Thread: Do you use aftershave and astringent?

I'm new to straightrazor shaving and was curious if there is actually a need to use aftershave?

I currently finish my shaves with a splash of Sea Breeze Sensitve Skin Astringent. I do not get any irritation.

It contains alcohol, camphor and glycerin which seem to be the main things in most aftershaves.

So, I was wondering if there is a point (other than nice smell) to use a seperate aftershave?
(Prior to wetshaving I used neither but would just wipe my face with a stridex pad, which I still do, because I have oily skin.)




FWIW:
I remember my father always splashed on witch hazel then some cold water and never used a second aftershave.

My grandpa always used Old Spice aftershave and no other astringent



Thanks in advance for the feedback.

I use an alum bar, heavily , wait 5 minutes, pat face with a cold wet towel, then witch hazel, then half a bottle of Clubman Pinaud.

Women go wild over Pinaud.

Its all personal choice mine really changes depending on mood and season. Though for the most part if I use an as I won't use an astringent. But have followed that with ASB or lotion or talc. So just really depends on what you like and what works for you

It depends what you want. Some aftershaves are nothing more than alcohol, water and fragrance. Some have witchhazel in them, as well as oils, etc, of course. As far as the FEEL I love Madame Scodioli 'Step Right Up'; it's amazing, and the scent is really cool too.
I also like Clubman, T&H Trafalgar, and Dominica Bay Rum. The Dominica's ingredients are listed as alcohol, water and fragrance; but it's really nice on a hot Saturday afternoon after mowing the lawns. Trafalgar is a nice 'gentlemanly' scent for the office; very cirtussy and long lasting. 'Step Right Up' is probably more a cooler weather scent; rather than for the warmer months.

I have very oily skin; and also used to use alcohol swabs. I reckon you could cook an egg on my forehead on a hot day in summer!

My usual routine after the shave is alum block follows by thayers witch hazel and then the aftershave of choice. It's basically just a matter of preference. I've also gone straight to the aftershave on occasion.

Oddly, I do what your father and grandfather did. I use witch hazel and let it dry. I follow up with Old Spice AS. I don't know if this allows any real change to occur, but I love the way my skin feels afterwards.

I use some Col. Conk Bayrum, which is a little TOO spicy... then I splash Stephen Bayrum toner on and let dry. A little while later, if I'm feeling a little burn, some Nivea Sensitive Skin AS balm.

Really though, as my technique and methods improve, I've only been using the Col. Conk and Stephen toner, and I'm smooth all day long.

If the shave is done correctly then a cold water rinse is really all that is needed. However, most of us from time to time will push a blade one too many shaves or perhaps neglect the mandatory prepping steps. In these cases the use of styptic pencil, alum block, or witch hazel can help to seal things up a bit. Nevertheless, these are astringents and should really only be used when necessary. Aftershave balms have some skin healing ingredients. I use them too from time to time.

Less is more for my shaving routine. I use all of these treatments when required. But my best shaves are simply rinsed with cold water followed by some optional after shave balm primarily for the fragrance. While this is not mandatory it is part of the whole retro-wet-shaving experience. Indulge yourself.

I use witch hazel, wait a few minutes, and then use after shave.

Originally Posted by Mike1969

I use witch hazel, wait a few minutes, and then use after shave.

I do the same!