Do I want/need a splash or a balm?

[johnnyscience]

I'm not sure which one I want or what the real differences of the two are, but do I want/need a splash or a balm? Is the balm just more moisturizing because it's creamy in comparison to a splash?

Are they both used at different times of the year? I live in Ohio so our weather varies from high humidity to dry cold.

My skin is usually pretty sensitive, but I generally shouldn't have a problem with fragrances, although I almost want to get all natural style soaps & aftershaves.

What are my options & best choices?

I should say that I use an Alum block & cold water as my "final" right now, but I'm looking for something to even use after I rinse off the Alum block.

 

[nymtber]

Simple would be Witch Hazel. Helps to soothe and heal, and its good for the skin. If you want a non-alcohol option, Thayer's Aloe alcohol free would be good, the aloe will help your skin.

A step up, and a "splash" that moisturizes would be Krampert's Finest Bay Rum or Frost Bite (mentholated). I have personally used the Bay Rum, and it is very moisturizing for a splash.

Old Spice (the new "classic" stuff) is very good on razor burn for me. It doesn't dry my face out as much as some alcohol based splashes.

Nivea Sensative ASB has its fans, but it stings my face, so its out for me. Instead, I really like Every Man Jack aftershave/face lotion. I use witch hazel, let my face chill out for 10-20 minutes, then apply the EMJ. Its lotion, but does not have parabens, SLS, or dyes.

You can always add some glycerin to as splashes to help lock in moisture. I just bought a bottle today, it will last a LONG time.

 

[Niles]

The ingredients in balms are designed to be more moisturising as opposed to splashes. I use splashes exclusively, but it's just a matter of your skin characteristics and preference.

 

[Aristeros]

I like splashes, but have a balm or two to use in lieu of or afterward if I have irritation.

Low cost splashes I enjoy include Old Spice (not) Classic, Pinaud Clubman, and Aqua Velva.

 

[Kotton]

I have dry skin, so I use lotions over splashes. It does help keeping my face moisturized.

 

[Labowski]

I have somewhat oily skin. It WAS so bad that I was prescribed accutane, but now I get skin compliments very frequently. That being said, I like to use splashes. Most of the splashes I come by are somewhat moisturizing but not to the extent that it leaves my face sticky like balms/lotions/gels.

 

[Bcobu1102]

You probably don't NEED anything, but AS is a great way to put a topper on a fantastic shave! I like splashes myself, but I find myself using a balm after showering if I need to shave before I shower. I used to use an alum block but it really irritated my face (it felt like tiny crystals were stabbing my face all day). I definitely finish with a cold water rinse, leave my face damp, then apply the AS. Almost no burn and, like I said, it really is a great finish (especially if you find one you really enjoy).

 

[takeshi]

Are they both used at different times of the year? I live in Ohio so our weather varies from high humidity to dry cold.

Some change between a splash and balm depending on the weather, some do not. It really depends on one's skin. I only use splashes but it's hot humid most of the year and my skin is a bit oily.

What are my options & best choices?

What's your skin like? Have you tried the options?

 

[ouch]

You need both.

 

[Luc]

It mainly depends on your skin type. I thought I had sensitive skin for years and avoided alcohol in AS. Right until I found this place and decided to try one. It was so much better, you got no idea. I always had a greasy feeling after the AS (I was using Nivea Balm). It worked well but nothing spectacular. I now use the regular drugstore AS (AquaVelva, Skin Bracer, etc) and a few non-drugstore ones and it's pretty much the opposite, I use a splash all year around. I also use mentholated AS during winter (that might be the Canadian side speaking...)...

 

[dieselfuel79]

You need both.

+1 this.

 

[Lmarkow]

I prefer splashes, but use a balm or a gel when my face is too dry from the pool.

 

[navsalter]

Just figured this one out! Leave my face wet before applying the aftershave.

 

[FaceScraper]

Up until last week my post shave routine has been as follows

Cold rinse
Alum Block
clean up sink (2 min)
Warm rise of the alum block off my face
pat dry face
Thayers Alc-Free Unscented Witch Hazel
Nivea Sensitive ASB
Cologne of choice.

I now mix the Thayers with AV Ice Sport splash.