Aftershave

Once you have gone through your whole shaving  routine, there is one last step that you must take to really call the regimen complete, especially if you have incurred any battle wounds or skin irritation during the process. Aftershave  is that final step that seals the deal -- literally. The point of using aftershave  is to help remove any remaining residue from the shave lubricant (s) you used and to help close the pores. Aftershave also leaves you feeling refreshed, relieving irritation by replenishing moisture and numbing cuts.

Choosing Aftershave

• Get the right kind for your skin type. There are a few types of aftershave  to choose from, including a balm,  gel,  liquid toner,  and lotion.  Typically, it is best to avoid those that are alcohol-based,  since they are very harsh on the skin and cause it to dry out. The only reason for using this type of aftershave is if you have very oily skin or if you need an antiseptic to keep nicks and cuts from becoming infected. In this case it is recommended to simply dab it on those spots and use an alcohol-free  or moisturizing balm  or toner elsewhere.
• Beware not to use alcohol-based aftershave toners  on sensitive skin. It can actually cause more irritation and increase the chances of developing razor bumps and ingrown hairs. If you are one of these unfortunate folk who suffer from sensitive skin, you should certainly invest some money into specially designed formulas made for combatting ingrown hairs and razor burn. 
• The best options for normal to dry skin are standard balms or toners. They are lightweight but won't dry your skin.
• Some ingredients to avoid if you have acne-prone, sensitive or dry skin are those that produce a "tingling sensation," which is what causes aftershave to numb injured skin. It does not mean that the aftershave is working any better. It just means that it is doing more harm to your skin by sucking out the moisture. Steer clear of: camphor,  menthol,  clove,  eucalyptus,  peppermint  and balm mint. 
• Don't blow the bank. Aftershave basically contains similar ingredients from product to product. If anything with an exorbitant price tags seems to be of dubious quality, just check out the ingredients. If it's all alcohol, don't bother with it.
• Be careful with fragrance. A debatable ingredient in aftershaves is fragrance. It dries out the skin, making it an ingredient to avoid. However, if you don't wear cologne, at least the fragrance won't clash with your other scent. While mostly it is a personal choice, it is probably best for your skin if you nix the fragrant aftershave and stick to using a moisturizing, alcohol-free aftershave  with a separate cologne.

Product Reviews and Ratings

Nivea for Men After Shave Balm : While the line as a set works great, the aftershave can stand alone. It moisturizes and soothes without leaving any residue.	Clearasil For Men Clear Skin Aftershave Balm : Give this a chance if you have acne. It replaces an astringent and helps fight breakouts with salicyclic acid.O2xygen Aftershave Balm	Zirh Soothe : While pricier than a drugstore brand it is soothing, comfortable and non-greasy.	Neutrogena Razor Defense Post Shave Lotion:  Cools and calms that irritated face. It's scented, which can be annoying to a lot of guys, but the relief is worth the smell.

Anthony Logistics After Burn Repair : Lots of emollients make this a winner as far as aftershaves go. The only drawback is the price tag.	Kiehl's Ultimate All Day After Shave Moisturizer  (non-mentholated): This is good for normal, dry, and combination skin. The only downfall is its lack of an SPF. Otherwise, this is a great option for treating skin after shaving.	L'Oreal Men's Expert Comfort Max Anti-Irritation After Shave Balm with SPF 15 Sunscreen : What makes this inexpensive aftershave get a thumbs up? The fact that it provides moisture, sun protection, soothing vitamin E and contains NO alcohol.

• American Crew : They have good shaving products, so why is their aftershave so bad?
• Gillette : Please, don't even bother with the liquid based aftershaves. While they are great when it comes to other shaving products, they have a whole line of aftershave that has nearly identical ingredients. What's worse is that the ingredients aren't good for moisturizing the skin at all. The best bet if you want a Gillette product is to go with the lotion which is actually soothing on the skin.
• Old Spice : The old classic smells great -- everywhere but on your face. Fragrances in aftershave will cause irritation and dryness too.
• Skin Bracer After Shave : The ingredient list should speak for itself. This is a definite NO-NO.

Related Buying Guides

Razors and Brushes	Shaving Lubricant	Men's Electric Shavers	Cologne	Skin Care Gift Sets for Men

External Links

• Basenotes.com: How long does the splash last? Find out here.
• YourPower2B.com: A site for women who need help buying aftershave as a gift and understanding the differences between aftershaves and cologne.
• Essortment.com: Choosing an aftershave.