The smell is of course outstanding.As I learned the first time using this wash, a little truly goes a long way. Prior to purchasing this wash I was using standard shampoo. As I had read several times this is not a good idea. I was very skeptical at first and didn’t like the thought of making a separate purchase. Regular shampoo is designed to remove more oil, thus using it on your beard dries it out. This turned out to be very true. My beard was in fact drying out.First time I used this wash my beard was soft and well conditioned and has remained so. My skepticism immediately changed to totally convinced that a separate beard wash is in fact needed.As for the cost difference between a shampoo and beard wash I go back to the fact that a little does go a long way. A small amount of this beard wash lathers up significantly more than a regular shampoo. I will run out of a larger bottle of shampoo well before I run out of the beard wash.Give this beard wash a try. I assure you there will be no regrets. I love the scent of The Ladies Man. Choose your favorite scent and feel the difference this wash will make on your beard.