When it comes to men’s toiletries, several questions often come up. Does it matter how much cologne I put on? How much lotion should I use? Is aftershave even necessary? Well, you’re not alone in asking these questions! Today’s guide will answer all of them, and provide more information on the what, why, and how of aftershave, lotion, and cologne.
What Do These Products Even Do?
Before we go over the process of how to layer these three essential grooming products, it’s key that we explain what each of them is for, and how it operates. As such, here’s a brief overview of each product type, beginning with aftershave.
Aftershave
When you shave, your enlarged pores are being exposed to bacteria. Aftershave helps clear out that bacteria from your pores. How? While most aftershaves usually contain a number of different ingredients, one of the main ones is called an astringent; this does the work of closing your open pores.
If you’re wary of the long list of ingredients found in some aftershaves, there are other options on the market, as well. One of these options is called witch hazel. Yes, that’s a bit of a creepy name, but I promise you, it’s got some great benefits. Witch hazel, unlike its alcohol-based aftershave counterparts, does not contain ingredients that are going to dry out or irritate the skin, but it still helps to tighten the skin and close the pores. If you’ve ever experienced razor bumps after shaving, using witch hazel can help to alleviate some of that skin irritation.
Lotion
By definition, lotion is a thick, liquid preparation designed to be used for medicinal or cosmetic purposes related to the skin. One of the most popular ingredients you’ll find in many different lotions is called shea butter–it’s a great moisturizing agent. When should you use lotion? If you grew up in a household like mine, you were probably almost told to bathe in lotion!
In fact, it’s best to use lotion right after you’re finished bathing, and it’s also nice to reapply it to rough areas throughout the day when needed (like your hands, elbows, knees, or heels). Having to only apply a light layer of lotion is actually the goal; just reapply to rough areas as necessary. Please be aware that when using a facial lotion, for example, you can overuse it, and this can cause clogged pores.
Cologne
Cologne can sometimes be referred to as toilet water or eau de toilette; however, don’t let that phrase scare you away from finding a great-smelling fragrance. Liquid-based cologne is a very popular option that you’ll see in a lot of different stores. However, liquid is not the only form in which you can actually buy cologne. A solid, wax-based cologne is also a very strong option to use. Solid cologne is quite portable, and some may argue that its added benefits of moisturization and longevity make it a wiser option.
If you are choosing to use a liquid cologne, remember that when spraying, less is more! You don’t want to be considered “that guy,” who always has to bathe in a bottle and a half of cologne every time he leaves the house. Use only a small amount of cologne once you’ve bathed. Also, do your best to avoid spraying onto your clothing, as the fragrance will not last throughout the day (and may actually just linger in the fabric). It’s best to spray cologne on heated areas of the body, also called pulse points, including the neck and the chest. Can cologne expire? Well, the answer is actually no, but the scent may change over time. To avoid having a cologne scent shift too quickly, it’s best to keep your bottle of cologne away from direct sunlight and at a consistent temperature, and your bottle cap securely fastened.
There are also differences between cologne and perfume. Growing up, I always viewed perfume and cologne differently; I thought that perfume was for women, and cologne was for men. I don’t know where I came to these conclusions, but I have since learned the reality. In fact, it comes down to the amount of fragrant oils each substance contains. Whereas perfume can contain anywhere from 20-30% oil, cologne is further down the list at around 3% oil concentration.
How Should You Layer Them?
While in the shower, use a facial cleanser. After showering, shave your face, then apply your aftershave, a toner, and then your moisturizer or facial lotion (ideally containing an SPF). Aftershave is your friend but, if you have sensitive skin, try witch hazel instead. Next, apply a body lotion, and then apply your cologne to your pulse points. Remember: with fragrance, less is more! If you’re aiming for a longer-lasting and stronger scent, purchase a fragrance with a higher oil concentration.
Try out this layering plan, and let us know how you like it in the comments below! Or, if you’ve got a system you like, share it with us!
I do apologise Kyle but Sven has hurried on unexpectedly from Dr Lee’s visit to London without waiting for my suggestion. Dr Lee will no doubt have noticed that there is a plaque on the far wall of Cornhill visible from the forecourt of the Royal Exchange commemorating that Thomas Gray, of Gray’s Elegy, was born in a house on the site and that prompts me to suggest a series on clothing named after famous people from the rather obvious wellington boot, cardigan and raglan sleeve named after the respective Lords to the perhaps more obscure pantaloons named after a character in the harlequinade, Tam O’Shanter named after a Robert Burns poem and long johns named in the UK after Robert Louis Stephenson’s Long John Silver, although possibly after John L Sullivan in the USA, and so on
I’ve had a bit too much gin to accurately contribute to the list of christened apparel, but I love the idea of a series devoted to the subject. At present, I can only think of food, as with peche Melba, oysters Rockefeller, etc.
and one for the ladies – the alice band named after Alice in Wonderland.
This is a great system, and one I’ve followed for years without knowing that I was doing it right. I always apply cologne last, and before I have put on clothes. That being said, I do like how my Chanel Pour Monsieur clings to sweaters, and my pillow. It’s the EDP strength, so it has a lasting fragrance. And in my youth, when I had a love life, I always enjoyed the fragrance of the object of my affection clinging to my person. Nice to remember.
Dr. Harris & Co. Arlington, as shown in one of the illustrations of your article … what more does a man need!?
I often opt for an almost neutral aftershave, paired with a long lasting fragrance, or an aftershave which has good longevity from itself. An example of the latter is Tabac Original. Other examples are the various Floid aftershaves.
Some of my favourite fragrances are Arlington indeed, L.T. Piver Eau de Lavande, Pour un Homme de Caron, and JP Gaultier Le Male. All with a good longevity, without being overpowering.
Johan, I second Arlington. I also enjoy their Marlborough and Windsor (and so does my wife)