Eau de Portugal
by Pinaud

Not a cologne per se nor an aftershave though it could more than ably substitute for either. This is actually labeled as a hair tonic, and it's the one of choice for me.

Those of you who have nightmares about putting anything even remotely greasy in your hair no matter how good it smells can relax. This is NOT hair tonic in the Elvis-grade pompadour-lube/Gordon Gekko super-slickback sense. This is a lightweight conditioner that just so happens to smell great in a non-intrusive way unlike a lot of hair stuff, and like all Pinauds the price is extra easy on your wallet.

The conditioning comes courtesy of the glycerin and citrus oils that provide a refreshing though fleeting sillage - the standard issue with citrus-scented stuff. Nothing fancy here, it just does its thing without clashing with any other fragrance you might use. Even after your hair starts to dry EdP's citrus is even drier and far from cloying. It is to fragrance what wearing black or white is to getting dressed - it'll pretty much go with whatever you choose to throw at it and maybe even make it more interesting.

The fact that it's so lightweight in both scent and as a hair product makes it ideal for me. The label says it's a "special formula for light hair," though I suspect what they really mean is "fine hair," which I have. Lacks the holding properties of a more oily tonic, but since I let my locks hang loose anyway that's no problem.

As it's all citrus it's as unisex as can be, usable by anyone seeking an everyday non-greasy hair conditioner that doesn't weigh your hair down. And of course, the scent is awesome though expectedly short-lived.

12nd November, 2006.