Believe it or not, Aftershave is not as straightforward as it would sound. What kind should you use? When should you use it? What does it do? I will answer these questions for you and maybe a little extra in this new blog post. Aftershave lotions, balms, tonics and toners are all slightly different but in the same family. We will demystify them for you here.

What kind of Aftershave is best for me?

The short answer is, it depends on your skin and your preference. If you have inherently dry skin, you may want to stay away from high alcohol content aftershaves and use something a little more moisturizing like a cream, lotion or balm. With our Whiskey based Aftershave tonic we have a low alcohol content so you can reap the benefits of the antibacterial properties of the alcohol without suffering too much of a burn. There are those people who enjoy the burn of an alcohol based aftershave. I always like to follow up an alcohol based tonic with a moisturizing lotion. A moisturizer is a great guard against dry skin whether you shave or not. Just a small dot in your hands and applied to the face and you are good to go, especially in the cold winter months when your skin is prone to wind burn and chapping. Choosing the best scent for you is also important, though an aftershave, as opposed to cologne, should dissipate rather quickly, although some may linger.

When should I apply aftershave?

After you shave, obviously! But you can also apply it whenever you need a refreshing feeling, or right after you wash your face, or if you prefer stronger scented aftershaves and don’t like to wear cologne, you can wear your aftershave out for a night on the town. Many cream and lotion aftershaves make great every day moisturizers as well.

Do I need to use aftershave?

Well, you don’t have to use it, but it helps to keep your skin evenly toned, helps to close your pores (although a splash of cold water will also help with that), is a powerful antiseptic in case of any bacteria on your razor, and it feels great and smells better.

Wow, that’s much simpler than I thought!

Everyone’s face is different, don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and use them in a way that works for you. And if you have any questions you can always shoot me an email at Stefan@theholyblack.com!