The way u use it is up to personal preference actually. U could just apply some to your palm then rub your palms together and then pat onto your face/shaven areas. Don't use too much. If u have a spray type try not to spray directly and use the palm method.

Balms are more for dry/sensitive skin as they contain little or no alcohol. Regular aftershave contains alcohol and gives the stinging effect that some guys like. If u have sensitive skin stay away from aftershaves with alcohol.

I have used a few regular pharmacy brands like gillette, nivea and adidas. But I found them to leave a slight shine and oily layer on my face. So now i just use my toner as an aftershave and finish off with a little moisturizer to calm the skin down. However, the newer nivea aftershave blams have been getting good reviews so u might want to check them out.

A good pre shave routine of cleansing and scrubbing will help improve your shaves. This in effect will help maximize the function of your aftershave. A good shaver helps too.

Thanks for the useful info...
btw...actually aftershave care/treatment mainly for wat purpose?

When u shave u r basically giving yourself hundreds of tiny little cuts...that's why when u apply aftershave lotion it stings. So the job of after shave is really to take care of these little cuts and prevent infections. Aftershave also closes up the pores and moisturizers the skin as shaving can be quite harsh on the skin. There are so many kinds of aftershaves in the market nowadays so its up to u to decide what kind u want. Your skin type is important too when choosing an aftershave.

thx dude,btw...i got abit pimples on my face and kinda oily...can u recommend me any product that moisture my face and wont grown pimples after apply? how bout issey miyake?^^

PHASE ONE: PREP

1. SHOWER
Always shave in the shower or immediately after one. As with the hot towel, steam is the key—it opens pores, which in turn causes whiskers to rise so they’re easier to lop off. If the bathroom mirror hasn’t fogged up, the shower isn’t hot enough.

2. CLEANSE
Wash your face with a bar of soap or liquid cleanser. “I explain it this way,” says Anthony Sosnick, founder of the men’s grooming brand Anthony Logistics. “You always wash your car before you wax it.” Shave without washing first, and you’ll trap dirt and grime in your pores, leading to bumps and blemishes. Also, don’t confuse exfoliating with cleansing—using a harsh scrub may do more to irritate your face than refresh it (and between using a brush to apply your shave cream and shaving, your beard area will get plenty of exfoliation as it is).

3. APPLY PRE-SHAVE OIL
Although it’s often omitted, shave oil is crucial in eliminating nicks, cuts, and irritation. Pour a dime-size drop of it into your hands and massage it thoroughly into the beard to soften whiskers and help the razor glide smoothly. Don’t worry, this minuscule amount won’t leave your face with a greasy sheen.



PHASE TWO: SHAVE

4. APPLY SHAVE CREAM
The cream should be spread over the oil. This is best accomplished with a badger brush, which further preps the beard by raising hairs. Wet the brush, then use it to whip the cream into a lather and spread it on in a circular motion. Avoid shaving soaps and canned aerosol creams like Barbasol, which foam excessively and make it harder for the razor to get close to the skin. Opt for creams in jars or tubes instead, which produce a thin, gentle lather.

5. THE FIRST PASS
A razor should always be drawn in the same direction that stubble grows—i.e., with the grain. Regularly shaving in this direction lifts whiskers from their pores and prevents ingrown hairs. Begin shaving at the sideburn and work your way down. Save the neck for last—this gives the oil and shaving cream extra time to relax the thicker stubble. Always use long, even strokes, and rinse the blades frequently.

6. LATHER UP AND SHAVE AGAIN
Typically, just one pass provides an amply close shave. But going over the beard twice makes for the closest shave possible. On this second pass—and only now—shave against the grain. Note: Make sure you use an extremely light touch.



PHASE THREE: REPAIR

7. RINSE
When you are finished, splash your face repeatedly with cold water. In addition to washing away the remaining shave cream and oil, the cold water helps close pores and soothe skin. Then gently pat (don’t wipe) your face dry with a towel.

8. AFTER-SHAVE CARE
Whether out of fear of fragrance or of getting shiny skin, many men mistakenly shun after-shave products. But even when done properly, shaving is traumatic for the skin, so a little TLC is in order. There are two primary types of after-shave that will do the trick: alcohol-free toner, which is ideal for oily skin, and should be patted on lightly; and moisturizing balm with soothing benzocaine, which should be gently rubbed in until absorbed. Balm or moisturizer is a must for anyone with dry skin; if you have normal skin, you can use whichever you prefer.

From my experience, one of the best moisturizers for oily/acne prone skin is Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Skin absorbs this moisturizer almost instantly and makes your skin feel silky smooth and not oily at all. But its on the pricier side. 50ml retails for RM87. There is men version from Clinique called M Gel Lotion, which is basically the same thing..retails for RM140 for 100ml...its cheaper per ml than the 50ml womens. A 50ml tube lasts me around 3-4 months.

No idea about Issey Miyake skincare products.

thx for the recommendation...
btw...other than clinique M gel lotion,any other budget product...cz im still a student. 
anyway...the lotion its apply the whole face or just shave area?

hi,patryn33,thx for joining us...and thx for the detailed info....^^
anyway...mind to share ur experiences as well? what type of aftershave care/treatment u using now? ^^

den which 1 is the best budget before shave & after shave?
pre-shave conditioner as well..^^

Depends on how much facial hair u have. If u got the Chinese kind of facial hair like me then u won't need so many products or a very complicated pre and post shave routine. Just wash your face properly before u shave, use a good shaver and a decent aftershave lotion/balm should be sufficient.

dude...if i use the aftershave lotion...do i nid to apply my toner and moisturizer as well?

Issey Miyake L'eau D'issey Pour Homme Soothing After Shave Balm
VS
Issey Miyake L'eau D'issey Pour Homme Intense Soothing After Shave Balm
can anyone told me which the best?

student no $$ can afford designer brand products.... wow!
Nivea For Men, Gillette, old spice should work just as well, only no fancy designer smell..
want a quality aftershave product get those skin care brands

student no $$ can afford designer brand products.... wow!
Nivea For Men, Gillette, old spice should work just as well, only no fancy designer smell..
want a quality aftershave product get those skin care brands

I'll rather get a non scented aftershave balm. I have only seen expensive unscented aftershaves.

Anyone know if regular pharmacies sell non scented aftershaves ?

just purchased the after-shave balm from nivea today as suggested by jonny4..

still don't really see the need for it actually..