Questions about Aftershave Balm and Aftershave Slash/Cologne

[Danny Shaves]

I've been wet shaving for about a mouth now and I really gotta start using an Aftershave because lotion isn't working to well. I was reading online and im highly interested in aftershaves.

I just have a couple of questions. There are Post Shave Balm and Aftershave Splashes that are sometimes Colognes as well. Is it recommended to use both? Which one is better standing alone? Do I apply the Balm or the Splash first?

I do like the idea of an aftershave cologne. Its a very cool step into killing two birds with one stone in the wet shaving routine.

Thank you for reading, Danny.

[Squire]

Danny I believe you will find most of us use a balm or aftershave but not both at the same time. Some use a balm followed by cologne lightly applied to pulse points such as the wrists. Some (like me) combine the effects with a splash aftershave. Careful use of the razor avoids abrasion so my skin doesn't need any soothing and a stronger aftershave such as Taylor Sandalwood also dubs as a cologne.

Some of our members, due to preference or sensitivities, don't use any scented aftershave products so there are those to choose from as well.

[jww]

I'm one of those scent sensitive types Squire refers to above. I'm a skin food junkie and find it's best all-round. Scents are neither oppressive, nor do they linger. ymmv.

[Rufus]

I use aftershave in the main, balms occasionally and never use cologne. I find that balms don't soothe my face as an aftershave does and leave my face feeling slightly itchy. If you use a high quality aftershave a la TOBS, Harris or Trumpers I find a cologne unnecessary. There is nothing like a good dousing of alcohol on my face after a shave to leave me feeling clean, invigorated and refreshed; even more so if the aftershave also contains a bit of menthol.

[brothers]

Danny, your experience in this field will involve trying different products as you find some you like more than others. This can become a huge rabbit hole as you know. There are several SMF guys whose knowledge and wisdom you will find very helpful. Good luck with your journey.

[Ouchmychin]

I have a few balms and a lot of aftershaves in my collection. One word of warning. Some balms are really oily/greasy and dry so slowly that I find them unpleasant to use. Prorazo is one like that. I have found that it is best to use only a pea sized dollop of those balms and rub it between my fingers before I apply. That way it works and doesn't grease up my face. On the other hand, I like to use a real palm full of splashes and rub the excess under my arms. Strong scents like Woods of Windsor or New Musk, I use less.

[Seamaster]

Call me a contrarian, but I like the cold antiseptic sting of an aftershave, followed by the application of a balm.

I use Proraso's products in both instances.

[JRTASTER]

To me, it makes more sense to use a clear liquid scented after shave first, letting it dry/evaporate, then applying my Clinique for Men Post Shave Soother (a light milky emulsion which soothes and lightly moisturizes). I get fragrance and a bit of skin treatment.
The reverse would mean you are using an alcohol-based product, which could possibly act to remove the soother/balm you just applied.
My method... based on nothing but some possibly unsupportable notion... probably differs from others' regimen!

[mrscruff]

I apply moisturizer first, Nivea sensitive skin. Then a nice after shave, which ever you prefer. Hit the neck, and back of your nec, should stick around for a couple of hours. Clubman, Fine, TOBS, too name a few.