Aftershave Questions

[Kione]

Hello again folks,
I was notified by my wife today that my current, and only so far, aftershave isn't acceptable. I am currently using Cornhuskers lotion. Not strictly an aftershave I know but I like it for dry hands, had it lying around, and saw it recommended somewhere on the site here.

The problem it seems it the smell, now I have never really been a aftershave/cologne guy and have no real idea of what to try. I thought about grabbing Aqua Velva from Wally world but I keep seeing recommendations against alcohol based stuff.
My questions are basically thus: (1) Is an alcohol base okay if I don't cut myself? (2) Whats available/recommended from local type stores? (Wally world, Target, CVS etc...)

Many thanks folks!

 

[Topgumby]

Alcohol splashes don't cause any problems with me, but every face is different, and the only way to find out is to try.

If you do cut yourself, and it's a small cut or weeper, an alcohol splash is a pretty good antiseptic, and if it stings, it's just the Good Lord's way of telling you that you're still alive and that next time you should be more careful.

As to the scent...this is so subjective that if you want something that will make her happy, get her input. Go to a place that sells the stuff and find out if they'll let her pass judgement before you buy, or just go solo and roll the dice, buy what you like and see what she thinks.

 

[LBTRS]

Highly recommend the Ogallala Bay Rum Aftershaves. I particularly like the Bay Rum and Sandalwood, Bay Rum Limes and Peppercorns, Bay Rum Sage and Cedar. I have the plain Bay Rum as well but don't wear it as often as the others which are out of this world.

 

[RayH]

This is all a YMMV thing. You have to find what works for yourself. Get a bottle of AV and try it. You might like it. Or your wife might hate it. Go for Old Spice and Brut also. You could be surprised. I myself prefer alcohol based AS lotions. If those don't work there is always Thayer's Witchhazel. Scented or unscented. If you get the unscented, you could add a scent your wife likes.

 

[WilliamIam]

It's all up to you and your wife. If you were using Corn Husker's Lotion, I think your face must be bulletproof. It was murder on my hands, I can't imagine how it felt on your face. If I remember correctly, it contains quite a bit of alcohol.

Anyhow, I use Skin Bracer or the store Generic if it's a lot cheaper. It's got menthol in it, which helps with irritation. If you had a rough shave, it DOES burn like a jerk for about ten seconds, but then it stops and helps me avoid irritation all day.
If my shave went well, it's barely uncomfortable. And it's pretty cheap. It works, whereas the Old spice I was using smelled great, burned like crazy, and did nothing for my face.

Happy Shaves

 

[The Nid Hog]

Get a bottle of Aqua Velva Ice Blue and a bottle of generic Old Spice (called Ivy Club at CVS and the Dollar Store). Maybe a bottle of Aqua Velva Musk now that it's getting colder. And, of course, a bottle of Pinaud Clubman. Keep the Cornhuskers--that stuff is great for your hands (but it's a nice aftershave that warms the ladies' hearts!).

 

[RF1963]

As to the scent...this is so subjective that if you want something that will make her happy, get her input.

She doesn't like what you're using now so I suggest you put it to her that she should find, say, 3 to 6 fragrances that she likes. From those you'll chose one you like. That way, everyone wins!

 

[miamimoe]

Your question begs another question, which is what are you looking for in an aftershave? For me, aftershaves boil down to a few different categories:

1. Alcohol splashes only-typically alcohol, some fragrance.
2. Alcohol splashes +-typically alcohol, some fragrance, glycerin or propylene glycol and perhaps some other chemicals like sun block.
3. Non-alcohol splashes such as witch hazel- scented or not;
4. Splashes with little or no alcohol content, but contain a host of skin goodies such as aloe vera, plant extracts and the like. These usually have a witch hazel or fragrance water base.
5. Combination splashes which do have alcohol, but a lower content, and have many other ingredients that are good for the skin.

You need to ask yourself:
1. What is my skin type?
2. How much post shave healing do I need?
3. Is my skin sensitive or not, etc.
4. Do I want menthol?

What will work for you is a function of how your skin typically reacts to a shave, as well, as the nature of your skin-oily, dry, sensitive, combination skin, etc.

The one suggestion I would make is to keep something around for that occasional rough shave. Aloe vera gel is a good choice. As usual, YMMV.

 

[ackvil]

For me THE AS is Thayers Rose Petal.

 

[The Nid Hog]

She doesn't like what you're using now so I suggest you put it to her that she should find, say, 3 to 6 fragrances that she likes. From those you'll chose one you like. That way, everyone wins!

For me, that works fine with cologne. My wife likes roaming around in a department store or some little specialty place and checking what we both like? But aftershave? I don't really consult about that stuff. Where I go to find my aftershaves, my wife hesitates to accompany me. She knows the dangers of venturing into the dusty beauty supply stores and antique malls, the hoodoo shops and Dollar Generals where the most exquisite aftershaves can be found. I mean, it would be like Indiana Jones about to reach for the golden idol then pausing and looking over his shoulder:

"Honey, do you think that this would work on that Regency breakfront bookcase in my study."

No. Aftershave selection is one of the few things left in this world that a man must do on his own. When he returns home, his face alight with success, he can share his treasures with his family. But the search, the choice, is something a man can only do by himself. Or with a couple of his friends if they're off from work that day.

 

[bythbook]

...

Where I go to find my aftershaves, my wife hesitates to accompany me. She knows the dangers of venturing into the dusty beauty supply stores and antique malls, the hoodoo shops and Dollar Generals where the most exquisite aftershaves can be found.

shouldn't you send her in first? just to make sure it's safe...

...

... Aftershave selection is one of the few things left in this world that a man must do on his own. When he returns home, his face alight with success, he can share his treasures with his family. But the search, the choice, is something a man can only do by himself. Or with a couple of his friends if they're off from work that day.

You know... I never appreciated the romance in finding the right aftershave... but now I understand the look of delight on my sweetie's face when the mail carrier drops off my daily booty.

Thanks, TNH, for opening my eyes!

 

[Saturn]

She doesn't like what you're using now so I suggest you put it to her that she should find, say, 3 to 6 fragrances that she likes. From those you'll chose one you like. That way, everyone wins!

For me, that works fine with cologne.

Maybe that's where he should be going with this. Rely on a cologne to provide your scent, and use an aftershave that's either unscented or has a very light, fleeting scent that won't interfere with the cologne.

This approach seems to make the most sense to me. I've never understood the point of collecting aftershaves in different scents. To me, an aftershave is for skin care. If you like a scent, spend your money on the EDT instead.

 

[sanuginz]

Start off with the drugstore cheapies and go from there. Aqua Velva is a must try.

 

[Kione]

Well it seems like Auqa Velva is my next one to try. Then, if needed, check out other drug store brands. Thanks guys.

 

[BladeDE40]

I've been using Brut asb lately...simply fantastic stuff...I picked up at Rite Aide for $5...
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=B&t=7111

 

[Luc]

This thread might help you a bit, look for your skin type: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170154

I use an alcohol based aftershave everyday. I was always under the impression (in my pre-B&B life) that it would be bad for my skin. I find them to leave me with better skin. I do cut and nick myself sometimes and it just stings a bit.