I have maintained the same aloe plant for the last 15 years. As needed, I cut off a leaf and use about 3/4 of an inch of it each day. Rub it between your hands to separate the green exterior from the inner good stuff and then spread it on your face. I usually use this in combination with Thayer's witch hazel.

I also make my own aftershave balm. I got this formula off of SRP years ago and I don't recall who it was that posted it.

DIY balm:
1 part Cornhusker's lotion (I promise the smell fades soon after the balm is mixed)
1 part aloe
2 parts Thayer's Witch Hazel (adjust as desired to alter consistency)

I keep one version as is and another one which has a small amount of Ogallala bay rum added to it.