Taylor of Old Bond Street 1.06 oz / 30ml Sandalwood Pre Shave Oil

This is a nice pre-shave oil that works very well with a somewhat heavier consistency.However I deducted stars here because the scent (although it's a pleasant soapy odor) is nothing like real sandalwood as stated in the description.I can't help wondering if the manufacturers have been a victim of one of the many fraudulent sandalwood essential oil puveyors on the market.UPDATE: June, 2024It has become my favorite pre-shave oil. I seem to get fewer nicks when I use it. (Still doesn't really smell like sandalwood however).

I decided that since I have more time in my life, I would take more time to shave. I went to the Art of Shaving, picked up a brush, stand, shave oil, and razor. I didnt think the oil would last long, so I checked out the net for for other oils. I found a bottle of this, and I must say, it was the best. Not too slick/oily, but not like motor oil either. Honestly, I think I want through several brands, some I believe were just baby oil that somebody added a drop of cologne to, but this one was the best for shaving. It also had a very soft scent that I enjoyed.Result..... After working through some brands, like Razor MD, BioSource Naturals and Art of shaving. I want out of my way to order more of this brand, and paid more too. I think that says it all. I really wish it was a touch cheaper, but I rated it on how it worked and smelled, not price.

This product produces a smother shave and reduces irritation. The fragrance is sandalwood-like, but not exactly sandalwood per se. It goes well with the fragrance of TOBS sandalwood shave cream, and together one gets a close, comfortable and soothing shaving experience. Some have complained about the oil clogging their razor and fouling their shaving brush. I have not had those issues and am guessing the issue may be using too much, not rinsing the razor frequently enough and not rinsing the shaving brush thoroughly. I also wash my brush once in awhile with a gentle face soap to be sure no residue - skin oil, shave oil or cream - remains. Follow the directions by using only a couple of drops, massage in thoroughly and let soak in for a minute or so and you will get great results

I've used this both as a pre-shave and as the sole application for shaving. It's a thick oil with mild scent. As a pre-shave, it adds some slickness under shaving cream (i've paired it with TOBS sandalwood bowl or a simple glycerin-based shave soap) and helps reduce irritation (not generally a big problem for me anyway). It does reduce the lather from shave creams a bit, but not in a problematic way. More recently, I've just been shaving with this alone. Applying maybe five drops to my palms, rubbing it on my face and then apply a bit more water to my face, it gives an excellent shave. Like most shaving oils, it does gunk up the razor a bit, make sure to rinse well. Scent is nice, but very mild, I would rate it "sandalwood-esque". Has more of a clean, soapy sent than other, more potent sandalwoods I've used before. One thing I dislike is the packaging - it lacks any sort of "flow restricter" on the bottle, the plastic thing that lets you shake out drops like on a bitters bottle. Still, I like the product and will likely repurchase.

Applies very easily and works well. It lubricates the face very nicely and provides a comfortable shave.

I've been using TOBS shaving cream sandalwood for many years and just became aware of this product. I had been using Art of Shaving pre shave oil before. TOBS pre shave is very lightly scented. It's also not as thick as Art of Shaving. It works very well with TOBS cream and there is a noticeable improvement in closeness and comfort. Very satisfied with this product and I would recommend.

As already mentioned repeatedly the product has a great aroma unfortunately the aroma was the first thing that greeted me prior to me even opening the box. To my surprise the box was leaking so mush so that I thought Amazon had instead shipped me a bag of french fries as a joke. Inside the shipping box was a small box containing the oil that was completely saturated. I tightened the cap and to my surprise it was not even on tight. Who prepares a liquid product for shipping and doesn't bother to tighten the lid?Now with that said, again, the oil really smells great and indeed it does provide an additional layer of protection for sensitive skin but cross your fingers and hope it arrives intact. I decided the amount that had leaked was not worth the hassle of returning the bottle and waiting another two + weeks for a replacement3 stars for poor presentation.

It is the scent that makes this a great pre shave oil. I'm guessing this is a light vegetable oil, infused with sandalwood scent. A few drops does smear across my face very well. It also lubricates the skin well. I use the oil prior to my hot towel procedure to help penetrate the oil into my beard.On those occasions where one does not need to impress others, there are other choices that seem to work well.But, if I'm going to go through a complete manly shaving event, or prior to a night out, this is my current go to pre shave oil.