Thread: Whats the difference?

What is the difference between Cologne and Aftershave.

I'm getting a set of Stetson cologne and aftershave 2oz bottles tomorrow for around 15 dollars. I was just curious what the difference is ecspecially sence its the same smell?

After shave should, help disinfect the freshly shaved beard area, close pores, and sooth razor burn (after it burns the crap out of you first). Scent on most AS do not last long, maybe 10 minutes to 1 hour usually.

Cologne you can apply it anywhere, scent should last a good long while, like most of the evening if not longer, and hopefully smell good. No other valuable uses unless they are secondary, like assisting with finding a young lady.

nate

The main difference between the two is that a good aftershave contains an astringent like witch hazel. An astringent is a solution that helps heal and should you get a nick it will help stop the bleeding. Colognes on the other hand does not contain astringents but is simply a mix of alcohol and other essential oils (scent) Just to add a little trivia...colognes where first made in Cologne, Germany.

In cheaper products, there may be little difference. Alcohol and scents, mostly from the chemical side of things. In the better/best lines, you will see the after shaves are compounded with products designed to close pores (astringent), soothe, moisturize, heal irritations, whether with an alcohol, witch hazel, or cream/balm base...possibly in combination with each other. In the better lines, look for natural ingredients, less alcohol, and fragrence from oils or essence and fewer unpronouncable chemical names. Some aftershaves have longer lasting scents and could or would be used alone; others, and the ones I prefer fade quickly but leave the skin so very touchable.

Colognes, short for eau de Cologne and named for the German city of Cologne where they were first prduced, are more like perfumes. distilled using oils and essences from natural products. They are not designed to work as an astringent, cleanser, soother or as first aid to disinfect that nick. They are designed to be long lasting and are used sparingly. Good eau de colognes tend to be pricey, and can be used sparangly because a little goes a long way. Prices are often a function of brand recognition. You pay for the name and its popularity, designer cachet, bottle, the hipness and design. In the better artiliers (fancy name for places where real perfumes are crafted) you pay for "le nez" or the fumer who designs the scent. They actually have people who have a nose for this stuff and who assist in unique designs that may incorporate hard to find/distill natural fragrances. You also pay for the uniqueness of the prduct, cachet etc. Its a crazy world huh.

Since joining this site, I've become much more observant of the products, prices, and diversity available. My arsenal includes Clubman I bought for about 6 bucks, and an eau de cologne from Tom Ford at a price I'm embarrased to report (but love to wear). But to me, a good cologne is worth the price when she says "mmmm, what are you wearing...that is soooo........." Viva la difference.

Best to all. J

Originally Posted by jleeg

Colognes, short for eau de Cologne and named for the German city of Cologne where they were first prduced, are more like perfumes. distilled using oils and essences from natural products. They are not designed to work as an astringent, cleanser, soother or as first aid to disinfect that nick. They are designed to be long lasting and are used sparingly.

Best to all. J

Actually most high end colognes and perfumes today are 100% synthetic.

Most aftershaves and colognes contain the same ingredients just that the colognes contain much more fragrance so the scent lasts much longer. Of course you have the balms which contain other things and some specific aftershaves which are formulated with items to soothe but the higher end stuff I've seen are mostly scent, alcohol and water.

I view the difference as being entirely utilitarian....I use aftershaves to treat my skin after my shave. They can moisturize, act as an antiseptic and/or astringent, cool, etc., etc. As long as they don't smell unpleasant, my only concern is what they do for my skin.

Colognes, on the other hand, are IMO, used dolely for scent.

Aftershaves serve a useful purpos. Colognes are just stinkum.