Do you "cut" any of your balms?

joelmole · #1 11-03-2009, 11:21 AM

I recently got a couple AOS balms (Lemon and Lavender), and I started a new practice with these products. I dispense a couple of small pumps into my palm (about a pea size amount total), top that with a bit of Thayers witch hazel, rub my hands together, then apply.

I find that especially with thicker balms, dispensing just a small amount, then cutting them a bit with witch hazel, or maybe another hydrosol or AS splash can help on the greasiness factor. Some of these balms are very concentrated, so you don't need much, but sometimes such a small amount is difficult to spread evenly.

I imagine you can get the same effect by applying the balm to a wet face. I kinda like the methodical nature of doing it this way though.

Am I weird?

SmoovD · #2 11-03-2009, 11:28 AM

No, not with ASB. I will cut Pinaud Bay Rum splash with some Witch hazel only because I am fond of my eyelashes.

Maybe?

Sluggo · #3 11-03-2009, 11:31 AM

I apply all aftersahves (splashes or balms) with a bit of water

masonjarjar · #4 11-03-2009, 11:35 AM

I don't cut my balms. None of them are very strong scentwise, and I like how they all work, so I don't feel the need to mess with the original formulas..

However, I do cut my aftershave splashes with Witch Hazel. For some reason splashes are VERY STRONG on me, esp. AV Ice Blue, Clubman and Skin Bracer. This way I can really coat my face and neck but not walk out of the bathroom smelling like I'm from some bad 70's movie. Don't get me wrong, I like the scents, but there's a thin, thin line between "enough" and "way too much"

Dharion · #5 11-03-2009, 11:57 AM

Yes - I am a cutter. I like my face being damp (the big water drops being gone) and then apply AS/ASB.

Scotchd · #6 11-03-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelmole

I recently got a couple AOS balms (Lemon and Lavender), and I started a new practice with these products. I dispense a couple of small pumps into my palm (about a pea size amount total), top that with a bit of Thayers witch hazel, rub my hands together, then apply.

I find that especially with thicker balms, dispensing just a small amount, then cutting them a bit with witch hazel, or maybe another hydrosol or AS splash can help on the greasiness factor. Some of these balms are very concentrated, so you don't need much, but sometimes such a small amount is difficult to spread evenly.

I imagine you can get the same effect by applying the balm to a wet face. I kinda like the methodical nature of doing it this way though.

Am I weird?

After having my face oily from the AoS balms for a few days (and a bit o' acne), I was heavily considering the *exact* same thing. My only problem is that I only have TND witch hazel, and I'm wondering if that would ruin the scent of the balms. Thayers might be a great alternative.

I was also considering cutting it with alcohol, or perhaps a cleansing oil - like Castor oil. Witch Hazel was my first choice. I think I am gonna try it tomorrow!

So, no, you are not weird, at least not by B&B standards!

cfriend · #7 11-03-2009, 02:06 PM

I run my hand under the sink, a splash of splash, slap it on. When that dries, run my hand under the sink, a pea-sized amount of whatever balm or milk, slap it on. I rarely put on anything (other than an edt, I suppose) without some water.

azmark · #8 11-03-2009, 02:17 PM

I love the strong scented AS splashes. Burns the excess nose hair

whiteweed · #9 11-03-2009, 02:22 PM

I cut some Nivea with some Calendula seemed ok and very soothing. Don't know if this was what you were looking for. The winter months really brings many changes in my routine trying to keep the beard moist and skin soothed.

beginish · #10 11-03-2009, 05:14 PM

After my experience with the CF 1445 ASB this morning, it's getting cut every time from now on.

Milton · #11 11-03-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sluggo

I apply all aftersahves (splashes or balms) with a bit of water

Same here. Seems to make application a bit easier as well.

ratcheer · #12 11-03-2009, 08:57 PM

No, I don't cut any of those sorts of products. If I don't like a balm (or a splash), I just stop using it and find one I do like.

Tim

Sodapopjones · #13 11-04-2009, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratcheer

No, I don't cut any of those sorts of products. If I don't like a balm (or a splash), I just stop using it and find one I do like.

Tim

I'm with you, I have a whole sink full of other stuff to use

kingfisher · #14 11-04-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotchd

I was also considering cutting it with alcohol...

Don't do this.

The kind of alcohol that is in aftershaves is not the same kind of alcohol you have in your cabinet (rubbing alcohol).

Stick with the witchhazel.

JECIII · #15 11-04-2009, 01:52 PM

I cut with a bit of WH or H2O.

Scotchd · #16 11-04-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingfisher

Don't do this.

The kind of alcohol that is in aftershaves is not the same kind of alcohol you have in your cabinet (rubbing alcohol).

Stick with the witchhazel.

Ok - thankfully I left the alcohol out on my first attempt!

Scotchd · #17 11-05-2009, 12:22 PM

This morning I cut AoS with a little Witch Hazel - it worked great.

It did not distort the scent at all, and it went on much less oily and greasy than normal.

I diluted the AoS Balm to a "milky" consistency, and slapped it on!

So far, so good.

RoyalKooparillo · #18 11-05-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sluggo

I apply all aftersahves (splashes or balms) with a bit of water

+1. Absolutely.