I use the cheap Dickinson's Witch Hazel that I pick up at CVS. After rinsing with warm water I splash with the Witch Hazel without drying in between.
I haven't experienced any of the burning sensation except when I cut myself - which is often. The smell is not great, but doesn't linger very long. No tightness either nor dryness.
One of these days I will take the plunge and buy some of the Thayers stuff, but I have more than 4/5th of a bottle left and being the frugal bastard that I am I don't think it'll be for a while.