Thread: Ok, so I don't use anything after a shave...

Originally Posted by Cevulirn

And I'm really not a 'scent' person.

Well, there being no sticky to read up on, I guess I'll just have to make some noise and ask. So, what's the lowdown on post-shave treatments? I'm sensitive to smells, so I don't really want anything smelly on my face, but there's astringents, moisturizers, etc... and I'm not sure where to start gaining information.

Anyone care to expound on the subject?

Check youtube for a mantic59 video.

Mantic59's Shaving Journal: Video: How To Use Aftershave Balms & Splashes

This video might be the best summary out there. Remember that what
works in the winter may not work in the summer.

Always read the ingredient list.

And yes I am a broken record on this.
I differ from mantic59 in my preference for
a 20 min drying period before applying
any product.

FWIW --

I found that, as my technique improved, I lost interest in "post-shave" treatments. Less razor burn ===> less after-shave treatment needed.

If my skin feels OK, I don't put anything on it. If it burns a bit, I'll throw on some moisturizer or almond oil.

"Action figures" are dolls (for men). Wrist watches are jewellery (for men). Scented after-shave products are perfumes/cosmetics (for men).

I'm probably missing a lot of fun.

Charles

When it comes down to it, it's whats good for you and might not be good for the next guy, I did not use anything post shave for many many years, but was given some Burbury A/S Balm (weekend it think it was) and it was good, so I used it sometimes.

Now with a full range of pre / post shave products at my fingertips I will still go for weeks at a time with not post shave products other than a splash of cold water and maybe a splash of Ogallala Bay Rum!

Think what you are after and there is a product for it, moisturise / face food / witch hazel. without trying to smell pretty!
Sam

I enjoy Proraso AS Balm, it has a very mild scent and feels great on the skin.

I use Gillette Fusion Post Shave Balm after applying witch hazel. Skin feels great!

Originally Posted by ryan2022

Ive started using witches hazel for any irritated areas. It smells a little funky at first, but goes away fast with no residue.

When I get a small nick, the witch hazel stops the weeping. Plus witch hazel feels cool on the skin after a nice shave. I just use a generic brand from the department store.

Normal budget witch hazel at any mega store or supermarket and either some corn huskers lotion or some udder cream. I know it may sound weird but like corn huskers lotion it will moisturize but not a thick or greasy, it's cheap and worth a try

the whole line of AOS unscented has no scent at all

I find that unless I apply something afterwards, my face starts to itch and get irritated.

Lately, I've discovered some really good balms. These are Roger et Gallet's L'Homme after shave balm. A light menthol hit (not a fan of menthol), but it works with many soaps and is very lightly scented with a very manly, woody scent. Castle Forbes balms are also very good. My favourite is the Lime, but I also like the 1445. In the past I've also GFT Coral Skin Food with great results. I've somehow gone off that these days - it's best in warmer, nmore humid conditions.

One for colder weather is Santa Maria Novella's pre-post shave cream with it's pomegranate/incense scent. Ideal in really cold, dry, winter conditions.

Shaving soaps and creams have nice scents for a reason. In this day and age I might consider a sun tan oil/lotion.

I think it's just fine to use nothing at all.