Winter weather and after shave to prevent dry skin -- what is recommended by the experienced shavers out there?
Jake, Many here like the TSD aftershave milk you can order through the store. Personally, I really like The Gentlemen's Refinery Standard AS Balm. You can order samples of both of these products before purchasing a full order. That way you can make your own determination.
I like Wesley & Scott which is made by the owners of Shaving Essentials. I also like Avocado Oil Balm from Saint Charles Shave. Both great products and very reasonably priced.
I don't know exactly what it is, but the TGR balm left me utterly cold. TSD< on the other hand, is fantastic. Nivea Extra Sensitive Soothing Balm is pretty good, too.
Sorry to hear that. I had a similar experience with the TSB milk. TGR is the absolute best ASB I've ever used. It soothed and healed better than anything. Just goes to show why there are so many different products out there. There's something for everyone
So far, one of the best ASb's I have found is Brut moisturizing ASB. If you are okay with the Brut scent, you will love it!! It is cheap, easy to find, and is packed with aloe and shea butter!! Anyone who says it is not a top notch product has most likely never really used it. Even Joel over on B&B is a big fan of it, and he is notorious for only using high-end products.
Billy Jealousy brand Does anyone have any comments about the Billy Jealousy brand of pre- and post-shave balms and lotions? Seem to have a decent ingredient mix. Thanks.
Aubrey Organics I've had good results with this Aubrey Organic after shave balm, even with its (pretty low percetage of) alcohol content. The one I've been using is called "Men's Stock North Woods After Shave Balm". INGREDIENTS: Deionized Water, Organic Aloe Vera, Natural Grain Alcohol, Witch Hazel (natural herbal extract), Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Vegetable Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Flaxseed Lignan Extract, Pine Needle Oil, Canadian Willowherb Extract, Organic Jojoba Oil, Menthol. Decent scent and very soothing.
I don't get along with many balms. Nivea Sensitive is decent and cheap, but Skin Food works better for me and the Trumper's samples I have will last me a long time. If you get a large bottle, I'd go with the Corral (rose) - Most Trumper's products are low end in the scent department for me, but they do a great rose (Sandalwood isn't bad either). Cheaper skin food can be made from glycerin and aloe or rose water mixed in equal parts.
I once made the mistake of buying a CVS-brand "Afta Shave" balm. It burned fairly badly, smelled like a pine tree and left a blue-ish colored film on my face! I currently use Nivea balm which can be found everywhere and is moderatly priced. I don't really think one needs anything more then Nivea, but maybe I'm missing out on something with AS milk and the like.
Nivea's good and cheap Cade ASB is nice and thick for winter days, and a very little bit will balance out the costs Rick's ASB's from here on the board work really (really) well for me All joking aside, I have heard good things about Brut and have it on my "must try" list
I'm not advertising here, but for the wintertime the "444" balm is specially good. Being so fat, I was told that some old barbers about half a century ago would put some of this balm in his ears to keep them safe from the cold on the way home.