Walmart.com - Aftershave, Beauty & Personal Care

A guide to buying and using aftershave

For many men, aftershave is the last important step in their regular shaving routines. Though barbers initially used this product as an antiseptic, it was passed down through the generations, and today, it can be important part of skincare for men of all ages. Depending on the type you buy, it can help prevent bumps and ingrown hairs or moisturize and soothe your skin. It also usually smells nice, which can be a treat for both you and anyone you come in contact with throughout the day. If you don’t use aftershave yourself, it can be a great gift for dads, sons, brothers, uncles, cousins and friends. Whether shopping for yourself or loved ones, it's easy to find your favorite shaving products and some new essentials at Every Day Low Prices.

Start with your skin type

One way to select an aftershave is to shop by your skin type. Most people either have oily or dry skin, while some may have combination or sensitive skin. Luckily, there are products available for all of these types. For oily and combination skin, you may want to consider using a gel or lotion rather than a balm or tonic. From there, choose a lotion if you typically get a good, clean shave, but choose a gel if you're more likely to suffer from burning or redness. Keep in mind that the oilier your skin is, the longer a scent will stick with you and the stronger it'll be. For dry skin, go with a balm. They're thicker and stay on top of your skin longer, which means they can also help soothe nicks and cuts. They also offer more moisturizing properties to keep your skin supple.

Men who experience cuts and nicks when shaving will want to keep a tonic aftershave handy. These products usually contain more alcohol and can help prevent infections, but be careful. They can dry your skin out further if you're already prone to dry skin, and they can be especially harsh on sensitive skin. As a matter of fact, if you have sensitive skin, you'll want to look for the products with the lowest alcohol content. Aftershaves for sensitive skin are more likely to contain natural essential oils such as lavender or citrus.

Shopping by ingredient

Some men opt for an aftershave that contains a specific ingredient, whether they choose a balm, lotion, tonic or gel. Again, a product that features a high alcohol content is ideal if you find yourself cutting or nicking your skin frequently. That said, it can cause irritation, burning and a rash for some people. Alternatively, some aftershaves may contain tea tree oil, which can also help prevent infection and can even help prevent bumps from forming due to ingrown hairs or acne. It may still be too much if you have ultra-sensitive skin, however. Witch hazel is another substitute for alcohol that may be better if you have sensitive skin, but it can be dehydrating. Many aftershaves contain aloe vera, which can reduce razor burn and soothe your skin after shaving. Sandalwood is often added to aftershaves because of its fragrance and its ability to rejuvenate the skin. You may end up experimenting with various ingredients to determine which ones have the most positive effects on your skin.

Tips for using aftershave

Once you’ve selected an aftershave, you may find that it’s available for same-day in-store pickup or 2-day shipping. This means you can start using it right away. Before you slather your new purchase on your face, follow a few tips.

• Less is more. When experimenting with a new fragrance, start with only a drop or two on the first day to determine how strong it is. Everyone around you will thank you.
• If you plan to use a cologne after applying aftershave, look for similar scents or those that complement each other, or you may overpower every room you walk into.
• If you have ultra-sensitive skin, proceed with caution. Aftershave may not be for you, or you may need to stick with a product that uses mostly natural ingredients. Avoid alcohol or use an extra-moisturizing face lotion to prevent irritation.
• Store your new aftershave away from the sun and at room temperature or a little cooler. Extreme light and temperature changes may ruin its effectiveness or change the scent.