Witch hazel is an astringent, so I don't normally combine it with an alum block, which serves the same purpose. Here in New England, during the dry winter months, I like to use a scented witch hazel rather than an alcohol-based after-shave, to prevent my skin from drying out. There are some scented ones; the Thayer's line of witch hazel is good in this regard for starters. Enough to match with whatever scented soap went before this. For example, Thayer's lavender after Haslinger's sheep's milk soap is great. Apply the witch hazel to the face at the end, let it dry there and that is all.