Aftershaves Have a New Face These Days

Nowadays, it seems like every single cosmetic product is marketed as male-specific. So much so that it’s easy to forget that products specifically for women also exist. But of course they do!

In recent years, the women’s grooming market has grown exponentially and started to diversify into touching on men’s grooming as well. This article will look at a few of the current trends in aftershaves and shaving products for both genders and explore which might be most appropriate to your skin type and needs.

The New Face of Aftershaves: For Men or Women?

Ever since the birth of the modern safety razor, an aftershave has been a part of the grooming routine for both genders. The high school boy who was the target audience for Gillette’s razor business was offered a variety of aftershaves to choose from, with some geared towards men and others designed specifically for women. From that point on, it’s been hard to go back to using only aftershaves.

You usually won’t find an aftershave specifically marketed as a product for women but you’ll still find plenty available that claim they are suitable for both genders. This is often the case with perfumes, which come in a variety of scents and can be worn on either gender, depending on preference.

The same holds true for aftershaves: you can go with something that is specifically for men, or choose something neutral and wear it regardless of your sex. In fact, many aftershaves are advertised as being suitable for both sexes due to their lack of a harsh scent or overbearing fragrances.

What’s the Difference?

The difference between an aftershave and a cologne is in the smell; they both have alcohol in them but the latter smells far stronger. On the other hand, they are very similar in application: both are products that you apply to your skin after shaving or waxing. They can be used on any part of the body, though most people prefer using them on their face and neck.

An aftershave product is typically scented while a cologne is supposed to have an overpowering fragrance. Aftershaves also usually come with moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E; this is because they need to be able to reduce the effects of razor burn caused by shaving or waxing. Whereas colognes typically create their fragrances by mixing parts of different kinds of perfumes and scented oils together.

Which One is Right for Me?

The one you use won’t make much of a difference in terms of appearance or the way you smell; if anything, an aftershave may make your skin look a bit healthier or shinier than usual. It might also be more hydrating and moisturizing. A few companies even advertise their aftershaves as being able to help the skin mature over time; however, this will vary depending on the type and ingredients used in each product.

A cologne meanwhile can have a stronger scent and sometimes even give off an air of sexiness or masculinity, depending on the brand and scent you choose. However, this will also depend on how strong the fragrance is; some are stronger than others.

Because of their milder smell and gentler ingredients, aftershaves may be better suited to men who are sensitive to the more powerful smells that some other products release. It’s also a good option for women who want to give the impression of smelling like a mature and elegant woman with an air of class about them. This is in contrast to colognes which typically have a lighter scent but still make it obvious that you’re wearing a fragrance.

As for which ones are available over the counter, you’re in luck because most big department stores will carry a wide range of male and female varieties. You might even find them at smaller local stores as well. What’s more, you won’t have to go to a specialty boutique or online store to find them.

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How Much Do They Cost?

Many aftershaves and colognes cost around US$10-20 at their most expensive, especially if they come from a brand name like Old Spice or Axe. Others on the other hand, are available for less and you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that costs more than $10. The price depends a lot on how much is added to the base product as well as the brand.

As for aftershave quality, some products (including many from drug stores) may have alcohol in them and can sting or burn if used too vigorously. However, if you know which aftershaves contain alcohol, look for those that are specifically labeled as having no alcohol or with less than 7%.

How Long Will It Last Me?

As for how long the aftershave will last, it depends on how much of the product you use. Most aftershaves have a pretty decent shelf life and can be used for multiple applications with some even lasting up to eight months. However, if you’re not careful about applying too much, this may last for several weeks only.

Colognes on the other hand are intended to be used up within 1-3 hours of application so they don’t tend to have very long shelf lives (especially those with alcohol in them). This is because such products are meant to be used before the fragrance wears off.

So What’s the Best Way to Use Them?

Aftershaves are great because they don’t actually sting when applied and can also be used as multiple times in a day. It won’t leave you with a dry or uncomfortable feeling while shaving. You can also use them before and after waxing to help reduce irritation and razor burn. They can also be applied to your hairline, chest, or other areas where you might need some extra moisturizing from time to time.

Colognes are also good for shaving as they tend to create a conditioned feel when you apply them. However, most colognes will have oils and fragrances that may irritate the skin. Once they have begun to wear off, you’ll notice that your skin feels a bit dryer than usual and might feel more sensitive.

How Do I Get Rid of That Smell?

If the smell of an aftershave lingers on your skin, then you need to wash yourself with a gentle soap or shower gel. If it remains on your clothing or bed sheets then make sure to wash those as well.

Conclusion

Aftershaves and colognes are very similar in terms of how they can be used. However, there are some key differences that set them apart. Aftershaves tend to have a gentler smell and will last you much longer while colognes typically have stronger fragrances that are designed to wear off quickly. You can apply both to your hairline, chest, or other areas of the body if you feel the need for some moisturizing.