Geo F Trumper - Lime, Sandalwood & Coral Skin Foods, a Pre-and Post-Shave Tradition

SUMMARY: Trumper's Skin Food is designed to be used as either pre-or post-shave treatments by creating a moisturizing and protective layer over the skin to prevent and soothe irritation.

ABOUT THE BRAND: Ask any discerning gentleman about classic, traditional shaving products from the UK and Trumper is sure to be one of the first names mentioned. The internationally-known manufacturer of luxurious men's grooming products was named for George Trumper, the man who founded the house in 1875, and offers an assortment of shaving, grooming, personal fragrance and gentlemen's accessories from its two locations in London. Honored with the Royal Warrant of Queen Victoria and five following monarchs, their products are still loved today. From creams, hard soaps, aftershaves, colognes, and deodorants to the famous Trumper skin food, they seem to have thought of it all.

BEAUTY ALMANAC TESTED

USE: Trumper's Skin Food is a great way to begin an exploration of Trumper's products. Offering both a highly moisturizing treatment for pre- and post-shaving along with Trumper's classic aromas, they are a staple in many men's shaving routines.

"A versatile requisite of the grooming ritual, skin food is ideal before or after the shave. As a pre-shave for sensitive skin, massaging Trumper's skin food against the growth of the beard lifts and softens the bristles in preparation. Its light non-oily glycerine based formula adds additional nourishment and protection to the skin, allowing the razor to glide with ease. By smoothing on Trumper's skin food after a shave, the new tender skin is soothed, sealed and offered nourishing relief." Trumpers.com

Marlen's tip: The texture of Skin Food can be a little thick. To ease application, rub it in the palms to warm and thin its texture before application.

AROMA & TEXTURE: As noted above, the texture of Skin food is less of a moisturizing balm and more of a thick gel. Skin Food is available in three different aromas:

• Coral Skin Food - named due to its pink appearance, Coral Skin Food is actually created with Rosa Damascena, known for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, Coral Skin Food has a subtle rose aroma.
• Extract of Limes Skin Food - scented with one of Trumper's original cologne aromas, Limes offers a refreshing citrus aroma.
• Sandalwood Skin Food - though not quite a traditional, straightforward sandalwood scent, fans of Chanel Egoiste will find the aroma of Sandalwood Skin food, like the corresponding eau de cologne, to be quite similar.

INGREDIENTS: The basic ingredients of the Skin Food series include Aqua, Alcohol Denatured, Glycerin, Astragalus Gummifer Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Rosa Damascena (Rose Otto) Flower Oil, Menthol, Limonene, and Citronellol. Each of the three variations also contains additional ingredients.

PROS & CONS: One of the pros of Trumper's Skin Food is that it serves as both a shaving prep as well as an aftershave soother. Though the products are scented, they are not like traditional eaux de cologne and the aroma is both subtle and fleeting. The products are free of parabens but the Sandalwood Skin Food does include salicylate which might trigger allergies for some.

Reviewers are enthusiastically positive about Trumper's Skin Foods with one reviewer noting: "I find it really great for the skin. A bit odd to use at first as it is not like other aftershave products in application. Don't have wet hands when you use this and you only need a small amount. It seems moist when applying then gets to a point where it becomes tacky. That's when you stop applying. It dries almost instantly after that leaving the skin feeling sealed and refreshed. I like the fragrance which is probably closer to a rose scent but I don't think it is feminine. If you are having doubts about the scent go the Sandalwood version." Mensbiz.com.au

Another reviewer didn't have as much success: "I tried this product since I had seen many comments about it elsewhere and the reviews here seemed very good. I tried the product as an aftershave balm and it had a slight irritation to it. The next day I tried Skin Food as a pre-shave lubricant and it felt like my face was burning. I also tried the product as and aftershave and it also had a burning sensation again." WestCoastShaving.com

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? Starting at £15.00 BPS at Trumpers.com; $35 AUD at Mensbiz.com.au; and $26 USD at WestCoastShaving.com