Astringent

[thebbqguy]

I looked up the definition on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_hazel_(astringent)

Now that I get the general idea of the goal, does anyone have any specific recommendations?

I went to Sephora this afternoon hoping to pick up the Matte for Men product, but even though the Matte for Men website lists them as a retailer, the Sephora location I went to had no idea what I was asking for. She said it was her understanding that Matte is an ingredient in a lot of products, but she had never heard of it as a stand alone brand name. I pointed her to the website.

The clerk did refer me to some products that she said alot of men use for after shaving rituals, but the French names on some of them kind of turned me off.

I guess I can comparison shop by looking for some of these main ingredients: include gallic acid, catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential oil (carvacrol, eugenol, hexenol), choline, saponins, and bitters.

I'd be interested in suggestions for specific astringent products that I could purchase locally without having to order them online.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

There are several astringents in the acne care section of a pharmacy.  Personally my choice is hydrogen peroxide.  A lot of guys like witch hazel.  I don't like odors generally. 
If you don't like shine, there are some specialized dome products on line, but I like shine, so it's not something I look for.

[ozzie]

Thayers Witch Hazel is a great choice. Totally pure and very effective. I use the version with Aloe Vera and highly recommend it.

[thebbqguy]

It looks like Thayers Witch Hazel is available at GNC. Thanks for the suggestion.

[ozzie]

You'll love it! Pour a little onto a CVC Unscented Cottony Cloth and dab it all over your dome. Let it dry and then follow up with some HeadLube Moisture Lotion, or, if your scalp is feeling a bit sensitive (or you just want a luxurious sensation) rub in a few drops of Nivea "Sensitive" Post Shave Balm. Mmmmmmmm. Nice!  

[omegapd]

I rotate between the cheap witch Hazel (Dickinsons or the store brand for about $1.50 a bottle) and Sea Breeze. Both seem to do the same thing but it took awhile to get used to the odd scent of the witch hazel.

[Gambrinus]

I have been wanting to try Thayers for a while now.  I might have to break down and go to the mall and get some.

[ozzie]

I rotate between the cheap witch Hazel (Dickinsons or the store brand for about $1.50 a bottle) and Sea Breeze. Both seem to do the same thing but it took awhile to get used to the odd scent of the witch hazel.

I have been wanting to try Thayers for a while now.  I might have to break down and go to the mall and get some.

Maybe it's my aging, dilapidated sense of smell, but I find Thayers Witch Hazel has very little scent to it at all. There is probably quite a bit of difference between brands though. Oh, and be warned ... Thayers costs a lot more than the store-brand Witch Hazel. I pay between $9.00 and $10.00 a bottle at my local, admittedly over-priced, natural products store.

[CraftyGuy]

Another vote for the Thayers from me!  Yeah, it's a bit pricey compared to the generics, but a little goes a long way!  I use the lavendar-scented one, which is really nice, and beats the cat p*ss (IMO) smell of the generics.

[xnewyawka]

I use TN Dickinson's just about every other day, sometimes twice a week. Works fine and I have no problem with it. Very refreshing right after the shave.   

[Shaf]

Never had much luck finding Thayers in the UK. even online but hear alot of good things about them. I'm accustom to using my regular aftershave now though

[Sly Red]

Thayer's is my brand for life.  I like the Alcohol-free, Aloe Vera.  If you're considering buying it your best bet is to order online directly from Thayer's.  It's hard to find in retail outlets, though The Vitamin Shoppe does have certain types.

Red

[TheSlyBear]

Or let the nice man in the brown outfit bring it right to your door:
http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Toner-Lavender-12-Ounces/dp/B001E76B0G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1271709495&sr=8-2

[CraftyGuy]

Or let the nice man in the brown outfit bring it right to your door:
http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Toner-Lavender-12-Ounces/dp/B001E76B0G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1271709495&sr=8-2

Sweet!  Nice savings on the shipping with larger orders!  Would save on having the wallet ravaged at GNC where I usually pick it up!

[ozzie]

Or let the nice man in the brown outfit bring it right to your door:
http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Toner-Lavender-12-Ounces/dp/B001E76B0G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1271709495&sr=8-2

Great find!