Thread: alum before or after alcohol based AS

Just wondering if you guys recommend I use my alum block before or after an alcohol based aftershave.

Or...another option...use the alum then witch hazel then non alcohol aftershave lotion.

or any other opinions or techniques or tricks you gents may have...

My post shave is this - watered down lather, cold water rinse, alum block on big gashes to stop the bleeding, witch hazel, then nivea balm. I think nivea has some alcohol in it. I find I like the nivea as it leaves a layer of something that protects my face for a good part of the day.

I finish shaving then a really cold water rinse, followed buy a liberal use of alum and then either witch hazel or after shave.

After a shave, I put a nice warm towel on my face for a minute, wipe off any excess soap from the shave, then dip my alum in some cold water and rub it around on the shaved area liberally. I clean my brush and lather bowl, put them away and then rinse my face with cold water. Then I pat dry with a towel and then I apply my after shave splash.

That's my routine. Different things work for different skin. It took me months to get into one that works well.

Scott and Doc both do the same as I do.

Originally Posted by erictski

Just wondering if you guys recommend I use my alum block before or after an alcohol based aftershave.

Or...another option...use the alum then witch hazel then non alcohol aftershave lotion.

or any other opinions or techniques or tricks you gents may have...

My vote would be to use the alum before the aftershave...and my rational is to seal the face as much as possible before putting anything on your face that contains alcohol.

My post shave ritual is cold water rinse followed by alum block rub, pat dry, Trumper's Skin Food (or the moisturizer of your choice), then any aftershave or cologne.

If you throw on aftershave right after shaving it can burn like hell.

If you throw on aftershave right after shaving it can burn like hell.[/quote]

Oh yeah Alum is much more soothing!!!

Originally Posted by Doc

If you throw on aftershave right after shaving it can burn like hell.

Oh yeah Alum is much more soothing!!! [/quote]

I love it when it burns like Hell!

dannyr

oh yeah gotta have that burn!!!!!

My post shave routine:
Cold water rinse.
Rub face with Alum Block.
Let it sit for a while and clean out my brush.
Cold water rinse.
Thayer's superhazel
Aftershave splash

I never skip the alum block. I agree that it has some antiseptic properties and is a good nick closer. Maybe using the alum, witch hazel and AS is over doing it, but it's become a habit and it works for me.