I assume this is uncommon practice, but I'm "uncommon" enough to give it a whirl. I enjoy my Proraso balm for the soothing effect (and scent), and sandalwood splash for it's scent. So, I think I'll apply the balm first, let it soak in for 10 minutes, and then apply the splash. I like to experiment. While Googling how to combine both balms and splashes, I came across this funny but honest comment. I hope this isn't me down the road. "I worked up the courage today to do a direct ATG (South to North) on my throat in the most stubborn little area that always would leave pepper flakes because if you attack it from any angle other than full ATG then the stubble remains. The result was 80% reduction of stubble in that problem area but some mild pinkness. If I can just get that area under control than I will have a full BBS that I have been chasing for 3 years."
I would use the splash first, to sanitize and disinfect, then use the balm to moisturize. That's me. You do you.
It would be easier your way, but the "claimed" downside is you would dampen down some of the splash scent. No doubt, I will try both.
If you put the balm on first, the splash will wash it off no matter how long you wait. Put the splash on first and let it dry in then put the balm on. If you use different scents, the last one put on will be the one you can smell.
I haven’t been doing it quite right I know but I kind of like the result. After the shave I do this: 1) hot water rinse 2) cold water rinse 3) alum 4) cold water rinse after 30 seconds or so 5) TSD aftershave milk (with a reducer installed from amazon for pouring ease) 6) after the milk dries, I apply a balm, lately I’ve been using lather and wood or barbershop from Stirling Soap 7) splash, barbershop or Island time or cat o nines tail or another of the 7 samples I got from Captains Choice Then at night I put a homemade moisturizer that I heat up in a wax warmer consisting of unrefined shea butter, refined shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin e, and also apply just a bit of retinol to a dark spot and some wrinkles on my lower neck. crazy, right?
