Question:
I have been using John Allan's BLU light pomade and Yardley's Gentleman's Brilliantine on my hair for the past year or so. They are fantastic products and much better than any gels or sprays, or creams, bar none. They are very similar, but the brilliantine, as the name suggests, adds more shine, which is very natural looking, not at all a greasy after thought. The pomade does not add much shine, but does not dull the shine of naturally clean hair. They both hold but do so very naturally, very unobtrusively, if applied in moderation from you warmed palms. You can apply with your hands or comb through once appled. I now notice Trufitt & Hill makes a pomade as well, which I would try but for the fact that this stuff lasts forever! I may not need more for years. If you are dissatisfied with gels or other preparations, do yourself a huge favor and find some well made pomade or brilliantine. Only caveat: certain pomades are stronger than others, and may be harder to get out. John Allan makes a "classic" pomade which give a much firmer hold, and is not as easy to wash out. No such issue with most brilliantines. If you want to be totally safe, try the BLU and Yardley's Gentleman. The Yardley's is available in the Macy's pharmacy in Chicago (fka Marshall Fields). Good luck and enjoy. I know you will.
Joe

Answer:
I also love Yardley's Brillantine but i used mostly the english lavender one back when i was swimming everyday, it was the only thing that kept my hair semi-decent and in place after all that chlorine, gave it shine and kept it somwhat moist. It's great for very a short haircut.

Answer:
Interesting stuff.
I've not been impressed with most of the gels, cremes etc that I've tried over the years. I currently use Brylcream and sometime a bit of wax to shape the ends.
My hair is a bit fine. I love the way it looks after towelling dry - sleek, slightly darker and thicker, shiny without looking greasy. I'm definitely going to explore both briliantine and pomade.
The obvious starting point for me is either Trumper's or Taylor's. I'll post back when I've got hold of something and tested it.