How Essential Is Aftershave?

[amspratt]

I'm still kind of new to this whole scene. How important would you say the aftershave is relative to the rest of the shaving process? Is it crucial, or something you could skip in a pinch? What exactly does it accomplish?

[luvmysuper]

This is a REALLY big YMMV thing.

I'll give you my perspective, and I'm not saying it's the only way.

I like an alcohol after shave because;
1. It's what I grew up with shaving, and I just don't feel like I'm done till I get the after shave sting.
2. I believe that the alcohol evaporation helps to close the pores.
3. I believe that the alcohol helps to prevent potential infection from micro cuts and nicks.

Many folks swear by a balm instead of an alcohol based AS, and it seems to be preferred by folks who don't have oily skin.

Witch Hazel is a suitable after shave, it contains alcohol and also acts as a mild anesthetic to soothe the skin. You could stop right there, but I like having the scent of a good aftershave to wrap up the process.

It certainly is not a "must do" thing, but I can't see how you would feel you were done without it.

Use it if you like, or don't - it's all your call.

[Will P.C.]

Im in the younger generation and prefer to use aftershaves that aren't just alcohol and fragrance (ex Old Spice, Pinaud, Aqua Velva)

I do like Loccitane Splash, but it has other goodies in it for your skin.

To me, my shave is not complete until I use either Witch Hazel, balm, or Splash that contains a low amount of alcohol. It usually depends on how well the shave went, the weather, and mood as to what product I use.

In the end its your decision, but I would encourage you to try different products

[Alacrity59]

For me it is not at all necessary. I hardly used anything for 23 years. Since returning to DE shaving I've been using some of the aftershaves that have been around for decades. The likes of Aqua Velva, Old Spice, Lilac Vegital, Booster, Proraso. I love that hit of "wake the heck up" in the morning. I've not been a big fan of balms over the years. Mostly they are too gooey for my tastes. I've liked a couple.

[amspratt]

Are there any good products that everyone should take for a spin, just for the experience?

[Uncle Erik]

Are there any good products that everyone should take for a spin, just for the experience?

If you haven't tried witch hazel, go get a bottle for $2 or $3 at the local pharmacy. There are more expensive ones, but they all work the same for me.

I always use witch hazel to sterilize any mistakes and to close the pores. While I wasn't crazy about the smell of witch hazel at first, it has grown on me over the years. Once it dries, I follow with Alt-Innsbruck ASB.

[Hank21]

Witch-hazel ($2) is good to have around the house anyway and Superior 70 Bay Rum ($2) feels good and smells nice too.

[Drubbing]

This is a REALLY big YMMV thing.

I'll give you my perspective, and I'm not saying it's the only way.

I like an alcohol after shave because;
1. It's what I grew up with shaving, and I just don't feel like I'm done till I get the after shave sting.
2. I believe that the alcohol evaporation helps to close the pores.
3. I believe that the alcohol helps to prevent potential infection from micro cuts and nicks.

Many folks swear by a balm instead of an alcohol based AS, and it seems to be preferred by folks who don't have oily skin.

Witch Hazel is a suitable after shave, it contains alcohol and also acts as a mild anesthetic to soothe the skin. You could stop right there, but I like having the scent of a good aftershave to wrap up the process.

Same here, except I gave up on AS 20 years ago only to come back when I came across products that weren't just alc and frag.

THe lack of after sting tell me how well I did.

[luvmysuper]

Are there any good products that everyone should take for a spin, just for the experience?

The old inexpensive stand-bys such as;

Aqua Velva
Old Spice clone from Vi John
Anything from Pinaud, but especially Lilac Vegetal!!!

[Drubbing]

Proraso
Speick
Musgo

[Seraphim]

How essential is aftershave?


Let me put it this way:


How important is frosting on a cake?


The cherry on top of a hot fudge sundae?


Sure, either would be yummy in its own right, but come on, you've got to put on the finishing touch!

[HoratioCaine]

Are there any good products that everyone should take for a spin, just for the experience?

If you really want to feel pampered, try splashing on some Santa Maria Novella aftershave in the scent of your choice. The price is silly, but I haven't found another that comes within hailing distance. Believe me, I've tried.

[DSB]

How essential is aftershave?


Let me put it this way:


How important is frosting on a cake?


The cherry on top of a hot fudge sundae?


Sure, either would be yummy in its own right, but come on, you've got to put on the finishing touch!

I cannot improve upon this answer.

[funkyb]

Nothing is essential in this business unless you decide it is for you, but that said, I wouldn't ever want to shave without my beloved AS closing. Seals the deal and is one of my favorite parts of the ritual.

[ramblin-wreck]

I'm not sure that I would consider it "essential" but I completely agree with luvmysuper when he states that he doesn't consider the shave complete without the alcohol sting. I have to also add that I love the smell of all my various aftershaves and splash them on if for no other reason than to smell good!

[amspratt]

I must admit, I'm tempted by Mandom, though I think the reasons for this are completely unrelated to shaving.

[HoratioCaine]

I must admit, I'm tempted by Mandom, though I think the reasons for this are completely unrelated to shaving.

With a name like Mandom, who wouldn't be tempted, at least a little bit?

[coolbluewater]

If you really want to feel pampered, try splashing on some Santa Maria Novella aftershave in the scent of your choice. The price is silly, but I haven't found another that comes within hailing distance. Believe me, I've tried.

Interesting to say the least, but I've yet to try it. Out of curiosity, what do you think of Provence Sante green tea aftershave? I picked some up a few weeks back and as far as its skincare properties go, it's the best I've tried so far. That being said, I haven't tried too many.

[HoratioCaine]

Interesting to say the least, but I've yet to try it. Out of curiosity, what do you think of Provence Sante green tea aftershave? I picked some up a few weeks back and as far as its skincare properties go, it's the best I've tried so far. That being said, I haven't tried too many.

I smelled it in a store and wasn't too keen on the scent, so I didn't get it. When I tested a little on the back of my hand, it felt a bit tacky to me. I find most alcohol-free splashes (which I think Provence Sante is, if memory serves) to have this problem; they are skin "friendly," but I don't like their finish, if that makes sense. That's my take, at least.

[kg4ghn]

I shave at night, usually right before bed. So the only time I use aftershave is if I have a rough shave I will use a little Nivea Cooling ASB.

Usually just a cold water splash to close the pores and to help wipe off any excess lather does it for me.