Do you use an alum block on it's own?

**Peter Mount** · 07-24-2012, 06:26 PM

Hi

When I use an alum I finish off with putting some Proraso pre shaving cream on (with the green tub). This is after I rinse off my face.

Do people think that's necessary? Do most people not bother putting anything on afterwards? I find the Proraso cream is OK in the colder months but I wouldn't use it on a really hot day.

If people use something else after using an alum block I'd be interested to hear about that too.

Thanks.

**The M** · 07-24-2012, 06:46 PM

I typically dont use my alum block after I shave. I do use it when I get small micks or something like that. After I use my alum block I continue with my normal routine. My normal routine is after i finish my shave I rinse my face off and then apply a alcohol based aftershave and after that I apply a moisturizing cream and then im finished.

**Bad Robot** · 07-24-2012, 06:54 PM

I use the alum in conjunction with other aftershave care.

**the_edski** · 07-24-2012, 06:58 PM

I use it as part of my AS routine. Finish shaving-warm rinse-cold rinse-apply alum while face is still wet-let sit while cleaning brush and bowl-cold rinse-dry face slightly-AS splash sometimes end with EMJ Face Lotion or RR Wax. Overkill, maybe? Does it work, yes! God knows what I was doing before I found B&B sure wasn't working...

**mikey** · 07-24-2012, 07:49 PM

I don't use an alum block at all. Only a stypic pencil when needed.

Thanks,
Mike

**jamesspo** · 07-24-2012, 07:53 PM

Alum block, with an AS splash chaser here.

**Bobtrumpet** · 07-24-2012, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by mikey

I don't use an alum block at all. Only a stypic pencil when needed.

Ditto.

**Texasreiguy** · 07-24-2012, 09:51 PM

Alum.. Thayers with aloe... Then AS Balm

**nrv216** · 07-24-2012, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by jamesspo

Alum block, with an AS splash chaser here.

Same here!

nrv216

**mftoms59** · 07-24-2012, 10:25 PM

It's all I use when I shave before bed, though most times I shave in the Morning and will use a balm or splash afterwards.

**Der_Kaiser** · 07-24-2012, 11:06 PM

When I'm finished shaving I splash on cold water, then use the Alum block I leave it for a minute or two then wash it off with cold water, then as balm finished with after shave. Seems to work for me, I have tried just alum without washing it off but I didn't like it, my face felt a bit dry after shaving.

**jepeck** · 07-24-2012, 11:27 PM

90% of the time now I apply alum and then Devita SPF (micronized zinc) lotion.

**fccexpert** · 07-25-2012, 05:57 AM

Witch hazle and alcohol based aftershave.

**scoopster** · 07-25-2012, 07:03 AM

I used to use alum but gave it up as I'm always looking for ways to simplify. It became unnecessary when my technique improved enough. I still use an alcohol splash most days and then in the winter follow it with a balm.

**Mike_P** · 07-25-2012, 07:20 AM

I really like my Alum block but have actually stopped using it for the past 10 days or so. It was weird at first but now I've found that my face is accepting my aftershave balms better and it saves me time. I'll probably alternate a little but from my experience without it, I'm now seeing that it's not necessary every day.

**pal** · 07-25-2012, 12:14 PM

Alum Block by itself.

**facetime** · 07-25-2012, 12:22 PM

shave
cold water
alum
cold water
balm or splash du jour

**Zoro** · 07-25-2012, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by jamesspo

Alum block, with an AS splash chaser here.

+1

**man00ver** · 07-25-2012, 03:41 PM

My alum block has been gathering dust for many moons now.

**mftoms59** · 07-25-2012, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by scoopster

I used to use alum but gave it up as I'm always looking for ways to simplify. It became unnecessary when my technique improved enough. I still use an alcohol splash most days and then in the winter follow it with a balm.

It's also a good skin conditioner in addition to being helpful while improving your technique, inexpensive & simple, it's often overlooked.