How to Choose the Right Aftershave

With all of the options that are available in regards to aftershave and cologne, it isn’t always easy to determine which scent is right for a particular man.  Whether you’re trying to find that one aftershave that will smell best on you or trying to come up with a gift idea for one of the men in your life, choosing the right aftershave is very important.  The time that you take in your search can mean the difference between another bottle that sits on a shelf and one that’s a vital part of a shaving routine.

The first thing that you need to do is remember that aftershave is meant to serve a purpose.  Unlike cologne and perfume which are merely meant to offer an attractive smell, aftershave is designed to moisturize skin, clean any small cuts in order to prevent infection, and numb skin that has become irritated.  Before you even start considering scents, you should take this purpose into account so that the final product that you decide to buy is perfect for you or whoever will be using it.  If the intended user has sensitive skin or often suffers from razor burn, look for a soothing aftershave that will cool the affected areas.

Next, start thinking about scents.  Aftershave is generally designed to have a much lighter scent than cologne, but at the same time it tends to come in a variety of natural and rugged scents so as to keep it from smelling like a subtle perfume.  If you’re shopping for yourself then you can simply find a scent that you like, but if you’re looking for that perfect “gift for him” then you should take into account the sort of scents that the recipient tends to prefer.  Think about colognes that he’s worn before, and try to find a scent that will match or complement those.  If you’re having a hard time deciding, don’t be afraid to go up to the perfume counter and ask for assistance from someone working there… they can help you to match the aftershave with similar scents so that you’ll know that you’re getting exactly what you want.  Keep in mind that aftershave is supposed to be subtle, and also that if it’s used as part of a morning shaving routine then it will be the scent that goes with its wearer throughout the day.