Looking for a new ASB

[michaelskar]

Now that Proraso isn't at Target anymore (glad I put off buying new proraso ASB for so long because "it's always there"...now it's gone) I am in need of a similarly-priced, similarly-performing ASB.

I have only tried Proraso and nivea ASBs. I preferred the proraso for scent and I found it left my skin feeling less greasy compared to the nivea (but Nivea wasn't that bad, just not as good as proraso IMHO). I have also tried the burt's bees bay rum ASB, but found it didn't seem to perform as well as the two above-mentioned ones.

Now the question is, I know I can still order proraso ASB online, but now might be a good time to try some new ones (in the same price range). You can vote for the choices and/or you can write in suggestions. Any input would be welcomed.

[Dennis]

Did you read the Aftershave Guide (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12205)?

For my skin type (combination), I really like Mama Bear's Summer AS, Feather Kanwa, JASON 6-in-1 and Trumpers Skin Food. I found Proraso to be a touch heavy for me. but still use it on occasion as long as I go easy with it.

Dennis

[Antique Hoosier]

Great question...I'm in the same boat as you using the Proraso and the Nivea. Something in the under $20.00 range would be nice. If it means I stick with Nivea and an occassional bottle of Proraso, so be it as I like them both very much. If somebody has another they would pass along as a great value, I'd be interested...

[boboakalfb]

MB's Summertime Rose/Lavender is great. Some others I use with good success...L'Occitane's ASB's (both), C&E (Pick your flavor), eShave's White Tea After Shave Cream...

ASB's are such a YMMV thing. Depending on your skin and climate, there are just alot of variables.

[murchmb]

Proraso used to be my goto, but now it is CAR's Hydrolast Aftershave Conditioner. Fantastic stuff. Check the reviews (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=C&t=1624). I have only tried the peppermint, so I can't say much about the other scents. Expensive, but a little goes a long way and it should last for quite some time.

[DirtyDave]

A suggestion, not a reccomendation, is Aqua Velva ASB. It is on my list of ASB's to try. That list is starting to get long.

[Mottern Man]

Weleda ASB and Nivea ASB, mixes great with Aqua Velva, much like Proraso dose.

Mama Bear is a lot diffrent from Proraso but still wonderful too.

[jkroll]

I'll second the vote for Weleda (no experience with the Nivea). Light, economical, lightly fragranced and - all natural!

[rafikz]

Nivia

L'Oreal, very good

[DustBow]

Proraso used to be my goto, but now it is CAR's Hydrolast Aftershave Conditioner. Fantastic stuff. Check the reviews (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=C&t=1624). I have only tried the peppermint, so I can't say much about the other scents. Expensive, but a little goes a long way and it should last for quite some time.

+1
The stuff is awesome, I was lucky enough to get my current supply used and cheap, but I will buy more at full price down the line. One jar will probably last about a year even if using it every day. It might be a little heavy for some in the warmer months - like someone said, a/s is such a YMMV thing with so many things factoring in.

MB Summer if/when you want something lighter.

[BD1970]

Baxter's of CA is darn good also.

[Lynchmeister]

Don't forget QED AS conditioner. Different, but good.

[Limey]

I don't think you can go wrong with either QED at about $10 or Mama Bear's Summer at $24. You might pick based on price point and start with QED. I have both and would not want to have to have only one or the other.

[smithno]

I went thru the this same thing a couple of months ago. What I found is I
like:


Nivea
Neturogena Triple Protection Lotion
Aqua Velva ASB
SCS Savory Rose
SCS Lavender ASB
QEDman Basics Lavender
L'Oreal


Note that in the last couple of months that I have picked up Aqua Velva
on clearance from Kroger for $2.80 and L'Oreal on clearance from another grocery store for less than $5.00. Seems like the good, inexpensive ASBs are disappearing. The Neutrogena and L'Oreal both have SPF-15 if that matters to you.

[galpman]

Nivia

L'Oreal, very good


+1

[ada8356]

My favorites from what I've tried:

MB B&B Summer Aftershave Milk (I'm pretty sure she doesn't sell this anymore and I don't know how it compares to the current Summer offering).

Nivea Aftershave Balm
Nivea Cooling Aftershave Balm
Proraso ASB
Baxter ASB - light and mildly cooling
QED Skin Conditioner - particularly nice for humid weather since it is moisturizing but not overly so

Tried and had mild irritation from (I don't have sensitive skin and still got some good tingling):

MB Winter Aftershave - Cucumber
SCS ASM - Lavender

[DustBow]

MB B&B Summer Aftershave Milk (I'm pretty sure she doesn't sell this anymore and I don't know how it compares to the current Summer offering).

I PM'd Mama Bear about this the other day.
The Rose & Lavender Summer is the same thing as the B&B Summer milk that her & Joel developed. She just now offers some other milks made with different hydrosols and oils in addition to the original versions - the rose/lavender and unscented (sandalwood hydrosol).

[TromboneGuy]

I've got Mama Bear's Rose/Peppermint Summer AS milk, SCS's Tony's Choice ASB, and a tiny, almost empty sample of QED's Rose/Geranium skin conditioner.

The MB milk is a great, light aftershave. Works very well. the SCS offering is slightly heavier, but still works very well - Tony's Choice is a sort of chocolate-vanilla smell, so it's a bit different in that regard.

The QED product is out of this world, and you can't beat the price. When I order a big bottle I probably won't go with the rose-geranium (very heavy on geranium); I'll probably get either the cypress, cedar, or patchouli-tea tree-peppermint variety.

FWIW I also rather like Musgo Real.

[Stauff]

Harris AS milk. Similar soothing effect to Proraso ASB.

[ada8356]

I PM'd Mama Bear about this the other day.
The Rose & Lavender Summer is the same thing as the B&B Summer milk that her & Joel developed. She just now offers some other milks made with different hydrosols and oils in addition to the original versions - the rose/lavender and unscented (sandalwood hydrosol).

That's great to know since it's one of my best aftershaves.

[Lynchmeister]

I've got Mama Bear's Rose/Peppermint Summer AS milk, SCS's Tony's Choice ASB, and a tiny, almost empty sample of QED's Rose/Geranium skin conditioner.

The MB milk is a great, light aftershave. Works very well. the SCS offering is slightly heavier, but still works very well - Tony's Choice is a sort of chocolate-vanilla smell, so it's a bit different in that regard.

The QED product is out of this world, and you can't beat the price. When I order a big bottle I probably won't go with the rose-geranium (very heavy on geranium); I'll probably get either the cypress, cedar, or patchouli-tea tree-peppermint variety.

FWIW I also rather like Musgo Real.

Very true to the cedar scent that you would expect. I've noticed that labels use fragrance names somewhat loosely sometimes. Think GFT or T&H West Indian Limes. Although citrusy, if I were blindfolded, I wouldn't think, "WOW! Lime!" They have an almost cologne-like essence. Charles' steadfast commitment to using only EOs, however is definately apparent in this ASB. It's a pure cedar scent. Very dry and woody.

Although, I've only used the Texas Cedarwood, I'll second any other recommendations for QED Skin Conditioners.

[sanuginz]

It seems like the review for normal skin should be in combo skin. He doesn't recommend any moisturizer during summer. No ASB at all. That sounds crazy to me. So let me get this straight, in summer when the skin is sunburnt and dry, you splash alcohol on it and don't put any moisturizer after a shave... what is going on here?

[rodd]

I had Sue at SCS mix me up a bay rum w/ a twist ASM. I love it. I highly recommend you talk to her about it.

[Ltltony]

+1 on Nivea Sensitive A/S balm

[Storm]

If you can tell the difference between Proraso and Nivea ASB (any drug store carries it), you have a better nose than I. Moisturizes and soothes.

[BigRay]

The Gentlemen's Refinery standard ASB. It's what Nivea sensitive would like to be :smile:. Review HERE.

-Ray

[Evbo]

The Gentlemen's Refinery standard ASB. It's what Nivea sensitive would like to be :smile:. Review HERE.

+1 on that. OH yeah. :biggrin: