Which Witch Hazel

[Bradlees]

So I've recently been turned on to witch hazel as a toner/astringent. I am a recent convert to de wetshaving and have revamped my whole face and hair routine since joining this forum. Although I had been using some new (to me) products for washing/moisturizing, etc., my routine was missing the toner step. I have found witch hazel to be essential, a product I can't go without. I have been very pleased with the results so far; I am realizing my skin type must be uneven.

Anyways, from what I have gathered, the Thayer's wh is the highest regarded. I purchased some cheap wh at the local pharmacy that I have been using until the Thayer's Cucumber WH I ordered arrives. I am wondering if anyone has any ideas/techniques regarding WH. Like adding scents to it or other products, making a semi-homemade concoction. I am curious about adding peppermint or menthol. The smell of WH is not the greatest, so I am curious about this.

I have also been using a spray comprised of wh and glycerin for my back. Any ideas on making this smell better? Improvements?

 

[joeunc]

I have the Thayers Cucumber and it is good, although there are plenty on here you used straight store bought kind with the 14% alcohol. You would have to try out both ans see if you notice any difference or if the alcohol is over drying to you.

 

[B. Diddly]

I have thayers rose and aloe. I also have a bottle of normal witch hazel because I think it smells awesome.

 

[Bradlees]

I got the version without alcohol. I think the alcohol will dry me out.

 

[Bradlees]

I don't like the smell of it. I think it smells like old people's closets. I've strangely become accustomed to it, but I feel like it wouldn't be a pleasing scent if someone were to get up close and sniff me. Not that that is likely to happen, just would like to change the smell if possible. ANy way to infuse a smell with it that might also have some therapeutic value?

 

[joeunc]

I don't like the smell of it. I think it smells like old people's closets. I've strangely become accustomed to it, but I feel like it wouldn't be a pleasing scent if someone were to get up close and sniff me. Not that that is likely to happen, just would like to change the smell if possible. ANy way to infuse a smell with it that might also have some therapeutic value?

the smell goes away very quickly and you usually will do a moisturizer, balm or splash afterward anyway. I have the same AF Thayers Cucumber but the normal smell does dissipate quickly

 

[MJC625]

I've been using the Alcohol free - Aloe and like it. BTW I found it on the shelf at a couple of local grocery stores - try the "Natural" grocery stores if you want to give the Brick and Mortar locations some love.

Plain WH is ok, but it smells like wet cardboard. You might want to decant a few oz in to a container and add a few drops of AS, or "whatever" and see if you like that. Making your own scented WH is a low cost do it yourself/Mad Scientist diversion...

 

[banditman]

WH is good stuff for post shave. Lots of good ideas already here around using Thayers, Humphrey's etc. since they offer lots of scents. What I have done is take generic WH and then add a few drops of essential oil and maybe a few glycerin. This makes a pleasant brew and the scent combinations are endless-I'd recommend the use of essential oil over fragrance oil to minimize the chance of skin reaction to the scent. Nowadays, I just use plain generic WH without anything added. It smells like a wet campfire for the two seconds that I smell it and it doesn't bother me a bit.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I use WH after I'm done with my shave and cleanup. I get whichever is the cheapest or is on sale. Since it dries quickly, and any smell is gone, I use it just before I use any AS or balm.

 

[jdub7758]

I use the T.N. Dickinson's brand of WH, which is about half the price of Thayer's. At least in my neck of woods.

 

[cnichol3]

I use the T.N. Dickinson's brand of WH, which is about half the price of Thayer's. At least in my neck of woods.

I use Dickinson's WH as well. I have no urge to pay twice as much for a scented WH. Ill save my money for more soaps!

 

[OccamsBadger]

+1 on Dickinson's WH. I've been using it for the past six months and it works great. Wal-mart usually has it for cheap.

 

[TAZORAC]

So I've recently been turned on to witch hazel as a toner/astringent. I am a recent convert to de wetshaving and have revamped my whole face and hair routine since joining this forum. Although I had been using some new (to me) products for washing/moisturizing, etc., my routine was missing the toner step. I have found witch hazel to be essential, a product I can't go without. I have been very pleased with the results so far; I am realizing my skin type must be uneven.

Anyways, from what I have gathered, the Thayer's wh is the highest regarded. I purchased some cheap wh at the local pharmacy that I have been using until the Thayer's Cucumber WH I ordered arrives. I am wondering if anyone has any ideas/techniques regarding WH. Like adding scents to it or other products, making a semi-homemade concoction. I am curious about adding peppermint or menthol. The smell of WH is not the greatest, so I am curious about this.

I have also been using a spray comprised of wh and glycerin for my back. Any ideas on making this smell better? Improvements?

You don't need to add scents to witch hazel, the "smell" goes away in like a minute.

 

[Katia]

I don't like the smell of it. I think it smells like old people's closets. I've strangely become accustomed to it, but I feel like it wouldn't be a pleasing scent if someone were to get up close and sniff me. Not that that is likely to happen, just would like to change the smell if possible. ANy way to infuse a smell with it that might also have some therapeutic value?

Lavender essential oil-- soothing, antibacterial. But most people think lavender smells like old people, and others think it smells girly, so weigh that.

Or patchouli essential oil-- good for healing skin. But most people think patchouli smells like a head shop, so again, something to consider...

(I happen to love both, but that's me.)

 

[MajorTom]

As suggested, if u want to change the scent just add some aftershave. Or make your own aftershave by adding essential oils to it. You could even add grain alcohol, glycerin, menthol, etc. fwiw, I've been using Dickinson's WH for two years and only recently tried Thayer's alcohol free. There really is a difference other than just the price. It moisturizes and has almost no scent. Infact, I'll be making the switch. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Nasty Canasta]

I use the store brand WH. Cheap and works. Like other posters have stated, the smell dissipates quickly.

 

[chilliman64]

I use Dickinsons. I have some mixed 50/50 with aloe vera gel that I add a few drops of (therapeutic grade) essential oil to post-shave. this is a cheap home made balm that smells great. oils I've used are:
orange
lime
menthol
eucalyptus (you can add both eucalypt and menthol to the mix for a fresh tingly face)
vanilla

these oils work well in your lather bowl also.

 

[sdekuyper]

I am making the switch from Dickinson's to Thayer's lemon, once my bottle of the former is finished. I like it a bit better. I agree that the smell is not an issue for more than 30 seconds.

 

[EscapeVelocity]

Thanks thread.

 

[Unadan]

I like Dickinson's but also use the underrated generic version from Wal Mart. I find the Wal Mart brand is actually a bit stronger smelling. I'm in the minority in that I LIKE the smell of witch hazel.