Gentlemen,

In 1708 a biography of Marcus Aurelius titled Emperor Marcus Antoninus his conversation with himself contains a quote that is most fitting for this review, “You should consider that IMITATION is the most acceptable part of WORSHIP”. As I began to review Suave’s new product called Styling Paste Medium Hold+Matte Finish it was apparent that they were going right after American Crew’s customer base. Both the box and jar state, “Salon proven to define hair as well as American Crew Defining Paste”! The gloves are off apparently and they are NOT WORSHIPING CREW. I will not compare the two but will focus on what Suave’s Styling Paste can deliver.

First I will begin by discussing the packaging. Aside from the color schemes and graphics the plastic jars appear to be exactly like Crew in size and style. The difference is apparent in the color of the jar because Suave is a dark gun metalic, Crew is a dark amber. Of course the graphics contain the Suave logo which is still very feminine although they did try to highlight the “MEN” in bold letters with spot varnish. Overall, the jar is not bad and the color is definitely masculine. Although, some of the other big companies have all chosen shades of grey in their product line for men (Vaseline, Dial).

Once I opened the jar I was surprised at the smell because it has a refreshing and subtle flowery/lavender scent. I almost put the product back on the shelf because of the scent alone but I decided to try it. My friend that was with me said she thought it smelled clean and fresh but agreed that it was flowery, she liked it. The product is white and appears to be a Nivea type lotion, white paste cool to the touch, and just by looking at it you would think this would not work well for a hair product.

Now comes my favorite part, test driving the product. Let me start by saying I have used oil based pomades and converted to water based products. My hair is very thick and can be wavy once it gets too long, I am in need of a haircut at the moment. I applied the product to dry hair but the container states that it can be used in damp hair. When I scooped up the product and broke it down in my hands (place in palm and rub hands together) I was very skeptical of the performance because it was not thick at all or gummy it felt like I was putting on oily lotion. As I began to work the product into my hair my hair it appeared to have a semi-chalky look too it and I thought oh SH*T this is not good! I continued to work it into my hair hoping that it would go away. Once I was done working the product into my hair it was now time to get the comb.

From the moment the comb touched my hair I was amazed because it was like I had Murray’s Pomade (or any quality oil based pomade). Once I combed through it I began to style it adding product where needed. Ok, I hate to state the obvious but it felt like a Medium hold oil based pomade. The product is not a true matte finish but is what I would describe as a few notches below a semi-gloss.

Personally I was worried that the product would not wash out of my hair because the performance and feel was similar to oil based pomades. I was pleasantly surprised that it washed right out of my hair! Now I am impressed.

My final verdict on the product, great performance needs scent improvement. If you are looking for a medium hold alternative to oil based pomades, gels, hair spray or paste then you really need to try this product. Here is the best part and will get you to buy it at least once, the price. This product is under $3.00 and  for 1.75 oz of hair grooming product it is worth buying. Worst case scenario you spend $3.00 and you can move on to the next product in search of the holy grail.

When you look at the box and lid Suave is telling you we believe our product is just like American Crew Defining Paste so buy us (no Crew Worship)!  I dont know if that claim is true but I will definitely add Suave Styling Paste to my arsenal but remain hopeful that a strong hold and improved scent is on the horizon.

Gentlemen of tradition and distinction take great lengths in grooming and having quality products is helpful in achieving your styling goals.

Mr. M