Aftershave vs Cologne vs EDT?

[parapaul]

This may sound like a very silly question, but what the heck

Since I started shaving I've used EDT fragrances in bottles with atomisers, and only today for the first time used a 'proper' AS (TOBS Victorian Lime sample). I was surprised at just how strong the scent was, and how long it lasted compared to the sprays I normally use.

My regular scents (Boss, Diesel, JPG etc) aren't available in liquid AS form, so that's a no-go. If this sample is anything to go by (and I have a couple of DR Harris samples to try too), the scent is way too strong to even bother applying an EDT spray - the EDT would just be overpowered.

So, I guess my question is: What does everyone else do? Do you use your AS as your only fragrance?

 

[cb91710]

Aftershave after shaving before bed.
EDC or EDP in the morning before work.

Back to your TOBS... I am surprised you're getting that kind of staying power from it.
Normally lime/citrus frags are pretty fleeting. Good for summer where the warm weather helps it to project a bit longer, but they typically do not last long.
GFT Limes cologne (longer lasting than aftershave) has the half-life of antimatter. It's gone in 15 minutes.

 

[Warpiper]

After many years of shaving I finally figured out the same question. Basicly, aftershave is used to prevent skin irritation and help tone the skin and close the pores. Depending on the type you use it may have anti microbial or astringent properties. Aftershaves come as a splash (liquid), a balm (more of a cream), and a gel. The scents of aftershave usually don't last long (minutes to maybe an hour or so) thats why folks will use cologne to have the scent last longer.

Now based on my understanding the difference between the colognes has to do with the concentration of the scent/perfume oils used in them. The higher the concentrate, the longer the scent lasts and the less you have to use. Here are some numbers I found for concentrate levels.

After Shave 1-3%
Body Splash/Spray 1-4%
Eau de Cologne 2-5%
Eau de Toilette 4-8%
Eau de Parfum 7-15%
Perfume 15-40%

I used to use my after shave as my only fragrance but now that I know the difference I've been playing with new aftershaves and colognes. I used to be an Old Spice fan and that is the scent my family relates to me but after several years away from OS (trying to burn through all the other scents given to me for Christmas over the years) I tried to go back to OS but it just doesn't seem to be the same scent. So, now I'm looking for a new scent. Right now I apply any of my AS, including witch hazel to my face after I shave and then I apply one of the colognes I have to my chest and stomach area (read somewhere thats where cologne should go because the body heat will help release the scents more).

Well, I hope that helps. The one thing I noticed is that you can mix and match the scents and because AS doesn't last that long, you won't have to worry about the scent from the AS and Cologne clashing all day.

 

[michiganlover]

Aftershave by design is weaker than Cologne, which is weaker than an EDT. There are a few aftershaves with staying power, but most are fleeting, and gone within 15min to an hour. The scent is secondary to it's healing properties after a shave.

There are some notable exceptions with Clubman lasting throughout the day for example.

You wouldn't want to spray or splash a cologne or EDT directly onto your face as it would burn badly, and likely be quite irritating.

 

[Niles]

Most of my aftershaves last an hour or two at most. So I don't worry about scents clashing when I wear an edc or edt. The only possible exception is Pinaud Clubman, which is the strongest aftershave I have used.

 

[Luc]

This should help: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Aftershave_vs_Cologne

 

[Warpiper]

+1 on the Clubman.

 

[Howie]

There are some notable exceptions with Clubman lasting throughout the day for example.

Not for me. So far I've tried original Clubman and just very recently Bay Rum. I really do like the scents and wish they would last longer then 1 hour....

 

[smoothie72]

I have about 40 AS and there are a few I would not consider wearing cologne or perfume after applying.
Example: Pashana, Pinaud Clubman, Pinaud Special Reserve, Alt Insbruck, Musgo Real.
However most AS do not last long. So most AS scents are barely detectable when I apply edt.
I have also had success with using linear AS and pairing with a fragrance. A sandalwood AS with a edt that has sandalwood notes.
A lavender AS with edt that has lavender notes.
Saint Charles Shave has fantastic AS that are one note scents. This summer I have been using SCS Coconut with alot of fresh aquatic frags and it seems to work well.
Also if you learn some of the main scent notes in your fragrances it makes pairing aftershaves easier.
Lavender and sandalwood are pretty usual suspects in alot of perfumes so these two pair nicely with alot of fragrances.

 

[Jack-in-the-Green]

I find that how long an AS lasts is in inverse proportion to how much you enjoy the scent. :-/

 

[parapaul]

Thanks for all the replies

I was also under the impression that AS scents didn't last for long, so I tried the TOBS Lime again the next day and sure enough, it seemed to fade much quicker. I'm wearing DR Harris Windsor today, and it's still going strong (to my nose at least) 7 hours after applying. Good job I like it!