Aloe vera: By far, aloe vera is the best instant skin soother and works to cool the skin after a shave. It also features antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent burns, bumps and scrapes. Many lotion and balm formulas use aloe vera to ease any symptoms of razor burn, so finding a formula should be easy. They’re also formulated to encourage your skin tissues to regrow, which ultimately helps protect your skin and strengthen the barrier. Aftershaves can also be formulated with antibacterial ingredients so that if a cut does occur, bacteria won’t find its way inside and cause acne or further irritation. Finally, many people use aftershaves in place of their daily cologne because they impart a lingering scent that lasts all day. READ NEXT: The best hair wax for men The best aftershave and fragrances for men 1. Infusion Mandarine Eau De Parfum by Prada: Best unisex fragrance

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Eau de parfum, otherwise known as perfume, is between 8% and 20% pure fragrance (usually closer to 15%). You don’t need much as it can be quite strong, but it’s a great choice for wearing on a trip out. Expect each application to last for between four and five hours. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is commonly used in skincare formulas due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties. A centuries-old ingredient that’s used to treat all kinds of wounds and burns, tea tree oil in an aftershave can help clean the skin and prevent razor burn from forming. Allantoin: Ideal for those with dry, sensitive skin that’s prone to itchiness, allantoin is a common aftershave ingredient that helps relieve everything from razor burns to diaper rashes. It can be incredibly moisturizing when combined with other hydrating ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll also want to steer clear of formulas that contain synthetic fragrances. This goes for all skincare products, but especially for aftershaves, which are meant to be used on freshly shaved skin when the skin is raw and susceptible to irritation. Do your research, and look up the best aftershaves for men. Top-of-the-line aftershaves will generally stay away from the nasty stuff and only use premium ingredients. Aftershave is meant to be used immediately post-shaving. No matter what formula type you’re using, make sure the area is clean and free of any hair remnants or oils. If you’re using a splash, wet your skin with cold water to close up your pores, pour some aftershave into the palms of your hands, and gently pat the formula into your skin. Or, if the product is in spray form, spray a few spritzes onto clean skin.Aftershave splashes: Aftershave splash is probably what your dad’s dad (and his dad) used. Think of aftershave splashes as you would a toner. They’re more liquid in consistency than lotions and balms, and often contain astringent, disinfecting properties thanks to ingredients like witch hazel. Though they’re fresh and lightly scented, splashes are typically formulated with alcohol (which can irritate the skin and tighten up the pores), so be wary of using such products if you have dry, sensitive skin. Splashes are best used for those with oily skin, as they’re less likely to contribute to the grease (which lotions and balms may do) and instead tone the skin. Ultimately, if you’re a fan of that tingling sensation, a splash is for you. Aftershave contains between 1% and 3% oil, alongside soothing ingredients like aloe vera, which calms your skin post-shaving. It’s thanks to this magical combination that aftershave is the only fragrance designed for direct application to your face. Expect the scent to last a couple of hours at most. Panthenol: An effective redness reducer, panthenol is a common aftershave ingredient that provides instant relief for razor burns and cuts. It’s also an excellent moisturizer.

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Clean your skin: The first step to a good shave that doesn’t involve razor burn is making sure you’re shaving clean skin. Whether you have a beard or stubble, use a mild cleanser to get rid of dirt, oil and grime sitting on your skin. Chamomile: Just like your favorite chamomile tea calms you on a stressful day, chamomile in an aftershave poses the same soothing benefits for your skin. Not only does it help with relieving irritation post-shave, but it also encourages wound healing.

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Aftershaves are the holy grail of soothing inflammation, calming razor bumps and nourishing the skin after a shave. But the process of shaving can still pose some side effects if not done meticulously—you are dragging a sharp blade across your skin, after all. Aside from avoiding dry shaving (that is, shaving without the use of water, creams or lotions), the best way to prevent a razor burn is to nail down two things: your pre-shave process and a high-quality razor. Here’s how to prep your skin before a shave to prevent razor burn: Parfum is the purest and most expensive of all perfumes, with between 20% and 40% perfume oil. Its scent is likely to last six hours or more, and sometimes into the next day. There aren’t so many of these fragrances on the market, and as such they’re generally worn on special occasions. How should I wear perfume? Rinse with warm water: Use warm water (versus cold or scalding hot) to splash your skin, as this will help open up your pores and make for a better shave. Water that’s too cold will close your pores, while water that’s too hot could cause irritation and inflammation. This stunning unisex perfume was launched this year, although the Infusion collection of which it’s a part has been on sale since 2007. Thoroughly refreshing, it has top notes of green mandarin, mandarin leaf and orange peel; orange blossom and neroli its heart, and warming opoponax rounding things off at the base. There’s a rare energy to this perfume, which leaves you feeling glowing, vibrant and ready to face the day, whatever it may bring. Subtly exotic, but not intense, it’s thoroughly luxurious and more sumptuous than most of the citrus perfumes currently available. Eau de toilette is the best-selling scent strength in most Western countries. It has between 4% and 8% perfume (sometimes a bit more), and the aroma lasts a few hours. It’s perfect for wearing to work, and those times when you want a more discreet scent.

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Coconut oil: Powered by its emollient-rich properties, coconut oil is an excellent skin hydrator—and perfect for lathering onto your skin after a sloppy shave that has resulted in razor burn. Some studies have shown it also has anti-inflammatory properties. If you got carried away with shaving and are experiencing razor burn, here are some ingredients to look for in an aftershave. Rinse your razor frequently: To prevent buildup of hair and shaving cream on your razor, make sure you’re rinsing it between passes. Having product buildup on your razor will keep you from getting the closest shave possible, as the surface will be uneven. Also, the presence of excess product will make you more susceptible to missing certain areas on your face.