Well this is something interesting. I’ve tried quite a few ‘Shave Essentials’ style kits in my time and often only ever like one product in the kit. My shave ritual, although vast, never seems to use more than one product from the same brand. The Caswell Massey Almond Shave Essentials was quite a surprise.

Firstly, I love Almond, almonds, almond milk, sugared almonds and most of all, Marzipan! It’s delicious. So I was delighted to smell the sugary almond fragrance and feel the almond oil goodness surging through the Caswell Massey Almond collection.

Almond Moisturising Pre-Shave Oil

This is my favourite out of the trio. A rich and wonderfully spreadable oil that firstly doesn’t gunk my sink and shower up, but secondly adheres nicely to my beard area. It’s loaded with Caster, Olive, Sweet Almond, Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage and Vitamin E oils.

Apply only a small amount and massage it, it made shaving much, much smoother, even with the Wilkinson Sword Power Select (review here). Before talking about the other products, I will say that this did wash off very well and there was no greasy residue.

Almond Moisturising Shave Cream

A fairly stiff shave cream that applies quite evenly to the skin. It’s not all that thick and I don’t think it would be all that effective without the lubrication of the Pre-Shave Oil. It’s very softening and does make for a good shave, although I often prefer something with a little more body and oomph.

Almond Moisturising After-Shave Balm

Are you used to a more gel-based after-shave balm? I know I am. This feels very thick and rich when you apply it, which for someone with an oily/combination skin-type, it was a little worrying. The bizarre thing was, after about 60 seconds, it had sunk in completely, leaving no sticky residue or excess. I’m both amazed and impressed. It feels gorgeous on the skin and calms your beard area a treat.

With Shea butter, Jojoba oil, Vitamin E, Kelp, Seaweed, Chamomile and Grapeseed, it’s contains the usual suspects and few nice extras in there that make for a really effective after-shave balm.

I’d definitely recommend trying this kit, it gave me a great introduction to the Caswell Massey range and I’ll definitely be replacing at least the Pre-Shave Oil (which comes full size!) and After-Shave Balm once they’ve run out. The pack retails at £25 and is a great bargain to be had over here at Brummells of London.

Are you a fan of Shave Oils? What are your favourite prep and prime products for shaving?