I haven't come across a bad Proraso product yet. And this isn't it.

I must admit, til I got into DE shaving, I never used AS - only balms or moisturiser. I initially gave up on AS a long time ago, because they were too harsh, and I wasn't into using colognes/fragrance.

Part of the problem was I was using cologne-style AS, not After Shave Lotion. Therein lies the difference that many of you straight/DE shavers know very well.

Proraso AS is a traditional After Shave splash. It does what AS was meant to do; sooth, heal, tone, and to varying degrees, moisturise. Yes, if you shaved poorly, it will give you that feedback. If you've done a sterling job, it'll just give off a very gentle, cool hum. But after the alcohol evaporates you get a very cooling, soothing menthol feel. It also moisturises quite well, as it has Allantoin in it, which is apparently what this does.

My face tends towards dry, so even while this leaves my face smooth and feeling very good, I add a little balm afterwards - usually the Proraso cream, they work very well together, and both are very light.

I'm terrible at describing scents; I just don't know what they relate to. This smells 'Green' and fresh. I wish it lasted, but it doesn't - so you can add a cologne if you like and there'll be no clash.

If you're in the US, this is extremely cheap. In Australia, I have to pay $25Aus for it. I think it's still worth it. It works, and works very well. I've got a couple of other AS now, but if I've gone too gung-ho on my face, I'm reaching for the Proraso every time.