June 23rd, 2025: Information Overload

• Brush: Chisel & Hound “Spice Lily” - TurnNShave Tuxedo 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: Accuforge GEM Microcoat (4)
• Lather: Areffa Soap - Phantom of Kyiv - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Tres Matres - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Stirling - Varen - EdT

$discord

Theme: Scent notes for Phantom of Kyiv (12):

Initial note: hazelnut, lemon, orange, lime
Heart note: cedar, clove, rose, lily of the valley
Final note: oak, pine, patchouli, eucalyptus

Challenge: Busted out the MMOC for the single pass challenge. Unsurprisingly I had great (DFS+) results. Once you get the hang of it, this is one efficient and comfortable razor.

$SELFCARE - I took a sick day from work today mostly just because I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and that this position/company isn’t right for me. It was nice to take a slower day. I also spent some time looking at job postings to start seeing what’s out there right now.

$FOF - Phantom of Kyiv is a mostly bright scent. I pick up a soft mix of orange, lemon, rose, and pine. It feels fresh and a little floral, with a nice lightness to it.

Next, I layered on Tres Matres, which adds more complexity while still keeping things bright. It has notes like pink grapefruit, green mango, yuzu, bergamot, aldehydes, elemi, freesia, jasmine, cedarwood, and sandalwood. The citrus and light woods create a nice balance between the fresh vibe of Phantom of Kyiv and the darker scent that comes after.

Finally, I finished with Varen. It’s deep, green, and earthy, with lots of oakwood and a damp forest feel. It really grounds everything and shifts the whole blend in a darker, more intense direction.

$ROTY