I've never used witch hazel before. I know using an alcohol based after shave splash is an astringent too so would there be any benefit to using WH before something like Aqua Velva?
Yes, there is! My regular routine is witch Hazel, let it dry, then AS splash. The witch hazel offers healing and soothing benefits, and I can tell the difference if I omit the step. If you are leary of 2 alcohol applications, get Thayer's alcohol free witch hazel.
My daily post shave routine: thayers witch hazel applied. let it dry. apply aftershave balm of choice.
I actually use commercial after shaves more like cologne, and do not like to splash them on my face. Too harsh..... Witch hazel based splashes work really well for me, and as Jerold mentioned are very healing and mildly astringent. I rotate Thayers Cucumber, Stirling Coniferous and Kramperts Bay Rum. They all leave my face feeling great. FYI- If you have a GNC in your area, you can score some Thayers Cucumber locally....
Well I don't mind a second alcohol splash, I like the burn. I'll snag a bottle today. There's a GNC at my local mall, I'll check them out. I've seen WH at my local grocery store too so I might get it there, it's not thayers though.
I bought a bottle of CVS brand of witch hazel and was wondering if adding a little of tee tree oil would be good mixture to get the tee tree scent ?
Witch Hazel is an astringent but also has a soothing effect to it as well. My regular routine is to either use Witch Hazel or Alum Bloc and then follow up with a AS Splash or Balm after it dries.
Long term use of witch hazel can really benefit your skin. It helps moisturize, tightens skin, helps heal, helps get rid of bags under the eyes, etc. I use it every day and let it dry. Then AS and finally, cologne. Try adding a few drops of essential oil (I use about 20 drops / 16 oz - YMMV) of your favorite scent. It is really nice.
Straight witch hazel has a mild but somewhat unpleasant smell (to me, anyway). If I couldn't lay my hands on one of the scented Thayers varieties, I would definitely be adding some essential oils.
I made up several smaller bottles, each with a different scent. I mix and match them with whatever scent cream/soap I happen to be using that day. I buy no-name alcohol free in bulk for about 1/2 the price of thayer's. Then, a few drops of oil and and you have basically the same thing. I have also tried it adding name brand colognes. You have to add more cologne than essential oil, but if you like to layer your scents, it works great.
That's a great idea. I have been thinking along those lines after realizing that's basically what the commercial formulations are. Have you tried it with any of the Clubman scents???
This is what I do. Not only is the scent better but the Tea Tree Oil has really helped clear up my skin.
I use Dickinson's WH after my CWR, then I do my clean up routine and brush my teeth. After that, I do the after shave thing. I have my WH and AS in 3 oz spray bottles. It makes it easy to apply and it lasts longer too.
I just got out of my local GNC, bought two bottles of Thayers for $8 a bottle. I got a rose and a cucumber bottle. I almost didn't get them, I asked the guy at the counter and he said he's never heard of the stuff and they didn't sell it. As I was walking out I saw the bottles on a lower shelf. The salesman was surprised they had it. The guy didn't look to bright...