There is nothing like the irresistible, swoon-worthy aura that envelops a man when he’s wearing aftershave. It’s not just about scent; it’s a potent elixir that elevates a man’s charisma to stratospheric levels. When a man rocks the best aftershave, the fragrance is an intoxicating blend of confidence and sophistication.
How to Choose the Best Aftershave:
With a plethora of aftershave options available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. To navigate this diverse landscape and choose the best aftershave for your needs, consider these key factors:
- Skin Type: For sensitive skin, opt for alcohol-free formulas with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or cucumber. For oily skin, consider astringent aftershaves that help regulate oil production. For dry skin, choose hydrating aftershaves with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or glycerin.
- Fragrance: Choose a scent that complements your cologne or personal style. Some popular aftershave fragrances include woody, citrusy, spicy, and herbal notes.
- Form: Lotions provide intense hydration and are ideal for dry skin. Balms offer a concentrated formula that soothes and protects irritated skin. Splash-on aftershaves are refreshing and quick-absorbing.
- Ingredients: Avoid aftershaves containing harsh ingredients like alcohol, parabens, or sulfates, which can further irritate the skin. Opt for formulas with natural ingredients that soothe and nourish the skin, such as aloe vera, witch hazel, or green tea extract.
Ready to take your shaving routine to the next level? We have scoured expert reviews to find this list of the five best aftershaves for men. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
The List: Best Aftershaves for Men, According to Experts
1. Sauvage Eau de Toilette by Dior
Number one on our list of best aftershaves for men is Sauvage Eau de Toilette and we know it lives up to the hype because it is on nearly every list of expert recommendations. “Leave it to Dior to formulate a skin-balancing aftershave lotion that delivers a refreshing, cologne-like scent that also fends off any irritation that can stem from shaving. For the guys who like pairing their aftershave with a cologne, Dior has made things easy for you, offering the same scent in cologne form so that you can round out your Sauvage regimen. Either way, your skin will be happy and clean—and smelling good all day,” concludes Forbes.Â
“Dior Sauvage is a famous fragrance for a reason. With a heart of sandalwood, it still has a typically masculine musk, but mandarin and fruity bergamot add a softer, fuller quality than some more traditional-smelling colognes…you’ll only need a couple of pumps for a long-lasting scent,” adds The Sun.
When it comes to classy men, Dior’s best aftershave defines them. “Dior’s fresh and bold scent, Sauvage, is modelled on the timeless gentlemen and has been designed to outlast both time and fashion. Featuring notes of amber and citrus, this has undeniable head-turning abilities, and trust us, compliments are inevitable when you wear this scent,” shares The Perfume Shop.
2. Hugo Boss BOSS Bottled After Shave
Number two on our list is none other than the boss himself, Hugo Boss. “Among the masses of classic original fragrances, Hugo Boss’ Bottled Night is a top choice for the modern man. Designed to seduce and capture attention, this scent is a sensual blend of cinnamon, geranium and woody notes, thanks to the inclusion of musky cedar and sandalwood. Masculine and effortlessly bold, there are few scents that are as timeless or as enduring as this Hugo Boss formula,” says The Daily Mail.
“Hugo Boss is arguably one of the most well-known menswear brands in the industry. The German brand was founded back in 1924 and has certainly seen its share of controversy, but today it is a luxurious and sophisticated fashion label,” writes Perfume Direct. “Hugo Boss aftershaves are an absolute essential for any collection, with a scent for every occasion housed in recognizable bottles. With a number of different fragrances to choose from, Boss Bottled is the standout favorite for the perfect addition to your collection.”
When an aftershave is understated, yet still allows a hint of masculinity to permeate the air, you know it’s a good one. “A true classic and one of the bestselling men’s fragrances ever (it’s sold well over 60 million bottles since its launch back in 1988) this woody, fruity number hits you with fresh, juicy notes of green apple and grapefruit to begin with, but soon develops into a warm woody and sensual scent thanks to sandalwood, amber and musk. Its success lies in the fact that it comes across as sexy but not overtly so, making it a brilliantly wearable, versatile scent for men of pretty much any age,” claims The Independent.
3. Phantom Eau de Toilette by Paco Rabanne
It’s difficult to describe a scent through the internet yet, the reputation Phantom’s aftershave holds needs no introduction. “This fragrance’s enduring popularity with the scent-buying public suggests we’re not alone in appreciating its easy-to-wear marine freshness,” shares The Independent. “Crisp (with a slightly metallic edge), yet sweet and woody once it matures on the skin, it’s ferociously strong (headache inducingly so if you overdo it) and has the punch, longevity and youthful swagger of something you might wear to a nightclub. The perfect beginner scent for younger guys.”
“Paco Rabanne is possibly one of the most established men’s aftershave brands, with confident and almost intoxicating scents that are well-recognised. The designer himself started in the jewellery business, with clients including Givenchy, Dior and Balenciaga. He eventually founded his own fashion house in 1966,” writes Perfume Direct. “By 1968, Paco Rabanne began working with perfumes and aftershaves too. Almost 40 years later, 1 Million by Paco Rabanne was released and became an instant hit. Inspired by the luxury and power of gold, the aftershave is addictive and exotic. Notes include grapefruit, blood mandarin, rose absolute, cinnamon and leather. An ideal signature scent for your collection, 1 Million is long-lasting without being overpowering.”
“Phantom by Paco Rabanne expertly combines exquisite craftsmanship with new innovations to bring you a fragrance like no other. Inside the distinctive robot shaped bottle, you’re treated to a feel-good combo of energizing lemon, creamy lavender and silky vanilla, but the experience doesn’t end there,” raves The Perfume Shop. “Phantom is the first-ever ‘connected fragrance’, meaning when you tap the top of the 100ml or 150ml bottles with your phone, you can unlock a whole new world of exclusive content!”
4. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir
A man with a clean shave has a certain pep in his step, especially when he’s wearing a scent by Jean Paul Gaultier. “Described as an amber fougère, Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic signature fragrance takes the traditional fougère structure and completely subverts it, adding a massive dose of vanilla, warm, sensual amber and accents of mint, artemisia and orange blossom to create something traditionally masculine and yet… not. Sweet, heady and lingering, it’s as cheeky, imaginative and distinctive as Gaultier himself, and is that rarest, of things: a true modern classic. The bottle, of course, is iconic,” declares The Independent.
No man who stays the same will ever prosper. This must be why JPG’s formula for his most famous aftershave has evolved through the years. “Gaultier’s iconic masculine fragrance, Le Male, has undergone many transformations over the years with different concentrations, exclusive summer specials and even dedicated Pride limited editions,” adds GQ. “Its latest reimagining, composed by perfumer Quentin Bisch, sees the sailor-themed franchise take on its most powerful refresh yet. Flirtatious and sexy, Le Male Elixir is an addictive, aromatic, and amber-packed scent. Introducing itself with a fresh and powerful shot of mint and golden bergamot, it brushes away the cobwebs and ignites the senses. A vibrant dialogue between subtle lavender, benzoin and sweet vanilla then takes grip, before drying down to a base of honey, tobacco and tonka bean.”
The Perfume Shop chimes in: “When it was released in 1995, its blend of Tonka bean, vanilla, lavender, and mint notes won over the world. Not only is this fragrance totally unique, but it changed masculine scents forever. So, if you’re looking for something iconic, you know what to do.”
5. Tom Ford Noir Extreme
“An intensification of the original Noir Extreme scent, NOIR EXTREME PARFUM breathes a heightened concentration of spicy cardamom, spiked with the warmth of Shimoga Ginger and the rich sensuality of tonka bean and guaiac wood,” notes Hello Magazine. “Made from the finest ingredients, including Italian Bergamot, Black Pepper and Bulgarian Rose, Tom Ford’s Noir Eau de Parfum is currently on sale.”
GQ Magazine had to break down each and every scent that completes the symphony of deliciousness created by Tom Ford’s aftershave. “Using rare and precious raw materials that are custom-made for the designer, it opens with the bright and fresh signature of shimoga ginger India Orpur and a magnified dose of cardamom India Orpur, for added spice and opulence. North African neroli essence and Italian mandarin, the citrus ‘Orpur’ notes found in the original Noir Extreme eau de parfum, mingle with saffron and nutmeg. Its floral heart of Bulgarian rose Orpur and rose absolute, blends with orange flower, jasmine and a tantalising and contrasting Indian kulfi accord. Rich tonka bean from Venezuela, spiked with a lavish leather and a suede accord is combined with vanilla Gousse Bourbon Delight, drying down to a woody, sweet and sensual base of amber enhanced with cedarwood from Texas and guaiacwood,” explains GQ.
Which aftershave do you recommend? Leave a comment to let us know!
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Sources:
- GQ
- The Perfume Shop
- The Sun
- The Daily Mail
- Forbes
- Perfume Direct
- Hello Magazine
- Vogue
- The Independent
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.