So what do I do after I shave?

[The Expanding Man]

I've learned a lot from this forum and Mantic's videos on basic DE shaving techniques (thanks all :thumbup:).

I've had 2 DE shaves now (up until then, I had a full beard because I hated shaving so much). Loving this technique, and the wonderful products. Mrs Expanding has been all over me like a rash :lol:.

What I am unsure of is a good after shave ritual.

I have some nivea balm.

What is people's experiences and tips with the after shave ritual. How, and in what order, do you apply balm, cologne, spf moisturiser etc?

[Carolina Kiltman]

I'll start this off. Mine is rather simple, I use an alcohol base lotion (currently home made bayrum). It helps sterilize any nicks. Then a bit o Pinaud Clubman, mostly because my bride of 52 years likes the scent.
:shaving: :bayrum2:

[DizzyArnaz]

My after-shave routine is a bit more involved. I use an Alum block along with witch hazel before using an AS splash of some sort.

Immediately after shaving I:

1. Warm water rinse
2. Cool water rinse
3. Wet alum block and run it over my skin
4. Clean up brush/bowl/razor/sink while the alum dries
5. Cool rinse the alum off
6. Witch Hazel splash
7. Aftershave splash
8. Cologne if I'm wearing it

[cantkillkoolaid]

I just rinse with warm water, then cold. I apply some Thayer's witch hazel, then about ten minutes later some of the nivea aftershave balm. I used to use Proraso pre/post but it was just too much, and I didn't get any positive effects from it.

[luvmysuper]

Cold rinse, pat dry, then Aftershave (alcohol based).

On occasion I may use alum before cold rinse, and sometimes witch hazel in place of aftershave if it's the scented stuff (like the ghetto Da Vinci water I mixed up today! :w00t:)

[ctr]

A cold water rinse, pat dry with towel, and apply aftershave. Balm in the winter months, liquid in the summer.

[Luc]

A cold water rinse, pat dry with towel, and apply aftershave. Balm in the winter months, liquid in the summer.

+1

Except I always use a splash now!

[whinylittlerunt]

The Nivea balm in the white glass bottle is good stuff, at least it was for my skin.

Right now, because I use Proactiv, that is basically my "after shave" but the first step is a Toner which is basically witch hazel and aloe.

[Don]

My after-shave routine is a bit more involved. I use an Alum block along with witch hazel before using an AS splash of some sort.

Immediately after shaving I:

1. Warm water rinse
2. Cool water rinse
3. Wet alum block and run it over my skin
4. Clean up brush/bowl/razor/sink while the alum dries
5. Cool rinse the alum off
6. Witch Hazel splash
7. Aftershave splash
8. Cologne if I'm wearing it

Good post-shave. Sometimes I skip the Alum or WH, especially if using Aqua Velva Classis Ice Blue.

[ShavelockFoams]

Cool water rinse, followed by witch hazel. Then, AS if I feel like it.

[Dennard]

cold rinse, pat dry, then aftershave (alcohol based).

+1

[Jim]

cold rinse, pat dry, then aftershave (alcohol based).snip>

:w00t:)

+2

[Blue_2]

Cold rinse, pat dry, then Aftershave (alcohol based).+3.

Good thorough cold rinse
leave face wet while cleaning up
pat dry
Aftershave splash (repeat if necessary)

[lenard]

Faceturbate

[ackvil]

For me, warm water rinse, cool water rinse, then neutrogena triple defense (alternate with Kiehl's aftershave balms), then after a few minutes any AS I am currently using.

[timzack]

i go with

A warm rinse with the water in the sink basin
A cold rinse with running cold water
A rub of the old Alum Block while I clean everything up
Another cold rinse
A splash of Thyers Witch Hazel (I like the Lemon sent and the touch of moisturizer)

Some times I will sub out the Witch Hazel for an ABAS. I always let my face air dry after I'm done.

[ArcticShaver]

After the shave I do a

warm water rinse
cold water rinse
alcohol aftershave splash
finished with a dab of corn husker's lotion

[Pumpkin]

I've had 2 DE shaves now (up until then, I had a full beard because I hated shaving so much). Loving this technique, and the wonderful products. Mrs Expanding has been all over me like a rash :lol:

There's a reason to be clean shaven! :thumbup1:

I'm a night shaver so my routine may be slightly different...

Rinse off any last remnants of lather with face cloth soaked in hot water, repeat using the same cloth soaked in cold water.

Apply generic Witch Hazel using an atomiser...no spillage and I can scent the WH with my choice of Essential Oils.

Clean up around the sink. If I've used a straight I dry and lightly oil it at this stage.

Apply splash of alcohol based AS (Old Spice).

Next morning, if the weather forecast is good, I'll either apply Nivea moisturiser with SPF or just use the sun-screen, that I keep in my work bag, during the day as required.:001_cool:

EDIT: For the rinses and WH I just air dry.

[Duncanh48]

Cold rinse, alum bar then some witch hazel (Thayers' Cucumber or Rose)and finally Ren after shave balm.

[natchez]

My after-shave routine is a bit more involved. I use an Alum block along with witch hazel before using an AS splash of some sort.

Immediately after shaving I:

1. Warm water rinse
2. Cool water rinse
3. Wet alum block and run it over my skin
4. Clean up brush/bowl/razor/sink while the alum dries
5. Cool rinse the alum off
6. Witch Hazel splash
7. Aftershave splash
8. Cologne if I'm wearing it

You can add an ASB at the end if you want. The cologne is of course, optional. I am not quite as detailed, but generally in line with this.

If you use an alum block, use cold water to wet it. It is also just a matter of preference. Some days I use it some days I do not. It will help you figure out if you are applying too much pressure anywhere because it is basically a salt and will sting a little bit if you are using too much pressure in places. That feedback was very good to have to assess technique when I switched from DEs to ST8s.

[Dharion]

Cold rinse, pat dry, then Aftershave (alcohol based).+3

Except that from time to time I use an ASB or witch hazel instead of an alcohol based A/S.

[plexibass]

I shave before I shower. After shaving, Nivea Facial SCRUB in the shower, and then the Nivea BALM.

[mikewithe]

after the shave...

1. Cold water rinse
2. alum block
3. cold water rinse
4. Pat dry
5. every man jack unscented face lotion
6. after shave splash
7. wait patiently for hair to grow back so I can do it again!

[DizzyArnaz]

You can add an ASB at the end if you want. The cologne is of course, optional. I am not quite as detailed, but generally in line with this.

If you use an alum block, use cold water to wet it. It is also just a matter of preference. Some days I use it some days I do not. It will help you figure out if you are applying too much pressure anywhere because it is basically a salt and will sting a little bit if you are using too much pressure in places. That feedback was very good to have to assess technique when I switched from DEs to ST8s.

Yeah, I forgot to add that I'll put on ASB if I really feel like my face needs it. Most of the time I don't need the extra soothing and moisture though, so the splash is good enough. Things may change when the weather gets colder in the fall.

I have noticed that the alum block helps me feel where my trouble areas are...for me it's the left side of my neck, and right below my ears along the jawline. This morning I got zero sting at all from the alum, so that's a good sign :thumbup1:

[Masterkova]

Warm water rinse
COLD water rinse
Kiehl's alcohol-free toner
Aftershave balm (Proraso or Trumper's limes skin food)
Moisturizer
Cologne