The EcoMan:

Smooth Move

Contributed By: ecofabulous

Admittedly not the most masculine confession to ever kick-off a product review, but, I have very sensitive skin. So sensitive, in fact, that I have often thought of my need to shave as a cruel joke of nature, as there is simply no way it can be done without some degree of irritation. However, shave I must, for the genetic composition bestowed upon me by my parents - a blister-in-the-sun Anglo, and part-wolfman Sephardic - has resulted in a pattern of facial hair growth that, at best, could be described as “splotchy,” and at worst, as a “mess of discordant razor-wire tufts.” In other words, I don’t grow a particularly handsome beard.

Consequently, I have had to devote considerable time and energy to seeking out toiletries that can lessen the anguish of putting razor to face, so as to keep my gnarly bristles as bay. Unfortunately, I am also an unapologetic purity fanatic. And, as such, I adamantly refuse any products that don’t meet my exceedingly rigid ingredient standards (i.e., no artificial anything, no preservatives, cruelty-free, etc.), thus transforming my already difficult search into a downright arduous one. So, you can imagine my excitement when I first stumbled across the shaving range from Virginia’s Herban Lifestyle.

Founded by herbalist and wellness consultant Mary Kearns, Ph.D., the brand offers a wide array of men’s and women’s products, all of which are formulated exclusively from organic and pesticide-free herbs, spices and essential oils. I have been using the company’s Pre-Shave Facial Soap and Shave Oil for just over a month now, and I can honestly report a marked difference in the quality of my shave. Even if you don’t have skin as absurdly sensitive as mine, you’ll still be able to appreciate just how good these products are. Now, if only they made something to even out a beard…

Post by Brad Bennett.