How to Make Aftershave

Selecting Your Materials

Choose your main astringent. An astringent is a substance that shrinks body tissues — in this case, your pores. When they shave, most people use warm water, which opens up the pores. Using an astringent in your aftershave is important because it reverses that process. Astringent also sterilizes any cuts or nicks you accidentally give yourself while shaving. Many DIYers choose rubbing alcohol because it's cheap and readily available. It usually has an ethanol content of 70-99%, making it effective but rather harsh on the skin. You can also use potable spirits as your main astringent. Increasingly, people are turning to vodka, rum, and even the incredibly botanical gin for astringents. These astringents are usually a little more forgiving on the skin than rubbing alcohol, but will also end up more expensive.

Choose a secondary astringent. Because alcohol is usually very hard on the skin, a second, more mollifying astringent is usually paired with alcohol to offset some of the stinging. Witch hazel is a great secondary astringent. Witch hazel is made from the bark of a plant. Distilled, the witch hazel contains tannins which help soothe irritation, fight redness, and even fight acne-causing bacteria. Unlike alcohol, witch hazel does not sting on skin and has a very refreshing feel.

Choose an emollient. An emollient is a substance that softens and moisturizes the skin simultaneously. Not only do emollients help skin retain water, they also reduce itching, redness, and flakiness that is common after shaving. Some emollients that you might consider in your aftershave recipe include: Glycerin. Glycerin is a great emollient that is used in virtually every high-end shaving product. Pre-shave soap? Glycerin! Pre-shave lotion? Glycerin. Shaving cream? Glycerin! Glycerin is cheap and makes skin feel silky smooth. Lanolin. Lanolin usually comes in a wax. If using for an aftershave, be sure to look for liquid lanolin. Otherwise, your emollient and other ingredients won't coalesce. Mineral oil. Probably the least popular of the three, but nonetheless workable, mineral oil is odorless, tasteless, and is commonly used as a laxatives (yikes!) in addition to an emollient.

Decide whether you want to put in a styptic. A styptic is any substance that, when applied to the skin, staunches bleeding. If you or your man often cuts himself during the shaving process, it may be a good idea to introduce a styptic into the aftershave. A great styptic that dissolves easily into aftershaves is potassium alum. Also used as a deodorant, and a possible treatment for acne, alum staunches small nicks and cuts with a magical effortlessness.

Add any fragrances or essential oils. As of now, your aftershave likely doesn't smell like much, or very good. Essential oils are a great way to add fragrance and kick up the medicinal content another notch. Especially if used in combination, essential oils need only be used sparingly. Eucalyptus oil produces a wonderful cooling and tingling sensation, and has a very distinct aroma. Menthol is a signature scent that never fails to cool. Very nice when used in combination with eucalyptus. Lavender oil has a rich, grassy smell that instantly smacks of summer. Very versatile, and supposedly great for the skin. Citrus oils are known for their acne-fighting properties; they are graced with a sweet, fresh scent. Cedarwood oil, redolent of smoky, sweet wood, is known for its antifungal properties. It makes a great oil to experiment with.

Making Your Aftershave

Try a minty-fresh aftershave made with menthol and eucalyptus. This aftershave feels like the cool breeze of autumn on your face — for half the day. The twin powers of menthol and eucalyptus soothe and purify your skin. Comparable to the popular green brand of Proraso aftershaves. 1/2 Cup of Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka 1/4 Cup of Witch Hazel 1 Tablespoon Glycerin 1 Pinch Alum 2-5 Drops Peppermint Oil 2-5 Drops Eucalyptus Oil

Try a Bay Rum alternative. Comparable to the classic line of aftershaves, this sweet yet woody scent is perfect for winter. Mix all the ingredients in a mason jar, seal, and place in a dark, cool place for 10 to 14 days. Strain the residue through a coffee filter or fine mesh sieve. 1/2 Cup of Black Rum 1/4 Cup of Witch Hazel 1 Tablespoon glycerin 2 Dried Bay Leaves (not the kind they sell at the grocery store; rather, the kind that's available at natural food stores — pimenta racemosa.) 1 Teaspoon Cloves, crushed 1/2 Teaspoon Allspice, ground 1 Stick Cinnamon, broken in pieces 2-5 Drops Orange Oil

Try this anise-flavored aftershave. Used with absinthe, this aftershave is as potent as it is seductive. If you love hints of fennel and licorice, you'll love this aftershave. 1/8 Cup Absinthe 1/3 Cup Vodka 1/4 Cup Witch Hazel 1 Tablespoon Glycerin 1 Pinch Alum

Try an aftershave with bergamot and orange. Reminiscent of the Old Bay concoction but definitely distinct, this particular aftershave does away with the alcohol and instead substitutes apple cider vinegar. (Don't worry, the ACV doesn't smell once it dries.) For more sensitive skin. 5 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar 5 Tablespoons Orange Flower Water 3 Tablespoons Witch Hazel 5 Drops Bergamot Oil 5 Drops Lemon Oil 3 drops Neroli Oil

Try a cucumber and mint aftershave. As if one powerful coolant weren't enough, this aftershave recipe capitalizes on two: cucumber and mint. Simple but incredibly refreshing. 1/2 Cup Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka 1/4 Cup Witch hazel 1 Tablespoon Glycerin 1 Pinch Alum 2-5 Drops Cucumber Oil 2-5 Drops of Peppermint Oil