A New Approach to Application of Alcohol-Based Aftershaves

[TraderJoe]

Being one who truly enjoys the cooling & bracing effect of an alcohol aftershave, there are a few drawbacks to using them regularly:

1) Scent can be strong, clashing with other fragrances
2) Can be drying
3) Can burn

There are however, many times more advantages (to me) for using them after every shave.

So, -

Thought I'd share something that has seemingly been working very well for me ~

Quick synopsis of shaving process, paying specific attention to placement of Alcohol Based/AS

Before (Old Way)
PreShave
Shave
Cold Water
Witch Hazel
-Alcohol Based Aftershave
Balm/Moisturizer (if needed)


After (New Way)

PreShave
Shave
-Cold Water
-Alcohol Based Aftershave
-Cold Water
-Witch Hazel
Balm/Moisturizer (if needed)

***The main difference here is that "the New Way" involves the use of AB/AS immediately following the shave and cold water splash, and the subsequent rinsing-off of the AB/AS with cold water; followed by witch hazel and balm.

Result - you get the cooling(given menthol)/toning/astringent/antiseptic effects of the AB/AS without the afore-mentioned drawbacks.

Give it a try, I hope it works for you too :D

[sparky5693]

Ya know... I kinda like the burn. I always knew I was weird.

[Baloosh]

Good tip! Thinking outside the box, as they say.

I'll give this a try in the morning. Rinsing off the Alcohol-based A/S, eh? Guess that Aqua Velva scent won't be lasting NEARLY as long now!! ;) ;)

[Mottern Man]

I always cut my Alcohol with Witch Hazel to lessen the burn.

So how about this?

Prep
Shave
Cold water
WH mixed with AfterShave
Cold water
More WH
Then balm/ moisturizer

[Baloosh]

Holy smokes. I did this tonight (late shave) and MAN my face feels great!!

Sometimes I get itching or irritation after my shave for about and hour or so (only sometimes) but NONE of that with today's shave.

Pre-shave regiment
shave
warm water rinse
cold water rinse
AB/AS (DR Harris Sandalwood)
Wait a cuppa minutes ("cuppa" courtesy of RNB:p)
cold water rinse
W/H or Hydrosol

Vive la difference! Thanks for the tip Joe!