Thread: pretty good post shave ritual

after my shave, i re lather and check ever inch of my face for any missed spots, and if i find any a quick pass and i rest the razor on toilet paper, then i run cold water and apply to my face, then i use my netrogena(spelled wrong i think) post shave lotion. Then i check my face for any cuts and i use the nick pen, while i wait for my face to dry from the lotion, i clean and dry my razor to avoid spots and rust. finally i apply my after shave. and i am done. is there anything else you think i should do , and is this a good post shave treatment

Some of us swear by witch hazel as an astringent and cleanser. That would go on before the Neutrogena Post Shave Lotion. I like that stuff, it is not a wet balm, I believe you're supposed to put it on a dry face. It leaves a little residual layer on the face, but this is a good thing, you just have to control how much you apply. I think of this balm as the end of the post-shave scheme because of its viscosity.

I personally really like witch hazel, but often don't need it. I've found a simple, average alcohol + glycerin/propylene glycol aftershave is often enough but every bit helps, especially early on with open razors.

+1 What AxelH says. Also, you might consider stropping the razor a bit and then applying
a light coat of oil (mineral, camellia) before putting it away.

My post shave ritual is very simple - I rinse, dry and strop my razor, then give it a light oil and put it away. I clean my brush and put it away. I then rinse my face in warm water, and apply a high-alcohol splash to keep my skin in good order. In wintertime I use a lotion to help keep my skin in good shape.

Here's what I do.
Cold water rinse, dry off, Witch Hazel, let dry, After shave balm of the day.

I guess what this thread will show, is that we all have different rituals and customs that we like

My post shave begins w/ a warm water rinse, followed by the alum block. While the alum is drying, I wipe my razor down and dip it in a solution of rubbing alcohol and mineral oil (if using one of my straights). A cold water rinse to remove the alum follows, then Thayer's Lavender Witch Hazel. Finally, AS of the day or AS balm, depending on the weather.

I like to use a hot towel immediately after the shave followed by cold water then the alum block and then some witch hazel.

The only thing I would tell you to add would be a hot/warm water rinse before the cold water rinse to make sure you get rid of any left over soap/lather on the face you can't see.

Just finished my first shave, and after I had put all kinds of stuff on my face, I poured myself a stiff drink.

Seems to work wonders.

warm water rinse, then alum block, let that sit for a minute, then a thorough rinse in cold water followed by witch hazel, let that sit for a few minutes then some nivea