How to choose the best aftershave for you

There are several aftershave products available on the market, many of which are good and effective- It may be because many widely available razors and shaving creams aren’t that great. Because of the large variety of aftershave products that are available, choosing the perfect one for your skin type and your taste can be quite confusing and overwhelming, especially with different terminologies that are often listed without much explanation.

How to choose the best aftershave for you?

When choosing the best aftershave for you you need to look at your skin type (sensitive or normal), your preferred application method (splash, gel, balm), and if you like scented aftershave products. Understanding the differences between aftershaves in relation to your skin type, Dry Skin, Oily Skin, or a Sensitive Skin, will help to find your ultimate aftershave.

Are you curious about the available types of aftershave? Do you need to know how to choose the best one for you? Are you unsure about your skin type and the best aftershave that suits your skin? Don’t look too far. We have gone through the hassle of putting together helpful tips that would help enhance your decision making process. This guide will teach you how to choose an aftershave that would complement your grooming routine. Just follow closely.

What Is an Aftershave?

An aftershave is a mixture that is applied to the face after shaving to soothe the skin. In the past, after-shave was an alcohol-based liquid, however, these days it is easy to find aftershave in both gel and lotion form. Now, of all these bases, none can be qualified as the “best”. It is important to use an aftershave that is best for your skin. The best aftershave will always vary from one person to another, and the product that works best for one person may be less preferred by the other. But before you decide which is best for you, it is important to know the basics of your aftershave.

Aftershaves are usually divided into two categories, which are: balms and splashes.

Balms are those after-shaves that are heavier or thicker when applied on the skin and they provide relief from irritation and moisture to the skin, especially in cold or dry conditions.

Splashes, on the other hand, feel watery when applied and they contain a combination of toners, astringents, and hydrosols that act as a cleanser and provide a degree of antiseptic or antibacterial protection to the skin. Splashes are recommended for those with oily skin or those that live in hot, humid climates. There are also some “cross-over” ingredients that might be used in both a balm or a splash.  

What Does Aftershave Do?

Some people don’t think aftershaves are necessary, and this is because they do not know the importance of these products. We are here to break that down for you. Here are some benefits of using an aftershave.

1. Makes You Smell Great

Aftershaves are available in varieties of fragrances and scents so that you can choose one that smells great to you. Once you use this product, you will enjoy the confidence and compliments that come with smelling nice. But try to avoid applying too much especially if the smell is one that is a little stronger otherwise it can become too overpowering.

2. It Soothes the Skin

Another benefit of using aftershave is that it soothes your skin. Most times when you shave, it may leave the skin feeling very sore and raw. This can cause a lot of discomforts, and it doesn’t look great either. However, when you apply aftershave to that sore and raw skin, you will be able to enjoy soothing and cooling properties that will help calm the skin down while reducing redness and soreness.

3. It Helps to Keeps the Skin Hydrated

Normally if you shave every day without an after-shave, you’ll notice how much it leaves your skin feeling and looking very dry. This can cause irritation and it can also cause the skin to look out of shape. But by using the right aftershave, not only will it add hydration to your skin, but it will also nourish the skin, which means that your skin will feel much better and even look enhanced.

4. It Helps with Healing

When you shave, it often results in razor bumps and cuts, and this can be quite annoying, uncomfortable, and it may even affect your appearance. Sometimes, it takes a while to subside. However, when you use aftershave, it can bring faster healing, that way, your skin won’t show the adverse effects of shaving for a long time.

5. It Boosts Your Confidence Levels

When you use aftershave, not only does it make your skin look and feel better but it can also help boost your confidence levels. When you know that your skin looks great, you smell nice, and your skin feels nourished and soft, the way you look in the mirror or relate with people comes with a boost in confidence, and this ultimately has a positive effect on other aspects of your life.

6. It Helps to Close the Pores

When you shave, your pores might be left open, and this may put you at risk of irritation and bacterial infection. However, when you use the right aftershave, it can help you close and tighten the pores, hence reducing the risk of infection. This ultimately means that you get to enjoy the benefits of having healthier skin without having to worry about skin infections and irritation.

Different Skin Types

Now that you have the basic idea of what aftershaves are and what they are composed of, there is yet another question that remains: how would you use them? The answer to this question partly depends on the kind of skin you have.  How do you know the type of skin that you have?  Here are some tips to help you. There are different skin types, and knowing what category your skin falls into is important.

1. Normal skin

A normal skin often appears to have even texture, it is smooth, clear and healthy, and has barely visible pores, without spots or blemishes. With a normal skin, you can probably use any mild aftershave splash or balm. Also, to maintain this clear skin, ensure to use a good quality facial scrub followed by a facial wash once or twice a week.

2. Sensitive skin

When you use certain shaving and skincare products on sensitive skin, it will itch, sting or break out in a rash. So if you know that you have  sensitive skin, you use aftershave products specifically made for sensitive skin.

3. Dry skin

Dry skin appears to be dull, rough, cracked with wrinkles, and prone to peeling. If your skin falls under this category, a moisturizing aftershave balm is an ideal option for you. Also, using the moisturizer just before you go to bed might be useful, and drinking a lot of water.

4. Oily skin

Oily skin always looks very shiny, especially on the T-zones (that is, the forehead, nose, and chin) and it also feels oily when you touch it. You’ll know you have oily skin if you are able to see the sheen shortly after washing. Oily skin also appears to have large visible pores that are prone to blackheads, dark spots, and pimples. For oily skin, aftershave splash with a toner is probably the best option because it will also help get rid of dirt.

5. Combination skin

As the name suggests, a combination skin is a combination of both oily and dry skin. It often has a central greasy area around the forehead, nose & chin but it will be dry around the cheeks. It is also prone to blackheads. The best way of dealing with combination skin is to use aftershave products specially made for combination skin or to simply apply dry skin products for the dry areas, and oil-free products for the T-Zone or oily regions.

Things to Look out for in an Aftershave According to Your Skin Type

● Dry Skin

As mentioned above, dry skin is often characterized by dry, rough, and sometimes flaky skin. It can be prone to cracks, peeling and may feel and look a little dull. So when choosing an aftershave for dry skin, make sure:

1. It Contains Moisturizing Agents

You are going to need a moisturizing aftershave for your shaving routine, that contains enough natural oils which can help you restore hydration into the skin cells.

2. Avoid-Alcohol based aftershave

Avoiding aftershaves that have alcohol is important for people with dry skin. This is because alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it makes the body expel more water than it takes in.

Just like the times when you had a few bottles of beers and you couldn’t wait to get home to pee. Then what happens the next day? Your pee is a deep, golden yellow color because you were so dehydrated the previous night and your system is screaming for lack of fluid.

The same applies to your skin products. If you know you have dry skin, look out for the alcohol content of your aftershave. Ideally, you should be using one that is entirely free of alcohol for your shaving and skincare routines.

3. Look out for Astringents

You should also be aware of astringents. Normally astringent products contain skin healing properties that will help skin cells to repair or bind together. They appear natural and are usually induced in many aftershaves to help heal cuts and nicks caused by razors.

This sounds great. But one thing about astringents is that they can inflame the dry skin. So while they may help repair cuts, nicks, and injury, they will also irritate dry skin causing the major benefit to be negated.

● Oily Skin

Oily skin looks and feels oily, specifically on the forehead, the nose, and chin area, causing the face to be prone to acne and blackheads. But oily skin is not an affliction! It just needs a slightly different skincare routine. Here are properties to look out for in your aftershave.

1. Alcohol-Based Aftershaves

Unlike the dry skin, you should go for an aftershave with alcohol. As discussed above, alcohol will help dry out the oils, tighten the pores and take away some of the glossy finish. So a toning splash with alcohol should be your ideal choice.

2. Contains Moisturizing Agents

It is also important that you use an aftershave that contains moisturizers. This may sound a bit contradicting, but if you have effectively stripped off layers of moisture with alcohols (to get rid of oils), it is important that you rehydrate.

Here, glycerine is one ingredient that you should pay close attention to. This is because it is gotten from plant oils, and it helps repair and replenish dehydrated skin cells.

● Sensitive Skin

A sensitive skin as discussed is characterized by an itchy feeling, which occurs after washing. So if you experience this often, then you have sensitive skin and need a delicate skincare routine.

Other indicators of sensitive skin are bumps, rashes, and stinging sensation when you apply products that are not suitable for your skin. Here are some properties to pay attention to.

 1. Limited Alcohol

If you have sensitive skin, then you should try to get a mild aftershave that has limited alcohol content, as that will be an irritant to your skin.

2. Consider Unscented Aftershave

Another thing to look out for are aftershaves with little or no scent. This is because a lot of ingredients that are used to create fragrances are known to be irritants, and can be bad for your skin.

3. Avoid Parabens

Parabens are also another property to avoid. They are synthesized preservatives used in a lot of cosmetics and are designed to prevent the development of bacteria.

They kill all bacteria present, including those that are good for your skin. They are also very aggressive, which is a bad thing for people with sensitive skin. If an aftershave is paraben-free, the manufacturers are likely to boast about it so when buying an aftershave, look out for those words on your product.

Alternatively, you can check the ingredients, but preferably, go for products that have all-natural ingredients. Also, look out for anything that ends in ‘paraben’. For example, Butylparaben. To make it a lot easier for you, we have labeled each of the aftershaves on our list that are paraben-free so you can easily identify which ones you want to consider.

Best Aftershaves available on the market

1. LAB SERIES 3-IN-1 POST-SHAVE REMEDY

As stated earlier, shaving can cause a series of skin problems such as razor bumps, to break it down even further – ingrown hair. Ingrown hair is the main cause of razor bumps, which may lead to a lousy shaving experience for those that have to deal with it.

This is where the Lab Series 3-in-1 Post Shave Remedy comes into play. There are plenty of aftershaves that claim to deal with pseudo-folliculitis barber effectively but the Series 3-in-1 Post Shave Remedy isn’t just all about the talk. Normally, ingrown hairs result when newly-shaved hairs curl back towards the face and eventually penetrate the skin. Of course, they’re uncomfortable, and shaving over them is often really painful and annoying. However, with the 3-in-1 Post Shave Remedy, you can prevent ingrown hairs and relieve subsequent razor bumps.

This 3-in-1 gel has a blend of plant-based ingredients which helps refine the beard hair. Most users claim to see results in as little as two weeks as their facial hair comes back thinner and finer. This gel also increases the skin’s exfoliating process to allow hair follicles to remain open, this means that your facial hair will grow more out instead of inward.

Another property of this gel is that it slows down the growth of beard hairs on the areas of the face where it is applied. That may not be good for beard growers, but if you want some parts of your face to be kept clean-shaven, then it is a great option.

Also, the 3-in-1 Post Shave Remedy’s natural ingredients which does not include parabens, has antioxidant properties that help renew the skin after shaving.

● PROS

• The gel prevents razor bumps and burn.
• It is an excellent moisturizer
• It also controls the growth of facial hair

● CONS

• If you prefer something with fragrance, then it is not a great choice for you.

2. PRORASO AFTERSHAVE LOTION- REFRESHING AND TONING

Proraso’s Aftershave Lotion takes you back to those days of the barbershops when a shave was something most men looked forward to with enthusiasm. But that should not be a surprise because this brand Proraso has been around since 1948 and it is one of Italy’s most iconic brand names.

Made out of ingredients that do not contain paraben, this refreshing and toning lotion is the best aftershave for men. It also makes a fine aftershave balm.

The refreshing and toning lotion is of superior quality for different reasons, which include:

The lotion is made with a series of fresh, natural ingredients such as eucalyptus oil tones that purifies the skin and facial hair, menthol which refreshes and revitalizes the face after a shave, and witch hazel which helps to reduce rashes and razor burns.

It has a pleasant scent which is clean, mild, and does not linger the whole day. Within an hour or two it will dissipate, blending well with your body spray or colognes. The price is also amazing as you can purchase the Refreshing and Toning Lotion on Amazon for just $14. This is actually cheap when compared to many quality aftershaves that sell for $40 and upwards.

There’s also an immediate relief that the lotion provides after your shave and you will love the fact that it refreshes and tones your skin at the same time.

Proraso Aftershave Lotion also includes a animal-based ingredients making it vegan friendly.

● PROS

• Contains over 95% natural ingredients
• It refreshes and revitalizes the skin after shaving
• Has a pleasant scent that doesn’t linger

● CONS

• It has a medicinal smell that some users don’t like.

3. JACK BLACK POST SHAVE COOLING GEL

It is natural to try to get the best shave possible every time we step in front of a bathroom mirror. But just like everything else in life, we don’t always get what we want.

This can be as a result of several factors such as lack of attention, a dull blade, weariness, and your shave then becomes annoying and frustrating. You end up getting nicks, cut, razor bumps, and more. However, with a quality aftershave, you can avoid a dreary experience, and Jack Black’s Post Shave Cooling Gel is the perfect option to put you back on track.

This gel is an alcohol-free, soothing lotion that helps protect the skin against razor burn, redness, and irritation caused by shaving. It also doesn’t sting the face like other aftershaves which is a great thing as you wouldn’t want an additional discomfort.

Jack Black’s Post Shave Cooling Gel has a cooling effect that tightens the pores after your shave while soothing the skin. It also contains aloe extracts, which is a great remedy for treating irritated skin, and chamomile and witch hazel which also helps soothe the face.

Another excellent ingredient is sage, which helps to regulate the circulation of blood to the hair follicles hence promoting healthy hair growth. This Post Shave Cooling Gel also contains lavender oil, which has antiseptic qualities that help heal the skin from cuts. It also helps reduce the pain and redness caused by sunburns. This gel is paraben-free, does not have fragrance, and is also free of colorant. It is also a great choice for vegans, and it is certainly one of the best natural aftershave products available on the market.

● PROS

• Capable of healing, hydrating, and calming irritated skin
• Contains natural ingredients
• It also protects the skin from UV damage

● CONS

• Has no fragrance

4. BARBERRY COAST BAY RUM AFTERSHAVE SPLASH

Bay Rum aftershave is an effective splash that has resolved both the issue of taming irritated skin and the issue of unpleasant smell.

This is one of the best aftershave splashes on the market and the best smelling aftershave. Barberry Coast’s Bay Rum splash is handcrafted with natural ingredients, it also uses glycerin to help moisturize the face and avoid the stinging effect that comes with alcohol-based products.

The Bay Rum Aftershave also contains a unique blend of exotic spices, citrus, essential oils, and extracts – as well as bay leaves essence. All these ingredients are actually vegan with no GMO oils or parabens.

Applying this splash to your face after a shave will give you a quick burning sensation but it’s not all bad.

● PROS

• Has an excellent scent
• Contains all-natural ingredients
• Comes with a money-back guarantee

● CONS

• For some, the scent may be too strong

5. The Art of Shaving Sandalwood After-Shave Balm and Daily Moisturizer for Men

The Art of Shaving After-Shave Balm is an effective aftershave that is important to the skin. It refreshes and hydrates to soothe the skin after shaving. Because it is a balm, it replenishes moisture to soothe dry skin after shaving and helps revitalize and condition the skin. This balm is a great option for people with dry skin.

This highly concentrated blend delivers a denser texture than most lotions. Shea butter and glycerin work together to soothe the skin, essential oils work to condition, and grape seed extract heals any damage from the razor. After shaving, just rinse your face with cold water and apply a small amount of After-Shave Balm to face and neck.

● PROS

• Does not have paraben
• Unscented, which is a good option for people with sensitive skin
• Moisturizes, made with natural ingredients, and is suitable for dry skin.

● CONS

• It is unscented, and most people may not prefer this.

Final remarks

Now that you know the basics of choosing an aftershave, the process should not be difficult. We hope that this article would be helpful. Good luck!