The pre-shave oils are usually expensive and unnecessary. If you want to use something, olive oil will do the trick and you would find that it is the major ingredient in most of the pre-shave oils. Some folks use an alum block to tighten up the skin and close up any minor nicks or weepers. This should then be rinsed off with cold water. Next, you could choose to use to use some witchhazel for additional healing/cleansing properties. I like the Thayers withoug alcohol. I very seldom use an aftershave splash due to the alcohol content. However, the aftershave balm will be most beneficial for additional healing and moisterizing of the skin.