Balm before aftershave or aftershave before balm?

[sanookd]

Splash then balm last and always after anytime I shave. I like the face feel of a balm year round.

 

[horizon]

Balm is always the last component I use to finish my shaving routine. I see a lot of people saying they don’t use balm, probably because they don’t think they need it, and for the time being, they’re probably right. BUT, in the long run, when you get older, your skin will thank you for doing it regularly. Rubbing salt on irritated skin (alum after shaving) and spritzing it with alcohol is definitely not adequate skin care. That’s the opinion of every dermatologist I’ve spoken to.

 

[Slock]

I put the balm on right after I rinse and dry my face after the shave. Than I clean up my gear. During this time my skin is absorbing all of the skin food goodness in the balm. Than a splash of aftershave for a finishing touch.

 

[BabyBudaNedly]

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.

Feel the same exact way.

 

[Vespasian]

4711 Cologne as an AS splash. Stings a bit, doing its job. When it has evaporated, I rub a little Geo. Trumper Coral Skin Food all over my face. This takes a few minutes to be absorbed and leaves my whole face smooth, hydrated, and smelling faintly of rose. I love this routine.

 

[Chuckaluck]

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.

I use balms in the winter months and splashes for summer.

 

[Toothpick]

One or the other. Never both.

 

[Waistgunner]

After I finish, it's witch hazel first. Let that sit for a minute. Then AS balm (make my own) and then a dash of aftershave (make my own) and it works great on my face. But that's my face. It may not work the same for everyone. You have to know your facial skin!

 

[seattleshaver]

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.

I don't disagree with most of the logic here but pores don't open and close so why do people keep saying that? Pores are just holes in your skin, they don't open and close.

Alcohol isn't really good for the skin. You can do it for the antiseptic value but most balms probably have an antiseptic in them as well.

I agree that if you are going to use an aftershave and a balm, you use the aftershave first.

 

[mikhou]

Aftershave first then balm. I like to feel the burn!