Men's Aftershaves | Clothes & Body Care

Looking and smelling good can do wonders for both self-esteem and make a great impression on others.
Men are often challenged, in some cases even overwhelmed, by the prospect of selecting a proper men's fragrance. Contrary to what some men believe, it is not difficult to select the proper fragrance, once you understand each fragrance's function and your personal needs. Often you may need more than one fragrance type, as your daily needs vary. You must understand the differences between Eau De Toilette (EDT) and aftershave. It is not all the same, even though it may appear both have a similar fragrance in the bottle. Aftershave is designed to use after shaving. Aftershave closes the pores and may produce an intense sensation after application. Remember, cologne's scent is always stronger, and lasts longer than aftershave. Cologne is used as a fragrance to give a person a pleasant scent.

HOW TO CHOOSE AND BUY AFTERSHAVE AND MEN'S COLOGNE

Aftershave
Alcohol-based aftershave will close the pores and tend to have a stinging effect. Men with dry skin, or who don't like the stinging sensation, should avoid alcohol-based aftershave and use an aftershave balm, which does not sting. Alcohol-based aftershave provides a mild scent that quickly disappears as the alcohol evaporates and aftershave balms tend to have an even lighter scent.

Men's Cologne
Traditionally, men's cologne is applied after the aftershave, since this has a stronger and longer lasting scent. If you are using aftershave and cologne, then you should ensure either that they come from the same range or choose an aftershave that has a neutral scent. When choosing a men's cologne, it's down to individual taste and personality. As a rule though, for summer and daytime wear it is better to use light, clean, fresh scented cologne. For winter and evening wear, use a muskier or woody scented cologne.

Men's Eau de Toilette and Parfum
Men's aftershave ranges have now expanded to include eau de toilette or parfum versions of a fragrance. Eau de toilette is very popular and is stronger than cologne or aftershave, whilst parfum is the most concentrated scent, with more essential oils and less alcohol. Eau de toilette and parfum will last longer than cologne or aftershave so may be more appropriate if you want to wear the scent all day and night.

Fragrance Notes
You must understand that a fragrance is composed of many layers of scents. These scents are broken down into groups of scents known as top notes, middle (or heart) notes and bottom (or base notes). The top notes are the first reaction you get from the fragrance. Top notes are usually light spices, fruity, citrus or minty scents. The impression from the fragrance will normally last between 10 - 20 minutes on the skin, so if you ever test an aftershave or cologne you should wait at least 20 minutes before checking the smell again. The middle notes are the main smell that you will get from the aftershave or cologne after the top notes have disappeared. The impression from the fragrance will last for around 3 - 6 hours. Middle notes are usually middle spices vanilla, cinnamon, woodsy, and heavier citrus scents such as grapefruit or orange that last for about an hour. Lastly, the fragrance contains bottom or base notes. This is the "mature" fragrance, the scent remaining after you leave the room. The bottom or base notes help make the aftershave or cologne fragrance last on the skin. They are composed of stronger scents: long-lasting leathers, woods, tobacco and heavy spices such as peppers and cloves.

TYPES OF MEN'S AFTERSHAVES

Designer
The number of aftershaves and colognes available has expanded considerably in the last twenty years due to the number of designers who have lent their name to different fragrances.

Luxury
Luxury aftershaves and colognes make the perfect Christmas or birthday gift, but are also a great way to treat yourself or someone you love at any time of year.

Popular
For those with a limited budget, there are a number of brands of aftershave and cologne, popular for years, which smell great but are also inexpensive.

CHOICE OF FRAGRANCE
Never buy a fragrance after just smelling the fragrance on someone or just smelling a sample sprayed on a scent card. The reason behind this is two fold. Firstly, the scent changes after it matures. Secondly, and more importantly, not all fragrances smell the same on all people. The smell created from fragrances is a result of a basic chemical reaction between an individual and the fragrance once it is applied. Since each person has different body chemistry, when the fragrance is applied, the reaction or "scent" may be slightly different from someone else who wears the same fragrance. Smell the fragrances on smell cards. Once you determine that you may like a fragrance, lightly apply it to a pulse point your wrist, neck or chest. Smell it in intervals, of ten, sixty and ninety minutes. This is done to smell the fragrance in different stages of its reaction with your body chemistry. If the scent is one that you like and would wear, purchase it either at the shop or on the Internet. You may choose to purchase both an aftershave and cologne as your needs, and desired strength of fragrance, may change based on what your particular needs are for the day

WHERE TO BUY AFTERSHAVE
Whatever type or brand of aftershave you are seeking, you can get some great deals by shopping online. There are a number of online retailers, who offer leading brands of aftershave and cologne at discounted prices, so you can save money and have your aftershave delivered to your door.