Chicago Grooming Company began as Oleo Soapworks, a small-batch artisan soap project founded in 2014 by Vida Perez-Velazquez in Chicago, Illinois. What started in a converted corner of her home garage grew into one of wet shaving’s more recognizable artisan names, known for rich, skin-focused soap bases and a scent catalog that often nods to Chicago neighborhoods, classic fragrances, and personal nostalgia. Perez-Velazquez’s work has also reached beyond her own label through collaborations with House of Mammoth, including her role in developing Mammoth Magic, the brand’s post-shave balm inspired by her Good Oleo serum. The later Chicago Grooming Co. name feels like a natural sharpening of that identity: still handmade, still rooted in Chicago, but broader than shaving soap alone, with post-shave, fragrance, and personal care products carrying the same maker-driven sensibility.
Chicago Grooming
USA · 1 soaps, 1 aftershaves, 1 edp/edt
Soap base
Darkwing · Tallow
The Darkwing base is a premium product that stands toe-to-toe with any of the leading shave soap bases in wet shaving. Kokum, mango, and murumuru butters provide a rich emollient backbone, helping soften and condition the skin, while duck fat adds further depth, density, and nourishment. Vitamin E contributes antioxidant support, hydrolyzed oat protein helps improve the conditioned feel of the skin, allantoin brings a soothing element, and silk amino acids enhance slip and the smooth post-shave finish. Built on a foundation of stearic acid and duck fat, the base whips into a creamy lather that leans structured rather than yogurt-like. Its density is excellent, holding water well while still maintaining shape and cushion. Slickness is above average, cushion is strong, and the overall shave experience feels refined and deeply nourishing. Darkwing delivers exactly what one hopes for from a modern premium base: excellent performance, thoughtful skin care, and a lovely post-shave feel.
