Shaving is 50+ days of a woman's life and 85+ for a man's. More importantly, though, it utilizes extracts and oils of avocado, sunflower, and rosemary to deliver a fast, fortifying recovery to your skin. , shaving is a necessity that most men have to deal with. The secret isn't more blades and more canned goo but a single wicked edge. Marvel Boss Teases Return of Harry Styles, Zachary Levi Says Therapy Was 'Life-Saving', The Rock Shared a Look at How He Builds His Biceps, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Typically, men's and womens formulas are the same the main difference resides in the packaging and scents used. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. These splashes are available in both menthol and, , but if you've got to go alcohol-free, the menthol balm is, Made in Italy, both formulas smell great, soothes and refreshes your skin, prevents razor burn extremely well (despite the alcohol content), paraben-free, comes in a nice glass bottle, and you can choose between balms or liquid tonics. Claus Porto Musgo Real After Shave Balsam, We Researched the Best Face Washes for MenHere Are Our Top Picks, Best for Normal Skin: Enriched with vitamins, allantoin, and aloe, Anthony's post-shave cools, calms, and nourishes all skin typesbut particularly has the more sensitive types in mind. For most men, shaving is a part of life. Plus, alcohol can dry out your skin and does little to ward off irritation. Keep scrolling for our picks of the best aftershaves for men. What most guys dont know is that when it comes to oily skin, less is more. Wetshaving is how barbers used to get the ultrasmooth shave of legends. in our shaving kit guide, owing to its great soothing properties and fresh but not overbearing citrus fragrance. Obviously YMMV, as I know some who do not like the Neutrogena stuff at all. Subscribe to our newsletter. In this all-around-great aftershave, its paired with another super-cooling ingredient, cucumber extract, for additional power. (Or liked to think of himself as one.) If your skin tends to feel itchy following your daily shave, you might be in the market for some added hydration. More than anything else, choose an aftershave youll actually use. The gentle formula contains witch hazel and aloe vera for natural, skin-friendly relief from irritation and inflammation, putting it above traditional alcohol-based tonics which often have a tendency to burn and dry you out. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. Typo in the first sentence! This North American herbal extract has been a staple of organic cosmetic products for centuries, prized for its natural ability to treat skin inflammation while featuring additional anti-bacterial properties, and it still remains a hugely popular natural alternative to synthetic topical solutions and antiseptics. Lots of aftershaves have scents, which is great if you dont particularly like to wear cologne or just want that fresh feeling to stick with you once you leave the bathroom. Get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Mens Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. does more than whip up an excellent lather: Proraso offers a few different hard and soft soaps, but its two most popular are by far the menthol and sandalwood formulas. Most notably of which is irritation. Origins lotion uses a medley of 'shroomsincluding reishi, chaga, and coprinusto reduce redness and ease lines, leaving your skin looking soft and ready for the rest of your post-shave regimen. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Took your advice and picked one up; what a pain. It's not a problem for a lot of guys, but plenty of others quickly discover once they start shaving that their skin is sensitive and prone to redness, bumps, and general irritation that can sully what should be an enjoyable manly ritual. I just recently bought a tube of the Aveeno Active Naturals aftershave lotion, and I like it better. If you're at all familiar with skin care, then you're likely no stranger to witch hazel. After all, the purpose of a face toner is to clean the skin, close up pores, and soothe irritation, which is exactly what an aftershave should do, and, All-natural ingredients (with no alcohol, humectants, or parabens), witch hazel and aloe vera provide excellent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, the rose water offers a pleasant fragrance, and it's an incredible value for a large 12-ounce bottle, One axiom you'll hear a lot regarding aftershaves is to, . , as it contains some additional ingredients that give it a pleasant fragrance while making it even more suited for use as an aftershave. Clubman offers many fragrances, including some new ones that I've yet to try. before, and although it's not explicitly advertised as an "aftershave," many men have nonetheless added this great formula to their wet shaving shelf. After all, the purpose of a face toner is to clean the skin, close up pores, and soothe irritation, which is exactly what an aftershave should do, and Thayers checks all the boxes. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. , it's a great idea to try a few post-shave tonics and balms to see what you like and what feels best on your face. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. On the blog as well as this comment. Sure, you've got your lumberjack beards and your steady stubble sporters, but the shaving industry rakes in billions of dollars annually and we dont think it will shrink to zero anytime soon. Pros: Gentle alcohol-free formula that soothes and moisturizes, doesn't make your face dry or oily, and provides a pleasant and refreshing cooling sensation on the skin, Cons: The creamy formula is less ideal for guys with naturally oily skin, and the cooling sensation is somewhat mild compared to menthol-based balms like Proraso's. Quality is very cut and dry when it comes to safety razors and shaving brushes, and while there is certainly a standard when it comes to grading a particular aftershave, what you put on your face after a shave largely boils down to preference and skin type. The solution is this aftershave balm, which contains tea tree oil to help loosen up caught hairs and prevent them from turning into bumps. Get the irritation-free shaving routine and the technique to remove ingrown hairs yourself. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. The walgreens a block from my house carries clubman. This is particularly common for guys with fair complexions. Thayers is completely free of alcohol, humectants, and parabens as well, and at $9 for a big 12-ounce bottle, it's arguably the best value of all of our top picks. Our recommendations offer something for everyone, from post-shave balms that soothe sensitive skin to old-school barbershop aftershaves that'll have you smelling just like grandpa did when he was wooing grandma. Whether you're looking for "the one" or just want to pick a good first tonic to try before sampling some other, Lucky Tiger is easily the best aftershave, Comes in a generous 8-ounce bottle, contains witch hazel and aloe for excellent relief from inflammation and irritation, a gentle formula that's free of alcohol and parabens, works well with virtually all skin types, and has a pleasant fresh citrus scent that isn't overbearing. Proraso offers a few different hard and soft soaps, but its two most popular are by far the menthol and sandalwood formulas. If you're at all familiar with skin care, then you're likely no stranger to witch hazel. This balm hits all the right notes: Its alcohol-free so it wont dry out your skin, lightweight and non-greasy so it wont leave your skin shiny, and contains a healthy dose of Vitamin B5 to help strengthen and protect your skin. The Proraso balm soothes my face, prevents the Clubman from burning too much, and keeps the alcohol from drying out my skin, while the Clubman keeps the creamy balm from leaving my skin too oily (and it smells fantastic, of course). To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. The 12 Best Razors for Men to Get a Smooth, Clean Shave, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, highest concentration of vitamin E on the market, Protective mechanisms of green tea polyphenols in skin, Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells, The antimicrobial and wound healing potential of. Yet this historic Italian branddoes more than whip up an excellent lather: Proraso also offers a great lineup of post-shave tonics and balms that pair beautifully with its shaving creams and soaps. Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic, The 12 Best Natural Deodorants for Men That Actually Work, Best for Sensitive Skin: The menthol balm is great for this, but Proraso also offers liquid aftershaves that are equally as satisfying. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider If you fit the later, you need something built to do the dirty work without wreaking havoc, and that's exactly why this aftershave is the best pick. Weve mentioned the classic bump-fighting combo of tea tree oil and witch hazel before, but add lactic and salicylic acids to help exfoliate and even out a complexion shadowed by skin issues of the past, and you have a winning combo against ingrown hairs. It doesn't have the artificial scents or anything, but it is kinda pricey at ~7USD for a tube. They've recently expanded the line, including an aftershave. I have sensitive skin, which is one of the main reasons I love Proraso products especially the menthol and eucalyptus formulas, which cool my skin and feel amazing both during and after wet shaving. Its known for its superior hydration and barrier boosting benefits and has the highest concentration of vitamin E on the market right now. Keep one in your bathroom, one in your gym bag, and one in your Dopp kit for travel. If you dont have a cold towel handy, this aftershave gel is your next best option. Do you want to spend that time hating or enjoying what you are doing? Look out for ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, and aloe vera as theyll hydrate, nourish, and soothe the skin. Beat the Heat Deals - $200 off Dyson cordless vacuums, Save as much as 50% on Tnuck Sport collection at Tuckernuck, Redeem Moda Operandi coupon code to save 15% off your first Trunkshow purchase, Get 15% off for Boscov's credit card purchase with a coupon, SiriusXM coupon: pay $1 only on your first subscription, Up to 80% off select perfumes at FragranceX, 2022 Cond Nast. We namedThayers our favorite natural face toner before, and although it's not explicitly advertised as an "aftershave," many men have nonetheless added this great formula to their wet shaving shelf. Thayers is a historic 19th-century American brand that offers a number of all-natural facial tonics and skin toners, but with the additions of natural ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E that work in conjunction with the witch hazel to refresh and soothe inflamed skin. This is particularly common for guys with fair complexions. (Well, most of them.). Somewhere between an aftershave and a cologne, this double-duty product is great to use on your face even if you havent shaved. At $13, this tonic is a great value, too, and should last you a long while. Mitchell's Wool Fatis considered by many to be the gold standard of shaving soaps, and it's the best shaving soap that money can buy. The liquid tonics do contain alcohol (although users report that there is hardly any "burn" at all), but if you've got to go alcohol-free, the menthol balm is a great alternative. Shavers who struggle with this should consider ditching liquid aftershaves (especially alcohol-based formulas) and opt instead for a good creamy cooling balm like this excellent example from Nivea Men. Hate the bottle, though. Lucky Tiger was our top pick for the best aftershave in our shaving kit guide, owing to its great soothing properties and fresh but not overbearing citrus fragrance. The formula is not 100% natural, but the natural ingredients it does contain are very effective and the aftershave is completely free of alcohol and parabens. Creams, or balms, are designed to moisturize your skin and prevent or relieve irritation, so they're ideal for men with sensitive and/or dry complexions. I really like clubman pinaud as well, and my wife hates the first 5 minutes of it. That'd be that time machine thing I mentioned earlier, just tied to a less fondly remembered experience. . To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. Don't let your aftershave be an afterthought. Theres a reason youve seen Proraso products in your barbershop: theyre just plain good, or they wouldnt have been around for almost a century. The best remedy for post-shave redness is aloe, which has been used for years to calm redness and irritation in the skin (and, not for nothing, heal actual burns). Marie Veronique Louis Pierre Aftershave Tonic, The 15 Shampoos That Men Everywhere Will Love, Best Drugstore: We've picked out five of the best ones to suit a variety of preferences and skin types. , having been around since the 1920s. You can do everything right during your morning shave, but still be left with ingrown hairs or a red, tight rash hours later. J Inflamm (Lond). Experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, put a number of aftershaves to the test and evaluated their effectiveness, scent, and value. It could mean the difference between a smooth baby soft shave and a neck covered in bumps. Witch hazel is what alcohol splashes wish they could be: It neutralizes bacteria without drying out the skinso you don't get the painful burn as it works, nor any redness after the fact. Does that count? First, some history: Why, exactly, are many aftershaves made with alcohol despite the modern conventional wisdom that cautions against it? OyetakinWhite P, Tribout H, Baron E. Protective mechanisms of green tea polyphenols in skin. Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. The aftershave cream is completely alcohol-free and contains natural ingredients like chamomile, seaweed extracts, and vitamin E that help to, a very pleasant and tingly cooling sensation. We also considered top-reviewed aftershaves that had high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. That stuff has to do with another kind of skin sensitivity, but by the time you've hacked your face with a razor, the damage is done. Yet this. Our favorite of these contains additional rose water, which provides a nice fragrance while offering some additional skin-soothing effects along with the witch hazel. I admit, against all advice, I remain an avid fan of old-school aftershaves, alcohol be damned. First, some history: Why, exactly, are many aftershaves made with alcohol despite the modern conventional wisdom that cautions against it? It calms down freshly-shaved skin, but wont leave it irritated or inflamed. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. All this means both substantial and long-lasting hydration. I am reluctant to give these products a whole-hearted recommendation until the lack of product differentiation can be explained to me. No more problems with AV going everywhere. If you react to these things, especially after a nice shave, this is a good balm. Your shave doesnt stop when you put down the razor. Buy the Lucky Tiger aftershave on Amazon for $13, Buy the Nivea Men cooling aftershave balm (3-pack) on Amazon for $14.94, Buy Thayers witch hazel aftershave on Amazon for $8.79, Buy the Pinaud Clubman aftershave on Amazon for $12.99, Buy the Proraso menthol aftershave tonic on Amazon for $14, Buy the Proraso sandalwood aftershave tonic on Amazon for $14, Buy the Proraso menthol aftershave balm on Amazon for $16. Other natural ingredients that Lucky Tiger uses to cool and calm down skin include chamomile, calendula, and borage oil, which all work together to relieve inflammation and lock in moisture without leaving your face feeling greasy. Our recommendations offer something for everyone, from post-shave balms that soothe sensitive skin to old-school barbershop aftershaves that'll have you smelling just like grandpa did when he was wooing grandma. For everyday shavers (there really should be a rewards program), making sure your skin stays in tip-top shape after each go is critical. I reached out to a Dove representative for an explanation but I never received a response. Aftershaves originally contained alcohol as a sterilizing agent, as these were used by barbers as post-shave antiseptics to clean the faces of patrons and prevent infections. It's the finishing touch on a careful, irritation-free shave. It carries the brand's classic barbershop scent, too, which is a blend of vetiver, patchouli, tonka, and vanilla. Best of all, its alcohol-free so it doesnt sting or dry out your skin. 2019;2019:9148782. doi:10.1155/2019/9148782, 8 Derm-Approved Tips for Soothing and Preventing Ingrown Hairs, How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps, According to Skincare Experts, These Shaving Creams for Men Guarantee Smooth and Soothing Results, Bevel Has Created the Grooming Solutions People of Color Deserve, The 13 Best Acne-Fighting Face Washes for Men, How to Get Rid of "Strawberry Legs," According to Derms, We Researched the Best Face WashesThese Are Our Favorites, The 14 Best Face Scrubs for Instantly Glowing Skin, 11 Natural Foundations for Complexion Perfection, The 16 Best Deodorants on the Market, According to Team Byrdie, 12 Natural Deodorants for Men That Curb Odor Without Fail, 14 Dermatologist-Recommended Toners for Sensitive Skin, PSA: Whole Foods Beauty Products Are Secretly Amazing, The 16 Best Ingrown Hair Treatments for Buttery-Smooth Skin. Read our, Marie Veronique Louis Pierre Aftershave Tonic at Credo Beauty, Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel at Amazon, Dr. Carvers Post Shave Cream at Dollarshaveclub.com, Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic at Amazon, SheaMoisture Elixir After Shave at Amazon, Caswell-Massey Number Six After Shave at Amazon, Best Overall: This is due to its all-natural ingredients and its undeniable effectiveness. You can still use aftershaves even if youre not a fan of lotions or creams. If its just sitting in your medicine cabinet, its not going to do your skin any good. Shaving can dry out the skin and cause it to feel itchy and irritated, so the proper aftershave can really help soothe the skin. If it's a drugstore one, I used the L'Oreal aftershave balm with SPF 15. My "bog standard" recommendation for a widely-available, commercial aftershave balm is Nivea For Men Sensitive. If I'm buying from the local drug store then it is only Nivea Sensitive. Rich in botanical extracts like willow bark and aloe vera, this aftershave formula instantly soothes razor burn and prevents razor bumps. After I'm finished, the last thing I do is apply a splash of, , including some new ones that I've yet to try. Liquid aftershave tonics are typically made to tone skin and close up pores and are a good choice for guys with naturally oily skin. The basic purpose of your aftershave is three-fold: To soothe your skin and ward off irritation after dragging a sharp razor across your face, to kill bacteria and prevent infections if you nicked yourself while shaving, and to make you smell nice all without leaving your skin dry or oily. I have found the Neutrogena Triple Protect Face Lotion for Men to work well for me. These Portuguese heavy hitters make some of the best products for every step of the shave. I have used four of these, however: The original formula, a masculine barbershop aroma with background floral and citrus notes; Special Reserve, a warm, musky scent that's perfect for fall and winter; Musk, which strikes a balance between the original and Special Reserve; and Bay Rum, which, to my nose, smells like clove. Here's what I do to solve this: After shaving, I apply, . If you dig the old-school vibe, there's few better drugstore buys. It works great and the scent is really light and short lasting so doesn't take away from any other scents you want to wear that day. No alcohol or dyes, they don't go overboard with weird chemical additives, and it goes on easily. We may earn a commission through links on our site. My all-time favorite is. It's not a problem for a lot of guys, but plenty of others quickly discover once they start shaving that their skin is sensitive and prone to redness, bumps, and general irritation that can sully what should be an enjoyable manly ritual. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. It's a good value, too, at $16 for a three-pack of 3.5-ounce bottles. I swear if I breathe in right after applying, my lungs "taste" licorice. As for where to start in your aftershave journey, this list will help youno matter what kind of skin or budget you have. The aftershave cream is completely alcohol-free and contains natural ingredients like chamomile, seaweed extracts, and vitamin E that help to soothe and moisturize skin. The answer is found in the barbershops of old. Men's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This luxurious lotion is fresh and botanical, but not overpoweringand best of all, the lotion still soothes and calms your skin after shaving. The first ingredient listed on the label isnt the all-familiar water, but instead a green tea leaf infusion, which is soothing and loaded with beneficial skin-saving antioxidants. After I'm finished, the last thing I do is apply a splash of Clubman. Then I clean up my shaving gear and put everything away, giving the balm a few minutes to soothe and cool my face. This thin balm isnt heavy or sticky and leaves your skin feeling cool, calmed and fresh. If youre looking for a luxury brand at a bargain price, Proraso is the way to go. Of course, any good aftershave, whether a balm or tonic, will do all of this to some degree, but which kind you want comes down to your preferences and how your skin behaves. The format of an aftershavebalm, lotion, splashis more of a personal preference. This cult-favorite splash (hailing from the Mexican department store Sanborns) is so overwhelmingly invigorating you'll want to splash it on after every shower. I can't stress how much having a sunscreen is almost essential at this point. Luckily this combines both, although it is a bit on the expensive side. A lousy soap makes for a lousy shave, so choosing the right one is just as important as selecting a quality razor. Leave it to Le Labo to deliver a refreshing post shave, with notes of bergamot, lavender, violet, and tonka. The subtle scent helps reinforce that oh-so-important fresh feeling. If your skin is prone to dryness, steer towards heavier, creamier aftershaves that deliver a bit more moisture to stressed post-shave skin. , and while there is certainly a standard when it comes to grading a particular aftershave, what you put on your face after a shave largely boils down to preference and skin type. Marlowe's post-shave lotion utilizes willow bark and algae extract to soothe irritation, plus passionflower and green tea extract to help repair skin and boost defense against toxins. as a sterilizing agent, as these were used by barbers as post-shave antiseptics to clean the faces of patrons and prevent infections. Susanne Kaufmann's balm incorporates marigold extract to stimulate cell regenerationscience!and expedite the recovery process. Menthol and glycerin cool and soothe but the heavy hitters in this splash are the crisp, citrusy notes of bergamot, rosemary, and narcissus, that when blended with Caswell-Masseys 27 secret aromatics, create a uniquely bright barbershop aroma that stays with you all day. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. It's no surprise then that old-school aftershaves contain alcohol, although non-alcoholic formulas have become increasingly popular. It's also noticeably more "punchy" than the Nivea Men cooling balm. When it comes to razor burn and post-shave irritation, one of the most important things you can do is cool your skin down immediately after shaving. Aftershaves are designed to help your skin recover from shaving and avoid those annoying issues that can pop up later. Put your finger over the hole for the Aqua Velva and control how much comes out. Old Spice, Brut, Tabac, Clubman, Proraso, etc. My dad had a bottle of skin bracer in the medicine cabinet when I was a kid, and that smell is like stepping into a time machine for me. Although witch hazel is cheap and undeniably effective, it doesn't smell particularly nice. All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. I really like the nivea too. Creams, or balms, are designed to moisturize your skin and prevent or relieve irritation, so they're ideal for men with sensitive and/or dry complexions. Nice clean scent and it absorbed into my skin easily, and was non greasy. There are two versions, "Sensitive" and "Hydrate"--however the ingredients listed on both product's packaging (and on the Dove website) are exactly the same. You can't beat a classic, and the British-madeEdwin Jagger DE8 safety razor is our favorite thanks to its excellent construction, great fit and finish, and timeless design that looks as good on your shelf as it feels in your hand. For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top grooming products for men.