So, where was I? Oh, yes, Neroli. I had to go and look this word up on the Internets. I'm told by Wikipedia, which is the single greatest source of truth and lies (simultaneously) online, that this stuff is, allegedly, one of the secret ingredients in Coca-Cola. I'm not making this up. Wikipedia might be, but I'm not.
Since Neroli is made from the blossom of a bitter orange tree, it makes sense that the aroma has a slightly citrusy slant to it. I wouldn't call it sweet, but, you get a wisp of citrus on the nose; a bit like someone opened an orange on the train a carriage away from you, and as the connecting doors briefly opened, you caught a hint.
To me, though, the stronger scent is one of dried wood. Like taking an exotic hardwood branch, setting it in the Australian summer heat for a few weeks, then bringing it inside. It's not overpowering, it's not as it would smell in the forest, but it's also unmistakable.
All a fancy way of saying: It smells good. Masculine, but not ostentatious.
Okay, enough on that side of it, how does it work?
First thing I have to tell you is to Learn From My Fail and don't use it this way:
Do not take two small pumps of the serum and place it on your hands, lightly coating your face, and waiting about 20 seconds before trying to shave.
That is the wrong way to do it. The instructions are clear about this as well.
So, why did I do it that way the first time? Largely because the only other shaving oil/gel that I've used actually recommended that approach. A few drops, spread it over your face, wait a bit, then shave. The important lesson here, kids, is that serum != oil.
Instead, what you're meant to do is make the face damp (I prefer hot water, and the instructions are vague on this point), then use the serum to create a "low foam" - again, the instructions are vague as to how much to use, but, I found through trial and error that four pumps was the right amount for me. Aesop's website offers different instructions than the serum bottle itself, implying it's best to lather it in your hands, or, a shaving bowl with a brush (I might try this)...point is, whatever you do, don't let the serum dry on your face before you try to shave with it.
I use an electric razor, one that can be either wet or dry, which may also impact the use of the serum. Aesop recommends that you only shave with the grain, and, rinse the blade after each stroke. That's not terribly practical with an electric razor, so I used my own technique. This serum needs moisture to keep its lubrication working right, so, I did make an effort to regularly rinse the razor head under the hot water tap.
After using the serum four or five times now, I'd say that I've got the right combination of quantity of product, water and shaving technique nailed down. The first few attempts were not brilliant, and I did manage to irritate my face slightly.
Thankfully, the "duet" comes with the post-shave lotion, which worked great at cooling things down. It's not greasy, and a little does go a long way, so you don't need much of it to cover your entire freshly-shaven face.
