The Shaving Cadre
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Balm or Aftershave?
- Thread starter gembo
- Start date
I think it depends on what you are trying to achieve. I prefer the feel of a high alcohol aftershave over a typically more "greasy" balm, but when the benefits of a balm can be achieved with a high alcohol feel I will use it. To me, balms tend to feel heavier overall than a traditional aftershave. Also, aftershaves tend to provide more or better scent. But a lot of the newer artisan balms are pretty well scented and function similar to an aftershave.
If you need more hydration and healing after your shave I suppose a balm is going to be better. IF you just want to tighten things up and provide a little post shave anticeptic then a basic aftershave is good.
**side note and a little self promotion, CBL Soap's aftershave is a great blend of balm-like qualities with a crisp aftershave like feel and it's scented to last.
If you need more hydration and healing after your shave I suppose a balm is going to be better. IF you just want to tighten things up and provide a little post shave anticeptic then a basic aftershave is good.
**side note and a little self promotion, CBL Soap's aftershave is a great blend of balm-like qualities with a crisp aftershave like feel and it's scented to last.
GearNoir
“The TSC’s Napping Beefcake”
I’m going to say that neither is really better and also agree with Chris that it’s more personal preference and post-shave skin needs.
For instance I can pretty much achieve the same skin care with an alcohol AS splash followed up by some decent skin moisturizer as I can an AS balm…and even then I still might use a little extra moisturizer. I just don’t want to walk away with skin that is too dry or too oily.
What I give the most thought to from day to day is really the fragrance I’m going to be using on a given day and the AS or balm scent that will compliment or at least not get in the way of it.
For instance I can pretty much achieve the same skin care with an alcohol AS splash followed up by some decent skin moisturizer as I can an AS balm…and even then I still might use a little extra moisturizer. I just don’t want to walk away with skin that is too dry or too oily.
What I give the most thought to from day to day is really the fragrance I’m going to be using on a given day and the AS or balm scent that will compliment or at least not get in the way of it.
I use both aftershave balms and aftershave splashes. It just really depends on how I'm feeling after my shave to decide which I'll use. If my skin is feeling dry, especially in the winter, then I will use an aftershave balm more often. I do love CBL's aftershaves and use them more than any other brand as they are a happy medium between a splash and a balm, a splash with balm-like qualities.
gobucks5485
Sr. Shave Member
Yes CBL does have a great aftershave/balm. I kinda like to use both.
I sometimes use a uncented balm.
I sometimes use a uncented balm.
Years ago I used Afta daily. My daily routine was:
Atra razor (first to have a pivoting cartridge!)
Williams soap in a coffee mug
Cheap Navy Exchange synthetic brush
Afta balm
I prefer splashes now, as my skin is rather oily.
Atra razor (first to have a pivoting cartridge!)
Williams soap in a coffee mug
Cheap Navy Exchange synthetic brush
Afta balm
I prefer splashes now, as my skin is rather oily.
Afta is a great budget balm, that is more gel, than balm, so is a lighter alternative than many balms.
I liked it - cheap, and available in the ship’s store, and the Exchange. Used it for years afterwards.
I particularly need both, I don't feel as good if I only use one. I like the way an aftershave splash feels on my face, but I my skin seems to do better with a balm.
SpeedyPC
Jr. Shave Member
I stopped buying aftershave and balm crap, because, buy a very simple cheap DIY. You can get them at your local chemist or supermarket.
Aftershave for ALL year around throughout the whole season.
T.N. Dickinson Witch Hazel Astringent mixed into the 240ml bottle with Plunkett's Vita E Pure with Rosehip Oil (10 drops), Natural Plant Glycerine (20) & Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic (5)
For ONLY Autumn and winter season, I just get the Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Fragrance-Free
Aftershave for ALL year around throughout the whole season.
T.N. Dickinson Witch Hazel Astringent mixed into the 240ml bottle with Plunkett's Vita E Pure with Rosehip Oil (10 drops), Natural Plant Glycerine (20) & Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic (5)
For ONLY Autumn and winter season, I just get the Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Fragrance-Free