A shaving routine is only as good as your shaving must-haves. While a good razor and shaving cream ensure smooth shaves with minimum cuts and razor bumps, prioritising post-shave care is equally important. Here’s where aftershave comes in. On the surface, it might seem like a fragrant finishing touch to your shaving routine but it plays a vital role.
What Is an Aftershave?
An aftershave is essentially a skin disinfectant that soothes the skin. It eliminates bacteria and accelerates the healing process of any pesky nicks that were left behind. Conventionally, a good aftershave for men is made with alcohol, witch hazel, and other antimicrobial ingredients. However, with skincare and grooming constantly evolving, you can choose from various aftershave formulations for an irritation-free post-shave experience.
Here are 15 best aftershaves for men to calm and nourish post-shave skin. Bonus? A lingering scent that also instantly refreshes!
1. Old Spice Original After Shave Lotion
This article would be amiss without mentioning the classic After Shave Lotion from Old Spice. From a brand that’s seemingly crafted the perfect ‘masculine’ scent, this aftershave heals minor cuts while leaving behind a fresh, lingering scent.
2. L'Occitane Cap Cedrat After-shave Cream Gel
Often when you shave, the skin is left feeling raw and stripped. If you want something that’s a bit more hydrating than a regular aftershave, this gel-based one will replenish your skin instantly. Its fresh aquatic scent will lend an added coolness, especially on hot, humid days.
3. L'Occitane Cade After-Shave Balm
If you contend with really dry skin then find your healing reprieve with L’Occitane’s aftershave that’s balm-based. Enriched with shea butter and cade wood essential oil, it hits multiple stones at once by moisturising, soothing and healing the skin.
4. Axe Signature Dark Temptation After Shave Lotion
Hailing from yet another iconic men’s grooming brand, this aftershave does more than just soothe cuts and freshen up the skin. Inspired by their long-lasting deodorants, this aftershave is formulated with a divine chocolate scent that gives an all-day freshness.
5. Uncle Tony After Shave Balm
Ingrown hair, sore bumps, and raw skin can be a thing of the past with this rich and nourishing aftershave balm. Its rich concoction of bisabolol and jojoba oil soothes, softens and heals the skin from razor burns and cuts while the added salicylic acid gently exfoliates away dead skin cells to prevent any ingrown hair. There’s more: A fresh, sensual fragrance brought to you by bergamot and patchouli.
6. Spruce Shave Club Natural Aftershave Balm
Want an aftershave that doubles as a moisturiser? The Spruce Shave Club Natural Aftershave Balm is the perfect choice. Made with eight ingredients like almond oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, and niacinamide, this post-shave restores natural oils and repairs the skin barrier.
7. Park Avenue Good Morning After Shave Lotion
Add a splash of freshness to the start of the day with Park Avenue’s Good Morning After Shave Lotion. Just a few dabs and your skin will instantly feel refreshed and supple thanks to the aloe vera extract. It’s replete with citrusy, woody and ambery notes to give your day just the right amount of zest and energy.
8. S.Oliver Selection Men After Shave Lotion
If you like putting your best foot forward during formal events or meetings, then finish up your shaving routine with the S.Oliver Selection Men After Shave Lotion. Aside from treating minor cuts and killing bacteria, it veils you in an elegant, spicy fragrance.
9. Uncle Tony After Shave Mist
Hydrate your skin while you soothe and revitalise it with the Uncle Tony After Shave Mist. It’s made with a unique combination of freeze-dried aloe vera leaf juice and Mexican Prickly Pear extract to heal and prevent skin damage. This aftershave also addresses concerns like dullness and pigmentation.
10. Rustic Art Aloe Vera Tea Tree Post Wax & After Shave Gel
If you have incredibly sensitive skin, then you might want a more natural solution. Razor burns and cuts can lead to skin redness and irritation – even more so for sensitive skin types. So go for a soothing gel aftershave like the Rustic Art aftershave gel. It’s made with aloe vera that instantly calms the skin while the tea tree extract kills bacteria, thereby preventing ingrown hair and breakouts.
11. Clinique For Men Post-Shave Soother
If you like a cooling tingling sensation, then try the Clinique Post-Shave Soother. It helps heal any nasty nicks and leaves you with a refreshing scent. For better absorption, dab it instantly on the shaved area while the skin is still damp.
12. Forest Essentials After Shave Spray
Experience the best of nature while you give yourself a little post-shave treat with the Forest Essential aftershave spray. A blend of tulsi, neem, coconut water sandalwood, orange peel, and aloe vera, this aftershave spray calms the skin while soothing razor burns and minor cuts. It also acts as a hydrating mist as well as a fragrant body splash.
13. Gillette After Shave Splash Refreshing Breeze
If you love a clean, musky fragrance in your aftershave, go for the Gillette After Shave Splash in Refreshing Breeze. It acts as the perfect finale to your shaving routine by giving your skin an instant cooling freshness. Aside from disinfecting the shaved area, it also leaves behind a lasting fresh, crisp scent.
14. Bombay Shaving Company Post-Shave Balm
If your skin is easily prone to irritation and inflammation, the Bombay Shaving Company is yet another great option that’s suitable for all skin types. It restores and strengthens the skin with extracts like aloe vera and vitamin E. It also has witch hazel that has astringent properties to kill bacteria and soothe cuts. All neatly tied together with an elegant, musky fragrance.
15. Dior Sauvage After Shave Balm
From the house of all things luxurious, Dior brings you an aftershave balm that’s made with 94% natural-origin ingredients, including cactus extract. This lightweight aftershave balm nourishes the skin while giving a soothing relief from cuts and burns. As the name suggests, this luxe aftershave also offers the classic fresh, woody notes of Sauvage.
From balms and lotion to mists and gels, remember to keep these top recommendations for men’s aftershave handy when shopping. Go on now, upgrade your shaving duo to a trio!
