Good morning everybody, my bearded friends!
How are you and your great scruffs doing? Are you getting ready for the Summer?
First of all, thank you very much for visiting again The Bearded Handballer blog!
Today’s review is about a product I have been testing in two different phases. The first one was around the end of April, when I first received it from the manufactures. Despite a very thorough test, I decided then to try it for few other days (during the past week). In facts, I was really curious to investigate some interesting aspect and to identify few other features.
Se let’s get started and let’s go through the analysis of the ‘Blackwood‘ beard oil by Beard and Bones UK Ltd.
This product was officially launched on the marked on the 26th of April 2019, along with the homonym beard balm (previously reviewed by The Bearded Handballer). I was one of the lucky beard grooming reviewer who had the chance to test its release: thanks to an Instagram story, I contacted Beard and Bones UK Ltd on the 11th of April and they kindly sent me a parcel with their new scent few days later.
The original ‘tester pack’ was supposed to contain a beard oil sample in a small bottle but I asked for a small exception.
As you can see from the picture, the sample of ‘Blackwood‘ beard oil I received is contained in a very eye-catching skull-shaped and transparent glass bottle (15 mL) with a pipette. This kind of container is probably one of the most distinguishing features of the brand: I have to admit that, since the first time I started following their IG profile (before I started The Bearded Handballer Project), I have always been hypnotised by the wide variety of coloured skulls (and had-painted barrels!!!) in their gallery. For this reason, I couldn’t resist to ask for one of them and they kindly arranged a special deal .
The oil has a very intense yellow colour that fits perfectly with the unusual shape of the container: when placed on the shelf with all my other beard products, it has an outstanding and very distinctive profile.
The formulation of the product is based on the presence of three important carrier oils. With its high content in long chain fatty acids, Jojoba oil has a composition that is very similar to the one of the sebum produced by the skin. For this reason, it is quickly absorbed and plays and important role in regulating the production of the natural oils. The combination of Sweet almond oil and Argan oil determines a wide variety of synergistic effect. Both components contain high levels of oleic and lineoleic acid. The first one has a powerful moisturising effect for both the skin and the hair, while he second has an additional anti-inflammatory effect that protects the skin from any irritation or inflammation.
Beside providing a wide variety of conditioning elements, all the ingredients are very rich in Vitamin E, an important nourishing factor for the facial hair.
During the long term test, I had the opportunity to test this beard oil in various conditions and situations. Once applied, it is readily absorbed by the scruff and will keep it soft for around 7-8 hours. When compared with the balm, it is possible to see a shorter persistence of the effect. As underlined in the dedicated post, the ‘Blackwood’ beard balm contains a good amount of beeswax (it supplies a quite strong hold aswell) and this can explain the longer duration of its effect.
As for the ‘Blackwood‘ beard balm, the scent of this oil is a mixture of Sandalwood and Black Pepper essential oils. Differently from many others ‘matching products’, in this case, the oil shows a pretty identical aromatic profile with respect to the balm. Once again, the scent reminds me of some balsamic oriental fragrances. The woody side generate a very warm and earthy base that is perfect for cold temperatures but is also enjoyable during a warm day! The Black pepper essence reinforce the ligneous notes, adding a sprinkle of spicy tones that contributes in creating a very manly scent.
From and aromatic point of view, the persistence of the oil is quite impressive. When applied in the morning, I was able to perceives some light woody notes till late afternoon… even after an intense run!
In conclusion, I have to say that I consider the ‘Blackwood‘ beard oil by Beard & Bones UK Ltd a very interesting product. During the long testing period, this beard oil was able to keep my beard in good conditions without any irritation or dandruff. If I have to find a ‘negative’ aspect, I would say that the duration of the softening effect could be improved, especially if compared to the ‘Blackwood‘ balm. Nevertheless, I have to say that it is very similar to most of the beard oil on the market.
In which particular occasion would The Bearded Handballer use this product?
With its warm and spicy profile, this beard oil is perfect for a relaxing night while reading a book, in front of the fire place.
And what about you? Have you already bought any of the skull-shaped bottles from Beard and Bones UK? Or, have you already tried the ‘Blackwood’ scent?
If you want to share your opinion or if you want to know more about this product, just comment below or contact me! 😉
Hope this review will be useful for your beard grooming routine!
Have a lovely day and see you soon!
The Bearded Handballer
Product ID card
Name: Blackwood
Brand: Beard and Bones UK Ltd
Packaging: 15 mL skull-shaped glass bottle + pipette
Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Sweet Almond oil, Argan oil, Fragrance (essential oils)
Price (Shipping not included): 9.99 GBP (currently on sale for 7.99 GBP)
The Bearded Handballer 