Which comes first -- astringent or balm?

[Toughtoshave]

What is the best order to apply after shaving? Thanks for the help :)

[thomthom49]

What is the best order to apply after shaving? Thanks for the help :)

If your balm is a cream based product I would say astringent first. I personally use Witch Hazel. Works a treat. I put it one and leave it wet to dry out while i clean the razor. Once dry i then apply a balm or cream. Next comes the after shave and then the talc. My face feels right thankful it does!

[BlackBard]

For me, after a cold water rinse, it's Thayer's Witch Hazel then Nivea Replenishing Balm. Done.

[Zarba]

For me, after a cold water rinse, it's Thayer's Witch Hazel then Nivea Replenishing Balm. Done.
+1. Cold water, stringent, balm

[Telecaster52]

i generally use either or, leaning towards the splash/astringent side 70-80% of the time

lately i've been skipping the AS alltogether

[Galengwath]

+1. Cold water, stringent, balm

+1 for me as well. I haven't felt a need to try anything different.

[Nasty Canasta]

+1 for me as well. I haven't felt a need to try anything different.

+1 I just recently added an alum block at the beginning of the end.

[Walter Sobchak]

Yep, it's always astringent then balm for me too.

I believe the astringent would negate some of the properties of the balm if it's applied second.

[cuttoribbons]

Shave :blushing: --> Cold water splash :001_tongu--> Alum block:w00t: --> Do something else for 2-3 minutes :confused1--> Wash off alum:001_smile --> Balm:thumbup1: --> AS :thumbup:

[dpmtherrien]

+1. Cold water, stringent, balm

Same here, although at times an AS will replace the balm depending on how my face feels when done. :001_rolle

[dogeatscat]

yeah, i apply witch hazel right after I rinse my face with cold water; it is probably my favorite part of the shave.

[ackvil]

Rinse off lather with warm water, cold water splash, WH, shower, ASB. That's what I do. :smartass:

[inspiringK]

Cold water rinse (not that cold, it's -10 outside!!). Then SuperHazel. Spend 3 minutes trying to get the SuperHazel taste off my lips, then balm.