Brian Jacobs

Brian Jacobs
Age: 27
Location: Baltimore
Favorite brands: American Crew; Neal’s Yard Remedies; Neutrogena
Desert island item: American Crew Fiber


Sea Salt Pomade by fatboy, $21/2.6 fl. oz. at The Park Salon & Barber in Severna Park

For more information, visit https://www.fatboyhair.com/collections/the-fatboy-lineup/products/sea-salt-pomade

What I liked most about the product was its: Aroma; Texture, or product feel when applied.
Comments: Unlike most hair styling products for men, the Sea Salt Pomade has a subtle and fresh smell that provides great hold throughout the day. I especially like the product for its low shine once applied.

This product met my expectations.
Comments: 

I followed instructions for this product: What instructions? 
Comments:

If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments: Well priced and perfect for any level of hair styling. 

I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically. 
Comments:

I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments: 

Anything else you would like to add? 


Tea Tree Utility Bar by Beardbrand, $15/5 oz.
For more information, visit https://www.beardbrand.com/collections/utility-bar/products/tea-tree-utility-bar

What I liked most about the product was its: Aroma; Packaging.
Comments: This is the ultimate utility bar for men. If the tantalizingly fresh smell doesn't have you hooked, the tingly feel definitely will.  

This product somewhat met my expectations.
Comments: I have purchased "tea tree" style shampoo in the past, but have never come across a men's utility bar...this is perfect for your on-the-go, all-in-one soap/shaving needs.

I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter. 
Comments:

If I was making this product, I would change its: Price point.
Comments: It's a great utility bar but I'm not sure its price point makes it worth it for everyday use.

I would recommend this product to a friend: Highly. 
Comments:

I am _________ this product: Not willing to invest in. 
Comments: 

Anything else you would like to add? 


Strong Hold Water-Based Styling Pomade by Anchors Aweigh Hair Co., $22/4.5 oz.; $12/2.3 oz.

For more information, visit https://anchorshairco.com/products/strong-hold-pomade-water-based-mid-high-shine-strong-hold?variant...

 What I liked most about the product was its: Packaging.
Comments: The packaging is catchy and definitely plays to the sailor theme of the brand.

This product did not meet my expectations.
Comments: I use various pomades and hair styling products daily but my only pet peeve is an overly-pungent smell. Unfortunately, this one is very pungent.

I followed instructions for this product: What instructions? 
Comments: No instructions needed.

If I was making this product, I would change its: Aroma.
Comments: The smell of this pomade has a slightly overwhelming coconut scent and a trace of almond. If you are looking for a subtler smelling pomade, there are definitely other choices.

I would recommend this product to a friend: Never. 
Comments:

I am _________ this product: Not willing to invest in. 
Comments: Not my cup of tea.

Anything else you would like to add? 


Body Spray by Bálla, $20/6 fl. oz. at birchbox.com
For more information, visit https://www.ballaformen.com/products-2-0

What I liked most about the product was its: Aroma; Packaging; Other.
Comments: A clean and delightfully woodsy smell that sticks to you for hours. This product is perfect for tossing in your to-go bag and applying when the rest of your toiletries are out of reach at home.

This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments: I did not expect such a complex and pleasant smell from a body spray.

I followed instructions for this product: What instructions? 
Comments: No instructions.

If I was making this product, I would change its: Packaging.
Comments: Perhaps lighten up the font of the logo and text.

Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask by Every Man Jack, $4/1-pack

every man jack

For more information, visit  https://everymanjack.com/skin/oil-defense/charcoal-facial-sheet-mask.html

What I liked most about the product was its: Packaging; Texture, or product feel when applied; Consistency, or formulation.
Comments:

This product somewhat met my expectations.
Comments: This product meets my expectations for a facial cleanser sheet mask tailored for guys. Many facial masks seem to have fancy ingredients that make your face tingle as if you can feel your pores being cleaned in the process...unfortunately there is none of that sensation from this mask.

I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments:

If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments:

I would recommend this product to a friend: Somewhat.
Comments:

I am _________ this product: Considering buying.
Comments:

Anything else you would like to add? Having a long and narrow face, I was worried the mask wouldn't reach from chin to forehead. However, it fit perfectly and every pore was feeling fresh by the end of the 10-minute session. I would most likely use this mask after long outdoor activities more so than purchase it for routine weekly use.

Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toning Towelettes by Thayers, $8.99/30-pack

thayers towelettes

For more information, visit  https://www.thayers.com/shop-thayers/premium-witch-hazel/toning-towelettes/rose-petal-toning-towelettes/
What I liked most about the product was its: Texture, or product feel when applied; Aroma; Packaging.
Comments: The towelettes have a very soothing feel when applied and a pleasant rose petal aroma. The scent is not too overwhelming and dissipates quickly.

This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments: This product thoroughly exceeds my expectations. The towelettes hydrate and tone the skin without leaving any streaks or residue. I found this product perfect for after shaving.

I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments: Straight forward instructions and very versatile. Use them for what you need when you need them!

If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments: The Thayers Toning Towelettes come in a scentless option if scented products may not be your thing.

I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments: I would definitely recommend this product to any of my friends.

I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments:

Anything else you would like to add?

Industrial Strength Hand Healer by Jack Black, $15/3 fl. oz.; $46/16 fl. oz.

jack black

For more information, visit  https://www.getjackblack.com/Products/Industrial-Strength-Hand-Healer-with-Vitamins-A-and-E__4002O.aspx

What I liked most about the product was its: Consistency, or formulation; Aroma; Packaging.
Comments: If the catchy blue bottle and bold font doesn't draw you in close enough, the lotion itself will seal the deal. This hand healer absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue behind!

This product met my expectations.
Comments:

I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments: The instructions are very straight forward. Apply a small dime sized portion and rub in until lotion is absorbed into your skin. The product absorbs faster than any hand lotion I have tried before. Big bonus points!

If I was making this product, I would change its: Price point.
Comments: The price point seems a little high at $45-$50 for 16 fl. oz. of lotion if you aren't a daily user of lotions. If you work with your hands regularly and are prone to cracked and dry skin, I genuinely believe this product is a great investment. I work with my hands daily and partake in outdoor activities that leave them dry and out of commission in the winter...this product has brought them back to life.

I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments: I would recommend this to all of my friends! Really a great and fast drying lotion.

I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments:

Anything else you would like to add?

Teddy Boy Rise & Shine Sulfate-Free Conditioner by Anchors Aweigh Hair Co., $16/12 fl. oz.

teddy boy conditioner

For more information, visit https://anchorshairco.com/products/teddy-boy-rise-shine-sulfate-free-shampoo-conditioner?variant=12501801009209

What I liked most about the product was its: Aroma.
Comments: The conditioner has an extremely unique and bold aroma that reminds me of cinnamon gum I used to chew growing up. It has a great masculine smell but could definitely be used by anyone!

This product did not meet my expectations.
Comments: The scent of this product should win an award and my hair looks great! However, the actual consistency of the conditioner was quite off. After a few pumps of water, a few minutes of shaking, and then finally removing the top I was a bit turned off by how the product separates in the bottle. It took some serious work to get it into a pump-able form.

I followed instructions for this product: What instructions?
Comments: There were no instructions! Even as a guy I can confidently grasp how to apply conditioner but if the product is prone to separating, a little "shake well" notice would have helped out.

If I was making this product, I would change its: Texture, or consistency.
Comments: The product significantly separates in the bottle.

I would recommend this product to a friend: Somewhat.
Comments: I would recommend the product for its aroma and results! My hair looks significantly shinier and darker. It is a bit too much work for me to have to shake the bottle every time I hop in the shower though.

I am _________ this product: Considering buying.
Comments:

Anything else you would like to add?

ClearShave 3-in-1 Formula by MËNAJI, $12/1 fl. oz.

menaji clear shave

For more information, visit https://www.menaji.com/mens-skincare/cleanse/clear-shave-3-in-1-formula/

What I liked most about the product was its: Texture, or product feel when applied; Consistency, or formulation; Aroma; Other
Comments: Bottle

This product somewhat met my expectations.
Comments: This product is on par with any pre-shave/aftershave balm I have used in the past. It has an exceptional eucalyptus and ginger scent which puts it a half step above the rest!

I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments: The instructions tell you what you need to know. Use it how you want for what you want...anywhere.

If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments:

I would recommend this product to a friend: Somewhat.
Comments: If you need a multi-purpose shave balm and don't use shaving cream this is absolutely the move. I use a Philips OneBlade with no shaving cream generally. Using MËNAJI 3-in-1 makes it a much more pleasant and refreshing shave from start to finish.

I am _________ this product: Considering buying.
Comments:

Anything else you would like to add?

Courage Clay Vegan Matte Hair Clay by Anchors Aweigh Hair Co., $12/2.3 oz.; $20/4.5 oz.

courage clay

For more information, visit  https://anchorshairco.com/products/courage-clay-water-based-vegan-hair-clay-low-shine-strong-hold

What I liked most about the product was its: Aroma; Packaging; Texture, or product feel when applied Consistency, or formulation.
Comments: Anchors Aweigh is sailing off into the sunset with the number one vegan matte hair clay on the market. From the classy sailing theme on the jar to its exceptional hold, delicious scent, and matte finish...this is definitely a winner. At first, the candy and spice scent seem a bit overwhelming but once applied it is subtle enough to not distract you. The product is textured perfectly, it will not clump into your hair like other similar high hold clays.

This product exceeded my expectations.
Comments: The Anchors Aweigh Clay gets a full "exceeded" my expectations mark. My love for my hair generally keeps me skeptical of trying new products; however, this one jumps right to the front of my list.

I followed instructions for this product: What instructions?
Comments: The product is straightforward and did not have any instructions.

If I was making this product, I would change its: Nothing.
Comments: The 2 oz. jar has lasted me much longer than I expected and at its price point, this is a steal.

I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments: I will be sure to recommend this product to my friends.

I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments: Added to my Amazon “Save for Later” list.

Anything else you would like to add? I plan on regularly buy a vegan product; this is a first!



CBD Hydrating Lip Balm by Cannuka, $9/.15 oz.

cannuka lip balm

For more information, visit  https://cannuka.com/products/cbd-hydrating-lip-balm

What I liked most about the product was its: Aroma.

Comments: The balm has an appealing citrus aroma and rivals other big brand lip balms in terms of sealing in moisture.

This product somewhat met my expectations.
Comments: The product itself is a great lip balm; what I am trying to understand is where the CBD comes into play. The product doesn't heal or make my lips feel any superior than other non-CBD chap-stick brands.

I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments:

If I was making this product, I would change its: Price point.
Comments: I will gladly pay more for a superior product but at a price point of $9 it seems a little bit steep for a basic lip balm.

I would recommend this product to a friend: Probably not.
Comments:

I am _________ this product: Not willing to invest in.
Comments: $9 for one unit is an investment!

Anything else you would like to add?

Daily Face Wash by BYRD, $9/5 fl. oz.

byrd

For more information, visit https://byrdhair.com/collections/bath/products/daily-face-wash

What I liked most about the product was its: Texture, or product feel when applied; Aroma.
Comments: The BYRD daily face wash gets a first-class ticket to my toiletry bag. If you're a fan of the classic coconut beach smell and looking for a new addition to your skin cleaning and toning regiment, the BYRD is the word!  

This product met my expectations.
Comments: The BYRD face wash exceeds my expectations on the basis of its scent and cleaning abilities. You may have to use this product twice a day depending on the weather outside; the product does not have a very long working period.

I followed instructions for this product: Faithfully, or to the letter.
Comments: Get dirty, scrub, rinse, and repeat! Very straight forward.

If I was making this product, I would change its: Consistency.
Comments: If there was a face scrub version of this product with a coarser consistency, I would absolutely try it. The wash doesn't penetrate my tough skin as much as I would like.

I would recommend this product to a friend: Enthusiastically.
Comments: I would definitely recommend this product!

I am _________ this product: Running right out to the store to buy.
Comments:

Anything else you would like to add? Onto the Amazon order it goes!