Huh, so from the Amanda Palmer-storm of yesterday (this post has now been viewed almost 3000 times, SLIGHTLY above the average) to the nostalgic grooming products of today. A bit of a change in direction, but the Modern Woman of the North is a multifaceted creature and for life in a cold climate, ramblings on feminism and iris toothpaste are both important.

I’m not sure where my fascination with old-fashioned tins and tubes comes from, as I’m not a big fan of nostalgia as such. I’m extremely grateful to live at a time when I can vote, wear what I want and leave home without a male escort (did you note the seamless integration of feminism and grooming themes here?). But I do love history, the unnecessity of glamour and obscure brands, so I guess these things provide some clues. I also think that owning and using conservative things when you are very far from conservative as a person provides some interest and tension. Like wearing a male fragrance as a female is automatically slightly subversive.

Another side of it is purely practical: if something has genuinely survived for decades or centuries, chances are that they got at least something right. Also, as these things are truly old-fashioned, they never go out of fashion. No matter that they’re never quite IN fashion either, at least you don’t have to worry about them suddenly turning embarassing and so last season. One of my favourite brands in this genre is Geo F. Trumper, I have already talked about their violet shaving cream here and I also love their Spanish Leather series. It’s very masculine and as traditional as you can get.

A couple of other things:

– Claus Porto Chic Tulip soap. Claus Porto soaps are very high quality, last well and lather beautifully, but the reason I keep going back is the incredible selection of fragrances. Chic Tulip is a new one for me, a fresh, slightly powdery floral. My all time favourite is probably Lettuce with its unique light green scent, but there’s something for everyone, from tobacco to tuberose. The packaging is amazing, too.

– Smith’s Rosebud Salve. This American classic probably needs no introduction and isn’t the most original entry in this post, but it’s one of those products I use every week. I’ve got some very fancy and expensive lip balms (looking at you, La Mer), but when I need serious softening action and instant relief, I turn to this pink coloured petroleum jelly. Doesn’t sound very glamorous, but works for me.

– No 4711 Original Eau de Cologne. When it comes to scents, it’s difficult to get more classic than this, the oldest cologne still in production. The bracing citrus smells very, very classic – not trendy, but quite modern (Bois de Jasmin has a full review.) And I love that you can have some of this iconic product for 5 euros.

– Iris toothpaste by di Santa Maria Novella. Iris is one of my favourite flowers and I adore iris fragrances, so when I saw this beautiful toothpaste, I had to have it. Di Santa Maria Novella is a company more than 400 years old and you can tell: this toothpaste is a bit too old-fashioned even for me (it actually looks grey) and I still prefer my Marvis Jasmine Mint. But if you’re looking for a proper hit of nostalgia, this might be it.

– Marvis mouthwash. OK, I confess, I bought this one purely because of the packaging, the tin just looks crazy-amazing. I don’t even use mouthwash. Which means I cannot really compare it to anything, but I can say is that the wash has a bright green colour and strong taste of sweet mint. And I’m keeping the tin someplace everybody can see it.