Choosing the best aftershave lotion and making your own. Aftershave

The final element of the hair removal procedure is the use of an aftershave product, one of which is lotion.

This article provides an overview of the best aftershave lotions. We dwelled in detail on the functions of this tool, advantages and disadvantages.

A nice bonus is a recipe for preparing such a product from natural ingredients at home.

First, men's aftershave lotion provides skin care, has a calming effect after mechanical damage to the epidermis with a razor.

He has a beneficial effect on the protective properties of the skin, refreshes and tones it.

In addition, the alcohol contained in the composition helps speed up healing, has a disinfecting effect.

Pros and cons of aftershave lotion

Like any product, shaving lotion has its pros and cons.

Advantages

The advantages include the following:

• does not contain fatty components, so it does not leave any traces after use;
• absorbs quickly;
• has a light texture.

Flaws

Due to the presence of alcohol may cause dry skin. Also, not everyone likes the pronounced aromas of these products.

Did you know?On average, about 150 microcuts are caused to the face during shaving; they may not even be noticeable to the naked eye.

Selection rules

For comfortable use it is necessary to choose the right product after hair removal, which would not leave negative consequences and would cause a feeling of comfort and have a pleasant aroma.

To do this, pay attention to the following important criteria.

Manufacturer

When choosing this cosmetic product it is better to give preference to well-known brands, which have long proven themselves in the market.

Compound

Ingredients vary slightly depending on what skin type intended remedy.

So, for sensitive skin Appropriately labeled aftershave lotions are suitable; they usually contain soothing ingredients, vitamin E and do not contain alcohol (or contain small amounts).

For dry skin choose a product containing an oily component.

For fatty A lotion with antiseptic ingredients is suitable.

Other criteria

Ideally it should be from the same line as the shaving foam, cream or eau de toilette. Then they will have the same aroma.

DIY aftershave lotion

You can make your own shaving lotion by simply mixing the necessary ingredients.

The main component is alcohol and alcohol-containing liquids. You can take either pure medical alcohol or vodka, rum or gin.

Alcohol acts as an astringent, but dries out the epidermis. Therefore, part of it can be replaced with another binder, for example, oak bark tincture.

Did you know? The first razors for ancient people were shark teeth, flint, and mollusk shells.

To alcohol add glycerin or petroleum jelly. You can add potassium alum - this is a component that has a hemostatic effect.

Then drip a couple drops of essential oil(e.g. lavender, eucalyptus, citrus). Mix everything thoroughly and the lotion is ready.

Here are approximate proportions:

• alcohol-100 ml;
• oak bark tincture - 50 ml;
• glycerin-1 tbsp;
• essential oil - 3–4 drops;
• alum - 1 pinch.

Terms of use

No matter how basic it is to use shaving lotion, we recommend keeping a few tips in mind.

Following these simple tips will help you get only a pleasant feeling from using aftershave lotion.

The most important thing is to prepare your skin for applying lotion and use the correct application technique.

How to prepare your skin

Before applying it, you must remove any remaining gel from the skin or shaving foam.

To do this, wash your face with water and pat your face with a towel.

Applying lotion

Apply to slightly damp skin with patting movements.. Distribute a small amount between your palms and then over your face.

Important! For more economical use, apply it to a cotton pad and wipe the skin.

Popular aftershave lotions

Nivea

Nivea aftershave lotion has a thick, opaque texture and contains a unique Active Comfort complex that provides skin hydration.

He also relieves redness and soothes skin. The line for sensitive skin does not contain alcohol. Available in 100 ml bottles. Price - slightly above average.

The Gillette company produces alcohol-containing lotions in containers of 50 and 100 ml. They are distinguished by fresh, invigorating aromas.

They include softening, soothing and healing components. Middle price segment.

Old Spice lotions are available in 100 ml containers. They contain alcohol, as well as moisturizing and softening components, which prevents the feeling of skin tightness. Middle price segment.

L'Oreal

Products from L’Oreal Paris have a low alcohol formula, which is why do not dry out the skin.

The composition includes vitamins and caffeine, as well as elements that have cooling effect. The bottle volume is 100 ml, slightly above the average price segment.

Novaya Zarya is a Russian brand that produces alcohol-based aftershave lotions in 100 ml bottles. They are designed for use with both a regular razor and an electric razor.

Contains aloe extract, which has a moisturizing and antiseptic effect. Belong to the low price segment.

Important! When using an electric razor, apply lotion before shaving. Thus, it forms a protective layer on the skin.

The aftershave series from Mennen consists of four masculine scents in 100 ml containers. They have a refreshing, tonic and protective effect on the skin.

The composition includes provitamin B5, which moisturizes and softens dry skin. Middle price segment.

Avon

Avon aftershave absorbs quickly, soothes and moisturizes the skin.

Among the active components in the composition, aloe extract is famous for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and stearic acid protects the skin from external adverse factors and gives it a velvety feel. Available in a 100 ml tube, low price segment.

Adidas

Adidas shaving lotions for men feature original scents.

Render gentle care Thanks to the uniquely developed formula, it prevents, and the feeling of freshness after use remains for the whole day. The price segment is above average.

Almost every man shaves his face - this procedure does not take much time. During this procedure, the man may cut himself. Aftershave lotions were invented to restore skin and heal wounds.

These tools perform different functions. Let's find out why such products are needed, what are their advantages and what lotions can be used.

In order to choose the right lotion, it is important to understand why it is needed. This product for men is used after shaving. It helps to take good care of the skin and makes it healthier. To prevent the lotion from overpowering the smell of the eau de parfum, you can choose the scent that is similar to yours.

The lotion does not replace perfume, since it contains few fragrant particles; it complements the entire composition of care products. This cosmetic product:

1. softens the skin,
2. heals wounds,
3. Thanks to alcohol, it disinfects the wound,
4. has a pleasant and persistent smell.

Some men replace lotion with perfume, but this is wrong, since perfume does not moisturize the skin or restore damaged cells.

Advantages over other means

If you choose lotion or cream, then it is better to give preference to the first product, as it has a number of advantages.

1. Does not leave behind a greasy trace,
2. Dries quickly
3. Instantly absorbed
4. The formula is more pleasant to the body.

The lotion heals wounds well and restores damaged cells. This property is very important, because if the wounds take a long time to heal, the skin becomes inflamed and causes a lot of inconvenience. The rating of cosmetic products showed that the lotion is in many ways superior to other products.

Composition and features

When buying a lotion, it is important to read its composition and choose the one that suits your face type. Having dry skin, a man should not buy alcohol-based products, as it will dry out the skin even more. Buy alcohol-free products or those that contain a small amount of this substance.

For sensitive skin, you need to buy products that include:

• Aloe,
• Allantoin,
• Vitamin C promotes wound healing,
• Vitamin F soothes skin
• Panthenol,
• Vitamin A.

Consider the characteristics of your face and its sensitivity to certain components. Lotion is a necessary aftershave product; it helps restore the skin and moisturize it.

Mode of application

In order for the lotion to perform all its functions, it is important to know how to use it.

1. After shaving, wash your face with water.
2. Smear the product over your hands for 2 seconds.
3. Open your palms and hold them for a couple of seconds to let some of the alcohol evaporate.
4. Apply lotion to a damp face.

This method of use will minimize the burning sensation, improve the aroma and promote better action of the main components on the skin.

Which to choose?

It was discussed above how to choose a product and which one is better. You need to take into account your skin type; there are four types:

1. Dry,
2. Fat,
3. Combined,
4. Normal.

Having determined your skin type, carefully read the composition and choose the lotion that contains elements that suit you personally. Pay special attention to the amount of alcohol.

Advice! Before using the lotion, perform an allergen test. To do this, you need to apply the liquid to your hand and see how the skin reacts to the composition of the cosmetic product.

Rating of the best aftershave lotions

Shaving lotion is only one type of cosmetic product, but even among them there are good and bad. Now we will look at a number of popular and high-quality lotions that many men use.

Dolce & Gabbana

The famous brand Dolce is not only famous for its pleasant scent of perfume, but also for the extraordinary aroma of its lotion. The product softens and moisturizes the face. Using this lotion, you will not only enjoy the pleasant smell, you will improve your skin health.

Dolce Gabbana lotion is liked by many men, so you can choose the scent that suits you.

L'Oreal

The French company L'Oreal has created special after-shave skin care products. The lotion softens the skin and takes good care of it. Lotions with an icy effect are popular. The main elements moisturize the skin and hold it in the epidermal cells.

The product contains various vitamins and caffeine. Thanks to this, the skin does not peel off, does not become dry and does not feel a burning sensation after applying the product. The icy effect refreshes the skin and invigorates it.

Adidas

The Adidas brand is used by athletes because it has a fresh smell. After it, the man is charged with energy. This scent is used by active and mobile people. These benefits alone encourage many men to choose this product.

Lotions help a man highlight his style. The main components perfectly nourish the skin and restore damaged areas after shaving.

Oriflame

Oriflame is in great demand due to its availability. Shaving lotions instantly soften the skin and are quickly absorbed into it. Thanks to oils, the product protects and soothes the skin. Lotions help to feel comfortable, even if a man gets hurt while shaving.

Nivea men

Nivea series men's lotion consists of vitamins and chamomile extract. Thanks to this, it has a neutral smell and is quickly absorbed into the skin. This lotion does not contain alcohol. Chamomile and vitamins perform the following functions:

• Heals the skin,
• Relieves irritation
• Soothe the skin
• Moisturizes the face
• Gives freshness.

These products are suitable for sensitive and dry skin. Natural ingredients do not cause irritation or allergies. Also, the absence of alcohol protects the skin from drying out.

Gillette

Gillette helps make shaving your favorite procedure, its scent is reminiscent of the sea breeze or mountain air. A good lotion should not only heal and moisturize the skin well, but also have a pleasant aroma.

After shaving, the skin looks irritated and damaged, a lotion from the Gillette line will help you get rid of this. The product contains glycerin. This component can both dry and moisturize the skin, it all depends on its amount in the product.

For reference! Human cells themselves produce glycerol - it circulates water.

Old Spice

The Old Spice skin care series works well. After shaving, the skin becomes dry, irritated and may even be damaged. To restore the skin to a healthy appearance, you need not only to cauterize the wounds. It is important to fill the skin with nutrients that will soothe the face and nourish it with vitamins.

Clean line

The clean line always attracts many buyers due to the fact that it produces products that have a natural composition. Some even say that the clean line makes therapeutic products that restore skin.

Pure line lotions, thanks to natural ingredients, nourish and restore the skin. The main components disinfect the face, eliminate irritation and relieve inflammation. Aloe is one of the main components of the lotion; it regenerates the skin.

Liberty

Freedom lotion consists of:

• Vitamin F,
• Nettle extract,
• Chamomile extract,
• Betaine.

Each of these components performs the following role:

1. Gives the skin a natural look,
2. Has an anti-inflammatory effect,
3. Restores blood circulation,
4. Has an antiseptic effect,
5. Soothes the skin.

The lotion comprehensively cares for the skin, nourishes it with vitamins and helps a man feel comfortable after shaving.

Mennen

Menen contains provitamin B5, which moisturizes the skin after shaving. It tones and protects the skin from germs. This lotion is pleasant to use and helps not to feel discomfort after shaving. The pleasant smell of this product will lift your mood for the whole day.

Price

The price of lotions varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. The most inexpensive products are the pure line. A lotion from this line costs 150 rubles. The price of the product largely depends on its brand.

What else moisturizes and protects the skin?

To protect and improve your skin after shaving, you need to use good lotions. However, sometimes this is not enough. Healthy food and clean water have a positive effect on the skin. Try to drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables. Only this approach will help you have healthy skin.

Lotions (tonics) - recipes on how to make at home

Lotions, and now it is fashionable to call this product a tonic (skin tonic), are used to care for the skin, and not only the face or neck, but the entire body. Lotions are made in different ways: some clean the skin, others relieve inflammation and treat acne, others promote an even tan, others are used only by men - after shaving, others tone the skin and smooth out wrinkles, etc. Here, on this page, are given some recipes for lotions based on medicinal plants. They, among other things, also have medicinal properties: they disinfect, improve blood circulation, restore the natural acidity of the skin, rejuvenate...

Body lotion (collection of herbs)

Take the following components in equal quantities: chamomile, coltsfoot, sage, yarrow, horse chestnut flowers, horsetail herb, rosemary, marshmallow (root), dandelion. Mix everything, then pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into 0.5 liters of water, boil over low heat for 30 minutes, and strain after cooling. Add 2 more tablespoons of cognac or vodka and 1 tablespoon of camphor alcohol to the resulting broth, shake. Before use, the skin must first be thoroughly cleaned with a damp swab, and then this lotion must be applied with another swab. The lotion recipe is used to care for body skin with blackheads, porous skin, etc.

Acne lotion (from chamomile)

Make chamomile infusion: 2 table. spoons of crushed chamomile flowers, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave until cool, strain. Then pour drinking alcohol into the infusion in a 1:1 ratio. Use this lotion for acne, skin inflammation, redness of the face - wipe the face.

Lemon lotion

Squeeze 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and pour it into 0.5 liters of water. Wipe your face with this solution morning and evening. Lemon contains vitamins B1 and PP, citric acid, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese. Used to wipe the skin after washing - makes it elastic and whitens. Lemon also softens the skin of your hands and removes dark spots after peeling vegetables.

Lotion for dry skin No. 1 (collection of herbs)

This is one of the homemade lotion recipes for dry and sensitive skin. You need to take the following herbs in equal parts - St. John's wort, sage, yarrow, chamomile, coltsfoot, marshmallow (root), thyme, horsetail. Then pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a thermos, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for 12 hours. After straining, add another 2 tablespoons of vodka or 1 tablespoon of ethyl alcohol, and 2 ampoules of vitamin B1. Wipe the skin of the face using a cotton swab soaked in lotion in a circular motion along the line of its least stretch.

Lotion for dry skin No. 2

Prepare the following collection: chamomile, sage, St. John's wort, thyme, coltsfoot, marshmallow (root), yarrow, horsetail - take in equal quantities. Next, pour 2 tablespoons of this mixture into 1/2 liter of boiling water, cover with a lid, wrap and leave for 8-12 hours. Afterwards, strain and add 1 tablespoon each of vodka and glycerin and mix. Use this lotion for dry skin.

Lotion for loose, sagging and porous skin (collection of herbs)

Take yarrow, St. John's wort, wormwood (herb), dandelion, coltsfoot, rowan fruits and leaves, lemon and orange zest in equal parts. Then, pour 5 tablespoons of the mixture into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 12 hours, then strain and add 2 tablespoons of white wine or vodka. In the evening, before going to bed, wipe your face with this lotion. And also, make ice from this infusion: fill the mold and put it in the freezer. In the morning you will need to wipe your face with this ice, immediately after waking up.

Softening lotion

Take 3 ripe lemons, squeeze out the juice and chop the zest, pour 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 2-3 hours. Afterwards, strain the infusion and pour into the juice. Separately mix 200 ml of camphor alcohol and 2 tablespoons. spoons of liquid honey. Combine the first and second solutions, mix and add another 50 drops of rosehip oil, and mix again. Keep refrigerated. Use lotion to soften the skin and remove dark spots.

Lotion for aging skin (rejuvenating)

Leaves and flowers of mint, chamomile flowers, leaves and fruits of rowan - take in equal parts. Then pour 3 tablespoons of this mixture into 3 glasses of water, add a piece of lemon zest and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, leave for another 10 hours, then strain and add 2 tbsp. spoons of glycerin and 2 tbsp. spoons of vodka, shake. The lotion gives freshness to the skin. Keep refrigerated.

Refreshing herbal lotion

Take 4 tbsp. spoons of St. John's wort decoction, 1 tbsp. spoons of chamomile decoction, 3 tbsp. spoons of vodka, 1 tbsp. spoon of glycerin. Mix everything thoroughly and wipe your face every evening. This lotion cleanses well, restores color and improves the elasticity of facial skin. Store the lotion in the refrigerator.

Lotion made from linden flowers, parsley and sage

Take 1 tablespoon of linden blossom, 1 table. a spoonful of chopped parsley and 1 teaspoon of sage leaves, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, strain and pour in 2 tablespoons of vodka. The lotion tones, nourishes and rejuvenates the skin.

Kalanchoe lotion for acne

2 table. spoons of finely chopped Kalanchoe leaves, pour 1 cup of boiling water, leave, wrapped, for 2 hours. Then, strain and wipe your face with this lotion after washing. Kalanchoe lotion eliminates unnecessary oiliness, tightens pores, and disinfects the skin.

Cucumber tanning lotion

Infuse cucumber seeds in vodka in a ratio of 1:10 for 2 weeks. Before use, dilute the tincture with water (make a lotion), also in a ratio of 1:10. Wipe the face and body as a means of protecting the skin from excessive tanning and the appearance of freckles.

Pine needle aftershave lotion

50 grams of fresh pine needles, collected away from the road, pour 0.5 liters of vodka, leave for 7-10 days. This lotion has a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect; it is used to wipe the face after shaving. Pine needle lotion is also effective for acne, but in this case it must also be diluted with boiled water 1:1 and lubricated on the face 1-2 times a day.

Pine needle lotion for aging skin

Place 1 tablespoon of pine needles in a thermos, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours. Then, strain and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 drop of rose essential oil to the infusion, shake. Moisten a cotton swab with lotion and wipe the skin of the face and neck.

Rosemary lotion (for fresh skin, women adore)

Slavic women have always been famous for the freshness of their skin and they had their own secrets. One of them is the use of tincture of rosemary flowers: pour 2 tablespoons of flowers with 1 glass of good vodka and leave for 1.5 months, shaking occasionally every 3 days. Then strain and wipe the skin on the face and neck along cosmetic lines with a tampon soaked in the tincture, 2 times a day.

Echinacea, Chamomile and Calendula Lotion (for problem skin)

You need to take equal quantities of fresh flowers of echinacea, calendula and chamomile. You need to mash them in a mortar so that they release juice and then pour in good vodka in a ratio of 1:7. Next, shake the mixture and leave to infuse in a dark place for 2 weeks, then strain. Morning and evening, wipe your face (problem areas) with this lotion (tonic) after washing.

Every day, many men and women resort to using a razor. The strong half of humanity strives to achieve a smooth face, and girls ensure the flawlessness of the skin of their legs. Aftershave lotion is an integral part of the procedure. After all, it helps to soothe the skin, maintaining its health and tone.

Main functions

Even the most modern razors leave many micro-cuts on the skin that are invisible to the naked eye. This injures the epidermis and can lead to irritation and redness.

A good aftershave lotion for men provides complete skin care, performing a number of functions.

• Soothes the epidermis softening the consequences of mechanical damage, relieves redness;
• Prevents inflammation and irritation;
• Disinfects micro-wounds, heals, promotes rapid restoration of the skin;
• Refreshing, gives the face tone;
• Moisturizes, maintains optimal water balance on the skin throughout the day;
• Protects the face from the external environment;
• Gives the skin pleasant aroma (if necessary).

Lotions for women are slightly different from their male counterparts. They must also have disinfecting and healing properties. However, such products are not intended for skin aromatization. But many women's lotions contain special components that slow down the growth of new hairs.

Such products are available in many professional skin care lines after hair removal of any kind (waxing, sugaring, etc.). Any of these lotions is also suitable for treating the skin after hair removal with a razor.

Advantages and disadvantages

The light texture of the lotion allows it to spread easily over the surface of the skin and be quickly absorbed. The products do not leave greasy marks or a sticky feeling and do not stain clothes. The anti-inflammatory and healing properties of the products help the skin repair damaged cells faster.

Healing oils, herbal extracts and other nourishing and moisturizing additives turn the lotion into a complete care product. This is especially important for men with dry and sensitive skin who neglect the use of creams.

The visual effect is also important. Lotions instantly neutralize redness, providing a well-groomed appearance.

Many men use aftershave as a way to give their skin a nice scent. The perfume is appropriate both in a business setting and on a romantic date. Some people use lotion as an independent flavoring element, while others enhance its effect with eau de toilette.

But many men purchase products containing alcohol. They mistakenly believe that only this component can effectively disinfect the skin. However, alcohol-containing products can also have the opposite effect.

Those with dry and sensitive skin may feel a strong burning sensation when using them, which is not normal. Also, an additional irritating factor may not only not reduce redness, but increase it. In addition, this component can cause even greater dryness and tightness of the skin, causing severe discomfort.

People prone to allergies should pay attention to other components of the products. After all, even useful and caring supplements with individual intolerance can be harmful to health. Therefore, before purchasing, it is important to study the composition of the lotion.

And of course, you should decide in advance whether you need the pronounced aromatic properties of the product. If you prefer unscented products or use an eau de toilette that does not make shaving products, purchase a neutral, unscented option.

How to choose the right one?

When choosing a lotion, you should first consider the type of epidermis.

If you experience frequent breakouts and oily shine, you need an anti-inflammatory lotion. Antiseptic additives optimize the process of sebum production, giving the face a matte and well-groomed appearance.

This product will disinfect microdamages associated with shaving, as well as treat inflammation and prevent the appearance of new ones. In this case, lotions with a low alcohol content are acceptable.

Those with dry skin types can choose a product with nourishing oils and moisturizing ingredients. This product will combine the prevention of inflammation, protection, and quality care. In this case, alcohol-containing products are contraindicated.

Sensitive skin requires special care. It also does not accept alcohol and other aggressive components. The product must be hypoallergenic and contain caring ingredients.

For example, vitamin F has a calming effect. Vitamin A promotes the healing of micro-wounds. Aloe vera and panthenol are components that have healing and restorative properties.

Often products intended for the care of sensitive skin contain a corresponding inscription on the label.

It is advisable to choose a men's aftershave lotion from the same brand as the foam or gel. In this case, they will harmoniously complement each other’s influence. Let us also remember that all products of the same line usually have an identical aroma.

As for women's lotion, it should have all the properties of a delicate restorative product. If you wish, you can choose a product with ingredients that slow down hair growth.

Also, when choosing a lotion, it is better to give preference to one of the well-known brands that have earned the trust of customers and positive reviews.

How to use?

Like any cosmetic product, aftershave lotion has some application features.

1. Cleanse your skin of other products. Thoroughly rinse off the foam or gel you used during hair removal.
2. Treat accidental cuts with an alcohol-based solution. If the lotion contains this component in its composition, then this item can be skipped.
3. Pat your face dry with a towel, but do not wipe it dry. It is better to apply the lotion to slightly damp skin.
4. Pour a portion into your palms and spread evenly over your face using your hands. You can also use a cotton pad for this.
5. If you use day cream in addition to lotion, wait a few minutes and then apply the cream.

The technique for using an aftershave care product for women is almost identical. The product is applied after thoroughly cleansing the skin. The only difference is that in this case the epidermis may be dry.

In addition, many post-epilation products are available in spray bottles. This allows you to distribute the lotion over the treated surface by pressing the valve.

Rating of popular brands

Nivea

The brand's products have an opaque, slightly creamy texture and an unobtrusive light aroma. The Active Comfort complex soothes and moisturizes the skin. Lotions neutralize redness and prevent irritation. The series for sensitive skin does not contain alcohol or other aggressive components.

Gillette

The products from this company are distinguished by bright, invigorating aromas. The brand's lotions also contain soothing and healing ingredients, soften and moisturize the skin. Lotions contain alcohol.

Old Spice

The well-known elegant bottles in red packaging give freshness, hydration and care. The brand's collections include several products designed for the final stage of shaving. All contain alcohol.

L'Oreal

Products from the French company also include alcohol, but its share is so small that it does not dry out the skin. The vitamin complex fills the skin with energy, caffeine invigorates, and caring components maintain optimal water balance and softness of the skin.

Mennen

The Mennen collection is represented by four masculine scents. The products tone and refresh. Provitamin B5 has a moisturizing effect. Protective components prevent irritation and protect the skin throughout the day.

Adidas

The famous sports brand Adidas presents refreshing lotions with a unique recipe. The components of the products soothe, relieve irritation, and provide decent facial skin care. The scents of the collection are original and unique.

Proraso

The products of this Italian brand belong to the high price category. Lotions have a cooling effect due to the menthol contained in the composition. Healing eucalyptus oil restores the skin and accelerates its regeneration. The alcohol-free formula makes the products suitable for people with dry and sensitive epidermis.

Chanel

The product tones, disinfects, restores, does not contain alcohol. The lotion has a light and non-greasy texture, comfortable to apply. And the exquisite aroma of expensive perfume makes the product truly luxurious.

Spicy pepper, sweet vanilla, lemon, bergamot and woody notes of cedar create a masculine scent for determined, stylish and modern men.

The idea of ​​making aftershave lotion at home was suggested by a member of the “Classics of Shaving” group, Arthur Garanich. The experiment turned out to be extreme.

Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum

I have never made my own cosmetics. Moreover, alcohol aftershaves don’t suit me, so I don’t use them. But sometimes I like to experiment, so I grabbed the idea of ​​a fellow hobbyist.

It was not difficult to find recipes for alcoholic aftershave on the Internet. One of them immediately caught my attention. It's easy to prepare. In addition, all the necessary ingredients were available at home thanks to the thriftiness and culinary talents of the wife. So I immediately made the lotion and let it steep.

Bay Rum Aftershave Recipe

As you understand, we will talk about the famous bay rum or Bay Rum. It is believed that this mixture was invented by pirates. They spent months on ships. Apparently, there were problems with hygiene on the ships. Therefore, through experimentation, they found a recipe for a universal product that can be used as eau de toilette, deodorant and aftershave.

To prepare Bay Rum you will need:

• 120 ml vodka.
• Two tablespoons of Jamaican rum.
• Peel of a small orange.
• Cinnamon stick.
• Two dry bay leaves.
• A quarter teaspoon of allspice.

The wife uses rum to make baked goods. There is vodka in the house for the same purposes. Spices and orange were also found.

Not for internal consumption: preparing aftershave “Bay Rum” at home

I decided that allspice would be best used in pea form. There were seven peppercorns in a quarter teaspoon.

The cinnamon stick had to be broken in half. It also seemed to me that the peel of half an orange would be enough for the stated amount of vodka and rum.

All that remains is to put the ingredients in a clean bottle with a lid and leave to infuse for two weeks.

Please note that some connoisseurs recommend infusing aftershave in the refrigerator. I think this is incorrect. In medicine, it is recommended to prepare extracts and tinctures at room temperature, since cooling slows down all reactions and prevents the extraction of substances from spices and plants.

During the steeping process, I opened the lid several times. The smell was simply driving me crazy. The wife even said that she would take the potion for herself and use it as eau de toilette.

She also said that all ingredients except bay leaf are added to different types of baked goods. And then I remembered that some expert on Badger and blade wrote that to prepare aftershave you need to use not the same bay leaf that is thrown into the soup, but some other one.

Investigation revealed that in English the term bay leaves is actually used to refer to two different types of bay leaves. Almost everyone caught the first one in soup. And the second is American laurel, bay or bay tree, clove pepper, pymenta racemosus.

That is, I infused the lotion with the wrong bay leaves. I was unable to find Pimento racemosus either in a spice store or even in online stores. Only ready-made bai-tree essential oil is available for sale.

Alternative recipe for lotion with vodka and rum

I decided not to pour out the wrong bay rum. It smells very pleasant, so it can be considered a variation on the Bay Rum theme.

I also made an alternative alcoholic aftershave, which I called “Spicy Citrus.” Here are the ingredients:

• Vodka - 100 ml.
• Jamaican rum - two tablespoons.
• Peel of half an orange.
• Allspice - seven peas.
• Cinnamon - one stick.
• Cardamom - seven grains with peel.
• Carnation - three cloves.

According to the wife, this spice mixture is very widely used in baking. The smell of the new mixture was also very pleasant. Apparently, cardamom, which is considered the king of spices, added nobility to the aroma.

Bay rum trials

While the lotions were infusing, I bought very convenient 100 ml bottles from an online store. They have lids with a dispenser and tamper evident.

Bottles for aftershave

When two weeks had passed, I strained the Bay Rum on irregular bay leaves through a strainer and poured it into a bottle. It smells so good it makes you drool. The base of the aroma is orange and cinnamon. But the spices are also noticeable.

Ready-made aftershave lotion

The entire experimental aftershave didn't fit into the bottle. Therefore, I left a little product in a large container. The lotion is light brown in color.

Fund balance

Before using the aftershave, I performed a sensitivity test. Apply a little product to the inner surface of the forearm and wait half an hour. While I was waiting, I almost choked on my saliva. The smell is so pleasant that your stomach begins to rumble. The scent is not long lasting. It disappears after about 15 minutes.

There was no reaction on the skin of the forearm. So I applied some aftershave to my face. I shaved in the evening and used lotion in the morning. That is, the skin has already recovered from yesterday’s contact with the blade.

For the first minute or two there was no sensation. The alcohol content of the lotion is low, so it does not burn. I enjoyed the aroma. And then all hell broke loose. My face suddenly started to burn. I looked in the mirror and saw that it had turned red. It looks like I steamed it over a pot of potatoes.

I realized that the redness and feeling of heat were caused by the local irritant effect of the spices: cinnamon and pepper. The reaction is explained by the reflex dilation of blood vessels. The redness was so strong that my wife suggested taking an antihistamine. But we were not talking about allergies, but rather about the strong local irritating effect of essential oils.

After waiting for half an hour, I washed my face. Literally a minute later the feeling of heat disappeared, and after 10 minutes the redness almost disappeared.

Who is guilty

The pirates are to blame. They gave us a recipe that not everyone can use. Making lotion is easy, but the consequences can be unpredictable. Perhaps the irritating effect stimulates local blood circulation and promotes the healing of microtraumas of the epidermis. But hardly anyone wants to go to work with a red face. Of course, unless he works as the captain of a pirate ship.

By the way, don’t even think about drinking the prepared aftershave. If your skin reacts sharply to spices, imagine how the stomach lining will react.

I will use the prepared aftershaves as eau de toilette and as a mood improver. Simply apply a few drops to your wrist to enjoy the invigorating scent for 10 or 15 minutes. And after shaving, I prefer to use moisturizing balms.

Perhaps someday I will experiment with making balms at home. Moreover, cool bottles with convenient caps are available. But for now there is no need for this, since there are two tubes in stock.

The Internet is full of recipes for other alcohol-based aftershaves. But I haven't prepared them yet. But I don’t want to write about something I haven’t tried. If you have experience making your own lotions or balms, write in the comments.