Quote Originally Posted by churley View Post
All the posts I've read seem to indicate that men prefer Balms during the Winter months
I don't think that necessarily means that's what the majority wants... just what the majority of people who posted want. There may/may not be a difference... I guess I don't really know.

I think a balm is soothing if you have razor burn. Also, if you're prone to dry skin, a balm is useful.... but is the same true if you have normal or oily skin? I have normal skin and have never used a balm other than to sample it. I just Goggled and found a reference that 20% of the general population has dry skin... and that the older we get the more prone we are to having it.

I don't think it is necessarily a "winter thing", either... rather, it's whenever the humidity gets low. That might be in the winter in New England or the Spring/Fall in AZ, for example.

I'm neutral on menthol... it's not a selection criteria for me. If I had a choice between two identical products except one had menthol and the other not, I'd choose the one w/o. When I feel the need for a cool down, I splash cold water on my face.

Personally, I like alcohol for the astringent/burn feel... I realize there are astringents that don't burn, but I feel like there's something "missing" when I use them.

And I agree with Rich... a good AS scent can be used year round. Currently I rotate between three, depending on my mood and the people I'll be around. One I like, another most others prefer, and the 3rd one my wife particularly likes. They're all alcohol based and do not have menthol, moisturizers, etc. All three of them have been around for nearly 30 years, so they're apparently well liked by others even though they are somewhat expensive.


YMMV