Thread: Stick With 'Balm, or go to Aftershave?

My bottle (tiny jar?) of Nivea Post Shave Balm: Sensitive is nearly empty. I'm trying to figure out if I should get another, or try an AS I've been eyeing?

Slight tangent: As a youth, I remember getting a bar of British Sterling bar soap with a box of food 'n such that my mom brought home from a food bank (or similar entity). As a teen, I really liked the scent! It was not overpowering, and had more than a single "note" to it. I think the primary note was some sort of sawdust type of thing; and if there was a "musk" note, it was THANKFULLY very subtle.

That was probably 15 years ago. I don't know if they changed their formula. I thought it was discontinued until just this past year, actually. I don't believe I've seen the soap, but I have come across the cologne & AS. Sadly, there haven't been any open samples that I could take a whiff of. So I'm not sure if I'd even like them.

With the balm I've been using, I appreciate the soothing effects, and that it doesn't feel oily afterwards.

The point: Should I just replace the balm or take a leap of faith & get the AS? Or should I "balm & cologne"?

P.S. Does anyone have any experience with British Sterling?

I live in a desert, so I choose to not use aftershave splashes; I use a balm to ensure I keep all the moisture I can. I've been using a 2 oz jar of Sampsons All Natural Aftershave Balm. I got my jar over 2 years ago, and haven't used a quarter yet. It's $22.00 at the Sampsons website or from Jarod at The Superior Shave. The Sampsons All Natural Shave Soap is also my favorite soap. Like MdC, only much less scent and much cheaper.

Do you need the balm?

I think that is the most important question. My face dries out really fast, so some form of moisturizing agent is necessary at least 3 times a week. If you don't need it, then why bother? Unless, if the wife likes your face with the balm, probably will want to continue using it. There is the option of looking at scented balms, but I have found that some lingering soap scents don't mingle well with some balm scents. However, I'm pretty persnickety with my scents.

Originally Posted by Crawler

My bottle (tiny jar?) of Nivea Post Shave Balm: Sensitive is nearly empty. I'm trying to figure out if I should get another, or try an AS I've been eyeing?

Slight tangent: As a youth, I remember getting a bar of British Sterling bar soap with a box of food 'n such that my mom brought home from a food bank (or similar entity). As a teen, I really liked the scent! It was not overpowering, and had more than a single "note" to it. I think the primary note was some sort of sawdust type of thing; and if there was a "musk" note, it was THANKFULLY very subtle.

That was probably 15 years ago. I don't know if they changed their formula. I thought it was discontinued until just this past year, actually. I don't believe I've seen the soap, but I have come across the cologne & AS. Sadly, there haven't been any open samples that I could take a whiff of. So I'm not sure if I'd even like them.

With the balm I've been using, I appreciate the soothing effects, and that it doesn't feel oily afterwards.

The point: Should I just replace the balm or take a leap of faith & get the AS? Or should I "balm & cologne"?

P.S. Does anyone have any experience with British Sterling?

I would hit the witch hazel, Thayers , then go for the British Sterling aftershave. I have a bottle & like it a lot.

I remember British Sterling, but haven't seen or looked for it in years. It used to be inexpensive and if it still is you can always try it and toss it if you don't like it.
I seem to remember it having a cedar, sandalwood, and leather scent.

Crawler,

It all depends on your skin's sensitivity and nose for fragrance. I have used British Stirling cologne and aftershave for years. The fragrance has a short life, but it is delightful. My post shave is as follows:

Cold water rinse
Alum block (I leave the alum on rather than wash it off)
Witch hazel
Balm
Aftershave or cologne.

If I use a balm with fragrance, such as Penhaligon's or I Coloniali, and so on, then I forego the aftershave or cologne.

Obie, you can tolerate the alum with your sensitive skin?

I don't have such sensitivities however if I use alum I need to wash it or it bothers me.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Obie, you can tolerate the alum with your sensitive skin?

I don't have such sensitivities however if I use alum I need to wash it or it bothers me.

Spendur,
It does not seem to bother me, for some reason, I might add. The witch hazel that I apply over it seems to temper what might cause irritation. The important point about alum is its overall help in maintaining a healthy skin. For instance, if by some chance a pimple surfaces on my face, I rub it with the alum after washing my face before bedtime. A couple days of that and the pimple is gone. Alum is good stuff. Combine it with witch and your face is ready for Hollywood.

Thanks for all the responses, guys! It has proved at least somewhat enlightening. No small task, considering the rambling manner of my OP.

Lacking fun money at the moment, I just replaced the balm with a fresh bottle. For reference, the AS & cologne are both in the $15 neighborhood at the local stores. Still haven't found the soap lol.

Follow-up question: Is the scent virtually the same from cologne to AS to bar soap (those that remember it)??

Originally Posted by Crawler

Thanks for all the responses, guys! It has proved at least somewhat enlightening. No small task, considering the rambling manner of my OP.

Lacking fun money at the moment, I just replaced the balm with a fresh bottle. For reference, the AS & cologne are both in the $15 neighborhood at the local stores. Still haven't found the soap lol.

Follow-up question: Is the scent virtually the same from cologne to AS to bar soap (those that remember it)??

Crawler,
the strength of the fragrance, from what I recall of the soap, is:
Cologne
Aftershave
Soap