, allowing my razor to glide effortlessly over my skin. Of course, I expected this to be like canned goo, and it was far better than canned goo. With the scent of coconuts with me throughout the shave, it felt like a tropical vacation in a jar.

I kept that vibe going with the splash: it was time for Island Time. This aftershave is nothing short of a bottle of paradise. The scent is a perfect blend of tropical fruits and a hint of ocean breeze, making me wish I was lounging in a hammock with a piña colada in hand. The splash gave a refreshing tingle that was as invigorating as a dip in the crystal-clear waters of a Caribbean island.

To complete my tropical transformation, I spritzed on some Clinique Lily of the Beach EdP. This fragrance is a bouquet of white lilies, warm sand, and a touch of sea salt. It’s like capturing the essence of a Hawaiian Lei at a beautiful beach resort. The scent lingered beautifully, keeping me in my tropical daydream all day long. The combination of these products left me smooth, refreshed, and smelling like an island paradise. After having zero expectations for Geo F Trumper, I’m really pleasantly surprised how this shave came together. 🏖️🪒🌴

Challenge: This is my first Lather Games. I’m having fun, but I’m out on this challenge. No thanks, team. I kind of like having hairy legs.

On a related note, I realized I forgot the #ROTY tag a couple days ago. Goddammit. I guess we know who’s NOT going to be Rookie of the Year.

• June 17
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Talent Soap Factory – Tea Shoppe
• Post Shave: MacDuff’s Soap Co – Santa’s Cheer
• Fragrance: Clinique – Cookies & Kisses

Today’s shave is the yang to yesterday’s ying. Yesterday, I was in tropical paradise, and today, I’m drinking tea by a warm fireplace on a winter’s day.

My shave began with the cozy warm aromatic embrace of Talent Soap Factory’s Tea Shoppe. As I lathered up, I was enveloped in the warm scent of freshly brewed tea and delicate spices. It felt like I was getting cozy under a blanket on a chilly winter afternoon, the steam rising from the teacup as I prepared for a close and comfortable shave. The soap provided a rich, creamy lather that felt like a warm hug for my face. After the shave, it was time to continue on with the winter, holiday spirit with Santa’s Cheer. This aftershave splash is a festive blend of more sweetness and spiciness. It’s like I finished my cup of tea, and it was time to move onto eggnog. It’s a scent that made me feel like I was carrying a bit of holiday magic with me.

To finish my routine, I sprayed a couple spitzes of Clinique’s Cookies & Kisses. Keeping on with the winter warmth them, this fragrance is the epitome of holiday spirit, with notes of warm vanilla, spiced cookies, and a hint of sweet frosting. It’s like capturing the essence of a holiday baking spree in a bottle. The scent wrapped me in a cloud of delicious sweetness like I was baking cookies for the Holidays. It’s like Christmas came early this year! The combination of these products left me smooth, spirited, and smelling like a delightful holiday treat.

Challenge: Okay, so I struggled getting lather built on my knee. I tried using CosmoBarber's precision loading method, but couldn’t get a smush of soap to stick to the skin on my knee, so I thought outside the box and used jeans, thinking they would have more friction and skicking powering than my skin. And I was right! It actually worked! I honestly thought this would be a disaster, but it worked far better than I thought because I was able to get the soap to stick to my jeans. Brilliant!

• June 18
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Talbot Shaving – Gates of the Arctic
• Post Shave: Talbot Shaving – Gates of the Arctic
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Admiral

Wow. Today’s shave was like going for a hike on a chilly spring morning. I imagined walking making my way through the trail, smelling the wood of the green pine trees, the wild grasses under my boots, and the fresh air blowing across my face. Through the trees, you hear the sound of rolling rapids of a river running through the woods. The matching splash was pleasant. The whole set was something of an outdoorsy scent, while remaining very clean.

For today’s fragrance, I used Admiral to take the next step from the clean scent of the riverside hike to a go to a sent inspired by a riverboat. Reminding me to the quote from the book Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, “... the river is everywhere at once, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the rapids, in the sea, in the mountains, everywhere at once, and that there is only the present time for it, not the shadow of the past, not the shadow of the future.” The river’s omnipresence symbolizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. We are all connected to each other on this planet called Earth. Just like all water is connected. Just as the river is present in various forms and places simultaneously, life should be seen as a unified flow where all human experiences are interconnected. Everyone is all going in our own directions, yet with the zillions of interactions, every human is connected to every other human. Basically, a pretentious way of referring to 6 degrees of separation.

Talbot Shaving Soap and Splash paired with Chatillon Lux Admiral EdT isn't just a shave—it's a voyage that put the human race in perspective to me. Every whiff of the shave told a story of exploration and discovery and self-reflection. It smelled clean and outdoorsy but also brought the connection of the river and entire human race to me. Wonderful scent, wonderful shave, and even better thought provoking philosophical exercise.

Challenge: I have to admit, as a rookie and reddit newbie, I don’t know much of the history or ins-and-outs of the rivalry between r/wicked_edge and r/wetshaving, so while I’d like to come up with something clever, I just posted my SOTD over there too.

• June 19
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Embrace
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Embrace
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Embrace

House of Mammoth’s Embrace is more than just a fragrance; it’s an olfactory journey that captures the essence of warmth, comfort, and deep connection. It’s inspired by the simple yet profound act of an embrace—something that provides comfort and reassurance. This fragrance captures the essence of being held close and feeling protected, offering a sense of calm and contentment.

Today’s shave was a moment of reflection and self-care, marked by the use of House of Mammoth's Embrace soap, splash, and EdP. As I went through my shave, I couldn’t help but think about the significance of Juneteenth—a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates freedom and heritage. I found it fitting that I chose to use Embrace today, since Embrace is designed to evoke feelings of warmth and safety – like a hug. Clearly, the simple act of a hug does not address the atrocities of our Nation’s past, but taking the time to talk and LISTEN (with the intent to understand) can help everyone come together, which is very much needed today.

The scent of Embrace is both comforting and grounding. It’s a harmonious blend of warm, inviting notes that create a sense of calm and reflection. As I shaved, the fragrance of Embrace served as a poignant reminder of the importance of Juneteenth. The day is about more than just history; it’s about acknowledging the journey, honoring the resilience and strength of those who came before us, and celebrating the freedom and opportunities we have today. The lingering scent was a gentle yet persistent reminder of the day's significance, infusing my routine with a sense of purpose and reflection, thinking of the ongoing journey towards freedom and equality. Happy shaving, and may we all take a moment to Embrace our heritage and the progress we continue to make.

Challenge: Why shave with what I want, when the Lather Games judges tell me what to use instead?

• June 20
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm Maggard SHD Badger
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Tempest
• Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Tempest
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Can’t Stand the Rain

As soon as I opened the tub of Tempest, I quickly realized that the scent was not to my liking. The fragrance, which is an aquatic that is supposed to evoke a stormy sea, felt overly intense and somewhat artificial to my nose. Instead of an ocean storm from Zeus, to me it smelled more like the water that’s been sitting in a garden hose all summer long. On the positive side, the soap lathered and performed beautifully. Despite my aversion to the scent, the performance was spot-on and undeniably excellent, with a protective layer that ensured a smooth glide for the razor.

Unfortunately, the scent that I disliked in the soap was equally pronounced in the splash. The fragrance was not ideal and lingered longer than I would have preferred. On the plus side, the splash did feel great on my face.

To salvage the olfactory experience, I turned to Chatillon Lux Can't Stand the Rain EdT. This fragrance was a breath of fresh air—literally. The scent opens with refreshing notes of fresh rain and petrichor, which are much more nuanced and natural compared to Tempest. As it dried down, oakmoss and cedar added depth and complexity, creating a well-rounded and captivating scent. It was the perfect finish to the shave, making me almost forget the scent of Tempest.

Challenge: We’re shaving outside today! It’s hot outside here and shaving outside wasn’t something I was counting on, but LET’S GO!!!! I always shave in the morning, before work, so today, I allowed for extra time, gathered up my shaving things, went out to the patio, and set up a nice little shave den for myself. I flipped my routine a little bit, because I always shower then shave in my towel, but I didn’t think my neighbors would want to see that, so I shaved before my shower today. Shaving while having the sun on my face, and the warm morning breeze on blowing by was actually quite enjoyable. I would absolutely do this again.

• June 21
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles - Blugere
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Prom King
• Fragrance: Jean Paul Gaultier – Le Male

Thanks to u/iamhonestlylying for the smush.
You’ve helped my Lather Games so much.
You sent quite a few.
Many scents you could do.
Could you be Los Dupe? Let’s discuss.

Today's shave was quite the affair,
With fougeres that filled up the air.
Start with Blugere so fine,
Blueberries and fougere combine,
A refreshing blend that's beyond compare.

Next came Prom King Splash, so bold,
From Summer Break Soaps, I'm sold!
Its citrusy zest, Put my skin to the test,
Leaving me feeling dapper and bold.

Finished with Le Male EdT,
From Jean Paul Gaultier, you see.
A classic, it's true,
With a scent that just knew,
Today's shave was meant to be free!

Now, I'm shaved and smelling divine,
Thanks to these scents - they're so fine.
Blugere, Prom King, Le Male,
They're all fougeres good to inhale,
Demonstrating the best fragrance design.

whole SOTD is a limrick. not just a stanza but the whole thing!

• June 22
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Boonana
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Boonana
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts – Boonana

It’s a Boonana Day all around!

Ah, let's delve into the intriguing scent of Southern Witchcrafts - Boonana, a fragrance that's as complex as it is captivating, perfect for the autumn season.

As I opened the jar of Boonana soap, I was greeted by the sweet, ripe aroma of bananas that are maybe two or three days past their prime. Like the overly ripe bananas that you’d use to make banana bread. But there's more to it than meets the eye (or nose) with this soap. Mixed within are subtle hints of florals, adding a touch of elegance and depth. Yet, it's the undertones of bourbon and musk that truly transform this friendly, potassium filled-fruit into something enigmatic.

As I lathered up, the spicy accords start to reveal themselves, intertwining with the banana to create a warm, inviting scent that's reminiscent of a cozy autumn evening. Beyond the banana, there’s an air carrying a hint of spice and a whisper of something enchanting. The Boonana Splash takes the experience further. The dark and spicy notes came alive on my skin, mingling with the floral and banana elements to create a harmonious blend that's both comforting and alluring. The alcohol free splash felt amazing on my skin and left my face feeling great for the rest of the day. And finally, the Boonana fragrance itself. This is where the complexity reaches its peak, a symphony of dark accords, spicy warmth, and the lingering sweetness of banana. Combined together, there is an aire of sophistication wrapped in an autumnal embrace. Hats off to Southern Witchcrafts for creating a unique banana scent that is both a novelty and an extremely wearable scent.

Challenge: I looked at the produce I had in my kitchen and spotted my victim. Behold! The Haunted Mango! Never carved a face in a mango before and might never again, so I made sure to treasure this special moment. I kind of wish I had a banana in my kitchen, to complete the theme of the shave, but alas, I just had mangos.

A carved mango looks gnarly.

• June 23
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar
• Razor: Baili Twist to Open Safety Razor
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Master Soap Creations – Candy Moon
• Post Shave: Master Soap Creations – Candy Moon
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Rumble

Today Lather Games brings us to a land where shaving meets pure, unadulterated sweetness. It's a day to indulge in the candy-coated fantasy that is Candy Moon, finished with the delectably fragrant Rumble. I swear I’ve stepped into a confectionery wonderland.

As I opened the tub of Candy Moon, a wave of sugary delight greeted me like a warm embrace from a candy store. The scent was a sweet, cloying blend of Strawberry Cotton Candy, Toffee , on a base of Mocachino. I imagine this is what Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory smelled like. I imagined a carnival where every ride is made of sweets and every step taken is on a path of powdered sugar. Applying the lather to my face was like dipping into a cloud of spun sugar – soft, luxurious, and tempting to take a little taste of it. I used the matching splash and it hit my skin with a cool, refreshing tingle, and the scent blossomed into a full-on sweetness explosion. The scent of the splash lingered, a persistent reminder of the joy that candy can bring. It was sweet, yes, but the mocachino notes gave it a depth that made it an adult indulgence, not just a childish whim.

To finish, I used House of Mammoth’s Rumble. The fragrance, while building off the Candy Moon duo perfectly, brought its own more mature twist to the day. Rumble is like the far more sophisticated older brother to Candy Moon’s immature essence. They may be kind of related, but in actuality, they are miles apart from each other. Rumble added a much-needed layer of complexity, a blend of rich, warm gourmand notes that mingled with the sweet candy essence to create a symphony of scents. The interplay between the sugary notes of Candy Moon and the deeper, more robust elements of Rumble was extraordinarily sweet. It was like a dessert that's been carefully crafted by a master chef, with each note enhancing and elevating the experience to new heights.

Challenge: This was an interesting change of pace. I wish I had a portable mirror or something more reflective in my kitchen to use as a mirror in the kitchen. I was flying blind today, going entirely off muscle memory and feel.

• June 24
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Noble Otter – Monoi de Tahiti
• Post Shave: Hoffman’s – Road Trip
• Fragrance: Azzaro – The Most Wanted

Thanks to u/Priusaurus for today’s smush.

Today’s theme is pretty cool because it encourages trading and interacting among participants. This being my first Lather Games, I don’t know many people on reddit, but thanks to the help of a few people, including Los Dupe, I’ve been able to fill every hole I had in my calendar (I think.)

The scent of Monoi de Tahiti, immediately transported me to a sun-drenched beach, where the scent of exotic flowers mingled with the sweet aroma of coconut. The fragrance was a perfect blend of flowers, vanilla, and a hint of tropical fruit, evoking images of lazy days by the ocean. The lather became a slick foam that felt like a tropical breeze against my skin. As I shaved, I couldn't help but smile, imagining myself sipping a pina colada under a swaying palm tree.

With the shave complete, I used Hoffman's Road Trip splash. Which smells like the drink I should be sipping on, while laying at Monoi de Tahiti Beach. It’s creamy rum, banana, pineapple coconut milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. I honestly don’t know what is in a pina colada, but this smells like one to me. The splash dried down into a subtle, invigorating scent that lingered just enough to keep the adventure alive without overpowering. It was a perfect complement to the tropical notes of the Monoi de Tahiti soap, adding tropical layer that made the whole experience feel dynamic and exhilarating.

Finally, to cap off the journey, I used Azzaro’s The Most Wanted. The fragrance was a woody spicy scent with a huge serving of vanilla and ginger, creating a bold, captivating scent that was both warm and enticing. It added a touch of maturity, while the vanilla and ginger give a nod to the tropical and adventurous notes of the soap and splash, making the overall experience feel complete.

The interaction between the sweet, tropical notes of the soap, the warm, sweetness of the splash, and the deep, interesting fragrance was nothing short of spectacular. It was like finishing a perfect day at the beach with an elegant dinner under the stars.

Challenge: I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer this, but Spearhead Shaving makes some pretty good stuff. I’d like to see an exclusive soap from them.

• June 25
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Smoking Bishop
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Dickens Revisited
• Fragrance: Hugo Boss - BOSS

Ho, ho, ho! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to start the day than with a festive shave that even Santa would envy?

Smoking Bishop is the sweet scent of holiday cheer! This soap whips up a lather as thick as a snowdrift, with a fragrance that’s a delightful nod to Dickens' writing – it is referenced his holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Imagine the aroma of a steaming mug of mulled wine, rich with citrus, clove, and a hint of warm spices. If you close your eyes, you might just hear carolers singing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" in the background. Sticking with the Dicken’s theme for the splash: Dickens Revisited: Next, the splash that brings Christmas past into the present. This aftershave is a merry blend of holiday scents that soothes the skin and lifts the spirits. It's like a Victorian Christmas party in a bottle—full of spice, warmth, and a hint of delicious cherry sweetness. Smoking Bishop and Dickens revisited go together like… Tiny Tim and his crutches - They are perfect for each other! Ebenezer Scrooge wishes he had a companion like this in his life! To cap off this festive shave, a spritz of Hugo Boss - BOSS Bottled Infinite. This fragrance adds a sophisticated touch with its fresh apple, cinnamon, and woodsy notes. The apple and cinnamon go perfectly with the soap and splash and the woodsy base makes is a perfectly wearable fragrance. It’s like stepping into a winter wonderland where style meets the crisp, invigorating air of a December morning.

Merry Christmas in June, everyone!

Challenge: I would have loved to wear a tophat to fit the Dickens theme, but I don’t own one. I had a fedora, but couldn’t find it. So I just wore a basic baseball hat. Not really Christmas themed, but it’s enough for the daily challenge!

• June 26
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming
• Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming

I’m more than a little stressed about today. Every other day, I can use whatever I want, as long as it’s on theme and post it WHENEVER I want. Now, I gotta make sure no one else is using this? God damn, this is stressful. Then I worried about the timing. What if I make sure no one used what I want, go shave with it, and come back to see someone else posted before I could.

I asked Los Dupe about it, and he said to either (a) shave at midnight and post about it when the thread opens at 2AM or (b) pick something a little obscure and (c) there’s a zillion shave soaps out there, so pick one, and have a backup in case someone else picks it. So that’s ultimately what I decided. Fortunately, no one has shaved with Summer Break Soaps’ Homecoming yet, which I’m very happy about.

I very much enjoyed this scent. The soap’s scent note of lavender was instantly recognizable, but it wasn't your typical floral lavender. This blend is accented with black pepper and coriander and brought out a deeper, spicier character. It was like walking through a misty forest at dusk, with the air filled with earthy, woody tones. Homecoming was a deeper lavender scent than I’m used to and did a wonderfuly job turning a very familiar scent into something truly unique.

Challenge: I haven’t been in the hobbyist side of shaving long enough to ever need to clean a brush.

• June 27
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving – Seaforth! Spiced
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving – Seaforth! Spiced
• Fragrance: Antonio Banderas – Spirit

Spiced is loaded with spices - 10 to be exact! For the sake of the theme, here they are: Mandarin, Aldehydes, Carnation, Anise, Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom, Benzoin, Tonka, and Vanilla.

I really enjoyed this set. Even when I first opened the tub, I could immediately smell this scent had a lot of stuff going on. It is jam packed with, well, spices. It’s a wonder how Spearhead came up with the name of this one. The scent is vibrant, lively and (to me) has an old, vintage feel to it. This aftershave is the perfect sidekick to the soap, packing a gentle punch (love tap?) with its invigorating blend of spices. A splash of this stuff and my face felt like it was shopping in a spice market. There are so many spices to smell! There’s no alcohol in this splash, so it felt pretty gentle on my face. After splashing it on, it gave me a warm, spicy embrace, as if a cinnamon stick and a clove had a passionate tango on my cheek. It’s refreshing, bold, and left my skin feeling as smooth. To finish, Spirit is a blend of amber, incense, and sweet spices, perfectly complementing the earlier layers of spiced soap and splash. With a few sprays, I felt like I was living in the spice market, instead of just walking through it!

Challenge: I did it. This one was a little tough for me, but I took it slow and had a beautifully slick lather to work with, so I managed to complete it without cutting myself.

• June 28
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar Brush
• Razor: Baili Twist to Open DE
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Arko – Shaving Soap Puck
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger – After Shave & Face Tonic
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – South Padre

Let’s work through a price list here:
Omega Boar Brush: $14.99
Baili TTO: $5.99
Blades: $.08 per blade
Arko: $5.95 per puck. 90g per puck = 3.17oz = $1.87 per ounce
Lucky Tiger Face Tonic (full size): $18 for 8 ounces = $2.25 per ounce
Stirling Fragrance: $26.95 for 50ml = 1.69oz = $15.94 per ounce

Everything here is the cheapest item I have.

I realize this is supposed to be one of those days where we struggle and whine and say “THIS STUFF ISN’T USABLE!!!!” But, you know what. This is very usable. I used this DE for years using canned goo and/or Cremo. Using Arko was a walk in the park. It never fails to deliver with its fantastic lather and unbeatable price. This little puck proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a rich, slick shave, as long as you don’t mind using the scent of a urinal cake.

Lucky Tiger’s Face Tonic Splash wasn’t my favorite. I wouldn’t call it unusable, but it certainly didn’t bring me any joy when I used it and the scent wasn't the greatest.

Stirling’s South Padre EdT provided a really nice wonderful, scent reminiscent of a beach getaway. The best part? It’s incredibly affordable, so I can smell fantastic without feeling guilty about the cost. The bad part? The beach getaway didn’t last nearly as long as I would have hoped. The scent was gone faster than I could say "What time is high tide?"

All in all, today's shave was not only smooth, but effective and kind to my wallet. It just goes to show that you don’t NEED to spend a lot to get a top-notch shave. Maybe there are a couple things here that would be better to spend a little more on, but overall, it wasn’t the worst shave I’ve ever had. If there's one thing I've learned in my limited time doing this: There is a law of diminishing returns with high-end gear - A $300 razor doesn't shave 30x better than a $10 razor. These Baili razors aren't bad at all.

Challenge: All my cheapest wetshaving products.

Today’s shave was all about getting a great shave without breaking the bank and I didn't hate the results.

OP makes a strong argument for low-cost products.

• June 29
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar Brush
• Razor: Aylsworth Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Proraso - Red
• Post Shave: Proraso - Red
• Fragrance: Kenneth Cole – Mankind Rise

Today’s shave was brought to you by the classic scent of sandalwood.

I kicked off the day by shaving with Proraso Red. I never used Proraso before today and I must say, I was impressed. To be fair, I had zero expectations for it, but it performed and smelled way better than I thought it would. With the scent, I felt like I had been transported to a sandalwood forest. The nice, creamy lather hugged my face like it knew exactly how tough my morning was. The sandalwood scent was warm and inviting, like a cozy campfire on a chilly night. It had this unique blend of earthy, woody notes that helped me feel grounded and ready to face the day. For the splash, it hit me with a refreshing burst of sandalwood that was really nice. It felt like a well-deserved pat on the back after a great shave. The scent lingered just long enough to make me feel like I had my life together, even if just for a moment. Did I mention it was a rough morning yet? The sandalwood in this splash had a slightly sweeter, more refined edge, making it the perfect follow-up to the soap.

To finish off, I used Kenneth Cole’s Mankind Rise. This fragrance took the sandalwood experience to a whole new level. It added a modern twist to the classic scent, with hints of citrus and spice that played perfectly with the woody base. The sandalwood in Mankind Rise is sophisticated and subtly powerful, kind of like a scent that makes a statement without shouting. I very much enjoyed this scent.

Sandalwood is the star of today’s show, with it’s rich, creamy, and slightly sweet aroma. It's a scent that has been cherished pretty much since the dawn of time, used in EVERYTHING. It’s extremely versatile and can provide a calming yet invigorating experience. To me, sandalwood brings a sense of timeless elegance and grounded stability.

Challenge: Can u/Enndeegee win? He provided the most entertainment to me. And I think the most logical pick has to be: u/Priusaurus. He’s gotta be the winner. His leg shave day was my favorite post of the games.

• June 30
• Brush: Omega 10098 Boar
• Razor: Baili Twist to Open
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Tallow & Steel – Himalaya
• Post Shave: Epsilon – Scottish Spirit
• Fragrance: Boucheron – Jaipur Homme

Challenge & Theme: Here’s where everything, including me, is from:

• BatmanBrady - USA
• Omega 10098 Boar - Italy
• Baili Twist to Open - China
• Gillette Nacet - Russia
• Tallow & Steel – Himalaya - Canada
• Epsilon – Scottish Spirit - Spain
• Boucheron – Jaipur Homme - France

Lathering up with Tallow & Steel’s Himalaya is like stepping into a secluded mountain sanctuary. The scent is a rich, invigorating blend of fresh, crisp alpine air mixed with a heavy dose of earthy notes of moss and cedarwood. As the rich, creamy lather enveloped my face, I can almost feel the cool breeze and hear the distant echo of a mountain stream. It’s a refreshing start to the day, that’s for sure. After the shave, Epsilon’s Scottish Spirit splash brings a bold and bracing twist. Continuing the outdoor experience, the scent is a robust blend of smoky peat, aged oak, and a hint of heather, capturing the essence of the wilderness. To round off this olfactory expedition, a spritz of Boucheron’s Jaipur Homme adds a touch of exotic complexity. The fragrance is a rich tapestry of spices, floral notes, and warm woods. Opening with a burst of citrus and spice, it quickly deepens into a heart of cinnamon and nutmeg, before settling into a luxurious base of vanilla and woodsy notes. It’s like coming back to a nice resort after from spending the day hiking in the wilderness. A nice balance of opulence and ruggedness. Today's shave was a really nice olfactory experience from mountain wilderness, ending with a touch of exotic luxury. Perfectly balanced to keep me feeling fresh, strong, and ready to overcome whatever the day throws my way today.

Thanks for putting on a really fun Lather Games. I didn’t really know what to expect heading into this, but I had fun with it. Already looking forward to improving next year!