Tonics/astringents containing witch hazel. Tips?

[Mark Moody]

I am currently working on perfecting my shaving ritual (aren't we all) and my steps include:

Cleanse - Shower - Prep - Pre Shave Aid - Lather - Shave - Warm/Cold Rinse - Astringent - Balm

In the tonic/astringent part I am still very much looking for something better.. (for me that is, we all have personal preferences). I've tried a few different things lately, but I'm not completely satisfied. At least I've concluded with the fact that I'd like it to include witch hazel. I've tried the Thayers route, but I'm not too keen on it..

To give a few examples of what I'm looking for.. stuff like Anthony Logistics Astringent, Peter Thomas Roth Conditioning Multi Tasking After Shave Tonic and John Allan's Splash Cooling Aftershave.

Hav you tried any of the above mentioned products or do you have any other cool (pun intended) tips? Please share!

Thanks,
Matt Moody.

 

[joto]

I have not tried any of those products, but I make my own splash and it does include witch hazel. Mix:

65 ml Everclear (95% alcohol brand)
20 ml witch hazel
1-5 ml glycerine (start low, easy to add more if it is too drying)
fragrance if desired

shake well, then add 20 ml of water- shake and use! I find it perfect for me, although I do monkey with the glycerine level depending on the time of year. The recipe is pretty basic- you can add more stuff and it'll probably still work well.

I don't know if this is something you would find interesting, but I figured it couldn't hurt to post it.

 

[goby]

I like Dickinson's Witch Hazel. I think its slightly different than Thayers. I like using "plain" witch hazel, then balm, so maybe I'm not the person to ask. I don't know if generic witch hazel is different than Dickinson, so you might want to give it a try (I've never tried Thayers).

At night, I use Humphreys Toner with Witch Hazel. I absolutely love the stuff, but I only use it at night.

Nancy Boy makes toner, and their products are ace.

 

[DaveAri]

http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/face/mens-shaving/blue-astringent-herbal-lotion.htm

 

[JPM]

I know you said you don't like Thayer's, but have you tried the lemon? I find that one very refreshing.

 

[beginish]

You could also condense your last two steps by using a balm that contains witch hazel. Castle Forbes' ASBs are witch hazel based and amazing performers.

 

[Mark Moody]

Good tips guys! Thanks! Keep'em coming!

Anyone tried the Lucky Tiger After SHave & Face Tonic? Heard good things about that one and it seems to fit the bill looking at the ingredients..

 

[neal bloom]

I have not tried any of those products, but I make my own splash and it does include witch hazel. Mix:

65 ml Everclear (95% alcohol brand)
20 ml witch hazel
1-5 ml glycerine (start low, easy to add more if it is too drying)
fragrance if desired

shake well, then add 20 ml of water- shake and use! I find it perfect for me, although I do monkey with the glycerine level depending on the time of year. The recipe is pretty basic- you can add more stuff and it'll probably still work well.

I don't know if this is something you would find interesting, but I figured it couldn't hurt to post it.

Almost the exact same mix I use. I find it very soothing.