Best aftershave splashes
- Thread starter DamianJ
- Start date
N_Architect
Travel, See, Feel, Explore
Very generally speaking, I personally tend to categorize after shaves in three levels:
1. Basic
- AV (the original U.S. or the Spanish alternative in the roundish bottle; there's a third, French version, ignore that)
- Mennen Skin Bracer (the original U.S. version again)
- Speick
- any other after shave of classic scent and performance
^^ These are basic, classic brands and products that we've been using for decades.
I also consider Cella, Proraso, Brummel, etc. after shaves to be slightly inferior in scent and performance as compared to these few listed above.
Tabac could be included in the above but it lacks just a tiny bit more moisturising ability.
By 'performance' I mean ingredients, healing + moisturising properties.
2. Scent + moisturisation
- Acca Kappa (e.g. Cedro)
- Klar
- Floris
- Myrsol
- any other after shave of similar (very high) performance and price point.
^^ These are higher quality after shaves that normally cost between 6 to 10 times more than those in Category 1 above, but in return they offer (comparatively) outstanding moisturising and healing properties, i.e. terrific post-shave feeling.
Honourable mention in this category the fantastic Alt-Innsbruck, which despite its lack in post-shave moisturisation, it gains points due to sublime presence when splashed (scent, menthol content).
3. British after shaves
- ToOBS
- GFT
- T&H
- DRH
These, in my humble opinion, are a rare breed. Firstly, they're not all the same, DRH is a step above ToOBS/GFT/T&H for example. Secondly, they're not for everyone. Scents are extravagant and unique across the board, but efficacy is extremely poor and post-shave moisturising is at best non-existent (DRH excluded). Last but not least, they have high possibility of turning bad after a year or two, storage temperature-depending (I've personally had two such cases with DRH Arlington and Marlborough).
For all these three reasons, my take is that they offer little for what they cost.
Summary: The above is a very general and preliminary opinion, subjective opinion of course. People have different preferences, each one of us' skin has different needs, and especially when scents are involved the whole thing becomes even more subjective. There's plenty of after shave choice out there and there are products which additionally carry particular aura and presence, e.g. Pashana or Thann Shiso, but for a number of reasons may or may not be for everyone.
Special mention also to Witch Hazels, they are sound examples of a product that (location and weather depending) can easily make your after shave balm or moisturiser redundant.
1. Basic
- AV (the original U.S. or the Spanish alternative in the roundish bottle; there's a third, French version, ignore that)
- Mennen Skin Bracer (the original U.S. version again)
- Speick
- any other after shave of classic scent and performance
^^ These are basic, classic brands and products that we've been using for decades.
I also consider Cella, Proraso, Brummel, etc. after shaves to be slightly inferior in scent and performance as compared to these few listed above.
Tabac could be included in the above but it lacks just a tiny bit more moisturising ability.
By 'performance' I mean ingredients, healing + moisturising properties.
2. Scent + moisturisation
- Acca Kappa (e.g. Cedro)
- Klar
- Floris
- Myrsol
- any other after shave of similar (very high) performance and price point.
^^ These are higher quality after shaves that normally cost between 6 to 10 times more than those in Category 1 above, but in return they offer (comparatively) outstanding moisturising and healing properties, i.e. terrific post-shave feeling.
Honourable mention in this category the fantastic Alt-Innsbruck, which despite its lack in post-shave moisturisation, it gains points due to sublime presence when splashed (scent, menthol content).
3. British after shaves
- ToOBS
- GFT
- T&H
- DRH
These, in my humble opinion, are a rare breed. Firstly, they're not all the same, DRH is a step above ToOBS/GFT/T&H for example. Secondly, they're not for everyone. Scents are extravagant and unique across the board, but efficacy is extremely poor and post-shave moisturising is at best non-existent (DRH excluded). Last but not least, they have high possibility of turning bad after a year or two, storage temperature-depending (I've personally had two such cases with DRH Arlington and Marlborough).
For all these three reasons, my take is that they offer little for what they cost.
Summary: The above is a very general and preliminary opinion, subjective opinion of course. People have different preferences, each one of us' skin has different needs, and especially when scents are involved the whole thing becomes even more subjective. There's plenty of after shave choice out there and there are products which additionally carry particular aura and presence, e.g. Pashana or Thann Shiso, but for a number of reasons may or may not be for everyone.
Special mention also to Witch Hazels, they are sound examples of a product that (location and weather depending) can easily make your after shave balm or moisturiser redundant.
Not tried this sounds interesting though
bandito
Ex-Addict
The razorpaste is also very good - great scent as well, the Dark Limes
pjgh
Forum GOD!
Old Spice - By far the best aftershave splash to my face ... perfect balance between drying out (which I need or my skin turns mushy) and feeding. Lovely scent, too.
Brut ... likewise. Little more oily for winter months.
Pinaud Clubman ... more drying for cooler months. I have some in a spray bottle for a good dry-out throughout the day.
Brut ... likewise. Little more oily for winter months.
Pinaud Clubman ... more drying for cooler months. I have some in a spray bottle for a good dry-out throughout the day.
pjgh
Forum GOD!
Vintage ... stocked up enough for a few years yet.
ManicDee
póg mo thóin
I must be on too much medication
But I forgot I have a half bottle of
It has a cooling sensation upon application and has that classic barber shop scent! Works well and makes the skin very smooth with a "healed" feeling to your skin after you shave. Cant say enough good things about it or that this stuff smells so fantastic. Plus it comes in a Glass bottle
Sabre
Forum GOD!
Which Pitralon?
Burgundy
Forum GOD!
Pitralon Swiss, for me, has the best aftershave properties of any alcohol-based splash - Speick included. Keep in mind that I prioritise skincare - many will find Pitralon Classic's scent preferable to the Swiss.