This page is intended to be part of the Interactive Guide to Aftershaves. It is not intended to review a product or endorse it. This page should inform you on the aftershaves world.

This page will explain what an aftershave is, why someone should use it and when. You will need to pick an aftershave, of course, to proceed with this guide. Which aftershave is good for you varies according to your skin type and what you like. If it was as easy as knowing X aftershave is the very best for everyone, well, we would all use the same. When you get on your Aftershave journey, take some notes, see what's available locally, ask for recommendations[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6].

There are 3 different type of aftershaves that are known at the moment:

• Splash (often with Alcohol but not always)[7]
• Balm (Cream type of aftershave, often without alcohol but not always)[8]
• Gel[9]

The alcohol debate if it's good or bad for your skin will be covered in a different article but you could consult the reference note[10] [11] [12] [13]. Regardless of the form or type of aftershave that you use, you can get various results[14] [15] [16]. An aftershave closes the shaving ritual. The main purpose of the aftershave is to prevent skin irritation. It will help keeping a healthy appearance. It will tone, moisturize and soothe your skin.

The scent of an Aftershave isn't really strong usually, it can last from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the product. If you require something that will last all day, a fragrance should be considered.

The product will also leave a certain feeling to your skin. It could be a dryness or greasyness type of feeling. You could experience the "normal" skin feeling too. This depends on your skin vs. the product. The product can sometimes sting when you apply it, some users like that, some don't.

That question isn't an easy one[17]. Most wetshavers use an aftershave and cannot live without it[18]. Some don't use anything and do not have any issues[19] [20]. Some use water only and they are fine. The bottom line is, you could use an aftershave for his principal intention which is to reduce any kind of irritation post-shave. You could use the aftershave for the scent or simply because you like the effects.

An aftershave isn't an obligation when you shave. It can help you or it can make thing worse if it's not the right one for you. It can also not change anything (you could still get irritation). Should you try it? Probably so you can judge by yourself.

The aftershave is used after a shave (where the name is from: after shave). So, you should normally use the aftershave at the very end of your shave when you are done shaving, there's no more passes to do.

The way to use an aftershave is the same for any product. This is to give you an idea, not everyone applies aftershave in this way but generally, this is how it goes:

1. Make sure that you clean your face (the shaved area) and remove any lather[21].
2. You could pat dry (do not rub) with a dry towel but this is optional.
3. Pour a small quantity in the palm of your hand (a few drops, a few milliliters) - You could add a bit of water (2-3 drops) to the aftershave if the sting effect is too strong, some prefer to cut the aftershave with another product, it depends what works for you.
4. Apply the aftershave by either patting the product on to your face or rubbing it for a few seconds and that's it. No need to rinse after, your skin will absorb it.

This is a recurring question when someone uses more than one product after the shave[22] [23]. Some use a combination of a Aftershave Splash and Balm[24] [25], others with use either products with Witch Hazel[26] and others uses all three products[27]. Be aware that there are no specific rules or order on how to use the aftershaves products. They could be mix together if desired, applied one at the time in an order that you decided or use one, two or three of them. Normally, a single product is enough but you could use more than one. Some aftershaves contain Witch Hazel already, verify the ingredients.

Following this, if you want a specific fragrance, you would apply a cologne.

• Interactive Guide to Aftershaves
• Aftershave Compendium

1. ^B&B Aftershave Reviews
2. ^What's a good aftershave for under $10?
3. ^Best Aftershaves discovery / New items to try
4. ^What's the most classic aftershaves?
5. ^Need After Shave suggestions.
6. ^Aftershave buying advice for a newbie
7. ^Benefits of an Aftershave Splash
8. ^Recommend a good to great alcohol free after shave?
9. ^Difference between aftershave balm and gel?
10. ^Alcohol in aftershave
11. ^The lowdown on Aftershaves w/ Alcohol??
12. ^Why no alcohol WRT aftershave?
13. ^What's wrong with alcohol-based aftershaves?
14. ^Understanding aftershave
15. ^What does an aftershave really do?
16. ^Do alcohol aftershaves reduce ingrown hairs?
17. ^Aftershave is Bad For You
18. ^Do you use Aftershave after every shave?
19. ^Is there a point in me using aftershave?
20. ^Anyone NOT Use Aftershave
21. ^Facewash before-,or after shaving?
22. ^Aftershave/Shaving Cream/Shower Gel/Cologne Coordination
23. ^Confused about after shaving routine? How to smell good?
24. ^Aftershave Splash --- Do you follow it with a balm?
25. ^Going back to alcohol splash from balm
26. ^Witch hazel or aftershave splash?
27. ^Witch Hazel vs A/S or both?