What I've been doing is: Lather Shave Alum (no rinse. Let it dry, then....) Styptic pencil, if necessary ... Aftershave moisturizer I am a little confused as to aftershave then moisturize, or vice versa.
It doesn't matter....whatever works best for you! Experiment and see what you like. Some guys go with balm first and then splash over it. I go splash first and then balm at the end (when I use balm). I remember someone saying that a dermatologist told them that the balm should go first followed by the splash, but I can't remember who that was.
Welcome to TSD Bob, and may I say your avatar may tie that of @SharptoothC for the goalie mask most difficult for me to get a shot past . But to be serious(and back to shaving), as there's a lot of "balm" talk in here, when I use a balm in place of an aftershave, that BECOMES the "aftershave"(that is, I don't combine balm and AS).
I haven't found much difference. I get mine from our local Indian grocery store for less than $2. Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
same here, i don't think splashing too much product on the skin is a good option not to mention that there is a sticky feeling (personally) even if the product is not sticky. Also, if you're already using allum which is already a good product to prevent acne, has anti inflammatory properties and prevents dirt from clogging your pores, your good to go with either a balm or an aftershave as long as it has moisturizing properties since allum dries out the skin.
There are two basic types: Ammonium Alum and Potassium Alum. Ammonium Alum is the kind you often find in "crystal deodorant" and potassium alum is the kind you want to use post-shave.