Searching for the best aftershave is no easy task. A lot of the time, the only information you can garner is how the bottle looks, and that tells you nothing about the actual scent.
In the name of convenience, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top brands on the market that will help you land the right fragrance. This is the best place to start if you’re looking for a product that keeps your skin healthy and acts as an extension of your personality.
Our Best Rated Aftershaves
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Top aftershave
- Calms skin
- Subtly scented
- Soothing-effect
Hugo Boss Bottled Aftershave Splash Review
The Best Vintage Aftershave
- Great old-school vibe with a modern scent
- Strong fragrance
- Great value
Hermes Terre D’Hermes Aftershave Lotion Review
Popular Male Aftershave
- Masculine fragrance
- Protects the skin
- Reputable brand
Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme Eau De Toilette 75ml Gift Set Review
A great choice from good aftershave brands
- Best gift idea on the list
- Renowned brand
- Great price
Calvin Klein Eternity Aftershave Review
Great aftershave for razor burn
- Balm available
- Crisp fragrance
- Long-lasting
Gucci Guilty For Him Black Review
Best Aftershave Lotion from Gucci
- Great scent
- Sturdy bottle
- From the long-running Guilty series
Versace Eros Eau De Toilette 200ml Spray Review
Great Summer Aftershave
- Large size
- Elegant design
- Intense freshness
Chanel Bleu De Chanel After Shave Balm Review
Good smelling aftershave
- Light texture
- Exciting scent
- Great for all ages
Burberry Brit Rhythm Aftershave Balm Review
Good Scented Aftershave
- Inspired by crowd energy
- Powerful fragrance
- Highly affordable
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Review
Top aftershave lotion
- Dynamic musky fragrance
- Renowned brand
- Highly refreshing
The Best Aftershaves Reviewed
Below we’ll delve deeper into the unique characteristics of these fragrances and why they made it onto our list. The following reviews cover some of the most iconic and pleasurable scents.
Christian Dior Sauvage Aftershave Balm Review
Top aftershave
- Type: Aftershave balm
- Size: 3.4oz
- Shipping: Free Worldwide Shipping on orders of US$150.00 or more
If you prefer the consistency of balms over lotions and the superior protection they provide, Dior’s Sauvage Aftershave is an ideal product for your preferences.
Made from skin-friendly compounds and a finely scented alcohol-free formula, Sauvage provides you with lasting protection free of skin irritation and dryness.
As one of our top rated aftershaves, Dior is suitable for all skin types, making it a great choice for everyone who prefers using balm and prefers more of the skincare-routine vibe than the vintage aftershave experience.
The earthy fragrance with woody notes is a raw and noble combination inspired by wide and open spaces under the blue sky, capturing the essence of the active male.
Online reviews echo our assessment of the product’s quality and lasting protection with many consumers saying that the balm has been their favorite for years. Some didn’t appreciate the thin viscosity, but the vast majority are really satisfied with the fragrance and its soothing effects on the skin.
Pros
- + Calms skin
- + Subtly scented
- + Soothing-effect
Cons
- − Thin viscosity
Hugo Boss Bottled Aftershave Splash Review
The Best Vintage Aftershave
- Type: Aftershave splash
- Size: 1.7 oz /3.4oz
- Shipping: Free Worldwide Shipping on orders of US$150.00 or more
Designed with the modern man in mind, Hugo Boss aftershave radiates success, confidence, elegance, and style.
Great for all skin types, this fragrance-enriched lotion/splash does a great job at calming and instantly soothing freshly-shaven skin. It also helps to ease razor burns and prolongs the effects of a clean shave, leaving your skin comfortable, fresh, and protected.
Combining the no-fuss approach of classic aftershaves and the latest fragrance trends, the Hugo Boss splash is a strong product that gets you noticed while keeping your skin clean and protected.
The strong fragrance coupled with skin-protecting characteristics makes this a timeless aftershave as well as a decidedly male product.
On the other hand, the strong scent won’t suit everyone, and some consumers have voiced concerns about the bottle’s lid that can be a bit awkward to open.
Generally, looking at all the aftershaves, the review pool for Hugo Boss is looking great, with most people applauding its great value.
Pros
- + Great old-school vibe with a modern scent
- + Strong fragrance
- + Great value
Cons
- − Might be too strong for some
Hermes Terre D’Hermes Aftershave Lotion Review
Popular Male Aftershave
- Type: Aftershave lotion
- Size: 3.3oz
- Shipping: Free Worldwide Shipping on orders of US$150.00 or more
The Terre D’Hermes has a woody and spicy fragrance with a rich blend of notes that come together to create a warm scent with a mellow structure. According to its manufacturer, the fragrance encapsulates the dialogue between men and the elements of nature.
Another reason it made it onto the list of our top ten aftershaves is because of its effects on the skin. It tones and softens the skin after shaving and removes razor burns, prolonging a clean shave.
The fragrance is an excellent choice for men who are in their thirties and older. Younger men tend to appreciate the refreshing scent, but for many, it feels too classic.
Another downside highlighted by those who like the aftershave is the volume and the fact that a single bottle won’t last long.
Still, true fans of the product rate Hermes as the very best aftershave brand. They simply want to wear the masculine fragrance and aren’t concerned with its skincare properties or any other elements.
So if you enjoy a mature and refreshing scent, Terre D’Hermes is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for something more youthful, you might want to pick something else from our list.
Pros
- + Masculine fragrance
- + Protects the skin
- + Reputable brand
Cons
- − Too classic for some
Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme Eau De Toilette 75ml Gift Set Review
A great choice from good aftershave brands
- Type: Eau de toilette
- Size: 2.5oz, 1.6oz
- Shipping/Returns: Free delivery for My TFS members, 90-days returns on all online orders
This timeless fragrance doubles as a great aftershave combining strength and balance with the vibrant freshness of Japanese citrus (yuzu), tangerine, and water lily. Meanwhile, tobacco and sandalwood create an energetic and powerful scent that’s masculine and refreshing at the same time.
Clinching fourth place on our list of top selling aftershaves, this product can be a great gift especially when coupled with other Issey Miyake products like the shower gel that sports the same fragrance.
Needless to say, the product’s best selling point is the outstanding scent. But this is eau de toilette, which means that it doesn’t provide you with the skin-protecting benefits. On the other hand, if you want a scent that lasts longer, this is definitely the right choice.
That being said, if you’re looking for the best aftershave for oily skin or for something that will help you keep your skin hydrated and healthy, you might want to check out balms or quality lotions.
For its part, L’Eau d’Issey shouldn’t be applied right after shaving, and it should be used sparingly because of its high concentration of alcohol. Other than that, its blend of freshness and natural elegance is hard to match.
Pros
- + Best gift idea on the list
- + Renowned brand
- + Great price
Cons
- − No skin benefits
Calvin Klein Eternity Aftershave Review
Great aftershave for razor burn
- Type: Aftershave lotion
- Size: 3.4oz
- Shipping/Returns: Free shipping, 30-day returns
If you want to get your hands on a trusted brand at a great price, there’s probably no better deal on our list than the Calvin Klein Eternity aftershave.
The great smelling lotion is widely regarded as the best aftershave for men, especially if your skin doesn’t require special care.
Coming from one of the largest names in the $35 billion fashion industry, this aftershave features a carefully crafted mixture of different notes, including rosewood, jasmine, and basil, creating the perfect fragrance for casual outings. The moderate, not too overpowering, yet pronounced scent will last all day.
If you’re looking for the best aftershaves for sensitive skin, you can also get this aftershave in balm form, alcohol-free. However, if you still choose to go with the lotion and your skin is on the more sensitive side, you might also want to get the best face creams for men to keep your skin protected.
All in all, Calvin Klein remains highly popular among consumers, making it a fine choice if you’re less concerned with grabbing an aftershave that actually doubles as a skincare product and more concerned with wearing a great fragrance and treating razor burns the old school way.
Pros
- + Balm available
- + Crisp fragrance
- + Long-lasting
Cons
- − Not ideal for sensitive skin
Gucci Guilty For Him Black Review
Best Aftershave Lotion from Gucci
- Type: Aftershave lotion
- Size: 1.7oz
- Shipping/Returns: Free delivery for My TFS members, 90-days returns on all online orders
This aftershave adds an extra layer of magnificence, unpredictability, and fearlessness to those who wear the scent. The seductive scent with lavender, green coriander top notes, cedar, and patchouli base notes does not only help you stand out from the crowd but also helps you keep your skin clean after shaving and protected from irritation and bacteria.
This Gucci product is arguably the most popular aftershaves on the list, and for good reason. The zesty and adventurous scent continues to attract thrill-seekers from around the world who cannot resist this guilty pleasure.
It’s less about skincare and more about the daring and edgy fragrance, which captures the senses. According to online reviews, those who use the product are largely satisfied. The only downside is that the scent won’t last that long.
Apart from that, together with a good aftershave cream, this lotion is a great option, especially if you prefer overall protection coupled with an exotic and seductive scent.
Pros
- + Great scent
- + Sturdy bottle
- + From the long-running Guilty series
Cons
- − Scent doesn’t last very long
Versace Eros Eau De Toilette 200ml Spray Review
Great Summer Aftershave
- Type: Aftershave lotion/eau de toilette
- Size: 6.7oz
- Shipping/Returns: Free delivery for My TFS members, 90-days returns on all online orders
The Versace fragrance is characterized by concepts such as passion, beauty, and desire. It tailors to confident and strong men who are masters of their own destiny.
This vibrant scent blends green apple, Italian lemon zest, and fresh mint leaves to create an intriguing and enveloping fragrance that’s uniquely refreshing.
Often described as a top rated aftershave for men, Eros isn’t just a breath of fresh air on warm summer nights. The amber, tonka beans, geranium flower, and vanilla combined with cedarwood and oakmoss create a scent that’s intense and powerful.
Clearly a high-end option for those men who only want the best and the most refined solutions.
In addition to the fact that the product comes from a prestigious brand, several online aftershave reviews applaud the reasonable price. There is also plenty of praise for its refreshing and masculine components.
One of the downsides is its extensive penetrating effect, which can cause skin dryness and irritation for people with sensitive skin.
Pros
- + Large size
- + Elegant design
- + Intense freshness
Cons
- − Penetrating effect can irritate skin
Chanel Bleu De Chanel After Shave Balm Review
Good smelling aftershave
- Type: Aftershave balm
- Size: 3.0oz
- Shipping/Returns: Free delivery for My TFS members, 90-days returns on all online orders
Chanel delivers a product that encapsulates the essence of masculine freedom in an anti-conformist and timeless fragrance.
Bleu De Chanel is where strength and elegance meet. Its non-oily and light texture soothes and hydrates your skin while leaving it delicately scented.
It typically ranked among the top aftershaves for young men thanks to its exciting, invigorating, and youthful woody fragrance with citrus accords and dry cedar notes
Even though it’s intended for younger crowds, it doesn’t mean that men in their 30s and 40s can’t use the product. In other words, Chanel doesn’t feel out of place when worn by older men.
Although lotions are among the most popular male aftershaves, balms might do a better job at protecting the skin. In addition to offering that protection, Chanel is also a scent-focused brand that prides itself on delivering the art of perfuming. It’s guaranteed to make you feel refreshed and cool after a shave.
Pros
- + Light texture
- + Exciting scent
- + Great for all ages
Cons
- − Too sweet
Burberry Brit Rhythm Aftershave Balm Review
Good Scented Aftershave
- Type: Aftershave balm
- Size: 1.7oz
- Shipping/Returns: Free shipping, 30-day returns
If you are after something masculine and sophisticated, the Burberry brand is always an appropriate choice. This particular product is a soothing and refreshing aftershave balm that’s inspired by the electric energy of a crowd.
Like many good aftershave lotions, this one is warm and spicy, blending sensual base notes of cedarwood and incense. Moreover, it has electric top notes of basil verveine and cardamom.
The scent is long-lasting, and the product contains bisabolol and active ingredients that soothe and refresh the skin after shaving. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to use other skincare products to avoid skin dryness.
All in all, Burberry made it onto our list of the top ten aftershave for men because of its unique Brit Rhythm fragrance. This, on the other hand, can be its main downside too, as some men might find it too overwhelming.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preferences, just like with other things such as the best hair products for men.
Pros
- + Inspired by crowd energy
- + Powerful fragrance
- + Highly affordable
Cons
- − Too overwhelming for some
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Review
Top aftershave lotion
- Type: Aftershave lotion
- Size: 3.4oz
- Shipping/Returns: Free delivery for My TFS members, 90-days returns on all online orders
If you’re searching for a luxurious experience in an aftershave bottle, the Chanel Allure Homme Sport is an excellent choice.
Pushing the absolute limits of what a good aftershave lotion should be, the Allure Homme delivers a dynamic musky fragrance.
The freshness of Italian mandarin is coupled with white musk and cedar to form a warm and invigorating lotion. This splash formula refreshes your skin and leaves it delicately scented.
The best aftershaves for men always contain natural ingredients like essential oils and other extracts, and Allure is no exception. But if you have very sensitive skin, you might be better off going with a balm or gel.
However, if you don’t mind the somewhat higher price tag and your skin does not get irritated from lotions, the Allure Homme Sport is the ultimate scent to get noticed.
Pros
- + Dynamic musky fragrance
- + Renowned brand
- + Highly refreshing
Cons
- − On the pricey side
Finding the Best Aftershave
After going through our reviews, it’s time to learn more about the criteria we used to identify the best aftershave products on the market.
Aftershave Types
Aftershaves can be split into three categories: balms, gels, and lotions. All three are more about skin health and maintenance than wearing a good fragrance. Most of these have antiseptic properties, meaning they soothe, moisturize, and regenerate the skin. The top aftershaves generally have a longer-lasting effect.
Most leave the skin only lightly scented, and some contain essential oils, herbal extracts, and even alcohol.
- Balms: Mostly marketed as shaving products, these solutions have more in common with skincare products than anything else. Many of them also contain alcohol (from around 2% to 5%), but experts agree that the best ones are alcohol-free, as alcohol has the tendency to dry the skin.
Alcohol-free products usually substitute the compound with other natural ingredients, like essential oils. These quality aftershave solutions also have antiseptic properties without the drying effect. Balms are usually the best products for men who have dry or/and sensitive skin, and it’s great for the dry and cold winter months. Most balms also contain water, so the solution won’t leave any oily residue.
- Gels: These also have low alcohol levels compared to most lotions, with some of them being absolutely alcohol-free. Gels usually don’t contain oil, which means their moisturizing effects are limited compared to balms. But good aftershave gels can be very soothing and great for maintaining and protecting already healthy skin.
- Lotions: Out of all three types, these have the highest concentration of alcohol in them (around 60% to 75%). Although lotions are among the most popular solutions, even the best men’s aftershave lotion products will cause some pain when applied to sensitive skin. This can even get worse when you accidentally cut yourself during shaving. People mostly use lotions because of the alcohol’s antiseptic properties. However, there are experts who advise against using them as they can irritate and dry the skin without any beneficial properties. Furthermore, alcohol can tighten the spores, which can lead to ingrown hairs. On the other hand, alcohol helps clean the skin.
Using Aftershaves
All quality aftershaves should be applied after shaving (or even before bedtime) by patting the solution on your neck and face gently. Try to cover more skin than just the freshly-shaved area but avoid the places near the eyes. Also, don’t brush the solution off but let it air-dry.
Choosing an Aftershave
Experts agree that a good solution should, above all, nourish, moisturize, and soothe the skin. It should also help cell regeneration and keep your skin healthy and clean.
Apart from that, you should always check every product label. Be on the lookout for natural ingredients and do your best to stay away from synthetic fragrances and dyes. Even though some scented, high-alcohol lotions might be the best smelling aftershave options, they can lead to skin irritations, and if your skin is especially sensitive, they can also cause allergic reactions.
On the other hand, solutions with natural ingredients like mineral and plant extracts, vegetables, wax, and nut oils won’t cause any problems as they tend to work in harmony with the natural cycles and functions of the body.
The best aftershave for sensitive skin should include ingredients such as natural oils, shea butter (with anti-inflammatory properties), grapeseed, coconut, almond, jojoba, olive, or macadamia. These all have moisturizing and healing properties. If possible, try the aftershave before buying it to see how it feels on your skin.
Choosing According to Skin Types
Apart from looking at the most popular aftershave brands, you also need to look for solutions that suit your skin type.
- For normal skin: If you live in a humid climate or have normal skin, you should use a balm. They give you the right amount of hydration and protection without drying out your skin.
- For sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, you can use an unscented aftershave balm or look for something that’s scented with natural essential oils such as orange, rose, and lavender to keep your skin from getting irritated. The best aftershave balm for sensitive skin is usually a product that restores your skin’s natural pH levels. Also, try to avoid aloe vera-based products as they might increase irritation.
- For dry skin: If you have this skin type, make sure to avoid solutions with alcohol. Instead, focus on products with almond or hazelnut. Typically, the best thing for dry skin is using gels right after shaving and a moisturizer before bedtime and in the morning.
Also, the best aftershaves are always going to be those with scents you really like. Luckily, when it comes to that, you have tons of options. And if you want something unscented, there’s no shortage of products to choose from.
The main goal here is to find something that will keep your skin healthy and protected. When these criteria are met, you can focus on different fragrances and scents.
FAQs
What is the best aftershave?
There are many great aftershave products to choose from. The focus should be on finding a brand and a product that satisfies your needs. As long as you like the scent and how the aftershave affects your skin, you have a solid product.
Is aftershave good when it’s milky?
This will also pretty much boil down to skin type and personal preferences. Aftershave milk is basically an aftershave balm with a runny consistency which men use to soothe their skin after shaving. Some say that milk is really great when it comes to treating razor bumps and other similar mishaps. This is due to the fact that aftershave milk generally doesn’t contain alcohol. This means it won’t sting and will also work well with dry and chapped skin.
How long is aftershave good for?
Just like every other product, aftershave also loses its strength over time. It also has an expiry date. The good thing is that they can last for quite a long time. More precisely, anywhere from six months to five years. This mostly depends on the ingredients in the product and how you store it.
Generally speaking, the fragrance is the first thing to go, but if it contains alcohol, the fragrance might also be preserved for longer.
Why does aftershave cool the skin better than water?
Simply put, aftershave doesn’t only cool the skin, but the ingredients also help to hydrate, protect, and calm the skin. Water doesn’t offer the same benefits.
What does aftershave actually do?
First of all, it hydrates the skin. Nowadays, very few aftershave products contain alcohol as it can dry the skin. Using an aftershave is like using a high-grade moisturizer that forms a thick protective layer on the top of your skin.
Second, a good aftershave product also helps to prevent the spread of bacteria on the skin and will prevent any type of infection from ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and so on. Most of these modern products have ingredients like tea tree oil that help to neutralize bacteria and fight post-shave breakouts.
Lastly, the good aftershave will also help calm and soothe your skin. A good solution will halt the burning sensation and prevent irritation and redness.
Conclusion
As skincare routines are becoming more important for men, it’s no wonder that advanced aftershave solutions have become increasingly popular.
There is an exhaustive list of products on the market, with various ingredients and for different skin types. Our reviews will guide you through the many characteristics to help you find the best aftershave for maintaining healthy skin and one that suits your personality.