If your only knowledge of aftershave is “that thing that made the kid in Home Alone scream,” it’s time to wise up: A proper aftershave is a great way to step up your grooming game.
Let's face it: Shaving is something most of us need to do fairly regularly, and it can be a bit of a burden. The poet Lord Byron went so far as to call shaving “a daily plague” in his 1823 poem Don Juan. (He also claimed that burden “may average on the whole” the equivalent suffering of childbirth, which is crazy even for 1820s logic.)
There's the matter of finding the right shaving cream and ensuring you have a sharp and ready razor, to say nothing of all the other accouterments that come in those grooming sets that are like an MRE for manscaping.
The prep and process of shaving can feel so involved, many men forgo the crucial final step of a post-shave salve. But it's worth it: Not only can the proper aftershave solution leave you feeling refreshed and energized for the day ahead, but it can also help combat ingrown hairs and razor bumps, as well as even prevent infection in the occasional nick.
The truth of it is, finding the perfect aftershave for your face can be a lot of trial and error. What works best for one face may be ineffective on another ... and too strong for yet another. There are, however, some elements that can help narrow down the field of options.
Form: Aftershaves can come in a number of forms, from balms and lotions to mists and even solid blocks — each of which offer a different sensation upon application. While there's no hard and fast rule about which form works better for some particular circumstance, you probably know your face well enough to know which might appeal the most to you.
Ingredients: It's crucial also to remember that many aftershaves are alcohol-based, and as such, they can have a slight drying effect on your skin. So, if you already suffer from a dry facial surface or live in a particularly cold climate, consider an alcohol-free option, or even a lotion that can moisturize the area.
That being said, here are the eight best aftershaves in a number of forms and price points for every face.
Sure, we could find some brand new balm that boasts all kinds of new innovations in the aftershave industry; one that tosses around a lot of buzzwords and was engineered and focus-grouped ad infinitum.
But the simple truth is this barbershop standard remains the gold standard when it comes to a classic aftershave that feels right (just the right amount of subtle sensation), smells right (a touch of eucalyptus that doesn't overwhelm), and gets the job done right, incorporating witch hazel to reduce razor burn and rashes.
If you're new to aftershaves, you're probably not looking to spend a fortune right out of the gate, nor commit to some massive bottle that will conquer your countertop. In that case, the answer is this set from Nivea Men.
Offering three of their post shave balms for under $16, this works out to a little over $5 per 3.3-fluid-ounce bottle. Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this simple post shave balm is a great soothing solution for those just starting out.
It’s worth noting that when it comes to scents in aftershave, a lot of modern aftershaves tend to go the same way. The old classics varied in what they defined as a “manly” scent: The aforementioned Proraso with its eucalyptus, the iconic Aqua Velva Ice Blue went with lavender and oakmoss, and if you want to go way back, Hoyt's 1868 scent was citrus and floral. But in the 21st century, the favored scent is clearly sandalwood. So the question becomes, who does it best?
In terms of scent strength, we have to go with Viking Revolution, whose sandalwood scent is neither too weak to be noticed, nor so overwhelming as to be the only thing that gets noticed.
Whether it's because you have a favorite cologne you rely on in your morning routine, like to switch up your scents for different occasions, or simply don't want to smell like anything at all, finding an unscented aftershave is key. This balm from The Art of Shaving is ideal because it offers a great post-shave recovery without the sting or scent, thanks to a formula that includes shea butter and grape seed extract.
The dreaded “razor bumps” develop as a result of ingrown hairs due to skin cells forming around the hairs that have shortened and curved inward after a shave. These bumps can cause a patch of itchy and irritated skin to form, which can be both unsightly and uncomfortable.
Bevel's aftershave balm is made with razor bumps in mind, featuring both witch hazel and tea tree oil, which are often home remedies to treat skin irritation due to ingrown hairs. Combined with lactic and salicylic acids aimed at exfoliation, these ingredients are ideal for treating skin prone to irritation.
It’s easy to write off the idea of “caffeinated aftershave” as just a gimmick, but there is some logic behind it. Caffeine is an antioxidant, so its incorporation helps the skin heal and feel refreshed after a shave.
Additionally, this balm’s minty scent will give you a little kick even before the caffeine itself kicks in. And since most of us are past the “pound a can of Monster before class” stage of our lives, this is a more mature way to get a little extra pep in your step beyond your morning coffee.
If you suffer from dry skin, it can feel like there's no right answer when it comes to aftershave. Anything that offers moisturizing benefits can be so thick in their consistency, you might still be feeling product on your face all the way through your commute. But the lighter, splash-type aftershaves are typically alcohol based, further drying out your skin.
Dollar Shave Club, however, has created a post shave dew, which — as the name suggests — is a lighter liquid that quickly blends into your face after application. So there's no need to feverishly rub! It offers a moisturizing enrichment fast so you'll feel the results, without still feeling a layer of goop on your face.
The use of alum to treat wounds may date all the way back to the ancient Egyptians, so it's no surprise that this solidified sulfate salt compound has been a staple of barbershops and shaving kits for the bulk of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Now, as vintage facial hair accessories like straight razors and mustache wax have seen a resurgence, companies like Gentleman Jon are introducing a new generation to the healing properties of alum after a close shave. Applied by simply wetting the bar and rubbing it across a freshly shaved face, this particular block comes in a handy plastic case. At 3.7 ounces, it can last the user for months ... or even years.
Michael NataleCommerce EditorMichael Natale is the commerce editor for Best Products, covering a wide range of topics like gift guides, kitchen appliances, lifestyle products, and more.
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