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I've been using thus far aftershaves received with cologne sets, usually Kenneth Cole Signature.
Is there an advantage to using an AS designed for straight shaving? What is the difference? How can I tell if something is formulated for straight shaving?
What would you recommend as a good AS?
Balm or lotion?
I like the idea of the mama bear custom scents, anyone tried their AS? Any preferences as to scent/type?
Thanks,
Jordan
There isn't anything that is specifically designed for straight razor use, but a lot of guys that enjoy straight shaving really enjoy getting into more classical scents. Its a nostalgia thing. I'd really recommend trying what's out there. That being said there is a BIG difference between aftershave and aftershave balms. The balms have a moisterizing effect, and I'd really recommend using a balm at least while your learning to use your straight. The balms will sting less, assist in re-hydrating your skin, and allow your skin to heal faster in preparation for the next days shave. In the end it comes down to skin type. If your not prone to any irritation or razor burn an aftershave will do nicely. If you are, stick with a balm.
How about an oposing opinion. I really do not like balms, they tend to be a lot thicker then the splashes and the nats and bees like the balms a lot better then the splash. since I do not like being attacked by bees I tend to wear the splashs. That said the brand tends to be individualistic my recommendation is to walk on over to your local dugstore and see what they have to offer and try one jar of each and take your pick which brand you like the best. The most popular brands tend to be Proctor and Gamble's Old Spice, Clubman's Pinaud and Helen of Troy's Brut. I would recommend that you start with one of the more popular brands then work your way down to the lesser known brands.
Highly recommend the balms vice the alcohol-based aftershave splashes. Your face will thank you.
I'd recommend to have a few A/S splashes and a few Balms in your cabinet. They can also be used in tandem and they don't have to be expensive. Ed Pinuad & Master Well Comb come to mind as good ones.
Thanks, I'm mostly used to using balms, though I've occasionally used splashes as well.
I usually follow up with an Alum Block and then Dr. Harris Arlington after shave - I find that combo works best for me and I feel like my skin is semi-sensitive.
+1 on the alum block right after a cold water rinse. After that I use a balm (Art of Shaving Sandlewood) and it works well for me. A lot of places offer samples of aftershave balms and splashes, do a search for Bay Rum and see what comes up. Ogallala bay rum offers a one ounce sample bottle for a penny! You could also put a listing in the BST and see what comes up!
Good luck.
-Rob
You'll get as many opinions as their are SRP readers on that question! It's HIGHLY personal on all levels. Here are a few:
- Some guys, myself included, feel that an alcohol-based AS is beneficial after shaving because of it's antiseptic properties. The idea being that any small nicks or cuts will be disinfected with it. This makes sense to me, so most of my AS's have it.
-Some AS's do actually have stuff in them that is good for your skin and moisturizes AND smells good! I am specifically thinking of Musgo Real. I ordered some never having smelled it before, based solely on the opinions of others on shaving forums----I don't regret it---it's probably the best I've tried to date!
-The balms seem kind of "heavy/greasy" to me, so I gravitate towards splashes and although the Musgo has a "lotiony" feel to it, it's not too much. It also has Aloe (to sooth and calm skin), Glycerin, witch hazel (to tone and firm skin), and echinacea in it to promote healing of just-shaved skin. (Info from back of box :D )
- If you've never smelled them or tried them, everyone should give Skin Bracer and Pinaud Clubman a try as well. Classics like these have been around a long time for a reason. I like Clubman a lot.
I also like Pinaud Clubman but I also like Old Spice it smells great. Reminds me of my father and uncle both long gone.
Another piece of advice: you can use first very little of an aftershave balm or cream (unscented and without alcohol) to heal/treat the skin, and - when the balm has penetrated into the skin - add a scented aftershave (based on cologne for instance, i.e. containing alcohol) to smell good (you can do that also with little fragrance, as it was done before the invention of the spray if you don't want to buy the scented aftershave AND the fragrance). I usually do that as I have a very sensitive skin: nourish first, the scent after.
Maybe it will help.
I splash with frigid cold water and then use Proraso balm on the sensitive parts of my neck that get irritated due to the need to make multiple passes with and against the grain, but for the rest of my face I use Clubman Pinaud whenever possible.
it all depends on your skin type and the level of shave you're achieving, for me i have sensitive skin so i use a Nivea for men after shave rehydrating balm, then after that has soaked in (after drying blade, getting dressed and oiling blade) i put on my good ol' CK be after shave splash. it means i can have my favourite scent as well as the moisturisation that my skin DEMANDS
I prefer an alcohol based AS because it doesn't leave my skin feeling oily.
I use my own formula of Bay Rum most of the time, but i wouldn't recommend it for a newbie, if you have any irritation from your shave, it will burn like the fires of hell.
Once you are getting consistent quality shaves, then try some of the alcohol based After shaves.