I've never purchased an aftershave, but since I recently started shaving with a straight razor I decided I needed something. I just mixed up some witch hazel, aloe, and peppermint essential oil(a little goes a very long way). When I first put it on it's very refreshing and tingly and the mint is very strong. The strong scent goes away in a few minutes, but for most of the day I can smell faint whisps of mint. It leaves my skin in a very pleasant state.