Bay Rum vs After shave lotion

Gents —

Recently I picked up some Dove Men's after shave lotion and I've been using that and for the most part please with the results. It doesn't feel super greasy and my face feels great. This afternoon though, I happened to be at one of my 5 and Dime stores and I saw they had the Virgin Islands Bay Rum, so I picked it up. At least through the bottle I enjoyed the smell and in my 20's (a few moons ago) I lived down on St. Thomas, USVI so I figured why not. I do have a couple of questions though.

1) do I use both the lotion and the bay rum post shave? and if so is it best to use the lotion first and then apply a few daubs of the bay rum?

2) or is it more of a one or the other and it depends on the mood as to which one I choose to use that day?

3) When applying the bay rum, how much to apply? I don't want to smell like some $2 gigolo. I'd prefer a more subtle application. So really, I guess what is the best practice for using bay rum.


Thanks as always.

Cheers Fellas.
-Lowball

NEVER, EVER, EVER use the rum prior to shaving and never drive after using it, ask me how I know. shaving impaired is almost as bad as driving in that condition but it only hurts you. This message brought to you by the Bay Rum safety coalition.

Lowball, I apply a Bay Rum splash, wait for about 5 seconds, then apply a balm. In my case the balm is Nivea. I usually give a couple of light squeezes to the bottle of Bay Rum in one hand and rub my hands together once and apply. The use a dollop do balm about the size of a dime(3 small drops if I am using a runnier balm).
Usually aftershaves fades to a manageable scent level in 10-20 min. Some aftershaves, like Pinaud are noted for their longevity. Something I have done is put one drop of Pinaud in a couple drops of witch hazel to tone it down.

Like LS above, I splash on the bay rum then apply balm. I wouldn't worry too much about using too much bay rum. It evaporates rather quickly and doesn't hang around. I like a fairly generous amount for the simple reason that I like the effect it has after the shave. It's not a cologne for me. The tightening effect it has on my skin requires that I splash it on enough to get it all over. After, I use a towel to fan my face and help it to dry down. Then I apply balm to keep my face from turning into a catchers mit. If you haven't tried Em's balm I highly recommend it.

I don't mix balm with aftershave,,,,,, I will mix a shave milk like Arlington & then apply the same brand cologne.
As for aftershaves,,,, I apply 5 minutes after witch hazel,,,,,,, cup your hand ,,,pour the aftershave into your hand until it overflows, then you know you got enough,,,, slap it all over your face.

Love bay rum.

I use bay rum after rinsing my face. I may, but rarely now, put on aveeno moisturizing lotion five or so minutes later.

Captains has a great bay rum and GSsixgun had a great thread. Bay rum parade. That thread cost me a few bucks.

Assuming based on the name 'Virgin Islands Bay Rum" it's the Pinauds? If so, get ready for the burn. Even with a near perfect, irritation free shave, Pinauds bay rum will 'warm' your face. Any irritation at all, the Pinauds wil cauterize any dermal integrity breach. If you can spare some extra cash, get some Dominica Bay Rum. Very simple, pure bay rum, won't send your face to hell.

I am also a fan of the Dove for men balm, I use the sensitive skin one. When I use an alcohol based splash, I squirt a dab of Dove balm in my hand, then add a splash of the Harris, TOBS or whatever, rub the hands together and apply. It mellows out the alcohol and allows an even distribution of the scent from whatever splash you're using, without it evaporating on your hands or having to use too much. The Dove is pretty neutral in scent and alcohol free, so it works well for me.