Thread: What base to use for aftershave

all right all, I haven' been using aftershave, why, seemed expensive to buy the one that matched my new cologne (dirty english, but I think I'll go back to Allure, it got more compliments). they told me at truefitt and hill that they had an unscented aftershave and I could even mix a bit of my cologne with it.

so I was wondering, what could a person do to make an aftershave if they wanted to mix say a spray from their cologne or even a couple of drops of essential oil. cloves or some other fairly manly EO for instance.

thanks all.

Red

I would use Witch Hazel, or alum, or straight alcohol as the aftershave then scent with my cologne. If you want a moisturizing balm there are uncented facial moisturizers aplenty to do the same thing with.

Essential oils will not disolve in water, or hydrosols like witch hazel, thus if you want to use essential oils you will need to use an alcohol base of some kind, ethanol (aka grain alcohol) is probably best. Alternately, you could try and form some type of emulsion containing the essential oils and some other fat (such as lanolin). This will be more of a lotion than an aftershave. You will need some type of emulsifying agent. There are a number of these available, most are synthetics. Natural emulsifying agents are usually some type of protien, egg white for example.

I use witchhazel, with alum powder in solution as the base. I DO add sweet almond, avocado, etc oils in the winter time though.

I forgo the emulsifying agent, and just give mine a quick shake before I use it. No problems.

Add essential oils to taste! I got a bunch around since the wife makes soap, so it's easy access to smells for me.

I wouldn't be opposed to a moisturizing lotion type aftershave either. what I was thinking was 1. for myself and 2. since I'm fairly short on money for Christmas presents making it for friends, they could just take and add a couple sprays of their cologne to it or use it fragrance free.

what ratios/amounts of the witchhazel and alum powder do you use?

thanks guys.

Red

Originally Posted by Big Red

I wouldn't be opposed to a moisturizing lotion type aftershave either. what I was thinking was 1. for myself and 2. since I'm fairly short on money for Christmas presents making it for friends, they could just take and add a couple sprays of their cologne to it or use it fragrance free.

what ratios/amounts of the witchhazel and alum powder do you use?

thanks guys.

Red

I use approx than 1/8 of tsp of alum per cup of witch hazel. Too much and it won't stay in solution. If you heat the witch hazel up first, it will dissolve the alum faster. Otherwise it takes a while, and lots of shakin'.

thanks. then I can just add my cologne to it or use it like that? does this mix "sooth" at all? cause sometimes I have areas that feel a bit abused when I shave (my chin, wearing my moustach different now and it means shaving weird in the center of my chin and I haven't got that down yet).

Red

Originally Posted by Big Red

thanks. then I can just add my cologne to it or use it like that? does this mix "sooth" at all? cause sometimes I have areas that feel a bit abused when I shave (my chin, wearing my moustach different now and it means shaving weird in the center of my chin and I haven't got that down yet).

Red

You can add whatever you want to it: it's a base. I find it works pretty well to calm yer skin down.

I say, buy a little thing of alum powder in the spice aisle (about $2), a bottle of witch hazel (another $2) and give it a try!