www.zirh.com
ShavingStuff.com visitors receive 15% off all orders of $30 or more.
To receive your discount, please enter code 'ShavingStuffZ' at checkout.
John Allan's
June 27, 2008
Review of John Allan's Matte Styling Pomade
Today we're going to take a quick look at our final John Allan's product in what has turned out to be John Allan's review week at Shaving Stuff. I've never been much of a hair product man, but a strange confluence of events recently led me to start experimenting in styling. And what I found is that I tend to shy away from the shine, and hold out for the hold. John Allan's Matte styling pomade fits that bill perfectly.
A light-weight, water-based pomade that gives hair detail without the shine. It can be used on all hair types to provide separation, direction and a light, flexible hold. As a pliable styling tool, this pomade allows you to create and recreate any look or style and washes out easily. Nourishes and conditions hair and scalp with botanical extracts of Orange Flower, Lemongrass, Lime, and Grapefruit.
If you're looking for greased-back lines or the I-just-got-out-of-the-shower tease, try one of his other products. But if you like the subtle hold which doesn't look like you have any product in your hair, Matte's where it's at.
Review of John Allan's Face Replenishment Moisturizer
So we talked about John Allan's Splash aftershave on Tuesday, but that only covers half of your face. What about your forehead? It needs love too. Enter John Allan's Face Replenishment Moisturizer, which I've been using on my forehead with great results after I shave (after showering) and also on my whole face after I wash up at night.
An advanced hydrating formula that utilizes a combination of essential vitamins, botanical extracts and natural emollients to replenish skin and helps to diminish the effects of aging. It also helps to soothe and protect dry or irritated skin caused by shaving, extreme weather conditions or years of neglect.
Extreme weather!!! Woot! I don't know about you, but we had a hail storm in New England on an 80 degree summer day this week. If that doesn't qualify for extreme weather, I don't know what does.
Anyway, where was I? Ah yes, JA's Face moisturizer. What's in it?
Hydrates using Shea Butter, Coca Butter and Jojoba. Provides advanced anti-aging correction and prevention using Vitamins A, B2, C, D, E, K. Helps to protect skin with Oat and Willow Bark Extracts.
So butter, vitamins, and bark. And somehow if manages to soothe your face. And smell pretty good too. Shaving Stuff wife says it vaguely reminds her of grapefruit. Also, she says "You smell clean." Thanks John. Can I call you John?
Rub a dub dub, it's time for a Scrub. John Allan's Scrub, that is. We've gone through exfoliants a bunch of times on this site, so I won't bore you with the background. Basically there are two camps - one which thinks you should exfoliate before you shave, and one which thinks you should exfoliate a couple times a week, preferrably when you don't shave. Personally, I'm in the latter camp. Shaving exfoliates enough by itself.
John Allan's Scrub is a green, grainy (not gritty) goo. The grains are not too fine, not too coarse, and they are plentiful. Like the recent exfoliant we reviewed from Mensgroom, John Allan's Scrub looks like something you might make a superball out of. Lime green substance with flecks suspended in it. (Those flecks are "Volcanic Pumice". Very cool. Or hot, depending on how fresh the volcanic pumice is.)
And I'm a fan. Smells great - mildly floral, washes off easily, and gets the job done. Plus, they do the dangerous job of harvesting the volcano. What else do you need? John Allan's Face Exfoliant Scrub is $17 for a 4.8oz tube.
[A plea to my humble reader - please read this entire review. What may seem like a lost cause turns into a happy ending.]
There's a reason they call John Allan's Splash After Shave "an old school after-shave splash with a bite." Alcohol. And lots of it. What looks like a friendly bottle of bubbles turns out to be a harsh wake-up after your shave. Splash some Splash on your freshly shaven face and feel the bite.
[Note to humble reader: keep reading]
But then something magical happens. Your face actually feels good. And it doesn't need any more love. Last time around we after-shaved with John Allan's Calming After Shave Balm, and if you remember, we often needed to supplement with a little heavier cream. Splash is the total package. Could be the Chamomilla Extract & Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. Could be the Willow Bark and Cucumber Extracts. Could be that anything feels better after being slapped by an alcohol induced rage. Whatever it is, I came to really like John Allan's Splash.
I'm recommending this after shave whole heartedly. I had no redness or irritation from this product. In fact my skin seems clearer and healthier than before. I fully expect to get some feedback about the horrors of "the bite", or the use of alcohol in after shave, but I'm standing by my man John (or J.A., as I like to call him). He's made a believer out of me again.
Every so often we get the chance to go back and visit an old favorite. Such is the case with John Allan's. A couple months ago we got a bunch of new products in and we've been steadily working our way through them.
Some history, for those new to John Allan's - starts in Europe, studies with the best, comes to New York, opens membership club, starts his own product line, products are awesome. What? Too much for you in today's information overload world? (Full history is here.)
I've been shaving with John Allan's Shave for about a month now, and it's like seeing a good friend after a year's absence. Great shave, great scent, great to catch up. In fact, my old review still holds true. Allow myself to quote myself, (unless of course the A. P. objects):
John Allan's Shave Cream is a white, almost fluffy cream, which smells like oats. Reminds me of those Molton Brown Oatmeal Soaps you sometimes find in fine hotels or restaurant bathrooms. The cream goes on easily and remains visibly white on your face, although it doesn't foam up so you can still easily see your skin underneath. Best to use your fingers when applying. It's a little too thick for a brush, and despite your best efforts (with fingers or with a brush), the cream will never look truly uniform on your face. I was initially concerned about this, but it turned out to be a non-issue. The shave is great. Far fewer nicks and cuts than other shaving creams. Great lubrication - no razor burn whatsoever. Also, John Allan's did a great job of lifting even my stubborn hairs up, so I always got a smooth, close shave.
Like I said, it's good to see you again, Mr. John Allan. Over the next few days we'll check out some other John Allan's products which are new to Shaving Stuff. In the meantime, John Allan's Shave is $14.50 for a 4oz tube. Get some.
Father's Day is about a month away, and you've still got time to get the special dad in your life something special. May we recommend you take a look at the Roll Up from John Allan's. We profiled this amazing travel kit back in January shortly after it was introduced. The kit contains:
Sport shampoo
Bodywash cleanser
Scrub exfoliant
Shave cream
Face Moisturizer
Plus an additional empty JA [John Allan's] bottle
As good as John Allan's products are, (and they're good - see our past reviews), the leather roll up is what really sets this kit apart. You roll out this roll up and heads will turn. Of course, you'll probably be in a hotel room when you roll out your roll up, but if there were other people there, their heads would turn. Trust me.
We're currently testing the scrub, shaving cream, and moisturizer in the ShavingStuff labs, and we'll have reviews soon. In the meantime, make a dad happy for Father's Day. The Roll Up from John Allan's is $245.
Believe it or not Father's Day is only about 6 weeks away, and John Allan's is not wasting any time. They've sent over five grooming products they think would make a great gift for dad:
About a year ago we had a chance to review a couple John Allan's products and we found them to be "top shelf". (Is it weird to be quoting myself?) If these new products are anything like the previous ones, we'll be singing their praises in no time. Check back soon for our review, plus other Fathers' Day gift ideas. Six weeks may seem like an eternity, but it'll pass before you know it.
Here's the kind of old-world dopp kit which is worthy of some dignitary or diplomat. Or maybe it's something Indiana Jones might have traveled with. It's the John Allan's Roll Up, and it's the epitome of style.
Custom designed with our trademarked interlocking pockets, the Roll Up is crafted of genuine leather with a protective nylon lining. It's packed with John Allan's 2 oz travel essentials. Includes:
Sport shampoo
Bodywash cleanser
Scrub exfoliant
Shave cream
Face Moisturizer
Plus an additional empty JA bottle
The roll up measures 10 1/4" x 6" which means it will easily fit in a carry-on suitcase. And it's gorgeous, which means you'll be wanting to take it out of your suitcase and show it off. In fact, maybe you'll just carry it on in your arms. Check out the shot below of the Roll Up unrolled.
That silver and lime green Gillette rubber clashing with the feng shui created by your interior designer? John Allan is here with an artful dose of sleek and sexy. Introducing the 63 R Series Razor:
Inspired by the roadsters of the 60's, this sleek razor is the first of its kind. The innovation lies in the zinc construction and gun metal finish. It's the ultimate collectors piece for the man who appreciates style, design, and a perfect shave.
Zinc + gun metal finish = heavy (by design). According to Mr. Allan himself, "It seemed to me like razors were getting lighter and lighter, but when you have a really light razor, you have to push harder on the skin [...] Everyone who's put this in their hands says it just feels right.”
The 63 R takes any cartridge from the Gillette Mach3 family of razors. Only 1,000 of them were made, so if you want one, best get a-clickin'. Once these collectors items are gone, you'll be trolling eBay and kicking yourself.
I've been using John Allan's Shave Cream and Calming Aftershave Balm now for about a month, and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. When I started using these products I had a preconceived notion that since they came out of a membership club/spa, the products would be an afterthought to the stores and the services. Well, I was wrong. John Allan's products are top shelf.
John Allan's Shave Cream
John Allan's Shave Cream is a white, almost fluffy cream, which smells like oats. Reminds me of those Molton Brown Oatmeal Soaps you sometimes find in fine hotels or restaurant bathrooms. The cream goes on easily and remains visibly white on your face, although it doesn't foam up so you can still easily see your skin underneath. Best to use your fingers when applying. It's a little too thick for a brush, and despite your best efforts (with fingers or with a brush), the cream will never look truly uniform on your face. I was initially concerned about this, but it turned out to be a non-issue. The shave is great. Far fewer nicks and cuts than other shaving creams. Great lubrication - no razor burn whatsoever. Also, John Allan's did a great job of lifting even my stubborn hairs up, so I always got a smooth, close shave.
As I said before, I was initially unsure about product. Boy was I wrong. John Allan's Shave Cream is great stuff and I would highly recommend it to anyone. John Allan's Shave Cream comes in a 4.1oz tube for $14.50.
John Allan's Calming Aftershave Balm
John Allan's Calming Aftershave Balm is a very light aftershave which has a slight scent of grapefruit (at least to me). It does a great job of restoring your face to normal after you've taken a hot blade to it. This is purely an aftershave balm, and I occasionally need a little more moisture. I found that I would apply a layer of Calming Aftershave Balm first, and then after a minute or so if my face was still feeling tight I'd go for a light moisturizer. I actually prefer this approach to a heavy aftershave/moisturizer since you can target the areas which are a little drier.
John Allan's Mint Invigorating Hydrating Conditioner In addition to these two shaving products, the good folks over at Details for Men sent over a bottle of John Allan's Mint Invigorating Hydrating Conditioner. I really don't know much about conditioners so I'm not going to pretend to give an educated review. Instead I'll defer to other experts in the field, namely Esquire magazine, which named John Allan's Mint Invigorating Hydrating Conditioner best conditioner of 2006. How's that for an endorsement?
He designed his formulas specifically for the needs of men, and used the latest ingredients containing vitamins, botanicals, and marine plant extracts. John Allan also addressed the issues of performance, packaging and scent. In formulating his products, he used the best testing lab he could find - his thousands of New York City clients. Utilizing feedback from a select group of clients and members who splashed, spread, scrubbed, shaved, shampooed and showered with each and every product, John Allan and his team developed a high quality line with proven performance.
Well, we're not exactly one of his New York city clients, but we are ready to splash, spread, scrub, and shave. Currently in the ShavingStuff test lab we're finishing up our MenScience review, and up next is the Anthony's Logistics for Men shaving kit (also from Details for Men). There just aren't enough shaves in a day.
Review of John Allan's Matte Styling Pomade
John Allan's Calming Aftershave Balm
Mailing List
Subscribe - RSS
