Santa Maria Novella Crema Da Barba Shaving Cream, 220ml

I've only recent discovered the Santa Maria Novella (SMN) range of men's grooming products and I'm so impressed. Firstly, the tradition - at least 400 years old, perhaps older, first created by monks at the famous SMN church in Florence. Secondly, the quality of their products is outstanding. This shaving cream / soap (it's hard to tell which it is) builds a really thick luxurious later. I easily get three passes from a loaded brush and the shave is smooth and my skin feels moisturised afterwards. It's the only shaving soap that matches Mitchell's Wool Fat for me (which has become difficult to find - discontinued perhaps?). Sure it's not cheap, but I can tell that the tub will last for a very long time (at least 6 months, but I don't shave every day). I love the history and tradition of these SMN products. I now want to visit their main store in Florence to learn more about these products!

It's expensive, but only takes a tiny amount to yield a great, creamy lather. The large tub lasts for a looong time. Would definitely buy again.

I must be doing something wrong with this cream, I've tried to like it because it cost so much but have never had a good shave with it. While it produces an amazing creamy lather, it doesn't last and provides little in the way of "cushioning" for me, so I end up looking like Norman Gunston. While it's the only cream I have which has me reaching for the styptic pencil, I find it leaves stubble on my face. It's odd considering the glowing reviews this stuff gets but that's my experience with it. I use a Feather handle and blades which works fine with most products except this. While you shouldn't have to, using Proraso pre-shave helps.

This is a beautiful product. The menthol and tobacco scent is authentic Italian barber shop. It leaves a clean fresh feel on the face following a shave. My favourite!

This shaving cream has real "Wow" factor. It has a natural and refreshing eucalyptus opening, with a hint of menthol for cooling. This sits on a base of warm tabacco - they have got the balance just right.
The cream is thirsty, but once hydrated, you are rewarded with simply brilliant lather. The cushioning, slickness, and residual slickness are all elite. To cap it all off, the postshave feel is simply wonderful. Am I impressed? You bet I am!
It is not cheap, but the tub is enormous, and the yield of lather per gram of soap is very high, a testament to the quality of the ingredients. You absolutely get what you paid for with this wonderful cream. HIghly recommended.