Splash and balm? What order?

This may be a silly question, but for those of you who use an AS splash (like Pinaud) and a balm or lotion, in what order do you apply them? Rationale?

I apply the balm first, then the aftershave.

I don't think there is any "correct" order, though. It is a matter of personal preference. There are SRP members who apply the aftershave first, then the balm.

I use a lotion after the aftershave. Seems to me that the aftershave would strip the lotion off some. I also think the lotion covers the scent of the aftershave although mine is scented the same. This could be a good thing if your after shave is the kind that enters a room 2 minutes before you do and stays 20 minutes after your gone. :<0)

Gentlemen, for me the balm comes first and then the aftershave.

Most of the time I use just aftershave. The close and comfortable shaves I get from straights allow me to use it.

Back in the Dark Ages when I was using multiblade razors I was using balms, and even Avon Moisture Cream to put the fire out.

When I was a teenager and in my early 20s, I couldn't use any kind of aftershave most of the time due to complexion problems.

I have settled on AS du jour first, then my Nivea Sensitive balm. I once tried this in the reverse order, and the AS I was using (Clubman Pinaud) seemed to "melt" the balm off my skin. The way I see it, any irritation from the alcohol burn is cooled by the balm. I simply splash the AS, wait for the burn to stop and apply my balm. Works like a charm for me... YMMV.

For me the balm comes first and then the aftershave.
FWIW, I apply the balm straight after shaving, then apply the after shave just prior to leaving home by which time the balm has been absorbed into the skin and done its job. I then enjoy the fragrance of the AS without ending up with a soggy mess on my face...

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!

For me it's splash then balm. The splash does its job of being anticeptic and tightens the skin. But it can be drying on he skin. So the balm comes next to bring moisture and soothes. Try both and decide for yourself.

After a warm-water rinse and the alum block, I use a cold-water rinse and the balm, a Nivea product. I figure right after the sort of "stripping effect" of the alum the balm is a good move to moisturize the skin. Then I brush my teeth to let the balm dry, and splash on the after-shave. I like the burn-and-glow of the bay-rum to be the last thing.

At 58 years old, I firmly believe in a moisturizing balm, regardless of how skillfully I shave. Men who use moisturizers in their 20's and 30's might (and unfairly!) be considered a little "wussy" but men who DON'T use a moisturizer in their 50's and 60's are just plain foolish.

My after the shave routine is cold rinse, pat dry and pure jojoba oil as a moisturizer. I use a very small amount as too much will make your face too shiny looking. Ive tried alum and various aftershaves, any scented stuff seems to irritate my neck skin. But as always, YMMV. Try em all and see what does it for you.

I usually blm it, then do all my cleaning of razor, brush,cup ect the do the AS splash!

A/S splash first. Then I dry my razor and brush. Wipe down the counter top. Then apply my balm or lotion. That's the routine I find works for me. But YMMV.