kiehl's blue astringent vs. alum block

[benvh]

I use the Kiehl's blue astringent every day after my shave before I apply my aftershave. I enjoy the cooling, tightening and the fact it lets me know if I was too aggressive. Is an alum block give similar results? I can't bring the blue astringent with me when I travel, so I was thinking an alum block would be a good travel substitute.

Ben

 

[GoldenMonkey]

The Blue is a nice feeling after-shave treatment (I wouldn't really call it an "aftershave"...more of an astringent with aftershave properties). I souped mine up though, and can't recall how the "original" performed...I added some glycerine, a bit of tea tree oil, and some vitamin E. The scent doesn't really do it for me though, so I use an alum block followed by whatever spash or balm I'm in the mood for. The Blue vs. alum is very similar, performance-wise, but you don't have to rinse off the Kiehl's stuff like you do with alum. I think if you like the feel and performance, an alum block is a great substitute when you travel. Hell, use them BOTH when you're not on the road...they work great together.

 

[scottb]

It may be the salt content, but I can't use anything on top of the kiehl's blue...if I try to add a balm or moisturizer it immediately peels, or flakes off. I spend the next 5 minutes either brushing the bits off my face or just wash my face and start over.

Anyone else had this experience? What is this?

 

[GoldenMonkey]

Let it dry completely first...then balm away. I found it reacts weirdly with some stuff, but isn't the only product I've tried that does it. For instance, alcohol-based anything + Nancy Boy Replenishing balm (primarily glycerine and hydrosols) = weird, boogery, sticky little clumps.

 

[scottb]

Don't know how I missed that, but it worked pretty well--thanks!