The Best Aftershave For Men

One of the most common questions we’re asked is: ‘what is the best aftershave for men?’, along with ‘what is aftershave and how does it work?’.

While everyone would like one magic potion to fix all their skincare and grooming problems, the answer is not so simple. The best aftershave depends on what your skin needs. However, when it comes to the best aftershave for men to wear, finding the right scent along with the perfect formula to suit your skin and routine can be tricky.

So whether you’re searching for the best men’s aftershave for yourself or a men’s aftershave gift set for your loved one but don’t know where to start, don’t worry! At Beauty Base, we’ve got the answers to your most burning questions on men’s skincare and aftershaves. 

What is Aftershave?

Aftershave is a standard part of most men’s grooming routines. Contrary to popular belief, aftershave has a milder scent in comparison to eau de toilette fragrances and scented colognes on the market. It is often introduced as part of a shaving routine, however, it is possible to also use aftershave without shaving depending on your skincare regimen and facial fuzz goals. Men usually incorporate using aftershave without shaving when they want to stimulate beard growth, however, there are plenty of other beard oils and serums in our men’s grooming collection specially formulated to encourage facial follicles to grow. 

The act of shaving can be quite harsh on your skin as the sharp blade can leave the surface exposed, raw, and often irritated. Aftershave is formulated to soothe and protect your skin while it’s in this vulnerable condition with antiseptic ingredients, like alcohol or witch hazel, that aim to disinfect any tiny cuts. The best aftershaves not only protect the skin from infection but soothes it from irritating after-effects such as razor burn. Alcohol-based aftershaves can be known to cause the slight stinging sensation that aftershave is infamous for (thanks to Home Alone). For sensitive skin that can find alcohol-based aftershaves to be slightly irritating, we highly recommend our aftershaves infused with witch hazel. Essentially, men’s aftershaves formulated with witch hazel will do the same job as the alcohol-based aftershaves but with less risk of causing irritation.

The antiseptic properties in aftershave can sometimes leave the skin feeling dry or tight, so many aftershaves will also likely include hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera to soothe and moisturise the skin throughout the day. It’s important that you choose an aftershave that suits your skin’s needs and of course, a scent that you love.

Should I Choose Aftershave, Eau de Toilette, or Cologne?

Often the terms aftershave, cologne, and eau de toilette are used interchangeably but there is a difference between each one. The key differences between aftershave, cologne, and eau de toilette lie in the amount of perfume oil added to the mixture. Aftershave contains between 1-3% perfume oil, while eau de toilette and colognes can contain a higher potency anywhere between 4-8% perfume oil. Perfume oil can be irritating to the skin post-shave, so aftershave is intended for use as part of a grooming routine, whereas eau de toilette and cologne will last longer on your skin. 

Our Tips On How To Apply Aftershave 

The best aftershave for men is one that compliments your existing skin regimen. One of the biggest questions we’re asked when it comes to applying aftershave is ‘how do I make aftershave last longer on my skin and not let the scent become too overpowering?’. Prolonging the scent of your aftershave is all in the application and your routine. 

1. Cleanse, Exfoliate and Moisturise. 

Making sure that your skin stays clean, smooth, and hydrated is the key.  Aftershave lasts much longer when your skin is cleansed and moisturised,  so we always recommend using a fragrance-free moisturiser as a compliment to your shaving routine. Wash your face with lukewarm water with your favourite cleanser, and use one of our handy facial scrubs to exfoliate any dead skin cells.  When it’s time to moisturise, why not use a hydrating facial balm and aftershave to match your fragrance’s skincare range?

To ensure your scents compliment each other, we highly recommend the Dolce and Gabbana men’s aftershave balm featured in our K by Dolce and Gabbana gift set. With subtle notes of Sicilian lemon, amber, sage, and blood orange with hints of juniper for an extra kick, your post-shave skin will be hydrated by the soothing aftershave balm, while a dash of the eau de toilette on your pulse points will keep you fresh throughout the day. 

2.  Be Sparing With Your Aftershave But Ensure Full Coverage
   

Your aftershave is considered as a complement to your skincare routine and shaving regimen. With its lower percentage of perfume oil, you can be more liberal with using enough to ensure full coverage than a cologne or eau de toilette. Our best aftershave for when you need to use a few droplets to go a long way for full coverage is our Hugo Boss aftershave. While for those on the hunt for a budget-friendly aftershave, our David Beckham aftershave boasts a subtle scent that lasts without being too pungent.

3. Using Eau de Toilette Instead As An Aftershave? Find Your Pulse Points.

Nobody wants to be that guy bringing a fog of fragrance with him everywhere he goes. We know what it’s like when you have fallen in love with a particular scent, so when you want to switch between eau de toilette and aftershave, using an aftershave set can be a great way to enjoy your favourite scent along with the benefits of different formulations. The sweet spots to spray your eau de toilette are your pulse points, while your aftershave should be used solely on the face as part of your shaving routine. Your pulse points can be found on your wrists and your neck as they are the warmest parts of the skin. Your natural oils activate the power of the fragrance for that extra added punch to and a dash of eau de toilette in these areas will ensure that the scent lasts throughout that important meeting and conference.

The average lifespan of a fragrance from its first initial spray is approximately six hours. This means that even if you’re running late and spray on your way out of the door to work, your fragrance still won’t last your working day. Our aftershave gift sets like our Tommy Hilfiger Impact set usually contain a travel-sized spray so you can top up your scent in the day if you need a little extra pick-me-up. With a travel-sized fragrance, you can stay smelling just as good at 5pm without carrying around a large aftershave bottle. They’re handy to keep in your office drawer, your glove compartment in your car, or even in your gym bag. The security of having a travel size aftershave will eliminate any anxieties about smelling less than fresh.

Already on the hunt for the best aftershave for your skin type? Discover our full range of men’s aftershave and fragrances here and why not check out our full range of men’s grooming, facial moisturisers, shaving products, and skincare essentials.