May 17, 2026 (Mystic May Every Other Day)
• Brush: Semogue – 2000 (Boar)
• Razor: Muhle – R41 (Black)
• Blade: Barbero – Platinum
• Soap: Mystic Water – Tea Tree and Blue Gum (Eucalyptus)
• Aftershave: Long Rifle Soap Co. – Hivernant Shave Tonic
• Balm: Every Man Jack – Signature Mint Face Lotion and Post-Shave
• Fragrance: Mystic Water – Rosalimone
What makes an elite base? To my mind, it has to be slick and protective. It has to whip up a consistent, lovely lather (can be thinner or more voluminous). Being moisturizing is expected. But, most important, it has to be “doing something” for your skin long after you finish shaving. That’s really what separates elite bases from just the very, very good ones. Mystic Water has an elite base. I feel like my skin is moisturized, healthy, and happy long after I finish shaving. I use Mystic Water and my face is ready to brave the midwestern elements of heat and/or cold.
Today’s soap has Tea Tree oil and Blue Gum Eucalyptus. So few shaving soaps have tea tree oil (surprising given the amount of folks in wetshaving specifically because they have sensitive skin). The only other one I can think of is Long Rifle’s Hivernant. I will have to ask Michelle Burns about something that has puzzled me. There are Mystic Water soaps with Eucalyptus (e.g. Eucalyptus and Spearmint), but then there are Mystic Water soaps with Blue Gum Eucalyptus. I know Tasmanian Blue Gum is one of about 700 types of Eucalyptus plant, but my understanding is that about 90% of “Eucalyptus Oil” comes from the Blue Gum. I wonder if Michelle is using different essential oils? I don’t think she is labeling incorrectly, but I just wonder about the essential oils.
As Michelle notes: “Another customer special request: tea tree oil has documented antiseptic properties and this soap would be a good choice for anyone with oily or troubled skin. The scent of tea tree oil has been described as "medicinal" but in combination with the Blue Gum eucalyptus the overall effect is invigorating and fresh.”
My face feels amazing. My sinuses feel cleansed. I feel refreshed and ready to go! Fun and slightly embarrassing fact: I overlooked this soap for a while because Blue Gum made me think of artificial Laffy Taffy type candy. Glad I learned what I did.
Have an awesome day, friends!
