Post shave balm.

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236
Recommendations please guys on your favourites?

I have used things in the past that actually do more bad than good. eg nivea etc. but that was a way back. Brought me out in spots which at my age is not on!!!! I have actually been finishing a shave recently with water , then alum, then water, ( sometimes use witch hazel if any significant weepers ), pat dry then Proraso aftershave but then also, once dry applying a dollop of Proraso preshave which actually feels nice and has a softening effect. Much said on here about the preshave etc and to do or not to do but cannot find too much in the way of recommended balms unless trawling through the SOTD thread which can get a bit 'boring'. Maybe if we can get some all in the same place please.
Thank you
 
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I used Nivea Sensitive (white bottle) for years but then realised it was feeling itchy on my face for a while afterwards and seemed to leave my face red for a while too. Not sure if the formula changed over time because surely if it disagreed with my skin that much I'd have noticed way back.

I now use BBA PSB after hearing about it on here and taking advantage of BBA's TSR discount offer late last year. It's the best I've tried and is very good but not quite perfect. It does soothe irritation and your face feels good when it's fully absorbed, but it is brown when it goes on, it feels like you're rubbing blancmange onto your face, is a bit greasy and takes 5-10 mins to absorb. I actually find it stings for a couple of minutes as well. You need to give it time to absorb fully so you can't put a shirt on right after applying it, and for me, initially it makes my face look even more red, though this settles down after time.

That said, it's still the best of the small bunch I've tried. The slight sting must be down to an ingredient, not my shaving, because when I use Aloe Vera Gel instead I don't get the sting, just a nice cooling sensation. So I'm alternating between the two but I think I prefer AVG which is also cheaper and very easy to pick up on the high street.
 
I use alum, I recently started using Witch Hazel, and also liberally use an AS - Speick, Lotion Opaline and Proraso are my favourites. After using a Feather AC again, I have added Nivea Balm. I don't have any ill effects from it and I have Rosacea.
I wouldn't mind a more artisanal balm. I have also just ordered two floral waters - Chamomile and Rose, so will add those to the mix as well :).
 
I used Nivea Sensitive (white bottle) for years but then realised it was feeling itchy on my face for a while afterwards and seemed to leave my face red for a while too. Not sure if the formula changed over time because surely if it disagreed with my skin that much I'd have noticed way back.

I now use BBA PSB after hearing about it on here and taking advantage of BBA's TSR discount offer late last year. It's the best I've tried and is very good but not quite perfect. It does soothe irritation and your face feels good when it's fully absorbed, but it is brown when it goes on, it feels like you're rubbing blancmange onto your face, is a bit greasy and takes 5-10 mins to absorb. I actually find it stings for a couple of minutes as well. You need to give it time to absorb fully so you can't put a shirt on right after applying it, and for me, initially it makes my face look even more red, though this settles down after time.

That said, it's still the best of the small bunch I've tried. The slight sting must be down to an ingredient, not my shaving, because when I use Aloe Vera Gel instead I don't get the sting, just a nice cooling sensation. So I'm alternating between the two but I think I prefer AVG which is also cheaper and very easy to pick up on the high street.
Aloe vera Gel is the way forward...Superb stuff, for a very reasonable price.
 
Aloe vera Gel is the way forward...Superb stuff, for a very reasonable price.

I suppose there will always be a market for high end stuff for those who want to pay over the odds for stuff for whatever reason. What people spend on their hobbies is entirely up to them. But BBA PSB seems hugely overpriced at £22, and even just a bit much at £11 when I got it for half price, considering I paid £3.50 for AVG, and could probably have got it for even less.

I'm far more interested in something representing good value for money for the quality, rather than being ‘the best'. If two products are both excellent, one being only marginally less good but at a fraction of the price, I know which I'll go for
 
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