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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.:thinking:
Si
I received a sample of an aftershave from The Gentlemen's Quarter (Colleen). It is a menthol scent but it doesn't last long and doesn't interfere with any cologne I might use after.
It's clean and refreshing and I think it leaves my skin a little healthier than before but I have no solid evidence to back this up so it's just a gut feeling if you will.
It is becoming my favorite aftershave.
+1 on the Speick. You can order in the US from smallflower.com (also through amazon). Great a/s.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunsi
Jordan
I like the feeling of an alcohol-based A/S, but I have dry skin, so I follow it with an unscented balm (like Nivea).
I either do the Old Spice splash and the Neutrogena balm or I go for the Proraso minty blast. In any case it gets followed up by a facial cream.
I would recommend using a A/S Balm and then an aftershave with alcohol. I personally find this works great.
A/S Balm - Proraso all the way baby!!
A/S Splash - Proraso, Old Spice, Bay Rum
You can also use Witchhazel which is cheap and works just fine not as astringent as regular alchol based after shaves. It also doesn't have a scent which some peolpe really appreciate.
lets see I finish my shave with a warm risne to clear of any soap or wiskers on my face, then a very cold rinse, pat dry my face with the towel and apply a little 'after shave' moisturerising balm.
it leaves my face clean, soft and smelling nice :D
After shave is a regimen. Not a product ;)
Cold water rinse
Alum
Cold water rinse
Witch Hazel
Balm of some flavour.
If I use an alcohol based splash instead of witch hazel (which is not too often), I really like Proraso and Pinaud Clubman, followed by the Proraso balm or QED unscented skin conditioner.
This helps me maintain my youthful countenance. :D
After reading another thread, I began to use WitchHazel but missed an aftershave with a pleasant smell. I mixed in the last of my leftover Clubman Pinaud in my WitchHazel and now if has a pleasant faint fragrance and makes my skin feel good.
Ernest
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
:roflmao
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
LOL - can't you just tell her you like it for yourself?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bradford Si
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
My preference is to do either-or with the AS or the ASB, but usually AS first, and then if I feel the need an ASB to follow after the burn has subsided. I'll skip the ASB more in the summer, or if I'm heading out for exercise (as I'll just sweat it out anyhow and end up with a greasy face)
I guess it's all a matter of your preferance and skin type!
The 'coral skin food' I had an allergic reaction too, in that my face felt like razor burn after I applied it.
I have somewhat oily skin, so alcohol based aftershaves are not an issue concerning drying out. There are also Pinaud Talc Aftershave powders that some people use too.
I really like the balms (No alcohol there) (Proaso and Burtsbee) if I feel there might be some razor burn from an edge that is 'not quite there'. I agree that in the summer it seems to be a bit greasy, so I usually leave those to the winter months when skin tends to dry out most.
AS for scents and the missus, or 'significant other', if you can get a sampler or some scents that you like, ask them their oppinion as to which they prefer, and buy that one... This way, they will feel the scent if for them, and not some possible other :D
THAT's my $0.02
C utz
P.S. If anyone is interested in Mugso or Proaso aftershave (alcohol based) PM me! I have a bottle of each that I just never use! I find that I prefer the Bay Rum scents, and never seem to get around to the others.... I've used either aftershave one, maybe two times, so the bottles are 99% full.
It probably would in large quantities. Witch hazel is often mixed with other ingredients in some aftershaves, cosmetics and some hemorrhoid medicines. I figure a little good smell in my witch hazel can't be too bad. It still soothes my skin and makes it feel good.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunsi
Ernest
Actually, a lot of witch hazel products come with 14 percent alcohol content. I'm using Dickenson's right now, and it has alcohol in it.
Josh
Purell Hand Sanitizer works really well. It's a gel of 62% alcohol plus aloe vera to help your skin - it's designed for doctors and other people who need to use it many times a day without it damaging their skin. Because its a gel it doesn't splash and run everywhere. After it's dried you can use whatever scent you want. I usually slap on either Pinaud or Harris face milk, depending on the weather and my mood.
LOL! I'll have to keep that in mind. I never thought to use hand sanitizer. Sounds like a good idea since they come in different smells and would help to sanitize any nicks, cuts or razor burn.
Ernest
WOW - the sanitizer would kill me I think :gthQuote:
Originally Posted by mparker762
Personally, I like 78% Witch Hazel with 20% Masters Bay Rum (in which I've thrown a cinnamon stick and a few cloves to soak) and 2% Glycerine - makes a really mild and pleasant AS. When I feel the burn, I'll use the Proraso Balm after the AS splash.
I use Thayer's alcohol free Rose Petal Witch Hazel. It feels great and helps heal the skin, doesn't dry it out and smells nice. The fragrance is gone within a couple of minutes and then I apply my favorite cologne.
All I use is a cold splash of water... lots of cold water. Then, I have found the best thing for my particular skin is Nivea for Men, sensitive aftershave, Extra Soothing Balm. Interestingly, this stuff is made in Germany and yet, its very affordable in most supermarkets. I then follow up with Neutrogena Men, Triple Protect Face Lotion with SPF 20. The extra protection against sun damage is a good thing. Another product I recently found that works great, although not an aftershave, is Neutrogena Skin Clearing Shave Cream. Its a no foam, no lather product I thought was worth a try. I must say, it gives a very close burn free, slick and comfortable shave with my Mach 3. Unfortunately, my straights are out at Lynn's for a good tune-up. I'm curious to see how the cream works with my straight and perhaps in combination with a good shaving soap on top.
Till then, have fun discovering what works best for you.