Aftershave is that magical touch that can help to completely transform the way you feel and present yourself to others. According to the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, when a man alters or enhances his natural scent, it can boost his self-confidence to such a degree that it also changes how attractive women find him.
But aftershave delivers more than just a great aroma. Facial skin is one of the most sensitive areas of your body, and it also happens to be one of the most vigorously groomed. Shaving, washing and even brushing your facial hair can cause irritation, redness, and dryness.
That’s why aftershave products are a staple part of any man’s bathroom cupboard because they assist in eliminating some of these problems. With hundreds of aromas to choose from, as well as thousands of unique ingredient combinations, you’re bound to be able to find a product that’s perfect for you.
Some of you might be wondering what role aftershave plays in maintaining good facial hair and skin health. Here are some facts you might find interesting:
- Aftershave (also known as cologne) typically contains antiseptic ingredients that help close the pores on your face, making it less prone to bacteria.
- Aftershave can prevent infection from cuts that occur as a result of shaving.
- If an aftershave contains alcohol, this can be considered an effective antibacterial agent so long as it is not too drying.
- Lotion-based aftershaves that contain moisturizing ingredients can help soothe your skin, especially if it is sensitive.
- Following a particularly close shave, aftershave nourishes the new skin that has become exposed through the removal of dead skin cells.
- Lower quality aftershaves can expose you to rash or dryness, so it’s essential you find one with the right balance of ingredients for your face.
Aftershave can come in various containers, from sprays to tonics. After a nice hot shower and shave, the product can be applied lightly to the shaven areas such as the neck and cheeks in small quantities. A good aftershave should last all day and should not sting or irritate the skin.
If you do notice any irritation, it could be that you’ll benefit from a sensitive skin aftershave instead. When choosing an aftershave, there are a number of ingredients that you can look for, which specifically tackle irritated skin and leave your complexion looking and smelling fantastic. Some of these are:
- Aloe vera
- Tea tree oil
- Calendula
- Lavender
- Witch Hazel
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Rose Oil
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect aftershave, look no further. We have rounded up the best of the best so that you can make an informed choice about the best-suited product for you.
The 13 best Aftershaves
Here are the 13 aftershaves that we reviewed below.
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The Reviews
Beard Growth Oil, Sky-Shop Natural Organic Hair Growth Oil Beard Oil Enhancer Facial Nutrition Moustache Grow Beard Shaping Tool Beard Care Products Hair Loss Products (World)
Clubman Pinaud is an American aftershave lotion with French roots that first came onto the men’s grooming scene in the 1920s. As you’d expect from any vintage aftershave, it has a classic barbershop scent with fruity floral top notes, an aroma that transcends time and fashion and is a firm favorite among all age groups.
You’ll notice after a few hours of wearing Clubman that there’s a pleasant whiff of orange and lemon, keeping you refreshed and spritely throughout the day.
Even though this is a liquid aftershave, it rubs on like a lotion, with a smooth, moisturizing feel. The cooling sensation is apparent straight away, instantly relieving any razor burn or nasty cuts.
It does need to be mentioned that if you’re insistent on natural organic ingredients, this aftershave may not quite be right for you. There is a fairly high concentration of alcohol in this product, as well as perfume, so if you’ve got sensitive skin, then you may find this irritating.
However, alcohol is a great astringent and will assist in keeping bacteria away from those little razor nicks. Therefore, if your skin can tolerate the synthetics, this is a highly recommended product for keeping your face fresh, clean and smelling zesty.
What’s to love?
- Long-established brand
- Clean, classic fresh scent
- Cooling sensation for itch and burn relief
- Feels like a lotion
What’s not to love?
- Contains alcohol and artificial fragrances
Lucky Tiger Aftershave is an alcohol-free product that houses a range of really impressive ingredients. Lucky Tiger was born in 1935 and has remained a long standing favorite amongst shavers everywhere. Packed with aloe vera, calendula, chamomile and borage oil, this product fits the bill for anyone who is searching for a natural and gentle aftershave.
Aloe Vera moisturizes skin and relieves itching and swelling, so if you do find you have sensitive skin following a close shave, then this ingredient could work magic on your sore areas. Similarly, chamomile calms and relieves dry skin, and will help you achieve that handsome glow that’s bound to draw compliments.
The scent is citrusy, light and airy. It also fades over time, which would suit anyone that prefers subtle aromas over big bold statements.
The packaging is unique and eye catching. There’s something incredibly retro about the presentation, with the colors and imagery hinting at old cigar adverts from the 1950s.
On applying the watery tonic, either with a cotton ball or by splashing it straight onto the skin, there’s a noticeable and instantaneous cooling sensation that relieves any stinging or itching from shaving, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
What’s to love?
- Paraben free
- Packed with natural ingredients
- Relieves razor burn
- Alcohol free
- Light scent
What’s not to love?
- Scent doesn’t last very long
Beard Growth Oil, Sky-Shop Natural Organic Hair Growth Oil Beard Oil Enhancer Facial Nutrition Moustache Grow Beard Shaping Tool Beard Care Products Hair Loss Products (World)
This versatile product works as both an aftershave and a beard balm, so is perfect for those who are sporting a bit of a mane that requires love and upkeep. The beautifully scented product is a natural disinfectant, so will clean your face thoroughly and help to clear up any razor burn or nicks in no time at all.
A particularly appealing aspect of the Urban Nomads After Shave and Balm is its abundance of natural organic ingredients. Eucalyptus is refreshing and cleansing, with antioxidants and a cooling sensation which will ease any post-shave discomfort.
Shea butter and coconut oil not only smell amazing but create a protective barrier so that your skin is protected from the elements. They also assist in moisturizing dry skin.
Peppermint oil has also been added, which, similarly to eucalyptus, soothes sore areas, but also is proven to help stimulate hair growth and can strengthen facial hair.
Furthermore, peppermint is very odor neutralizing, so if you do have a busy lifestyle, you can at least feel confident that by the end of the day your beard won’t be whiffy.
Like many natural products, this one does not test on animals, and is completely free from artificial ingredients or parabens, making it perfect for those of you searching for an ethical, all-natural aftershave.
What’s to love?
- 100% natural, paraben free and organic
- Sourced from ethical farmers
- Fresh scent
- Long lasting
- Doubles up as a balm and aftershave
- Disinfecting and anti-bacterial
Royal Copenhagen aftershave has been around since the 1970s and is just as popular today as it ever has been. Presented in a suave, simplistic blue bottle, this classic aftershave is all about the scent.
The top notes that are instantly noticeable upon splashing a few drops of Royal Copenhagen are aldehydes, zesty lime, soothing lavender, spicy cardamom and fresh lemon. This produces quite a unique aroma, one that is both sweet and rich, as well as masculine and bold.
But it doesn’t stop there, after a few hours of wear, you’ll get hints of honey, jasmine, tobacco and vanilla, scents that are bound to draw compliments and keep you feeling confident.
This aftershave doesn’t boast about any natural ingredients and is best suited to those who have mature, non-sensitive skin. The alcohol content makes for a good antiseptic, so keeps bacteria at bay, but may not be so good if you are prone to dryness.
The primary selling point for this product is its unique and long lasting aroma, making it particularly good for business men who spend long days at the office and need to present themselves professionally all day long.
What’s to love?
- Long lasting, vibrant scent
- Antibacterial
- Neat packaging
What’s not to love?
Proraso are a long-established men’s grooming company, first established in 1948. Barbers across the nation still use proraso religiously for their high-quality products that meet the needs of bearded and shaven men everywhere.
Made in Italy, the classic Proraso after shave lotion is as good as you’d expect from such a well-known company. The use of witch hazel and menthol give both a cooling and refreshing sensation while reducing inflammation and post-shave discomfort.
The combination of botanical ingredients also works as a toner, keeping skin healthy and happy no matter how close the shave is.
Furthermore, this aftershave is suitable for all skin types, so whether you’re dry-skinned or a little bit oily, this aftershave is likely to suit your individual needs.
Proraso are well known for not adding parabens to their products so you can be sure of a more natural experience when using this aftershave.
As for the scent, it is spirited and invigorating, making it great for an early morning shave when you’re still trying to wake up.
To use this product, simply massage a small quantity into the neck and face following a morning shave and leave to air dry.
What’s to love?
- Suitable for all skin types
- Refreshing scent
- No parabens
- Barber’s favorite
- Anti-inflammatory
Stetson Original Aftershave is considered by some as being one of the most uniquely scented aftershaves on the market. With the aroma of freshly tanned leather and masculine spices, wearers of this aftershave will feel confident and sophisticated all day long.
Stetson itself has been around since 1865, making it one of the most established brands of menswear and men’s fragrances in America. Rich in history, Stenson celebrate the true American spirit, and like their products to encapsulate this at every opportunity.
Presented in a mustard yellow box and suave, modern bottle, this liquid aftershave should be applied directly after a shave in the morning. The scent is long lasting so you can be sure to be still smelling fragrant by the end of the working day.
This product does contain alcohol, which may not be suitable for sensitive skin types, but works well as an astringent for toning and keeping bacteria at bay.
What’s to love?
- Long lasting, rich scent
- Toner and Astringent
- Great packaging
What’s not to love?
- Contains alcohol
- Synthetic ingredients included
If you’re looking for an aftershave with premium, high-quality ingredients, then the Bay Rum Aftershave Splash For Men could be for you.
Designed and manufactured by the Barberry Coast Shave Co, this aftershave is a Caribbean classic, with nautical roots whereby sailors would anchor up against the Caribbean sand and make their way to the nearest barbershop for a well deserved, exotic shave.
Alcohol-free, this nurturing aftershave is made with a glycerine substitute, making it far more moisturizing and less irritating, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Other ingredients include vanilla, allspice berries, bay leaves, orange, and clove, all of which blend together to make a deliciously aromatic, rich, warming scent.
There are no artificial colors, parabens or preservatives, meaning you can rest assured your skin is receiving the very best treatment on a day to day basis.
To use this product, simply twist the lid from the sunshine yellow bottle, squeeze a small amount onto your fingertips and rub around the neck and cheek areas. The scent hits straight away, and lasts for most of the day, giving you confidence all day long.
Following its application, your skin may feel more toned and refreshed, with any shaving burns soothed by the natural, organic aftershave properties.
What’s to love?
- All natural and organic ingredients, straight from the Caribbean shores.
- Leaves skin feeling refreshed and smooth
- Long lasting, warming scent
- Alcohol free
- Good for sensitive skin
Smolder is one of the most popular scents on the Grim lines, with an array of soaps, creams, and balms all boasting this deliciously devilish aroma.
The aftershave oil is a high quality, milky product that produces the perfect conclusion to a shaving routine. Made with glycerine, the Smolder aftershave oil is alcohol-free and good for sensitive or dry skin that could use a little moisture.
The ingredients include witch hazel, which substantially reduces redness within the skin and addresses any nicks or grazes, providing almost instant relief.
Similarly, the aloe vera cools and calms angry skin and gives you that fresh, soft sensation immediately after application. While the oil is free of nasty chemicals, there is one preservative in there – Polysorbate.
This is a non-toxic, non-harmful emulsifier that is commonly used in grooming products and has been tested for safety. Therefore, if you see it listed on the bottle, don’t panic. It’s just there to solubilise the essential oils and other natural goodies found in the aftershave.
The smolder scent is one that is bound to turn heads. It has a toasty, warm base with top notes of summer citrus fruits. Not only that, but you can pair this aftershave with the smolder beard wash (if you’re a bushier bloke) or the smolder body shampoo for those other sensitive areas.
Last but not least, the smolder aftershave packaging is a work of art in itself. The bottle is reminiscent of something you’d find on a pirate ship or alongside buried treasure, while the label features the ultimate underworld dweller – The Grim Reaper.
All in all, this is a masculine, high-quality aftershave with a flavorsome aroma and a hell of a lot of attitudes.
What’s to love?
- Warm citrus scent
- Glycerine alternative
- Alcohol free
- Other products on the smolder line available
What’s not to love?
- One preservative included
Are you sick to death of red razor bumps ruining your complexion? The Shea Moisture Tea Tree After Shave for men is a highly nourishing, intensely moisturizing formula which could make those post-shaving marks disappear for good.
With coconut oil and jojoba oil, this aftershave delivers a kind touch to the dry, rough or bumpy skin. Other ingredients worth a mention are with witch hazel extract, which reduces redness and alleviates the risk of infections, as well as shea butter, a deliciously thick and creamy substance that tackles even the most problematic skin conditions.
The peppermint leaf extract provides a cooling, refreshing sensation immediately after application, and the tea tree works as an antibacterial, giving you the best chance of avoiding blackheads and spots. This diverse aftershave also contains alcohol, sodium isostearoyl lactylate and fragrance.
The texture of the Shea Moisture Tea Tree Aftershave is a slightly thickened liquid, which is easily spread over the neck and cheeks, leaving the skin feeling smooth and conditioned. If you happen to have some facial hair, such as a goatee, then you can also pair this product with the Shea Butter Beard Softener.
What’s to love?
- Shea butter, coconut oil and tea tree ingredients for softer skin.
- Witch hazel reduces skin redness
- Conditioning
- Reduces razor bumps
What’s not to love?
- Some synthetic ingredients including alcohol
- Texture slightly thicker than liquid alternatives
The Paul Sebastian Aftershave is a confident, sophisticated aftershave for men who want to stand out and be noticed.
The suave, minimalist packaging and upmarket bottle would look good in any designer bathroom, and the fragrance is ideal for a night out in the city, or an important business meeting.
The Paul Sebastian range was first introduced in the 1970s and remains a firm favorite amongst men of that era and beyond.
The signature scent is strikingly strong and masculine without being too overpowering or distracting. It boasts an invigorating blend of musk, citrus, oakmoss and floral base notes, with a hint of amber and lavender for a long lasting, refreshing aroma.
The overall fragrance is woody, slightly sweet and very potent. It therefore only takes a small amount of the Paul Sebastian aftershave to make a profound difference to the way you smell and feel.
As for the sensation, the Paul Sebastian aftershave is an excellent astringent, meaning your face will feel toned while any nicks or burns will be protected from bacteria.
Given the upmarket and sophisticated nature of this particular aftershave, it might be best appreciated as an evening product, and perhaps by a slightly more mature man.
What’s to love?
- Classic, woody scent that is long lasting.
- Excellent astringent
- Sophisticated packaging and presentation
- Perfect for mature men
What’s not to love?
- Contains alcohol and perfume
- Strong scent, might not be appreciated by some.
Sometimes, a daily shaving routine can dry out and exhaust the skin on our face. That’s why it’s important to find an aftershave that not only smells great but contains some nurturing ingredients to tackle everyday issues like razor burn, shaving bumps, and the outdoor elements.
Burt’s Bees does exactly that. Using a combination of coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, aloe vera, rosemary leaf oil and citrus oil, this aftershave works on rescuing skin that’s gotten itself into an unruly state.
The ingredients contain high levels of vitamin E, which is particularly effective at repairing damaged skin cells and enhancing the skins natural radiance.
There’s no alcohol content and no chemicals that will dry out or irritate the skin. While some natural oil based products can leave the skin feeling greasy or damp, Burts Bees Natural Skin Care For Men Aftershave won’t do that.
It’ll simply seep into the skin and leave behind nothing but a smooth, matte finish. Contained in a black, squeezable bottle, the liquid is easy to measure as to ensure none of the product is wasted or hard to reach.
To use, simply squeeze two or three small drops onto the ends of your fingers and massage into the facial skin after a shave. As for the aroma, it is sweet, nutty and understated, with a subtlety that will last all day but won’t ever seem overpowering. Therefore, it could be a good choice for a day-to-day aftershave.
What’s to love?
- Nutty, subtle scent
- Packed with vitamin E
- Moisturizing and hydrating
- Mostly natural ingredients
- Alcohol free
What’s not to love?
- Very understated scent might be too mild for some.
- Some synthetic chemicals
is a remarkably refreshing aftershave that has combined all the right ingredients to wake up the skin following a morning shave.
With aloe vera juice, shea, juniper, lavender, jasmine, and patchouli, this tonic smells like summer in the bottle and provides a long lasting, refreshing sensation when applied after a shave.
It’s worth mentioning that the combination of floral ingredients is also very good for lifting your mood in the morning, so if you’re a bit of a grump before having had your 8 am coffee, this aftershave might be perfect for you.
Supply Provision Co. design their products with quality in mind, and so this aftershave has been pressed by hand in small batches to ensure that every last drop is of the optimal standard.
It also teams well with other products in their men’s grooming range, such as their gorgeous tallow shave soap.
The aroma is sweet and subtle yet long lasting. While it may not be a show-stopper on the fragrance front, it will add a noticeable new dynamic to your overall day-to-day presentation, meaning you can feel confident from morning til night.
What’s to love?
- Subtle, sweet, summery fragrance.
- High-quality ingredients
- Natural
- Alcohol free
What’s not to love?
- Scent might be too sweet and mild for some
Aramis Aftershave for Men is the perfect punctuation mark for any gentleman who wants to turn heads and draw compliments. First formulated in 1964 as a division of Estée Lauder, this sophisticated aftershave seems to have lasted the test of time, with an aroma that sticks to the roots of alpha masculinity.
The name itself was inspired by the character Aramis from the famous story ‘The Three Musketeers’ and aims to portray his strong, charismatic energy through the grooming products themselves.
Presented in a simple, sleek bottle, Aramis can be poured onto the ends of your fingers and splashed over the skin, certain to last the whole of the working day, and well into the evening hours while enjoying some post-work cocktails.
It has a floral, spicy aroma with cinnamon base notes and hints of sandalwood and fresh leather. Needless to say, the product doesn’t appear to concern itself with cultivating all-natural ingredients, but still, delivers a top quality fragrance that’s bold and long lasting.
The aftershave works well as a toner and astringent, making sure that any cuts are sanitized enough to fight off bacteria while keeping spots and pimples at bay too. As you apply the product, you may notice a cooling sensation which tingles the skin, leaving it energized and fresh for the day.
What’s to love?
- Sophisticated aroma
- Sleek, upmarket packaging
- Good toner and astringent
- Appealing to a mature audience
What’s not to love?
- Contains alcohol
- Might be too harsh on sensitive skin
Conclusion
Choosing the right aftershave means knowing what you’re looking to achieve. You might prefer a subtle blend of natural ingredients with your skin’s happiness in mind, or you may be searching for the perfectly bold boost to your overall presentation. Given the extensive range of aftershaves on the market, there’s bound to be one that’s perfect for you.
To help you we’ve picked 3 of our favorites.
Our top pick for the best aftershave.
- Warm citrus scent
- Glycerine alternative
- Alcohol free
- Great price
- Fantastic Scent
The second place winner of the best aftershave title
- Suitable for all skin types
- Refreshing scent
- No parabens
- Barber’s favorite
- Anti-inflammatory
- Amazing price
- Awesome scent
The Bronze medal for the best aftershave goes to
- Paraben free
- Packed with natural ingredients
- Relieves razor burn
- Alcohol free
- Light scent
- Great price
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