Natural Male Grooming
Best Smelling Beard Balm – Choose From Our Top 5
Imagine starting your day with a fresh, invigorating scent that instantly uplifts your spirit. Now, picture that fragrance coming from your own beard. That’s how I start every day and for me, a great smelling beard balm is essential to my morning routine.
Beard balms come in many different fragrances such as cedarwood, sandalwood, pine and rum. Many beard balms smell quite old fashioned and rustic with some even smelling of tobacco. The natural oils, waxes and essential oils combined make up the balm’s unique scent.
In this, my sixth article on beard balm, I take a close look into the world of beard balms, discuss my personal experiences, and specifically share my top 5 best smelling balms for beards.
I’ll also explore the reasons why a great fragrance is so important for people with beards and I’ll take you through a behind-the-scenes look at how I meticulously selected and rigorously tested the balms that made my top 5.
Our Top Choices
Why Do You Need a Great Smelling Beard Balm?
Seems a strange question doesn’t it but some of the reasons might surprise you.
Well, here are my reasons.
First and foremost, the aroma of a good beard balm can be an instant mood booster.
As soon as I apply the balm to my beard the pleasant scent turns my morning routine into a refreshing ritual, it actually helps to kickstart my day with an air of confidence.
My favourite reason for having a great-smelling beard is the impact it has on those around you.
I find that a captivating fragrance can leave a positive impression on people you meet throughout the day.
It’s like wearing a signature cologne, but it’s your beard that carries the scent.
This undoubtedly enhances my overall presence and makes me more memorable.
And finally, a good-smelling beard balm can help mask any unwanted odours that may get trapped in your facial hair.
It doesn’t happen to me very often but my beard can catch scents from the environment, like food, smoke, or pollutants.
I find that a lovely fragrant balm can neutralize these odours, leaving me with a fresh and clean beard.
What is in Beard Balm that Produces a Great Fragrance?
When choosing a great smelling beard balm it’s a good idea to understand which ingredients in the product produce the fragrance.
So from the research I’ve carried out a typical beard balm is a blend of natural oils, waxes, and essential oils.
The combination of these ingredients is what gives it its unique scent.
1. Natural Oils
Beard balms often contain a variety of natural oils, such as jojoba oil, argan oil, and coconut oil.
These oils provide hydration to your facial hair, making it softer and more manageable.
In addition, they also have their own pleasant scents that contribute to the overall fragrance of the balm.
2. Waxes
Beeswax and shea butter are commonly used waxes in beard balms.
These waxes give the balm its firm texture and help shape your beard.
While they don’t have strong scents themselves, they play a crucial role in retaining the fragrance of the essential oils.
3. Essential Oils
The real secret behind the delightful scents of beard balms lies in the essential oils.
These concentrated oils are derived from various plants and have unique fragrances.
Some popular choices include cedarwood, sandalwood, lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus oils.
The combination of essential oils is what creates the signature scent of each beard balm.
How I Selected the Beard Balms in the Test
I actually found the whole process of selecting the beard balms exciting to say the least.
I knew wanted to experiment with a wide range of scents so to make sure I was reviewing the best, I considered what I felt was the most essential criteria:
- Brand Reputation: I started by researching reputable brands with a history of producing high-quality beard care products. Brands with a strong commitment to using natural ingredients and responsible manufacturing processes were given preference.
- Ingredients: I carefully scrutinized the ingredient lists of each beard balm. The presence of natural oils and essential oils was a must. I also checked for any potential allergens or skin irritants.
- Scent Variety: I wanted to sample a diverse range of scents. Different essential oils can create a wide array of fragrances, from woodsy to citrusy, and even spicy. I aimed to include balms that would cater to various scent preferences.
- User Reviews: I scoured online reviews and user feedback to gauge how customers perceived the scents and overall effectiveness of the products. Real-world experiences are invaluable in making an informed choice.
How I Tested the Beard Balms
Now, let’s get into the fun part – the testing phase.
I sampled a selection of beard balms, each with its own distinct fragrance.
The goal was to assess their scent, application, and overall performance.
- The Scent Test: The scent of a beard balm is its most noticeable feature. I applied each balm to my beard and observed how the scent evolved throughout the day. Did it remain pleasant, or did it become overpowering? Was it subtle or bold? I took notes on each balm’s fragrance profile.
- Application and Texture: The texture of the beard balm is crucial for a smooth application. I assessed how easy it was to scoop out of the container, melt in my hands, and spread evenly through my beard. A good beard balm should be pliable and not too waxy.
- Beard Conditioning: Beyond the fragrance, a beard balm’s primary function is to condition and shape your facial hair. I paid attention to how well each product softened my beard, reduced frizz, and kept it in place throughout the day.
- Longevity: A great beard balm should last throughout the day, maintaining its scent and hold. I kept an eye on how long each balm’s effects persisted.
- Skin Sensitivity: Lastly, I checked for any signs of skin irritation or allergic reactions. Beard balms should be gentle on the skin, and I wanted to ensure they didn’t cause any discomfort.
After weeks of meticulous testing, one beard balm emerged as the clear winner in terms of fragrance.
Best Beard Balm for Hold
Winner: Viking Revolution Variety Pack
Testing the Viking Revolution Beard Balm Variety Pack has been a delightful experience.
This pack comes with four different one-ounce tins, each containing a unique scent and they all smell amazing.
From Bay Rum to Cedar and Pine, each balm offers a unique and pleasant aroma.
The scents are not overpowering, but they do linger throughout the day, giving your beard a subtle, attractive fragrance.
My personal favourite is the Bay Rum, with its sweet, spicy aroma that reminds me of holidays to the Caribbean.
Now, let’s talk about the effectiveness of these beard balms.
I’ve been using beard products for a while, but I’ve always had trouble finding one that can help me style and manage my beard while keeping it soft.
Viking Revolution Beard Balm surprised me with its performance.
The balm is not greasy at all, and it rubs into a light oil when applied to the beard.
It doesn’t weigh down the beard or leave it feeling oily, which is a huge plus.
It tames flyaways and keeps my beard looking neat and well-groomed.
It helped me to style my beard the way I want it, and interestingly I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my beard’s overall condition.
The convenient size of the tins is just right – not too big, not too small. It ensured that I could use each tin multiple times before deciding on my favourite scent.
I actually found myself looking forward to changing fragrances every few days!
Apart from the scent and styling capabilities, the Viking Revolution Beard Balm also excels in conditioning the beard.
It kept my beard soft and smooth, making it easier to manage and style.
The product not only smells fantastic but also works wonders in softening, styling, and maintaining your beard.
Overall the best smelling beard balm of the five.
Buy on AmazonRunner Up: Rocky Mountain Barber Company Variety Pack
This pack includes four different scents – Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Bamboo, and an Unscented option, which gave me a chance to find my favourite scent and try something new.
The first thing to say is that all the scents are not overpowering and leave you with a pleasant aroma that lasts for several hours without being too strong.
The Cedarwood had a pleasant, masculine aroma that reminded me of a cosy evening by the fireplace.
Sandalwood had a more robust and long-lasting scent, which, while not my favourite, was still a good option for those who enjoy stronger fragrances.
Bamboo was my personal favourite, offering a fresh and sweet scent that felt just right for daily wear.
The Unscented option came in handy when I didn’t want to overwhelm my senses with an added fragrance.
Aside from the delightful scents, the actual performance of the Rocky Mountain Barber Company beard balm is excellent.
I found it to be a unique balance between balm and wax, making it easier to control unruly beard hairs.
It provided a firm hold without making my beard greasy or heavy, and it helped keep everything looking neat and well-groomed throughout the day.
One thing that impressed me about this variety pack was the convenience it offered.
The smaller tins were perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. Whether I was at the office, at home, or out and about, I could easily keep a tin with me for quick grooming, ensuring my beard always looked its best.
The quality of the balm is evident in its texture and ingredients, making it a must-have for maintaining a soft, healthy beard. I was pleasantly surprised that even after a hard day’s work, the scented balm It was both nourishing and effective in providing the desired hold.
In terms of personal favorites, I found myself gravitating towards the Bamboo and Cedarwood scents, with Bamboo edging out as my top choice.
The unique combination of scents in these balms left me feeling fresh and well-groomed throughout the day.
So the Rocky Mountain Barber Company’s Variety Pack provides a lovely range of scents to cater to different preferences as well as effectively taming and styling your beard.
Overall a worthy runner-up in our review of the best smelling beard balms.remained in my beard until the end of the day.
Buy on AmazonOther Finalists We Recommend
Here’s a list of the other finalists we tested in order of our preference.
- Hand Crafted In The Usa
- Beard Control, Light Shaping, Rogue Hair Control
- Softens And Conditions, Tames Unruly Beard Hairs
- The Most Trusted Brand For Beards In The World
- All Natural And Organic Ingredients
- Great Scent Of Spiced Vanilla
- Mix Of Premium Oils, Shea Butter And Beeswax
- Perfect For Coarse, Rough, Or Frizzy Beards
- Natural Finish With A Low Hold That Isn’T Too Shiny Or Matte
- Keep Your Beard And Mustache Looking Their Best
- Wonderful Vanilla Scent
- Will Leave Your Beard And Mustache Looking And Feeling Its Best
- Perfect Beard Softener And Moisturizer For All Skin Types
- Ultimate Control And Hold When You Need It
- Made With High-Quality All Natural Ingredients
The Bottom Line
When it comes to selecting the right beard balm, my view is that it’s important to consider the brand’s reputation, the ingredients the manufacturer uses, the variety of scents available, and user reviews.
In this article, I hope I’ve done that work for you so you can make an informed decision.
Of course, it will always be a matter of personal preference, but the best-smelling beard balm should offer both a delightful fragrance and effective beard care.
Personally, I found the best smelling beard balm added a new layer of enjoyment to my beard care routine.
Although I like my favourite brand, scents can range from refreshing and citrusy to earthy and musky, ensuring there’s a perfect fragrance for everyone.
So, if you’re on a quest to elevate your beard game and make a memorable olfactory impression, a high-quality great smelling beard balm is a must-try grooming essential.
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