A question regarding sequence of balm/cream/skin care products and aftershave?

[never-stop-learning]

Curiosity on my part. For those of you who use a balm, cream or other skin care products and an aftershave. Do you apply the skin care products first, followed by the aftershave? Or do you splash on the aftershave and follow with the skin care products?

 

[silverlifter]

Aftershave, then strop and clean gear before applying balm. If nothing else, you don't want greasy hands while stropping a straight razor with bare feet...

 

[taffy]

Shave, alum, balm/cream then my splash.

 

[CCS]

The balms I use are aftershave products. The splashy stuff, when I use it, is a little added perfume. But you left out alum which is my normal first step after shaving - an alum rinse. Then a balm from T&H or Proraso. Sometimes a mix of Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel and Oil of Olay (non-scented). A splash might come afterwards. Splashes are Shulton Old Spice, Proraso Green, and Speick.

 

[never-stop-learning]

The balms I use are aftershave products. The splashy stuff, when I use it, is a little added perfume. But you left out alum which is my normal first step after shaving - an alum rinse. Then a balm from T&H or Proraso. Sometimes a mix of Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel and Oil of Olay (non-scented). A splash might come afterwards. Splashes are Shulton Old Spice, Proraso Green, and Speick.

Appreciate the input.

I didn't include Alum as it goes on right after the shave and is then rinsed off, hence not included in the sequence of products that remain on the face and are not immediately rinsed off.

 

[CCS]

In some parts of the world, alum is left on to dry on the skin as it has properties that some shavers want. I think it's common practice in India. Then a balm of some sort but, for me, it's a regular part of my aftershave routine. I leave it on during clean-up and then rinse it off.

 

[rockviper]

When I use both a balm and an AS (usually it is one or the other), I go thinner to thicker. Hence, AS and then Balm.

Outside of the AS being absorbed/drying quickly, the alcohol in it is good to fix up any abrasions that the alum doesn't even notice. The balm then moisturizes and keeping looking at my mediocre best.

 

[Whiterook]

I first apply Thayers and clean my tools while that dries down. I then apply aftershave or balm. Do you consider witchhazel a skincare or an aftershave?

 

[BanjoCowboyMartaTobes]

AS mixed with Thayers 50/50, clean up then balm accept in the blazing part of summer than no balm and just moisturizer at night.

 

[never-stop-learning]

In some parts of the world, alum is left on to dry on the skin as it has properties that some shavers want. I think it's common practice in India. Then a balm of some sort but, for me, it's a regular part of my aftershave routine. I leave it on during clean-up and then rinse it off.

Thank you for that. Learned something today.

I use Alum infrequently.

 

[never-stop-learning]

I first apply Thayers and clean my tools while that dries down. I then apply aftershave or balm. Do you consider witchhazel a skincare or an aftershave?

Interesting question. Probably more of a skin care.

 

[silverlifter]

Do you consider witchhazel a skincare or an aftershave?

It is a key ingredient in Speick Aftershave, so whether I use it in that or independently, it is aftershave for me.

 

[never-stop-learning]

It is a key ingredient in Speick Aftershave, so whether I use it in that or independently, it is aftershave for me.

Then I would say those who use it as an aftershave would consider it an aftershave and those who use it as skin care would consider it as skin care.

 

[silverlifter]

Then I would say those who use it as an aftershave would consider it an aftershave and those who use it as skin care would consider it as skin care.

Indeed, there is nothing precluding it from being both. In fact, by definition, alum and aftershave would also qualify as forms of skin care.

 

[ivan_101]

I can't be of much help here, since with me it is either an AS lotion or a balm. Never both.
BTW @never-stop-learning I have been meaning to ask for some time. Why have you been demoted to Moderator. What kind of misdemeanour was it?

 

[EclipseRedRing]

Aftershave first, as applying balm first reduces the burn of the aftershave. I enjoy a strong burn and am quite prepared to shave too close in order to get it.

 

[never-stop-learning]

BTW @never-stop-learning I was meaning to ask for some time. Why have you been demoted to Moderator. What kind of misdemeanour was it?

It's a term of endearment from the Admins, my fellow Mods and the Ambassadors.

 

[ivan_101]

It's a term of endearment from the Admins, my fellow Mods and the Ambassadors.

Naaah. Admit it, was it you said something bad about Arko (or some other product)?

 

[Balin]

I either use an Aftershave Splash or an Aftershave Balm. I haven't really tried doubling up with a splash and a balm.

 

[thombrogan]

My aftershave is almost always grain alcohol with dissolved menthol, so losing its scent almost immediately after application is fine. I put it on right after shaving to lightly disinfect my face, make any glycerin in my soap work itself into my skin, and gimme that menthol rush. Then I wash my face (either by its lonesome or with the rest of me in a shower) and apply a balm containing hyaluronic acid.