Do you love the art of shaving? Were you baffled the last time you saw how much Old Spice Aftershave costs? Or maybe you're an industrious girl who just wants to give her man a special gift - and also encourage him not to lose good habits? Whatever the reason, making your own aftershave is a DIY project that involves the combination of some substance and is surprisingly inexpensive.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Choose the Materials
Step 1. Choose the astringent
An astringent is a substance that shrinks tissues, in this case the pores. When shaving many people use hot water, which opens the pores; therefore it is important to use an aftershave lotion to reverse the process. An astringent also serves to sterilize any accidental cuts caused by shaving.
- Many DIY aftershave enthusiasts use disinfectant alcohol because it is cheap and easy to find. Alcohol disinfectant generally has a concentration of 70-99% ethanol, so it is effective as an astringent but is quite harsh on the skin.
- You can also use alcoholic beverages as an astringent. More and more people are using vodka, rum and even gin - they are more skin-friendly astringents than disinfectant alcohol, albeit quite expensive.
Step 2. Choose another astringent
Since alcohol is quite harsh on the skin, a softer second astringent is also usually used to compensate for its hardness. Witch hazel is very good as a second astringent.
Witch hazel is obtained from the bark of a plant. Distilled, witch hazel contains tannins, which help soothe irritation, redness and even fight acne-causing bacteria. Unlike alcohol, witch hazel does not bother the skin and has a refreshing touch
Step 3. Choose an emollient
An emollient is a substance that softens and moisturizes the skin at the same time. Emollients not only help the skin retain water, but reduce the itchiness, redness and dryness of the skin that is common after shaving. Some emollients you can consider for your aftershave are:
- Glycerine. Glycerin is a very effective emollient used in almost any quality shaving product (in soap and lotion to use before shaving, in shaving cream, etc.). Glycerin is quite inexpensive and makes the skin silky smooth.
- Lanolin. Lanolin is a wax, so you have to look for it in liquid form if you want to use it for aftershave, otherwise it won't mix with the other ingredients.
- Mineral oil. Mineral oil is perhaps the least known of the three emollients but it is, nevertheless, effective. Odorless and tasteless, it is also commonly used as a laxative.
Step 4. Decide if you want to use a coagulant as well
A coagulant is any substance that, when applied to the skin, stops bleeding. If you often cut yourself by shaving (or if your man frequently cuts by shaving), adding a coagulant can be a good idea. An excellent coagulant that dissolves well in the aftershave is potassium alum. It is also used as a deodorant and as a possible treatment for acne, and is able to stop the flow of blood caused by small cuts.
Step 5. Add a fragrance or essential oil
Up to this point, your aftershave doesn't smell particularly pleasant. Essential oils are a great way to add fragrance and a special touch to your aftershave. They should be used in moderation, especially when combined with other ingredients.
- Eucalyptus oil produces a pleasant sensation of freshness and has a typical aroma.
- Menthol is another cooling fragrance, especially when combined with eucalyptus.
- Lavender oil has a rich smell that is reminiscent of summer. It is very versatile and great for the skin.
- Citrus oils are known for their anti-acne properties and their fresh, sweet smell.
- Cedarwood oil, with a sweet, smoky wood fragrance, is known to be a good fungicide.
Method 2 of 2: Create Your Aftershave
Step 1. Try an aftershave made with menthol and eucalyptus
This type of aftershave gives you the feeling of the cool autumn breeze on your face that stays on for a good part of the day. The combination of the properties of these two elements softens and purifies the skin. Its fragrance is similar to that of the green line of the Proraso brand.
- 120 ml of disinfectant alcohol or vodka
- 60 ml of witch hazel
- 15 ml of glycerin
- A pinch of potassium alum
- 2-5 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 2-5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Step 2. Try the Bay Rum alternative
Similar to the popular aftershave brand, this sweet but woody fragrance is perfect for winter. Mix all the ingredients in a glass jar, seal it and store it in a cool dark place for 10-14 days. Filter the residue that forms with a coffee filter or colander.
- 120 ml of dark rum
- 60 ml of witch hazel
- 15 ml of glycerin
- Two dried pimenta racemosa leaves (not the kind sold in regular grocery stores, but the one that can be found at health food stores)
- A teaspoon of shredded cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
- A cinnamon stick cut into small pieces
- 2-5 drops of orange essential oil
Step 3. Try this anise-flavored aftershave
Prepared with absinthe, this aftershave is powerful and seductive. If you like notes of fennel and licorice you will love this aftershave.
- 30 ml of absinthe
- 80 ml of vodka
- 60 ml of witch hazel
- 15 ml of glycerin
- A pinch of potassium alum
Step 4. Try a bergamot and orange aftershave
This particular aftershave, which is reminiscent of the classic Old Bay but is also very different, replaces alcohol with apple cider vinegar (don't worry, apple cider vinegar has no smell when it dries). Suitable for sensitive skin.
- 75 ml of apple cider vinegar
- 75 ml of orange flower water
- 45 ml of witch hazel
- 5 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 5 drops of lemon essential oil
- 3 drops of neroli essential oil
Step 5. Try a cucumber and mint aftershave
If just one coolant isn't enough, you can count on two with this aftershave: cucumber and mint. Simple but incredibly refreshing.
- 120 ml of disinfectant alcohol or vodka
- 60 ml of witch hazel
- 15 ml of glycerin
- A pinch of potassium alum
- 2-5 drops of cucumber essential oil
- 2-5 drops of peppermint essential oil
Advice
- As long as you experiment, reduce the doses so that you don't have to throw away large quantities of product if the result doesn't suit you.
- Experiment with different combinations until you get the result you want. You never know if you will like the result until you try.
