Thread: After shave?

It seems to make sense that if I'm going to plant both feet firmly into the world of wet shaving, I should do as much as I can from start to finish to ensure a good shaving experience.

What do you do AFTER the shave? I see a lot of after shaves that are mostly alcohol. I would think that would dry out your skin. What do you use? Any suggestions that I could most likely pick up at the local drug store?

Martlet,

Personally I like to use alcohol based aftershave, because it serves to firm and tone the skin, while also disinfecting it and guarding against any passage of bacteria that may have been on the blade. This is less of an issue with disposable blades as they are changed once a week.

There are a lot of people that are anti- alcohol based AS because it dries out your skin, but I think if you are a normal to oily type skin that's your best bet.

I usually go with Old Spice and Aqua Velva (Blue classic and musk) Both can be found as a staple at most lcoal drug stores.

JR

I agree with JR. There are alcohol based a/s that do provide some level of moisture. Aqua Velva and DR Harris for example. In the dry winter months I'll either switch to a balm type product or use the alcohol followed by the balm 10 or so minutes later. Proraso makes an outstanding "liquid cream" - its called something like that. Try some different things and have fun seeing what you like. Many good products are inexpensive.

Jordan

I agree with much of what's best for you would follow from your skin type. You can also just try both alcohol and balm types and see what works best. Some companies provide free samples. Alcohol is too harsh for me after a shave. I like the Proraso "Liquid Cream After Shave" which is a nice balm. I've also enjoyed the Nivea "After Shave Balm Sensitive, Moisture Rich".

-Steve

Pinaud Clubman is a nice-smelling alcohol-based aftershave, that seems to be the standard barbershop aftershave for most of the US. I have oily skin and live in a humid climate so a simple alcohol aftershave works just fine.

I'm also very fond of Harris Face Milk, which is a milky nonalcoholic balm that is very moisturizing. Mine is the old version, but the new version is just as good as long as your name isn't Bernard.

I never got on with alcohol based after shaves in the pre-SR days, but since switching I need that fresh feeling on the skin. Any aftershave is good, but of course like always the designer brands (and I include the high-end shaving suppliers in this) are expensive.

Speick is a good cheap one that I can get here - not sure if it is available in the states, but I really like the fresh feeling it leaves. My current favorite though is Black xs by Paco Rabanne. Its designer, expensive, but smells oooooh so good, and seems to leave some oils behind to moisturise and protect the skin.

Most of the time I use a moisturiser afterwards - my girlfriends "secret recipe" home made moisturiser. I still wonder what she puts in there, but I loves it.

Si

Would the alcohol somehow not denature the witch hazel?

Probably way off the mark, but it occured to me as I read it.

Si

Curious....I use cold water and leave it at that! If I started with aftershaves and smellies the good lady would get seriously suspicious!

Si

I am quite the opposite. I was a quick splurge of Sure and a slap of cold water guy for years, then I met my girlfriend, and I am suddenly the owner of EDT's of all smells, colours and shapes.

Si

Originally Posted by Bradford Si

Curious....I use cold water and leave it at that! If I started with aftershaves and smellies the good lady would get seriously suspicious!

Si

LOL - can't you just tell her you like it for yourself?

On to the real question: Nivea ASB is dirt cheap and pretty good for what you pay (I'd rather pay the difference and get Trumper's Coral Skin Food, though). I prefer balms, even though my skin is not dry. On the other hand, I'll splash some alcohol-based AS occasionally just for variety

Cheers
Ivo