Manscaping 101 Product Review: Espa shaving mud and skin tonic

by Tris Hussey on May 10th, 2008

Last week I briefly mentioned Espa’s shaving mud and skin tonic spray in my shaving post and the whole “shaving mud” thing caught people’s attention. Funny a skin tonic face spritz/spray didn’t get as many comments.

Regardless let’s start with the shave mud. The Espa site describes it as:

A unique concept combining an effective shaving preparation with a deep-cleansing mask. The first action of this rich-textured shaving mud will help your razor glide across the skin for perfect tracking and a close shave. The second action of SHAVEMUD is to deep cleanse and purify with white China clay (Kaolin) renowned for its highly absorbent properties helping to draw out excess oil and impurities. Ideal for sensitive skins, your face will be left feeling, smooth, cool and refreshed. For best results leave on whilst brushing teeth, shave, then rinse off.

SHAVEMUD - SMOOTH SHAVE AND PURIFYING MUD

When you use it for the first time, it’s a little strange. It doesn’t lather, and I was wondering how well it would work, but hey I was game.

My first shave with it was great and I didn’t even follow the directions! You’re supposed to let it sit for a couple minutes to let it do its good stuff to your skin. Since then I’ve used it a couple times and waited. Did I notice a huge difference? Nope. So if you’re in a rush, just slather and shave.

The feeling of your skin, post-shave, is odd. Whatever that clay does in the stuff, it certainly makes your skin feel great. Very, very clean.

The Espa shave mud runs for about $35 a tube. For me this wouldn’t be a daily shave, but a hot date, special occasion, etc kind of shave.

I was also sent something I would never consider trying, but since that’s what I’m here for. Yep I actually tried a skin spritzer.

SKINTONIC - HERBAL SPAFRESH SPRITZER

Espa describes this tonic/spritz as:

This reviving herbal spritz instantly tones and refreshes the skin. With rosemary to help boost the skin’s circulation and calming tea tree, lavender and English peppermint to actively hydrate. Ideal to use after shaving, your skin will feel instantly refreshed. Suitable for all skin types and ideal for those with oily or problematic skin.

Yeah, I know. Doesn’t sound great or manly. Okay it isn’t manly, but you know it does smell and feel good. The first time I tried it, I figured it was like aftershave or cologne. You know, spray on hands, pat on face. Yeah, that isn’t the way you do it.

You close your eyes and spray on your face directly. Ahh. Well it does make a difference and I found it was nice after a rough shave or just before going out.

Again, this is about $35 a bottle. I’ve been using it sparingly, of course.

Is having a good shave, smelling great, and having good skin unmanly?

I’ve been taking some good-natured ribbing about this blog. Heck, it’s the subject of daily conversation at the b5media offices. So I have to wonder, am I nuts doing this?

Yeah, just a bit. But, on the other hand lots of guys would like to look and smell good. And being guys we don’t want to spend a lot of money or time doing it.

So, I might take ribbing, but they are talking and reading. I bet even learning something too.

Tags: Espa, mens grooming, shave mud, shaving, skintonic spafresh spritzer

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