Thread: Aftershave Balm vs. Traditional Aftershave

Originally Posted by MickR

I actually use a bit of both.I apply an unscented aftershave balm first, then after about 15 minutes, I apply whatever A.S I decide on, on top of that.

I pretty much do the same.

Most of the cheaper balms contain a cocktail of chemicals to produce a certain smell and consistency but still contain alcohol and do little. Some of the better ones contain more botanicals and avoid alcohol or at least use minimal amounts and I've found some of these to actually provide some beneficial results. You have to read the ingredients to see what you are getting. In general the AS is just water, alcohol and scent. It's all about the smell.

I like to use the speick balm, cooling and I really love the smell

I've been using Anthony unscented after shave balm for about a year know and balms in general for close to 8 years. I have extremely sensitive skin prone to razor burn, ingrown hairs etc. I have to say the balms have all but eliminated most of these problems resulting from shaving. I wasn't particularly fond of the after shave burn anyways so I tend to stay away from them for the most part but will use them occasionally mostly just because they come with some of the colognes I purchase.
I am a new SR shaver and the Anthony ASB has been great post shave. It cools my skin, conditions it quite well and leaves my face feeling great. I also like it being unscented, well mostly unscented there is a slight scent to it but won't over power as I have various colognes I like to use and I find when you start layering several scents on top of each other it can be a little much and hard to distinguish between them.

Hey, Robert!

I've had the same issue whether I'd choose balm or splash. After a lot of trial and error, I decided that it's mostly up to the weather conditions and my skin type. In winter I use balm + splash, in summer only splash. I have dry skin and the winters get real cold here and my face is prone to crackling. So I tried T&H's Ultimate Comfort and it works wonders. It's unscented. On top of that, Ogallala Bay Rum, which I couldn't live without.

On the other hand, the various responses you're receiving to your question is are the result of the various skin types of the guys doing the responding and the weather conditions each of them lives in. So you should adjust your needs based on the common denominator of the guys living in the same climate. If you feel AS alcohol-based splash is ruining your face, go for a balm that has the lowest chemicals possible in it. Or there's this recipe you can't go wrong with: cold water, witch hazel and whatever 100% organic shea butter or cream you prefer.

Cheers,

Andrei

i have found a lotion made by carmex........ carmex healing lotion...

works a miracle.... not greasy *(IMHO)...

I used to use Aqua Velva but my face started rebuking me, so I stopped using alcohol splashes. Now I use Dickenson's Witch Hazel after a cold water rinse, followed by Nivea Sensitive Balm and my skin has really turned a corner.

I really gotta try that Nivea, everybody seems to find a zen place with it.

Nivea Q10 + SPF15 is nice too..pretty cheap as a bottle lasts a long time..its a nice scented Balm

At the moment I've got the T&H No 10 balm, which works wonders. Also, kinda cheap compared to the other lines they've got.