Hey guys, just wanted to ask about cologne brand aftershaves like Eternity, Hugo Boss, Gucci, etc. Are those purely just for fragrance, or do they help soothe the skin like regular aftershave balms?
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Hey guys, just wanted to ask about cologne brand aftershaves like Eternity, Hugo Boss, Gucci, etc. Are those purely just for fragrance, or do they help soothe the skin like regular aftershave balms?
Those are purely fragrances, not aftershaves. Most aftershaves, even the high alcohol ones, contain some form of skin toner. Colognes, EdT and perfumes have a high concentration of fragrance oils and will severely dry out your skin. Not only that, but if you use them in quantities associated with aftershave you'll be smelled 10 miles down the road in every direction.
EDIT: I just looked up some of the brands you mentioned, and apparently they do make aftershaves as well. Those should be okay, just be sure to buy the aftershave variety and not the cologne
Mmm I don't know. Most of the name brand aftershaves I've seen are just water, alcohol, fragrance and coloring. I've been told the main difference between them and cologne is the amount of scent. Of course the balms are different and some of the specialty types contain other ingredients and some of the generic ingredients like bay extract have other qualities good for the skin.
Thank you for the reply. Last thing I need is my skin drying out and being smelled ten miles away haha. Will definitely look at the balm versions.
That's very true for the low end splashes. You aren't gonna find skin conditioners in Aqua Velva or Old Spice, that's for sure. But I find the higher end splashes to be more skin friendly. One of my favourites, Musgo Real, is mid level as far as price is concerned and is one of the best skin friendly AS's I've ever found, even rivals most balms IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
I think the difference of the high end same name colognes and aftershaves is just more alcohol for the aftershaves vs colognes which is usually reflected in the price difference.
They are aftershaves in that they contain a higher alcohol content and less fragrance. Some frag houses produce a balm, too. They may not have any skin conditioning properties that you're after, no. But, most things you'll buy at a store likely won't in the splash department. Look to a wet shaving supplies vendor at some of their splashes. Better yet, start off with mixing in your hands some witch hazel along with whatever other aftershaves you have.
Just to note, Aqua Velva includes Glycerin, which is a skin conditioner. It is still mostly an alcohol splash, though, and not a balm.
Most of the responses before have more or less answered the question, however it is worth noting that the higher-end brands like Chanel and Dior have better quality aftershaves. Dior's Eau Sauvage for example is very soothing and must contain some form of moisturiser one way or another. Likewise for Chanel.
I think it's worth noting that the strength of juice you get for an aftershave is very diluted, so it's best to use this along with the Eau de Toilette if you want to bring out the best in the fragrance. Personally, I find aftershaves not very good value for money for this reason, but definitely look into these higher-end brands, as well as Acqua di Parma's after shave lotion product.
Use a lot of the different Clubman products. Price is right and they're fairly easily to find on mail order .
+ 1 on the clubman products.
It's awesome seeing all the input being contributed to this thread. Thanks for all the info guys!