Applying balm and then AS is not right for me.
After shave is more effective before balm since balm is much more long lasting and AS after balm deadens its effect. You are applying AS on top of something - surely counter-intuitive.
AS is most effective after witch hazel. Witch hazel is most effective after alum.
In other words:
Alum on a wet face.
Rinse clean with cold water after 2/3 mins.
Apply witch hazel and let it evaporate.
Then apply after shave if you want - but why, when WH does the same trick and EdT gives a much longer lasting fragrance?
Then balm, if needed, after AS but not before AS. Why apply AS on top of balm? If its for its astringent qualities, then applying on top of balm surely dilutes its properties. If its for fragrance reasons, use EdT instead which gives much better longivity and sillage.
If using witch hazel therefore, you can miss the AS and go to EdT instead, on elbows and chest.
EdT gives a sillage that AS scent cannot, so why waste dosh on scented AS, in my opinion. A bit like not spending dosh on scented expensive pucks when cheap tallow sticks give as good a shave.
Plus, fragrances are an art in themselves and another fine hobby.
The Boots assistant does not know what she is on about.
AS then balm. But then that's just logical.
Rant over.