Day 13
- Brush: Boti 28mm Synthetic
- Razor: Gem G-Bar
- Blade: Gem PTFE
- Lather: Declaration Grooming – Sellout Soap
- Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co – Executive Man Splash
- Fragrance: Chicago Grooming Co – Gold Coast EdP
Alright, fellow shavers, it’s time to talk about something that’s been driving me up the slippery, lathered wall. Dupes. Yep, you heard me—those so-called “inspired by” scents that seem to have taken over damn near every shaving soap “artisan” in the hobby. And I, for one, am fed up with it. So, buckle up, because I need to rant on why I can't stand these dupes in my shaving soaps.
First Off, Where’s the Originality?
When I reach for a shaving soap, I want something that stands out, something unique. But no, instead, I’m bombarded with endless copies of popular fragrances. Aventus, Sauvage, Jicky, Acqua di Parma, BR540—you name it, there’s a dupe for it. It’s like walking into a concert expecting The Rolling Stones and getting a cover band that’s only good at playing Top 40 hits. Where’s the creativity? Where’s the soul? Why should my nose be subjected to a knock-off when it deserves the real deal?
Declaration Grooming Sellout, Stirling Soap Co. Executive Man, Chicago Grooming Co. Gold Coast—three different brands, and what do they have in common? They’re all cashing in on the DUPES! All three have the capability to create great, original scents, yet here we are! It’s a veritable invasion of clones! I don’t want to smell like something another company created. Something that all the bros at the club are wearing! I want something new and unique! I certainly don’t want to smell Aventus all day every day. STOP THE MADNESS!
And let’s not even start on the quality. Dupes might mimic the scent profile, but they often lack the depth and complexity of the originals. It’s like comparing a high-end steak to a fast-food burger. Sure, they’re both meat, but one is a rich, savory delight, and the other is a greasy, forgettable mess. When I’m paying good money for a shaving soap, I expect an experience, not a diluted shadow of a fragrance that was great to begin with.
What Happened to Tradition?
There’s something to be said for tradition in wet shaving. Classics like sandalwood, bay rum, and bergamot have stood the test of time for a reason. They’re timeless, they’re sophisticated, and they don’t pretend to be anything but what they are. These new-fangled dupes are just riding the coattails of popular fragrances instead of embracing the heritage of true shaving scents. It’s a slap in the face to the rich history of wetshaving, Old Spice, and the pirates who created Bay Rum!
And Another Thing…
Finally, let’s talk about the letdown. You get all excited about a new soap release, only to find out it’s just another dupe. Oh, sweet, my favorite artisan is releasing a new scent! Then, bam. It’s same old scent that’s been repackaged a zillion times by a dozen other soapmakers. It’s like unwrapping a gift only to find socks inside. Again. Sure, they’re useful, but where’s the excitement? Where’s the soul??
So, there you have it. My stand against the dupe epidemic plaguing our beloved wetshaving hobby. To the artisans out there: please, I beg you, stop the madness. Give us originality, give us quality, and give us the scents that make us want to shave every day. Because, at the end of the day, our faces—and our noses—deserve better than to be drowned in a sea of second-rate imitations. Stay unique, stay true, and let’s put an end to the reign of the dupes!
I gotta do the #FOF thing for products I just shit on. They actually do smell good, even if they aren’t original. Sellout and Executive Man are dupes of Aventus and Gold Coast is a dupe of BR540. I started with the pair of Aventus dupes which launch into fruity, sweet, leathery/woody vibes. It’s fresh and (if I’m being honest) does have a certain elegance to it. It’s a super popular fragrance for a reason. Then finishing off with Gold Coast (BR540) transforms the dynamic presence of Sellout/Executive Man into something almost otherworldly. It’s a sweet amber with a woody base. The resinous draw of Gold Coast weaved through the robust starting of Executive Man and Sellout, creating a seamless blend of fragrances that project beautifully off my skin.
For #photocontest: Steampunk
Challenge I do what I do best, fired up MSPaint, and recreated this original. It’s like I’m looking at the same picture.
iamhonestlylying’s Daily Top 5:
In honor of “Dupelganger”… The Top 5 Best Celebrity Alter Egos:
5.) Donald Glover/Childish Gambino – It’s like your mild-mannered buddy turning into a lyrical ninja at karaoke night
4.) Garth Brooks/Chris Gaines - The country music equivalent of Clark Kent putting on a wig and eyeliner.
3.) Prince/The Artist Formerly Known as Prince - It’s like an art exhibit where the title changes more often than the pieces.
2.) Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana - Every teen's dream of having a double life without the hassle of a convincing disguise
1.) David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust - Like your quirky uncle showing up to Thanksgiving dressed as a cosmic rock god