FWIW, I had been splashing clubman, then applying my balm (I've been using a Gillette "gel"; I forget exactly what it's called, but it's blue). Today I tried applying the gel first, brushing my teeth, then splashing some clubman. Seemed to get pretty good results. Nearly out of the gel (I've been using this bottle since before I started straight shaving); I'll probably try some Nivea next, since a lot of guys seem to be using it. We'll see if I continue to use balm then AS.

Thanks for the input!