Balm before aftershave or aftershave before balm?

[Teutonblade]

I’m not sure why but I’ve always applied aftershave after the balm. I guess I’ve always felt that there is something symbolic and ceremonial about finishing with the splash. Plus, maybe I thought the scent would be unadulterated if it went on last. But lately I’ve been wondering if the splash might be removing some of the balm and allowing my skin to dry out more, particularly as almost all my aftershaves have alcohol, which I like.

Just curious what others think and what their practice is.

 

[Guido75]

Aftershave before balm. It closes the pores and takes care of minor shaving damage. Balm for the win and restore the balance. I might spray on EdT or EdC if I wish for a more potent scent. The one green the aftershave is gone quickly.

 

[brucered]

For me it's one or the other, never both.

 

[silverlifter]

Aftershave before balm.

This is the way™. The splash invigorates the freshly shaved skin, and then the balm moisturises the entire face, optimistically preparing it for another day of stress, pollution, and general degradation.

 

[Darth Scandalous]

I'll admit to being the odd man out here. When I do use balm (Nivea) I apply it first. Only reason is that while I don't mind the scent of Nivea, I much prefer the scents of my splashes. So I use a splash once the balm has soaked in a little.

 

[Bsamps]

Pores don’t open or close. It’s a myth, or rather a fable. An alcohol splash is meant to be an antiseptic. You took a very sharp blade across your face, and therefore took a layer of skin off. The ”splash” is meant to protect the skin from any bacteria infection. A “balm” is meant to moisturize and nourish the skin... mostly to just moisturize. Most modern, “quality“ balms do both.

 

[Teutonblade]

Switched it up today and applied aftershave before balm. I liked it!

First off, when I apply balm first I end up waiting for it to dry down before applying aftershave which slows me down in the morning when getting ready for work. I also tend to not want to put on my shirt until after applying aftershave so I don't get it on my shirt and possibly stain it, which slows me down further. That problem is solved by putting aftershave on first because it dries fast and if I want I can apply balm after I put my shirt on with no risk of a stain. I didn't notice any difference in aftershave intensity by applying it before the balm.

Just as an aside, the Wholly Kaw Bare Naked unscented balm is fantastic. It feels great, blends in completely, and dries fairly quickly.

 

[Rico Suave]

I like to go balm first. I find most balms spread more evenly with a bit of moisture. The aftershave provides it.

 

[reformedshavr]

Winter: witch hazel-> AS->balm. If I'm looking to extended the AS scent I'll do a quick little dab after I'm dressed.
Summer: witch hazel-> AS

 

[Merchant Seaman Z]

Aftershave then balm. Normally during cold weather at sea. But normally just WH

 

[Alex Jr]

If you’re using a splash after a balm you’re just removing the balm’s protective layer on your skin. It makes no sense.

Would you wax your car and then splash water all over it?

Just a side note, if you ask a dermatologist he’ll say from light to heavy, always.

A balm or moisturizer goes over a serum or any liquid, a sunscreen goes over a moisturizer and so on.

 

[Eric_75]

I rarely use balms but if I need something extra when it's cold it's witch hazel, aftershave then balm. I would probably reach for my Differin Soothing Moisturizer before any balm though. It's one of my favorite products.

 

[WThomas0814]

I don't use a balm, but, if ever I have an especially rough shave, I use aloe vera gel.

For me, it's witch hazel -> aftershave -> aloe vera.

 

[Darth Scandalous]

If you’re using a splash after a balm you’re just removing the balm’s protective layer on your skin.

The balm I use (when I use it) doesn't seem to leave much of a protective layer, it just soaks in. I just like it for the extra moisturization. If I want a layer of protection I use a little argan oil on top of my splash. In retrospect I should have done that this morning since the air temp was -6 (F) and the windchill factor was around -20.

 

[mcee_sharp]

I'll admit to being the odd man out here. When I do use balm (Nivea) I apply it first. Only reason is that while I don't mind the scent of Nivea, I much prefer the scents of my splashes. So I use a splash once the balm has soaked in a little.

I'm odd too.

 

[Goblin]

Asking the big questions.

For a long time I didn't use balm at all. Nowadays I only use it sparingly if my skin tells me it needs it. That's still probably only 1/3 of the time, but I regret not picking up the habit earlier.

Balm goes on first. Allow it to go in and restore the lost moisture, then the aftershave goes on.

 

[Beto Salatini]

I apply aftershave first and then Neutrogena Hydro Boost or balm.

 

[BigJ]

Interesting discussion!!

I generally do not use a balm, but when I do it goes on after the splash. My rationale is that I want the anti-bacterial and soothing effects of the splash first.

 

[Teutonblade]

Well, so far it seems the consensus is fairly split on which comes first. Yesterday, I once again used aftershave before balm with nice effect. For some reason, when applying aftershave first I tend to lean towards a balm which is less creamy and dries faster, which for me is Wholly Kaw Bare Naked (which I love). The testing continues...

 

[Jamolay]

I have been in the habit of mixing them. I have PAA Star Jelly aftershave (scented) and PAA Mysterium Serum Balm (unscented) and put small dollop of each on my hand, rub them together and then all over the noggin.

Mixing scented and unscented reduces the intensity a bit.

I use Alum as well, applied after the shave and before the shower, so I don’t really need the aftershave to be astringent. If I used a more astringent after shave, or a splash aftershave, I would apply it before the balm.

I probably don’t need the balm. It is really just a nice light moisturizer. I have such oily skin it moisturizes itself pretty well.