Aftershave v. Cologne. I know the difference is the percent of fragrance versus other things (like cologne is something like 15% fragrance and the rest is alcohol, right? And aftershave is like 2%-5%, but has skin-soothing things and alcohol, right? If I wanted to go the cologne route for a longer-lasting scent, but didn't want to clash with an aftershave, can I get a scentless aftershave, or is something like an alum block good enough for an aftershave? I was thinking about trying the QEDman alum block as my aftershave and getting a cologne I like (as it turns out, we have a cologne/perfume shop here in town). I know that cologne is for pulse points, and not for use on the face, but I just didn't want anything clashing. I like smelling nice, not like I just walked out of a brothel lol.

I'm new to wetshaving, and I've just got a styptic pencil that I am most unhappy with. I'm ordering an alum block when my job decides to unfuck my paycheck, so I'll see how that goes with my skin. I don't foresee a problem; my skin is like rhino hide, I'm not allergic to anything that I know of and so far nothing has caused a reaction. So I'll see how the alum works, and maybe try some other stuff. After all, the fun of all this wetshaving business is the plug-and-play, right?

So I guess my question is whether I can get away with just an alum block for my aftershave, and just hit pulse points with a cologne, or should I try to match the aftershave and cologne scents to either be a match or to tastefully compliment each other? Or can I get a good scentless aftershave and still be great to my skin, and just grab a cologne that will cover my smelly-goodness?

I have a brush I like, I have soap/cream samplers I'm working through, I have a good razor with decent blades (getting a SE from Larry when I finally get paid), and now I'm just trying to work on my post-shave routine. I'm thinking about some Musgo Lime soap to add to my pre-shave, but right now the only aftershave I use is cold water followed by Gabel's Bay Rum.