This might be a stupid question..

**Zephyr** · 09-24-2010, 01:31 PM

I've seen that a lot of you talk about rosewater, but I haven't been able to figure out what it is (Obviously it's got something to do with roses and water), and what the usage is?

**christhach** · 09-24-2010, 01:44 PM

Rosewater is made from taking rose petals or the bud of the rose and soaking it, sometimes at high temperaturess, in water. The essential oil of the rose and fragrance seap into the water.

What it produces is a wonderful smelling mild astringent, i.e., like witch hazel, it tightens up the pores.

In my humble opinion, the best of the best of the best smelling rose water, made from Otto roses, is the Birsen Gul Suya Rosewater. You can get it for between $4 and $8 at Turkish stores or some specialty shaving shops online. The smell is of the much darker otto rose. It's much more masculine and mysterious than simple sweet rose petals. Great stuff!

**RF1963** · 09-24-2010, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Zephyr

I've seen that a lot of you talk about rosewater, but I haven't been able to figure out what it is (Obviously it's got something to do with roses and water), and what the usage is?

Rosewater (and Lavender water) is a byproduct of the Essential Oil industry. Rose petals (lavender flowers and leafs) are soaked in water which is then heated to boiling point. The steam is cooled and the distillate is water with rose (lavender) essential oil floating on top. The EO is skimmed off and the water is bottled and sold as rose water.

**Luc** · 09-24-2010, 02:28 PM

You can sometimes find it in your local supermarket. I've seen it a few times...

**Zephyr** · 09-24-2010, 02:41 PM

Is it used as some sort of conditioner before AS?

**RF1963** · 09-25-2010, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by Zephyr

Is it used as some sort of conditioner before AS?

After I've shaved and rinsed I use Thayers witch hazel with rose as an after shave toner/conditioner. I pour some into my palms and apply like AS. I normally have a few other things to do before I then rub some T&H ASB on. I've just bought some SMN rose water (inspired by this thread) which I've rubbed on my face after washing before bed. My facial skin certainly feels good and the smell is good. I'll likely alternate the use of Thayers with the SMN after my morning shave.

**RF1963** · 09-25-2010, 04:58 AM

The following I've lifted from elsewhere on the net for rose water use. I think these extracts are pertinent to shaving:

Rose is a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it will gently cleanse your skin while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Place pure rosewater in a spray bottle for an aromatic spritzer. Rosewater spritzer not only feels great on warm skin, it can soothe a sunburn and gently disinfect the skin, preventing infection and irritation.

Read more: How to Use Rosewater | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2123202_use-...#ixzz10Xdv7l9Y

**Alacrity59** · 09-25-2010, 05:14 AM

Rose water is also used in baking. Cookies and cakes.

**RazoRock** · 09-25-2010, 05:22 AM

Originally Posted by Zephyr

I've seen that a lot of you talk about rosewater, but I haven't been able to figure out what it is (Obviously it's got something to do with roses and water), and what the usage is?

Rose water is used that same way Witch Hazel is used, splash some on after your shave.