Thread: Aftershave or cologne?

I’ve always thought of aftershave as something that should be a bit diluted since it’s meant to be applied more liberally. Every now and then I get an aftershave that is more like a cologne in that it’s SO concentrated that it’s too strong to use in anything more than a drop or two. Today I received TOB, Mr Taylor. The scent is great but wow, it’s really more of a cologne. I’m wondering if this will be usable as an aftershave. On the other hand, DR Harris Marlborough cologne is so light that it could be an aftershave. Anyone else find these things to be true?

YES! I have an OLD bottle of Stetson that says aftershave but is WAY to strong to use it that way. I tried once and people around me let me know that it was too much. The new version is very light and gone by the time I leave the door. So I use that and then 2-3 drops of the old Aftershave as a cologne. Aqua Velva Musk is another aftershave that is very strong but it doesn't seem to project far because no one seems to even know I am wearing it except me.

I keep thinking how I might use it as an aftershave. Maybe leave my hands a bit wet when I apply it so the few drops kind of disperse some and not kill me?

I found the TOB aftershave I had was way too strong as well, and that’s coming from a guy who loves a strong scent.

There’s no rhyme or reason it seems with respect to scent strengths. Not that it matters too much for me unless I spray my clothes with it - my skin seemingly eats scents! Which sucks because I like the idea of a cologne. I literally have to rub Vaseline on my skin and spray that area to have any hope in heck of it lasting more than a minute.

Yes, I have had similar experiences too. There seems to be no rhyme or reason why that happens either.

Bob

I don’t use a cologne, but I do like aftershaves.

When I apply an AS, I usually let it sit in my hand for a few seconds to let the alcohol evaporate before putting it on my face. I suspect you would not do that with a cologne.

As a result of this technique, I have not found an AS that was overwhelmingly scented and it has the effect of reducing post shave burn.