Whether you have spent countless months growing the perfect, bushy beard or you are simply shaving what has grown in the last few days, shaving is no small matter. You need to keep in mind that shaving is never simply shaving.
If you want to be sure that you have a comfortable post shave face, I would recommend looking into an after shave balm to use. Now, there are a lot of after shave balms out there, but the key is finding the one that is best for you.
Now, when it comes to choosing a balm, there are many options to consider.
Choosing the right aftershave
- The controversy surrounding aftershave in general:
It’s not uncommon to hear of a man who doesn’t use any type of aftershave, balm or otherwise. While it’s every person’s choice as to whether or not they want to use some type of aftershave, it really is best to use it.
One of the biggest reasons people believe that aftershave is no beneficial and that they shouldn’t use it is because of the burning sensation they receive from the alcohol in the products. Though the burning sensation is never enjoyable and it turns many away from using it, the benefits that come after the burning are far better than not using any aftershave at all.
- Aftershave lotion VS aftershave balm:
Now, if you are of the opinion that maybe you should use a lotion rather than a balm, you might consider something else. Lotions typically have the alcohol in them that I mentioned above, thus causing the burning sensation. However, the balms don’t tend to have any alcohol in them which means they won’t burn when applied
The benefits of after shave balm:
You might be thinking that spending your money on a balm for when you are done shaving is simply a waste of money. I mean, is there really any benefit to using the balm? You might be surprised to learn that using a balm after shaving is actually very beneficial for helping to soothe your just shaved skin which has a tendency to get irritated.
It also adds moisture to the skin and revitalizes it. Overall, it will help keep your skin very healthy. If you are not completely convinced, check out this short video that explains why it is the best choice and how to apply it once you have finished shaving.
- How to choose the right balm:
If you have decided to use after shave balm, I would highly recommend doing extensive research on the different types that are on the market. Not every balm has the same ingredients and not every balm has the same level of quality. Don’t let your search be influenced by the price either. You want a balm that will work well and actually be worth your money, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more money on one that will actually do what it’s supposed to do.
Like I said above, not every balm will be the same, so be aware of what you are wanting in a balm before you buy. There are a lot of great brands out there, but they won’t all be great for everyone. Research the ‘type’ of benefits you want from your after shave balm. Some might have sensitive skin, so they need a balm that won’t irritate their skin. Others might want one that has anti-bacterial benefits. It all depends on your need. Check out this link for a few different types of balm.
Products we reviewed for the best aftershave balm
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Amazon.com
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Products to consider
When it comes to choosing your specific product there are more aftershave balms than you can imagine. Below I have made a list of 13 top quality aftershave balms to consider.
Taylor of Old Bond Street Aftershave Balm, 2.5-Ounce
Free shipping
This brand helps close your pores quickly while giving a soothing after affect with no burning sensation.
Pros We Like
- Penetrates your skin quite well and leaves no residue behind.
- Beneficial toward razor burn.
- It has a pleasant scent.
- It does not irritate sensitive skin.
- Does not leave you feeling too greasy.
- Gives your face a refreshed feeling.
- The balm lasts a long time.
- Does a great job of moisturizing the skin.
Cons We Dont Like
- The scent only makes it through half of the day.
- It’s a little expensive.
- It’s quite liquidy so can be difficult to handle.
- It may cause some irritation to those with sensitive skin.
L'Occitane Soothing Cade After Shave Balm for Men with Shea Butter, 2.5 Fl Oz
Free shipping
Pros We Like
- Leaves your face feeling nice and smooth.
- It has a pleasant scent.
- The scent is not overwhelming.
- The balm lasts a long time.
- Helps relieve the burn caused by shaving.
- Helps to moisturize skin.
Cons We Dont Like
- Not the best product for anyone with super sensitive skin.
- The scent does not last as long as preferred.
- Some claim that it requires a lot of product each use in order to be effective.
- It’s quite expensive.
- Leaves a gooey residue on your face.
- Doesn’t handle irritation as well as other products.
Aramis Advanced Moisturizing After Shave Balm For Men 4.10 oz
Free shipping
A casual wear brand, this aftershave balm is known to be high quality balm because they claim it is made from materials that are high quality. It contains many rich spices and oils that create a pleasant scent and experience.
Pros We Like
- A little bit of balm goes a long way.
- It leaves the skin feeling soft and healthy.
- The balm isn’t too pricey.
- Helps soothe your skin after shaving.
Cons We Dont Like
- The scent may be a bit too strong.
Proraso After Shave Balm, Protective and Moisturizing, 3.4 Fl Oz
Free shipping
Pros We Like
- A little bit of product goes a long way.
- It works well with sensitive skin.
- Does well with benefiting and moisturizing irritated skin after shaving.
- Your skin isn’t left feeling greasy.
- Has a nice, manly scent.
- Doesn’t sting upon application.
- Helps stop breakouts caused by shaving.
Cons We Dont Like
- The bottle (since it doesn’t have a pump) makes getting the balm out a bit challenging.
- There can be issues with consistency.
- The scent doesn’t last very long.
- A bit on the pricey side.
Baxter of California Men's After Shave Balm for Men | Cooling Sensation | 4 fl. Oz
$14.00 in stock
Free shipping
This brand of aftershave balm contains no alcohol and leaves your skin feeling cool and nourished. It helps protect from any post shave irritation or dryness.
Pros We Like
- Hydrates your skin without leaving it feeling greasy.
- Works with those with sensitive skin.
- Leaves your skin feeling cool and revitalized.
- The product last a long time.
- Heals shaving cuts and irritation nicely.
Cons We Dont Like
- Some issues with consistency.
- A bit pricey for the amount that you receive.
- There some issues with the scent.
- Doesn’t work well with oily skin.
- Occasional issues with not moisturizing as much as it advertises.
Natural Lavender Aftershave Balm with Aromatherapy Grade Lavender, by Gilbert Henry. Paraben-Free and No Synthetics. Non-Greasy, Ultra Soothing Formula. Made in The U.S.A. 4 fl oz.
This modern brand of aftershave balm is beneficial for any type of burn, irritation, or redness caused by shaving. The scent is sophisticated and unique.
Pros We Like
- Has a pleasant fragrance.
- Leaves your skin feeling refreshed.
- Doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy.
- Does not have a burning sensation when applied.
- Helps soothe your skin after shaving.
- Works well with sensitive skin.
- Speeds up the healing process of rashes, nicks, etc.
- A little bit of balm goes a long way.
Cons We Dont Like
- Some find the scent to be overpowering.
Bath & Body Works C.O. Bigelow No.1401 Bay Rum After-Shave Balm 3.4 fl oz/100ml
This quality product contains a pleasant mixture of oils to give a nice warm scent and a combination of ingredients that give your skin a calm cool feeling.
Pros We Like
- Has a wonderful scent.
- Helps stop breakouts caused by shaving.
Cons We Dont Like
- It is a bit on the pricey side.
Soap Commander Aftershave Balm with Menthol (Integrity - Unscented)
This brand contains Shea butter, oils known for nourishing, and a little bit of menthol. They also pack a powerful, but pleasant, punch of scents including bits of pineapple, water lily, peppermint, honeydew, black currant, and citrus.
Pros We Like
- It doesn’t make your face feel greasy.
- The scent, though pleasant, does not overwhelm you in a negative way.
- The cooling sensation created by the menthol is quite pleasant.
- The balm causes fewer break outs after shaving.
- Your skin is left feeling refreshed.
- The ingredients they use are all natural.
- You don’t need to use as much balm per use compared to other balms, thus making the tube last longer.
Cons We Dont Like
- It applies to your face a little drier than other balms.
- The quantity is smaller than might be preferred.
- The scent doesn’t last as long as it is advertised.
Truefitt & Hill Aftershave Balm- 1805 (3.38oz)
Free shipping
This brand helps your skin feel soothed and refreshed. It is classic and lively while also leaving your skin refreshed.
Pros We Like
- It works well with sensitive skin.
- Has a pleasant scent that is not overpowering.
- Does not irritate your skin.
Cons We Dont Like
- It is a bit on the expensive side.
Calvin Klein OBSESSION for Men After Shave Balm, 5 Fl Oz
Free shipping
You are quite likely familiar the brand called Calvin Klein. Their version of aftershave balm contains a blend of rare woods and botanics that create a pleasant aroma.
Pros We Like
- The balm has a pleasant citrus aroma.
- There is no burning feeling when it is applied.
- Caters well to the users with sensitive skin.
- It helps to soften you skin.
- The bottle lasts a long time.
- The fragrance does not fade quickly.
- It has a pleasant but subtle fragrance.
- It is not as messy as the splash on aftershave products.
- It is very beneficial for helping the irritation of razor burn.
- It only requires small dab of the balm to be effective.
Cons We Dont Like
- It is a bit pricier than other balms.
- There are occasional packing and shipping issues.
Caswell-Massey Eucalyptus After Shave Balm – Soothing Aftershave With Jojoba And Shea, Made In USA, 4 Ounces
This brand of balm is free of sufate, phthalate, and paraben. It is also not tested on animals. It contains ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil and they use scents like grape seed, chamomile, and eucalyptus.
Pros We Like
- The scent is not too powerful.
- Quickly heals any burn caused by shaving.
- It is very soothing.
- Scent of eucalyptus opens up your sinuses.
- Hydrates your face and neck.
Cons We Dont Like
- The absorption isn’t very quick.
- Can become greasy if not used moderately.
Aftershave Lotion For Men - (5oz) Mens Anti-Aging Post Shave Moisturizer With Vitamin E - Unscented After Shave Lotion With Cooling Menthol - Prevent & Heal Razor Burn and Dry Skin With Moisturizing S
The brand of aftershave balm is packed with the antioxidant Vitamin E which helps to heal any cuts and burns much faster. Vitamin E also helps slow the aging of the skin. It also contains Shea butter which helps the healing process as well.
Pros We Like
- It is not considered greasy when applied.
- It absorbs into the skin well.
- It is great for eliminating razor burn.
- The ingredients soothe the skin well.
- The lack of fragrance is great because it doesn’t interfere with your choice of cologne.
- It helps moisturize your skin.
- Having the product in the jar ensures that you can use all of the product (as opposed to a tube).
- Works well with sensitive skin.
Cons We Dont Like
- Consistency is too liquidy.
- Because of the lack of thickness, it can be easy to be wasteful with the product.
Health & Beauty Dead Sea Minerals After Shave Balm for Men 150ml
An Israeli made aftershave balm, it is known for helping to cure any irritation or redness caused by shaving.
Pros We Like
- Product lasts for a long time.
- Works well with sensitive skin.
- Doesn’t leave skin oily.
- A little bit of balm goes a long way.
- Handles irritations caused by shaving with ease.
- Product has a pleasant scent.
Cons We Dont Like
- There are occasional shipping problems.
- Low price, but the quality isn’t as great as the higher priced products.
Conclusion and our Top Picks for The Best Aftershave Balms
All of the above aftershave balms are very high quality products, but one has to come out on top. The best kind of aftershave balm has a good consistency, works well with any type of skin (especially sensitive skin), help treat irritations after shaving, have an affordable cost, and helps your skin feel healthier and moisturized.
#1
- long lasting
- great scent
- no burning sensation
- softens skin
- fantastic for sensitive skin
#2
- Reduces razor burn
- pleasant scent
- long lasting, great for sensitive skin
#3
- great for sensitive skin.
Of the above choices, I would have to say that Calvin Klein’s OBSESSION is my number one choice. When you look at the plethora of benefits it provides, it’s a bit of a no brainer, to me at least. Though the price is a bit higher than some of the others, the cost is well worth what you’ll be getting. All in all, the higher cost is really only a minute negative in comparison to some of the other negatives you could be dealing with.
When compared to the other products, it has far fewer issues and what issues it does have are far less of an issue. It is not known for having any issues with consistency, the scent is not known to fade quicker than advertised, and the balm last a nice length of time, a nice plus considering it is a little more expensive.
However, if you just simply aren’t convinced, I am happy to let you know what my second and third choices are.
If I had to choose what I believe to be the runner up to Calvin Klein’s OBSESSION, I would probably say it is Taylor of Old Bond Street. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it has four cons listed. If you look closely, the cons are minor details while the pros cover almost everything you would want in a balm.
Compared to some of the other balms, it has far more benefits and, if the price is what stopping you from purchasing Calvin Klein’s balm, you’ll be happy to see that it cost less. The Old Bond Street balm is clearly a great second choice.
But, if you still aren’t convinced, my third choice would probably be the Health and Beauty Dead Sea aftershave balm. Both are slightly less quality compared to my top two choices, but they cost less and you are still getting a quality balm that will do the job well, you just happen to be paying less money. This might be the best choice for you if you aren’t willing to spend a lot of money for your after shave treatment.
Whether you choose one of my top recommendations, a different one from the list, or one that didn’t even make it onto my list, I will always encourage anyone who is shaving to treat their face with care by implementing the use of aftershave in their routine.
Let me know what you think in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you. And, of course, feel free to share this article with anyone and everyone!
Happy shaving!
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