Honestly, lately I've been shaving only on the weekends. When I do use my old electric it shaves pretty close, and my skin got tougher since the high school so I've grown to love it. I will probably wet shave in a few months but for now I want a little pause. Clippers+ electric do just fine.I have and still occasionally do but my skin (and my wife's picky nose) really likes just plain witch hazel so that's pretty much the only thing I use. If you use an electric then 'fancy' aftershaves are one of the only ways to have variety (unless you have a rotation of Electrics and/or use brush and soap) so go for it! The whole 'use a balm' thing is a blanket statement as most people need added moisture in their regimen. I on the other hand have oily skin and need to be dried out. Use what works best for you when you blade shave.