My mileage certainly didn’t vary. That stuff works.
I’m all about the ritual as well. After I finish my last pass:
- take remaining soap on face (some from the brush if need be) and massage it into shaved area
- rub alum over entire area
- cold facecloth to wipe it all off
- aftershave splash
- a little balm
I’m serious about my ritual! After years now, I’ve got it down perfectly for me.
The reason I rub the remaining soap over my face after my last pass is to condition it - mostly for the glycerin. The alum disinfects and tightens the pours. The cold water a little more so... and it just feels good. The splash seals it all in and balm is my long term protection. I need very little in the summer. I “cut” everything with water - hence the wet. It’s a freaking joy!