Instashaving´s shave diary 2026.

[Instashaving]

Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm Satin Dusty Rose
Razor: HONE Type 15 Bronze
Blade: Kai Stainless Steel (3)
Soap: Ariana & Evans Apricity
Aftershave: Ariana & Evans Apricity

Today I’m using Ariana & Evans Apricity, I haven’t used Ariana & Evans Apricity here on Instagram before. This one has been in my shaving den for a long time, I’ve used it before, just not since I started posting here on Instagram.

Ariana & Evans Apricity scent notes is apricot, blood orange, cardamom, davana, rum, jasmine, vanilla, cashmeran, tonka bean, benzoin, labdanum, patchouli, Indonesian vetiver and sandalwood.

The scent of Ariana & Evans Apricity is sweet, fruity, floral and spicy with a hint of green notes to it. It’s somewhat similar to Ariana & Evans’ Peach & Cognac, which is also a very nice scent. I’m really glad I have Ariana & Evans Apricity in my shaving den. If it had been available in the Ultima soap base, I would definitely have bought a new set.

 

[Instashaving]

Tuesday, March 26, 2026
Brush: AKA Brushworks / Kaotic Artworks
Razor: Wolfman WR4 .70 /WRH4 Bronze
Blade: Schick Proline (4)
Soap: First Line Shave St. Louis Barbershop
Aftershave: First Line Shave St. Louis Barbershop
Parfum: Roja Elysium

Right now, there’s a bit of a fuss about Roja Elysium. Following the release of TRC and BBS Susanoo, I’m waiting for mine to show up. n the meantime, I’ll just have to use First Line Shave St. Louis Barbershop, which is also a dupe of Roja Elysium

I’ve had First Line Shave St. Louis Barbershop for quite some time, but I didn’t realize that the scent was inspired by Roja Elysium. I also had a sample of Roja Elysium that I received the first time I bought a Roja perfume.

So what’s so special about Roja Elysium? For me, it’s the drying down. It dries down to a sophisticated, slightly smoky woody base. But before that, you’re hit by a blast of citrus. With First Line Shave St. Louis Barbershop, you dont get that great dry down scent, just the citrus blast that lasts throughout the shave.

Roja Elysium notes are:.
Top notes are Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot, Lime, Thyme, Artemisia and Galbanum; middle notes are Vetiver, Juniper Berries, Black Currant, Apple, Cedar, Pink Pepper, Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha, Lily-of-the-Valley, Rose and Jasmine; base notes are Ambergris, Leather, Vanilla, Benzoin and Labdanum.

 

[Instashaving]

Friday, March 27 2026
Brush: AKA Brushworks / Kaotic Artworks
Razor: Karve Shaving Co. The Christopher Bradley. Open Comb level C with a Argyll handle in brass
Blade: Personna Red
Soap: 345 Soap Co Galactica
Aftershave: 345 Soap Co Galactica
Parfum: 345 Soap Co Galactica

345 Soap Co’s latest product is called Galactica and is a tribute to the original ‘YSL Myself’. I have the original ‘YSL Myself,’ and 345 Soap Co Galactica has similarities, but it’s not the same scent. That said, 345 Soap Co Galactica actually smells better to me. YSL Myself is brighter, while 345 Soap Co Galactica is darker. I THINK it’s the Indonesian patchouli in 345 Soap Co Galactica that comes through and gives it an earthy, woody, and smoky scent in addition to the citrus notes. 345 Soap Co Galactica is a wonderful scent, and I would definitely buy it again.

Top Notes: Calabrian Bergamot, Vert de Bergamot, Heart Notes: Tunisian Orange Blossom Absolute, Base Notes: Indonesian Patchouli, Ambrofix™ (musky woody note).

 

[Instashaving]

Saturday, March 28, 2026
Brush: Wald Shaving Nimbus, Blue Velvet J4
Razor: Ascender Razors Titanium Eagle R1
Blade: Personna Red (2)
Soap: TRC/BBS Susanoo
Aftershave: TRC/BBS Susanoo
Parfum: Roja Elysium

Today’s shaving is all about BBS Susanoo, a collaboration between BBS Soap Company and The Razor Company. The scent of Susanoo is Inspired by Roja Elysium and with this one you get more of that lovely, slightly smoky, woody base note, rather than the citrusy blast you get with FLS. Don’t get me wrong. I like both, but I just like Susanoo a little better.

Scent notes of grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, lime, thyme, and artemisia on top. Mid notes of vetiver, juniper berries, black currant, apple, cedar, pink pepper, cypriol oil, lily of the valley, rose, and jasmine, adding depth and aromatic complexity. A base of ambergris, leather, vanilla, benzoin, and labdanum.

Susanoo is a banger. I love it!

 

[Instashaving]

Sunday, March 29, 2026
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Tyrant T5
Razor: Charcoal Goods Gen-1 Lev-2 Bishop brass
Blade: Personna Red (3)
Soap: Hendrix Classics Ride Em Cowboy
Aftershave: Hendrix Classics Ride Em Cowboy
EdP: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme

The scent of Hendrix Classics Ride Em Cowboy is inspired by Viktor and Rolf’s Spice Bomb Extreme. And that was also the reason why I bought this set, as I am a big fan of Viktor and Rolf’s Spice Bomb Extreme.

Viktor and Rolf’s Spice Bomb Extreme features Vanilla, Tobacco, Cinnamon, Cumin, Bourbon Whiskey and Saffron.

 

[Instashaving]

Monday, March 30, 2026
Brush: Chisel & Hound Iron Man V17
Razor: Charcoal Goods Gen-2 Lev-2 Bishop Copper
Blade: Kai Stainless Steel (4)
Soap: First Line Shave: Kituwah Imperial Wagyu
Aftershave: First Line Shave: Kituwah

First Line Shave Kituwah scent is a banger, made by Joe at Black Mountain shaving. Truly a masterpiece!

The soap is in First Line Shave’s new base, Kituwah Imperial Wagyu, which is absolutely incredible.

Top Notes: Blood Orange, Raspberry, Saffron, Black & Pink Pepper, Thyme and Spices Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Lavender, Jasmine and Olibanum Base Notes: Leather, Sandalwood, Suede, Benzoin

 

[Instashaving]

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Brush: Leonidam Smaug
Razor: Charcoal Goods Gen-1 Lev-2 Bishop brass
Blade: Personna Red (2)
Soap: Elysian Shave Dad Devil’s Den
Aftershave: Elysian Shave Dad Devil’s Den
EdP: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme

Devil’s Den was a collaboration between The Wet shaving Store, Elysian and Shave Dad.

The scent is inspired by Viktor and Rolf’s Spice Bomb Extreme. And that was also the reason why I bought this set, as I am a big fan of Viktor and Rolf’s Spice Bomb Extreme.

Elysian soap is underestimated, Shave Dad Devil’s Den was a great way to try a soap from Elysian. I must say I’m impressed with both the lather and the scent!

 

[Instashaving]

Tuesday, April 2, 2026.
Brush: Wild West Brushworks Dark Amethyst Tyrant T5 Oumo
Razor: Charcoal Goods Gen-1 Lev-2 Bishop SS
Blade: Personna Red (3)
Soap: BBS Soap Company Chosen
Aftershave: BBS Soap Company Chosen
EdP: Dolce & Gabbana The One

BBS Soap Company Chosen is a shaving soap inspired by Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum

I love the scent of Dolce & Gabbana The One, and BBS has managed to create a pretty good imitation. The scent of the soap has a slight shower gel vibe to it, while the aftershave has a more authentic scent.

Even if the scent of the soap isn’t exactly the same as the original scent, I think the lather from the BBS soap makes up for it. It had a thick, creamy consistency reminiscent of the texture of yogurt.

 

[Instashaving]

Friday, April 3, 2026
Brush: Chisel & Hound Espresso Oumo Tyrrant T8
Razor: Karve Shaving Co. The Christopher Bradley with a Gladius handle in brass. Open Comb level E
Blade: Personna Red
Soap: North French Broad Avenue (Imperial Wagyu)
Aftershave: North French Broad Avenue
EdP: North French Broad Avenue

North French Broad Avenue is a collaboration between @first_line_shave and @blackmountainshaving.

The scent is absolutely wonderful, I love it. The EdP is a must have in my opinion.

Scent notes are Bergamot, Mandarin, Orange, Litsea Cubeba on top, Heart note is Oolong Tea, Nutmeg and the base note are Musk, Fig

 

[Instashaving]

Sunday, April 3, 2026
Brush: Wild West Brushworks. 26mm Oumo M9Sunday
Razor: Merkur Progress 500 Opus beehive knob
Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum (2)
Soap: Catie’s Bubbles Verdigris
Aftershave: Catie’s Bubbles Verdigris

Catie’s Bubbles Verdigris has a mild, pleasant scent. Most of the fragrance notes come through, It’s a mix of lime, grapefruit, various flowers, ozone, and moss (oakmoss to my nose). Love it

Catie’s Bubbles Verdigris scent notes: Lime, Grapefruit, Ozone, Orris, Amyris, Musks, Moss and Ambergris.

 

[Instashaving]

Monday, April 6, 2026
Brush: Declaration Grooming Jefferson Blood King 2.0 B17
Razor: Tatara Masamune Nodachi Dark
Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum (3)
Soap: Westman Dark Man
Aftershave: Westman Dark Man

Westman Dark Man scent notes are: Coffee, Incense, Nutmeg, Amber, Vetiver, Cedar, Sandalwood!

The scent of Westman’s Dark Man is a really good, it is deep, warm and textured, woody coffee scent

 

[Instashaving]

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Brush: Maritime Brush Co Oumo M9 24mm
Razor: Stando Sarmata
Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum (4)
Soap: Phoenix Shaving Amalfi 3K
Aftershave: Phoenix Shaving Amalfi 3K
EdC: Acqua di Parma Colonia

Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Amalfi 3K is an homage to an Italian Classic, Acqua di Parma Colonia.

Amalfi 3K scent notes are Sicilian citrus fruits on top, mid notes of English lavender, rosemary, verbena, bulgarian rose and a base of vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli.

Douglas Smythe has with Amalfi 3K made a scent that is better than the original but at the same time managed to keep the scent very similar. Amalfi 3K is a really good summer scent, i like it a lot.

It’s a bit hard to keep track of all the different products and any sources of inspiration. I had completely forgotten that Amalfi 3K is an homage to Acqua di Parma Colonia. So I had to take another photo to include the perfume

 

[Instashaving]

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Brush: Wild West Brushworks. 26mm Oumo M9
Razor: The Goodfellas’ smile Lybra (4Piece razor, double-sided base plate)
Blade: Personna Red
Soap: Zingari Man Le Corsaire
Aftershave: Zingari Man Le Corsaire

Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon
Heart Notes: Orris, Carrot Seed, Oud, Ocean Air
Base Notes: Ambergris, Driftwood, Warm Musk

The scent of Zingari Man Le Corsaire is nice, but the scent strength could be stronger.

 

[Instashaving]

Friday, April 10, 2026
Brush: Wild West Brushworks
Razor: Ascender Razors Titanium Skyline R1
Blade: Personna Red (2)
Soap: Phoenix Shaving Immortal Peach
Aftershave: Phoenix Shaving Immortal Peach

Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Immortal Peach smells like Peach

 

[Instashaving]

Saturday
Brush: Chisel & Hound Bloodsoaked V23
Razor: The Goodfellas’ smile Lybra (4Piece razor, double-sided base plate)
Blade: Personna Red (3)
Soap: MacDuff’s Soap Old Strathcona
Aftershave: MacDuff’s Soap Old Strathcona

MacDuff’s Soap Old Strathcona scent notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Basil, Tarragon, Rosewood, Geranium, Tree Moss Blend, Mushroom Absolute, Carnation Absolute, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, White Patchouli

I love MacDuff’s soaps, and Old Strathcona is one of Sean’s best scents.

 

[Instashaving]

Monday, April 13, 2026
Brush: Chisel & Hound Le Mans V23
Razor: Ascender Razors Titanium Skyline R1
Blade: Personna Red (4)
Soap: MacDuffs Soap Co. Road Trippin’
Aftershave: MacDuffs Soap Co. Road Trippin’

Road Trippin’ open with the citrus notes, then i get the vanilla, caramel and sandalwood notes. I would say it’s a gourmand type scent with citrus on top, quite nice actually.

The scent notes on MacDuffs Soap Co. Road Trippin’ are: Mandarin, Blood Orange, Yuzu, Bergamot, Sandalwood, Gardenia, Lavender, Jasmine, Caramel, Vanilla, Musk

Two days’ of stubble, I have to say it feels really good to get rid of them. As usual, MacDuff’s soap was phenomenal; the C&H V23 brush has too much gel for my taste.

 

[Instashaving]

Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Brush: Trotter Handcrafts Robin’s Egg T1
Razor: The Goodfellas’ smile Lybra (4Piece razor, double-sided base plate)
Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum
Soap: Phoenix Shaving Old Salty
Aftershave: Phoenix Shaving Old Salty

Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Old Salty is a nice and fresh clean scent, which is quite natural given that the scent is based on Swedish Dream Sea Salt Body Soap

Old Salty fragrance notes Salt, Crisp Ocean Air, Balsam, Driftwood, Citrus, Oakmoss, Vanilla

 

[Instashaving]

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Brush: Trotter Handcrafts Sparkle Jet. Archer T1
Razor: Rocnel Copper Adjustable
Blade: Personna Red
Soap: HAGS Aftermath
Aftershave: HAGS Aftermath

It’s been a long time since I’ve been this excited, but I’ve finally got the new 5th Anniversary Limited Edition sets from HAGS

First up is HAGS Aftermath. Man, this smells amazing! The scent is inspired by Interlude Man. I can also report that there’s nothing to complain about when it comes to HAGS’ slickness.

Top: Oregano, Pepper, Bergamot
Heart: Incense, Opoponax, Amber, Labdanum
Base: Agarwood (Oud), Leather, Sandalwood, Patchouli

 

[Instashaving]

Friday April 17, 2026
Brush: Chisel & Hound Topaz V26
Razor: Wolfman WR1 0.61 WRH2 Premium Dark/Antique
Blade: Personna Red (2)
Soap: HAGS Eulogy
Aftershave: HAGS Eulogy

Eulogy is yet another of HAGS’ 5th-anniversary limited editions, and it’s perhaps the best. The scent can be described as a gourmand scent, it is very much reminiscent of Malibu rum if you know what it smells like.

Eulogy is a scent created by HAGS, and without a doubt one of his best scents. I LOVE IT!

Top: Warm Spiced Cinnamon, Juicy Peach Nectar, Golden Apricot
Heart: Creamy Coconut Milk, Sweet Anise Whisper, Crisp Green Apple
Base: Vanilla Bean Cream, Warm Tonka

 

[Instashaving]

Monday, April 20, 2026
Brush: Smilez for Milez
Razor: The Goodfellas’ smile Lybra (4Piece razor, double-sided base plate)
Blade: Personna Red (3)
Soap: HAGS Resurrection
Aftershave: HAGS Resurrection

Resurrection is last of HAGS’ 5th-anniversary limited editions set. Resurrection is an aquatic scent, pleasant scent.

Top: Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange
Heart: Sea Water, Juniper
Base: Musk, Amberwood