Review of Prairie Creations KISS Cream

Some time ago I bought some KISS Cream from Prairie Creations, and while I use it only infrequently it is not because it’s a substandard product. On the contrary it’s a very nice cream, but I ordered it with tea tree oil for those days my face needs that.

The KISS cream is simple and straightforward… just as it says on the label. And while it can be somewhat hard to get out of the jar, Krissy sent a spoon along with the jar to help dish it out.

The cream is not tallow-based but the main ingredient is aloe vera juice, so there is plenty of skincare to be had – even more so when combined with the tea tree oil, which is claimed to have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties.

Being a rather stiff cream – or possible croap – it can be a little tricky to lather, and in my experience it’s best done in a bowl. It also needs a little more water than you might expect, but once the lather is done it’s working well. Plenty of slip and cushion, and as mentioned the skin care is very nice too. It also stays fluffy – I had to leave my den once to see what the cat was up to, and the lather was just as good when I returned.

Overall I can recommend the KISS cream – it’s simple and straightforward.

PS: Some people online reports a bit of trouble shopping with Prairie Creations; that is the near opposite of my experience. Yes, it can take a bit of time from you order until it’s shipped – but it’s artisan soap, not a big company. It’s worth the wait.

Review of Derby Lavender Shave Cream

Another of those previously unknown to me products from webshops in the far corners of the world… Derby Lavender Shave Cream at least is from a slightly more familiar brand – if by familiar you mean “have heard of before”. It is somewhat easier to find than the Dalan Cream I talked about previously, hence somewhat easier to find reviews online… but the two products are rather similar.

Overall the Derby makes an average lather, perhaps a bit above. It performs better than my glycerine soaps, but less so than my tallow pucks. It has a distinct lavender scent to it, and although it fades quickly it should last you for a three pass shave.

Decent slip and cushion, and okay as far as moisturising goes. Like most creams it’s really easy to whip up copious amounts of lather, and it don’t collapse between passes either. It’s a thirsty cream though, so for once the solution to any lather issues is to add more water, not more cream.

Overall a good choice if you want a cream and don’t want to spend too much – something for the traveller on a budget perhaps, or for your back-up den?

Review of Dalan d’Men Energetic Shave Cream

One of the wonderful aspects of viewing traditional shaving as a hobby is that I have no trouble picking up previously unknown products from webshops in the far corners of the world… Dalan d’Men Energetic Shave Cream is one of those. It’s a not much spoken off online, but most of what is said is good.

Overall it makes an average lather, perhaps a bit above. It performs better than my glycerine soaps, but less so than my tallow pucks. It has a hint of menthol, but don’t bite – unlike my more heavily mentholated soaps.

Decent slip and cushion, and pretty okay as far as moisturising goes. Like most creams it’s really easy to whip up copious amounts of lather, and it don’t collapse between passes either. It can leave a little bit of residue, but a good rinse fixes that.

Overall a good choice if you want a cream and don’t want to spend too much – something for the traveller on a budget perhaps, or for your back-up den?