Is witch hazel all you need for an aftershave?

[Woodash]

An ice cube,what does that do for you besides make your face cold?
I splash cool water on my face,then use witch hazel,then face food,then aftershave splash,then a aftershave balm,then a tea tree moisturiser and then my face is good for the whole day.

Paul

Forgive me, but I feel like I cannot help but to pile on myself:

Thank-you. Carry on.

 

[nav]

If its just pure Witch Hazel then it would definitely leave your face tight as all it is doing to closing your pores.

If it is Thayer's which has aloe and glycerin then it shouldn't have this effect. I use it myself and today I used it on it's own and didn't have the tight face problem, infact I really like it on it's own...it was soothing and an added benefit is my face didn't get as oily as it does when I use a balm.

 

[MrMoJoe]

I rinse with cold water, pat dry with a towel, and apply AS splash. In very cold weather, I follow up with a balm. I appreciate and enjoy the ritual, but try to keep it simple at the same time.

Many splashes or balms I use contain witch hazel anyway.

 

[BTJR99]

I read somewhere that the post-shave routine should be a warm water rinse (to get rid of any lingering lather), followed by a cool water rinse to close the pores. Pat dry. Splash on some witch hazel and let your face air dry. Then use your AS/ASB of choice.

I have no idea whether this is the best procedure, but it works for me.

+1
My routine to the t.

 

[BurkDarkpatches]

My occasional minimalist post-shave routine (very similar to others) covers all the basics (cleans away lather, tightens pores, mild astringent, moisturizer): Warm water rinse, cold water rinse, witch hazel, then a dab of Corn Huskers. Inexpensive, too.

Steve

 

[mstrunck]

I recently bought a bottle of Thayers Medicated Witch Hazel, and I find it is all I need after a cold water rinse to get my face back into shape. The Aloe Vera in there seems to do all the moisturising I am in need of. Of course it is summer and warm and humid, maybe this changes come winter.

That said: If I apply some TOBS Sandalwood ASB not only will I have the luxury of a very pleasing fragrance, my face also feels smoother for a longer portion of the day.

I can't help but smile at the "and then, and then, and then" approaches. Something inside me just tells me that can't be the way, at least not for me. If I ever find myself in need of the "and then" approach to an after shave routine, then something must be wrong with my shaving routine.

Well this is my shaving philosophy for the day, you must do whatever works for you.

/Max

 

[PhatMan]

nick1990,

Distilled witch hazel was one of the original face lotions used for post shaving.

I use it every shave, and find it very good indeed !

I rinse face with cold water, apply the witch hazel; let it work for about five minutes, then apply small amount of E45 moisturizing cream - leaves a smooth, happy face

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

 

[honed]

I think Thayer's witch hazel works great on it's own.
But I often go for more then just stuff that works, otherwise I'd just own 1 straight, 1 soap & 1 after shave

You say your face feels a bit tight.
Then maybe some kind of balm will be good to use.
There are plenty out there, Nivea is one inexpensive alternative that works very well.

 

[Go West Young Man]

All you "need" after a shave is cold water. Everything after that is entirely personal preference.