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The top 6 best men's aftershaves: unveiling the ultimate grooming arsenal
Which men's aftershave reigns supreme? Level up your scent game as we unveil the ultimate, high-quality aftershave products for the modern gentleman.
Tired of settling for subpar aftershaves that miss the mark on both smell and performance? Then, it’s time to change things up.
In this guide, we unveil the top six aftershave picks that will transform your post-shave routine into a fragrant and invigorating experience. Featuring formulas with a variety of different scents, these exceptional aftershaves will have you saying ‘so long’ to irritation and ‘hello’ to smooth skin — and a whole lot of confidence.
Whether you're seeking a bold statement or a subtle allure, our hand-picked list of the top aftershaves will up your grooming game instantly.
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Our top picks for the best men’s aftershave
Best men’s aftershave balm
Pros & Cons
Infused with natural aloe vera
Uses a quick-drying formula
No parabens or sulfates
Small bottle size option
Fragrance can be overpowering
A refreshing twist on your typical aftershave, Harry's Post-Shave Balm is designed to leave your skin feeling perfectly balanced and moisturized. Packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients, such as cooling aloe vera, this quick-drying balm enhances the skin as it works. As an added plus, this non-greasy formula won’t leave your skin shiny. Ever.
This balmy wonder is specifically crafted to give your skin a healthy glow with zero irritation — thanks to the fact that it’s paraben- and sulfate-free. So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a good aftershave for men that will give you a fresh start, look no further.
Our favorite for sensitive skin
Pros & Cons
Calms sensitive skin
Conquers shaving irritation
Quick absorption
Heavier glass bottle container
Feels more like a lotion than a balm
Like a fresh, cool towel for your skin, the NIVEA MEN Sensitive Cooling Post Shave Balm is here to give your skin some TLC. Designed specifically for those with sensitive skin, this cooling balm is your secret weapon for soothing and moisturizing after a close shave.
Packed with vitamin E, chamomile, and seaweed extracts, this skincare must-have fights the pesky signs of shave irritation and stubble itch — while absorbing quickly without any greasy residue. The best part? It's alcohol-free, making it safe for daily use.
With a 4.7 average rating from more than 3,000 reviewers, you can feel confident that this balm has been tried and tested.
Best aftershave for travel
Pros & Cons
Soothes and calms breakouts
Alleviates razor burn and clears the skin
Cleanses, clarifies, and reduces pore size
Potential to burn a bit right after shaving
Only 45 pads included
ARCONA Clarity Aftershave Spot Repair Pads are the ultimate solution to post-shave breakouts and skin irritations. Designed to tackle acne, blackheads, cystic acne, whiteheads, and more, they work wonders on both your face and body. Plus, they're suitable for all skin types — from acne-prone to sensitive — making them an essential part of any man's grooming routine.
Infused with soothing witch hazel and clarifying lactic acid, these pads work as a tonic to calm and soothe your skin, addressing pesky blemishes, ingrown hairs and razor burn. Additionally, how simple and convenient it is to use these pads makes them a great option for taking on your travels.
Best smelling men's aftershave
Pros & Cons
Featuring a best-selling scent worldwide
Strong, yet classy fragrance
Several different size options available
Can be considered more of a winter scent
Pricey compared to other options
Love to live luxuriously? Then, you must absolutely try the Dior Sauvage After-Shave Lotion. Made from an earthy blend of bergamot, pepper, and amberwood, this scent by Dior is also sold as a cologne. And guess what? In 2022, it was the world’s best-selling scent.
Drawing inspiration from the great outdoors, this masculine masterpiece will have you hooked with its irresistible blend of sweet and spicy bergamot, perfectly complemented by a musky and woody freshness. Prepare to turn heads and leave a trail of intrigue wherever you go with the best smelling men’s aftershave.
Best men's aftershave for ingrown hairs
Reduces razor bumps and prevents new ones
Exfoliates and penetrates deep into the skin
Contains soothing ingredients
Pros & Cons
Easy to use the bottle up quick
Smell is not as strong as other products
Tired of those pesky razor bumps and annoying ingrown hairs ruining your grooming game? Well, meet your new secret weapon: the Jack Black Bump Fix Razor Bump & Ingrown Hair Solution.
Unlike traditional treatments that leave your skin dry and irritated, Bump Fix takes a different approach. It uses a blend of certified organic chamomile extract, green tea extract, aloe leaf, and hyaluronic acid, delivering soothing and hydrating benefits. You’ll haver hydrated, refreshed skin with less unsightly bumps in no time.
Best men's aftershave lotion
Pros & Cons
Soothes and hydrates freshly shaved skin
Provides all-day hydration
Hypoallergenic; free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and SLS
Antiquated scent to some
Sits thicker on the skin
This soothing moisturizer and aftershave duo is the best post-shave lotion for many reasons. Aside from being very affordable, it’s enriched with aloe, hemp, and other nutrient-rich botanicals to provide soothing hydration on freshly shaved skin.
It not only moisturizes all day long but also delivers a comfortable after-shave sensation, all thanks to its natural-origin ingredients that leave no greasy residue behind. Skip right to a balanced and naturally healthy-looking complexion with one of the best post-shave lotion options.
Is it necessary to use aftershave every day?
Using aftershave every day can greatly benefit your skin's health and appearance. Consistent use of aftershave helps maintain your moisture balance, soothes your skin, and keeps it feeling refreshed. However, you can always adjust your usage based on your personal preference and your specific skin type and needs.
Aftershave can also be easily integrated into your regular grooming routine as well. It pairs great with other products like moisturizers, serums, or even colognes. Just make sure the scents complement each other, so you don’t end up with overwhelming fragrance clashes that can end up giving an opposite effect.
How do I choose the best aftershave for me?
In short, selecting the right aftershave depends on several factors. Consider your skin type and any specific concerns you may have, such as sensitivity. Look for aftershaves that contain soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera or chamomile. Additionally, consider the fragrance and overall scent profile that you personally prefer.
And while most aftershaves are suitable for most skin types, it's important to consider any unique needs your skin may have. If you have sensitive skin, look for aftershaves specifically formulated for sensitive skin to minimize potential irritation. For dry skin, opt for moisturizing aftershaves that provide extra hydration.
Remember, finding the best men’s aftershave is about discovering what works best for you and your unique needs. Experiment with different products and scents to find your perfect match!
So, what is the nicest aftershave option for you after all?
No matter your personal taste and preference, our carefully curated list of the best men's aftershaves is bound to offer something tailor-made for you.
Among them, the Dior Sauvage After-Shave Lotion is an easy A+. Ultimately, it’s one of the world’s best-selling men's aftershaves for a reason.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a dose of cool and fresh, Harry's Men's Post-Shave Balm with Aloe has got you covered, and for a great price point.
Choosing the right aftershave is essential for any man's grooming routine. The six products highlighted in this article are all excellent options, each with unique scents, textures, and benefits.
So go ahead and make your choice with confidence, as the best men’s aftershave option for you awaits. Happy scent hunting!
Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Kayla Henn
A freelance creative professional, Kayla Henn is a Smart Shopper contributor. She has reviewed skincare and makeup products to help readers make the best possible purchasing decisions.
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