Well, after perusing the Alum pro/con threads for some time I ordered a block. I decided to use it exclusively as a post shave product for a while before venturing into the prep arena. Tonight was the first time and I am quite impressed. I prepped as usual, 2 pass shave with a pair of weepers, warm water rinse and then an all over the face rub with a wet alum block. A little tingling(nothing like styptic) and a few minutes to dry produced a very smooth, and powdery face(not visible powder, just the feeling). I then cold rinsed the mug and then applied my usual Classic Pitralon. Well, the face is tight but in a nice way and the feeling is smoother than I can recently remember. It was a good start and I look forward to incorporating this step into the routine if it continues to work in this fashion.
Finally added the Alum
- Thread starter tweedcab
- Start date
+1. added an alum block pretty recently. im not sure if it does a ton in terms of astringent action since i also use witch hazel, but i typically rinse with lukewarm water, witch hazel, alum, let it dry, rinse with cool water, AS splash. i like the tingly feeling and it leaves my skin feeling tight which i like
I always use it and cannot imagine shaving without it. I recently saw that QED has them at $4.99 so I ordered one. What came is a small cube that is almost clear, but I won't try it until my current block (shaped like a soap bar) is gone.
When I first started out and got a block, one of the members said he felt alum borders on alchemy, and I agree fully. I love the stuff.
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