Newbie Question - Which AS first?

[zd183]

Hey guys,

Just recently (as in less than 5 shaves ago) switched to DE shaving. So far, I love it. It's extremely relaxing and satisfying.

I'm having a little trouble dealing with the after-shave, however. I have an alcohol-based splash that feels great after a shave - love the tingly/slight-burning sensation. I also have a nice Nivea Post-Shave Balm, which helps moisturize. Basically, my question is: Does it make sense to use both? And if so, in what order?

I have seen a lot of people saying alcohol can be terrible for your skin because it dries it out, but I figure if I use the moisturizer after, it makes up for that drying. So, if anyone can lend any tips or just general knowledge, it would be appreciated.

Thanks

[man00ver]

When I need a little extra moisturizing, I frequently apply an unscented (or like-scented) balm over my splash. Nivea is a good one.
I've tried it the other way around a few times, because I wanted the scent out front, but it doesn't make a lot of sense (to me, anyway) to use a "toner" after a balm.
But, the only real rule is to do what feels good to you!

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

For not a lot of coin you can pick up a variety of AS to try. Better yet, go to a Target or Walgreens and simply unscrew the top and smell ‘em until you find a nice one. Spend some time here in the AS forum looking at past threads going pack ten pages or so. Click around and you will be surprised what you can learn from that. A great rainy day pastime.

[Christoph]

I've never heard of guys using both a balm and a splash. It probably wouldn't be a bad thing, but it just wouldn't feel right for me. I tend to stick with balms in the cold seasons and alcohol bases aftershaves (splashes) in the summer. They can both do what they are meant to do very well: balms feel great when its cold and dry, splashes make you feel really clean and cool in the heat.

[Jorocom]

I agree about not using both a balm and splash. I usually use a balm alone. After using a splash I put on some unscented lotion (Aveeno for example).

[COHunter]

I often use both a balm and a splash, and I use the balm first or just mix it in my hands and slap it on. So far so good. It's only aftershave. Some drier days call for a bit more moisturizer so that's when I'll use the balm. There really aren't any rules...

[RobAtSGH]

In the winter, I'll frequently use an aftershave splash, and then apply a light moisturizer over. Neutrogena Oil-Free Sensitive Skin (basically meaning unscented) is my usual choice.

[tracman]

I have been using Art of Shaving after shave balm, it soothes pretty well and isn't expensive-probably last a year using 1-2 squirts a day and has a nice fragrance.

[alexcasdin]

I love pinaud clubman and have been using the jack black cooling gel first as a base to minimize the burning. i learned this from someone on the site who suggested it. as the weather heats up, i tried just the pinuad splash today and didn't notice that much difference in the burn. i'll likely just use the splash for the spring and summer since iget enough moisturizing from it. in the fall/winter, i'll go back to a balm.

[Drummer2177]

I've changed my method when using aftershave. I used to use an alcohol based splash then a quick dusting of powder such as King. Now, I have moved on to Pre de Provence Shea Butter After Shave Balm. This stuff is pure gold. It soothes and even stops some weepers. I then use the alcohol based one to provide the scent, splashing it in my wrists and chest, almost like a colonge. This allows me to apply a decent portion and currently, I've been using Floid. It has a rich, barbershop scent that blends with everything. If there is some irritation remaining, I dust with the powder.