Thread: Using a balm and splash on for same shave

Relather, run alum over my face, rinse with warm water, cold water splash, then AS or ASB (mostly in winter...face gets pretty wind burned with the wet winters here). That's it. Usually let the alum sit while I rinse off the brush. it's like an assembly line when I shave....damn OCD

I am a all of the above guy

I do cold water rinse, then a cold water alum block rubbing, then a AS Splash, then finally a think AS milk (I use The Shave Den AS Milk - its nice and thin)

I love the feeling of the alcohol splash but it is a bit drying for me so the milk is perfect.

Interesting thread. My grandfather once told me that he would use an after shave first, then wipe it with a towel lightly and apply a moisturiser (Nivea Creme was the only one available in that time in his country).

Many old-school barbers would shave gentlemen in this way. I have never understood why the after shave was applied and then wiped, but my grandfather did have baby soft skin.

Personally I just go straight for the balm and that is just about enough for me.

Lately I have been relathering after the shave, Wash off with a hot face cloth, cold water splash, the AS, then balm. I think the AS tightens your skin and is antiseptic, then the balm for moisturizing.

Thanks guys, so far it looks like most use AS then balm when using both. I would think that using the AS second would remove the balm.

When I first began - after I was done shaving, I would dunk my alum in the warm soapy water in my basin, and give my face a rub-down. I did this to see if I was applying too much pressure. Burn for me = too much pressure. Then after washing up I would wipe my face off with a cold water rinse, and then apply a balm.

To this day I still do it that way... more out of habit than anything else.

That said, when summer comes and the temps rise, after my cold water rinse I'll apply an AS or even a mentholated AS! It's sweet! If I feel like it after - I'll throw on a balm.

I am an only AS for about 9 months of the year. Winter I will normally use a balm followed with a bit of TOBS dry skin cream on cheeks and chin area.

i don't use after shave. i apply Thayers and Unrefined Shea Butter as my post-shave routine.