Was just wondering if anyone who shaves and just uses an alum block feels after their shave. Strictly for post-shave treatment.
By the way has anyone ever heard of Real Shaving Company Post Shave Soothing Balm?
Link here: Real Shaving Company Post Shave Balm -BullGoose Shaving Supplies
Any recommendations for cheap post shave balms/creams/splashes are appreciated.
The best balm I've used (and I've tried damn near everything) is Em's balm. I suggest the unscented version.
Men's After Shave Soother Balm | Em's Place Shaving Products
I use alum, but I follow it with some type of aftershave splash or lotion.
Aside from water, regular witch hazel is the cheapest aftershave splash I can think of. It works well too. You can also add essential oils to it for fragrance.
The "Every Man Jack" line sold at Target has good & cheap aftershave lotion.
You need to spend some time reading the reviews throughout the "Preshave, Aftershave,,," section as there are so many choices that you cheat yourself by waiting for replies in one thread.
I went the cheap route for 2 years until OCDshaver sent me some top end products that he did not care for; fortunately for me , I liked them all. I'm still using them & ordered more. Many last quite a while & the expense is not as bad as I thought.
The goal here is to enjoy the journey as best as you can, without taking away (expense wise) from more important family expenditures.
On aftershave balm I generally use Nivea for sensitive skin or Gold Bond Ultimate for Diabetic Dry Skin Relief (& you don't have to be diabetic to use it - especially good in the winter when my skin dries out more than usual).
Speaking strictly for myself, alum makes my face feel nice and toned but it's far too drying to be used on its own.
Tons of cheap products out there to consider. One of the best inexpensive balms is Nivea, in my opinion at least.
Yes, Nivea is a great balm.
Personally, I rarely use an after shave balm. After using an alum block and a water rinse I splash on some after shave. The few times I have used an after shave balm it has been the Nivea with aloe variety.
If you are finding your face is too dry or you have some razor burn then a balm would help.
Bob
So based on the feedback I've been getting its more practical to use an Alum block for nicks and cuts. Thanks for the info guys! Going to my local target to buy some after shave lotion.
I have the same experience with alum. I generally let the alum sit for a minute or two then rinse it off and apply Burt's Bees Aftershave Lotion. It hydrates without being greasy and there isn't much fragrance so the scented shaving cream shines through.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryan82
I use this product regularly, in fact more than any other baslm. Imho it's very good compared to similar priced products. My local £ shop stocks it so for me it's always the cheapest option, but isn't cheap rubbish.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mathew
I use the alum block, let it dry, rinse again with cold water and apply a clubman mix consisting of 25% which hazel. no balms.
Personally, I started out using an alum block, witch hazel, aftershave splash (various brands/scents) followed by the Nivea sensitive skin balm. Now, I've settled in to using the alum, followed by a cold water rinse after a minute or two and then Master's Bay Rum (sold at Sally Beauty Supply for those in the U.S.).
Leaves my face feeling great!
Don't hesitate to experiment... what you're using now may be good, but adding or subtracting elements to your post shave routine could have a better result. Eventually, you'll settle in to something that works beautifully for you. The key is to keep the experimentation controlled by only changing one variable of your whole routine at a time, i.e. use the same prep, stropping routine, soap and razor as normal. Doing so helps isolate elements with a negative impact.
Worst case scenario, you might have to deal with discomfort for a few days, but the rewards are worth it if you find something better.
Alum is alright for nick and cuts, but you need to look at YOUR skin to decide what to use as a balm, or moisturizer. Because you need take care of the type of skin you have so you enjoy many comfortable years of shaving IMO,
Alum alone dries my face out too much. I use Dove Men+ Care AS balm for sensitive skin. It is scentless, so it won't clash with the scents of my soaps/creams and doesn't leave my face greasy
I used to do just alum block and rinse never had any issues but now I use it along with witch hazel and love it!!! No balm here!
Been using 444 alum block but I don't think it gets along with my skin. It feels too dry and irritated after applying it. I think even Osage Rub is kinder to my skin :)
+1 for Nivea balm.