Splash, balm or both?

As the weather gets colder, I find if I just use a splash like I normally do, my face feels kind of dry. So lately I've been using my Nivea Sensitive balm (the only balm I own) after the splash. I've also tried using the balm first, let it absorb and then the splash. The problem is that if I use the splash first, the mild scent of the Nivea balm kind of kills the scent of whatever AS I pick. If I use the balm first, I don't get the same invigorating feeling of the AS. I know I could just use the balm by itself and get by, but I love using aftershaves and I have quite a few (mostly samples) to go through! I'm thinking I will pick up some Soap Commander Integrity (unscented) balm after the Nivea runs out and go that route.

Just wondering what some others' who have dry skin do for post-shave routine or any other suggestions/opinions...Thanks!

Good question... I don't have dry or sensitive skin but have recently picked up some SC balm to check it out (I have Integrity w/Menthol and Wisdom which had the most menthol in their line at the time).

They are both great, absorb quickly and are "non-greasy".

I very much like alcohol base splashes as I like the invigorating sensation (read: burn) in the morning too.

Being the case, I usually go splash. Zing. Balm after it settles.

Kevin, have you tried Captain's Choice Cat O'Nine Tails AS?  Its a bay rum and their tag line is "feel the burn"  A little more alcohol than their normal Captain's Choice Bay Rum.  
Mark

Being the case, I usually go splash. Zing. Balm after it settles.

Yeah I guess I tend to agree with this method. It's what I've been doing most days for the past week or so. I love the burn too so I never want to miss out on that!

I generally only use one or the other. Lately I've been sticking mostly to light consistency balms.

Kevin, have you tried Captain's Choice Cat O'Nine Tails AS?  Its a bay rum and their tag line is "feel the burn"  A little more alcohol than their normal Captain's Choice Bay Rum.  
Mark

Hi Mark, no I haven't. I have North but have heard good things about Nine Tails. Once I clear some room would definitely be interested. Take it to the next level of commitment

I like the bracing feel of a good splash after a shave then I follow it with a balm to add some moisture back into my skin. For the balm I mostly use Soap Commander Integrity. It is some of the best (if not the best) AS balm I've every used. It feels great going on, not sticky and dries down quickly leaving my face feeling awesome. I have some of their scented balms that I use when I use their soaps or when they match the AS splash I use but the awesome thing about Integrity is its unscented and it does not mask the splash at all. Great stuff, give it a try. They have a menthol and menthol free version.

Kevin, I think you'd like both the Captain's Choice nine tails and the regular Bay rum if you're a bay rum person.  North smells great but its staying power can be counted in seconds rather than minutes.  I think they're all great performers but I like at least a hint of the scent to linger for a while.  I was over for dinner at the inlaws a while back after having used the regular CC bay rum that morning and my mother in law commented that it smelled good.  Thats a bit frightening because when a German says something smells good they usually eat it!    
Mark

I like the bracing feel of a good splash after a shave then I follow it with a balm to add some moisture back into my skin. For the balm I mostly use Soap Commander Integrity. It is some of the best (if not the best) AS balm I've every used. It feels great going on, not sticky and dries down quickly leaving my face feeling awesome. I have some of their scented balms that I use when I use their soaps or when they match the AS splash I use but the awesome thing about Integrity is its unscented and it does not mask the splash at all. Great stuff, give it a try. They have a menthol and menthol free version.

Thanks Owba. I was already thinking about picking up some of the SC Integrity w/ menthol balm and I think you just made my decision for me!

I use Lucky Tiger, a witch hazel based splash which does not have alcohol, and is actually very good at restoring moisture to my skin and feels very much like a balm as well. It has a faint scent, and will not clash with a cologne should you decide to use one as follow up.