Gladiator Beard® Conditioning Balm (2.6 oz.) – Icon Scent – Protect the Beard®

I am not a beard expert by any means and have only tried 2 other brand of beard balms. They did a good job of doing what they were supposed to but I wasn't a fan of the smell of either. It seems most beard oils or balms either have a "hippie" smell or a leather/wood/smoke/bourbon smell, neither of which I was interested in smelling like.I was on YouTube and there were some beard channels in my suggested list and the first one I clicked had a review for this product. The review was positive as were the others that I watched. I was happy with the ingredient list, size and price but my main concern was the smell.There really isn't a definitive answer on the what it's supposed to smell like but patchouli oil and cologne were the most common descriptions I found. I was off put by the patchouli description and "cologne" is very vague. So I decided to take a chance and order it since I could always return it if i hated it.Upon receiving it, I was impressed with the packaging as noted by pretty much everyone else and the bonus waterproof sticker was a nice touch. I quickly tossed that aside so I could open up the can for a big whiff. The top seemed tight and i quickly realized that it is a screw top unlike what I had in the past. Upon opening the can, I was not disappointed and actually very happy with the smell.I can see why there really isn't a detailed description for scent as it is really unique and hard to pinpoint. I can't really provide any insightful description of the smell either but it is a light scent that is not overpowering, yet lasts half a day.The balm itself is very smooth and emulsifies quickly. It leaves my beard with a nice shine, but not Soul Glo shiny. In comparison to the other balms I used, it keeps my short beard laying a little flatter. And when you inevitably get the taste in your mouth, it's not bad.

I've been looking for optimal beard balm for a long time. I have only a goatee but my mustache is pretty epic. I like to keep them both under control but still looking natural. So stiff mustache wax is out of the question. I have not tried all beard balms or waxes, but the ones I did were either too stiff and hard to apply, too flaky and visible on my dark hair, or too greasy with no hold. This balm has exactly what I need: great aroma, easy application, medium hold, invisible when applied. Finally, my search and wasting of money on inadequate products are over. The fact that Gladiator Bead Company has committed 5% of its profits as donations to charities supporting our military veterans does not hurt either. Especially now when probably half of beard products is made in China. Can you imagine what kind of garbage people put on their faces just to save a couple dollars?

I don't have the epic beard that most people have but I take what I can get and in the mean time I try to take good care of my beard. I have gone through several Beard Balms and Oils (wash and conditioner I tend to stick to one thing) and haven't found something I can come back to. That ended this afternoon when I received my order of Gladiator Balm and Oil. WOW! this smells and feels great on my beard. It has a woodsy scent with a touch of vanilla that is light but at the same time lingers. The ingredients are natural and not harmful on the skin. Plus it leaves no clumps when applying it. I may have found the balm and oil I have been searching for. Thank you for the product and I look forward to purchasing more in the future.

I’ve only had a beard for about a year now. I have tried several different oils and balms. I would say about 6 different brands. This by far has to be the best. Other oils/balms would have my beard feeling wired and dry by the end of the day being exposed to the elements. I still smell and feel this balm when I run my hand down my beard throughout the day. As far as scent goes... I’m thinking they should try these scents. Black currant, burgamot, apple, pineapple, rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, patchouli, oak moss, musk, ambergris and vanilla. All mixed into one and call it “The Shield”. Just a thought. Smells great don’t get me wrong. This product softens and sculpts at an almost perfect rate. The only reason I gave 4 and not 5 stars is based solely on the scent which of course differs from person to person. Purely based on opinion. Other than that it’s one of the best I’ve tried. To me it feels like an oil, balm and wax all in one. The almost perfect balance.

I'm fairly new at caring for a longer beard so at this point I'm kind of hit or miss on what to buy. I was never one to wear cologne, so maybe that's why the scent is a bit overpowering to me. The balm itself does what it's supposed to - keeps my beard under control, something I've had a hard time finding a product for that didn't leave it feeling waxy. Sad to say that, if I can't adjust to the scent, I'll have to keep looking. I'd certainly like to see this balm in an unscented version.I do have to add that this is a great company to deal with. I expressed my concerns with the company and got a prompt reply and an instant refund. I was told there might be an unscented version of the product coming in the future. Definitely looking forward to it!