aftershave balm
Best in test
Finishing the shave with a good aftershave balm that soothes and moisturises the skin is an important part of the ritual. This way you reduce the risk of irritation and razor burn and your skin gets the nourishment it needs. Here are our four favourites!
#1
Benjamin Barbers
aftershave balm black oak
Benjamin Barber's latest addition to the Black Oak range is their After Shave Balm in cream form. The nourishing and moisturising effect can be felt immediately - the skin becomes soft and hydrated as soon as the cream is massaged in and it is literally devoured by the skin. The cream leaves a lovely scent of tobacco, oak and leather that is supported by darker notes of sandalwood and cedar. Quite simply, a woody and masculine scent.
It is best used after shaving to restore the skin after the stressful shave. It strengthens the skin's barrier, moisturises the skin and soothes the skin. It doesn't feel greasy or sticky but gives a natural finish while not leaving you shiny or glossy. Its main ingredients are sweet almond, shea butter, jojoba oil and cocoa butter which deeply moisturise the skin and restore the skin's sebum production. They also help to strengthen the skin and protect it from external factors such as weather and wind.
Tip: Works great as a face cream during both day and night and is a lifesaver for dry winter hands.
#2
raw naturals
mr cool after shave balm
In seccond place is a Swedish brand called Raw Naturals - a spin-off from Recipe For Men - which builds its profile on local production and environmental awareness and aims to be reminiscent of a Swedish skincare microbrewery.
Based on organic and pure ingredients, their products have been appreciated for their beneficial properties. This is also the case with this incredibly comfortable aftershave balm, an easy-to-use moisturiser that, with its content of allantoin, coconut milk and oats, is perfect for those with extremely sensitive skin, constantly attacked by ingrown hairs, irritation and razor burn. Since Raw Naturals doesn't want to expose your skin to overly strong perfumes, we're only talking subtle hints here, but the mild, gentle scent is fresh and gives a sense of well-being. It absorbs very well and is also very long-lasting - which is impressive considering the very low price.
#3
benjamin barber aftershave gel
black oak
High on the list is also Benjamin Barber's Aftershave Gel, represented here by the bestseller Black Oak, a mild but wonderfully aromatic scent of tobacco, oak and leather that is supported by darker notes of sandalwood and cedar. Aftershave gel is a new type of formula that in a way stands out from the category but is still included in the balms as it provides an equally moisturising and softening effect. However, unlike a traditional cream, it does not settle as an oily film on the skin but is due to its texture extremely fast absorbing. You really feel that this is candy for the skin!
The result is an unbeatable cooling product that nourishes, helps against shaving irritation and revitalises your skin after the stressful shave. The fact that it absorbs so well also means that it is incredibly thick - a couple of presses on the pump are enough for the entire face and neck. An added bonus is the easy-to-handle packaging in the form of a glass bottle with a handy pump. No unnecessary mess and spillage, in other words. The fragrance in Black Oak is the brand's great classic, but if you want a stronger, more exotic scent, there is a fantastic variant in the darker, sweeter Oud.
For those who often have irritated skin after shaving or ingrown hairs, Benjamin Barber's Post Shave Gel is a perfect alternative. The gel relieves burning, prevents red spots and strengthens the skin's barrier function. It is also suitable for sensitive or temporarily irritated skin.
#4
proraso liquid after shave balm
Sensitive green tea
While we have our focus on products for particularly sensitive skin, there is no getting away from Proraso's Liquid After Shave Balm Sensitive Green Tea from the "white" range. Italian and extremely affordable Proraso has been helping men of all generations since the brand was introduced in 1948 and despite the extremely low price, the quality is unbelievably high. The green original is best known for its cooling properties from its eucalyptus and menthol content, while the white 'Green Tea' range is aimed at those looking for a discreet scent and requiring particularly nourishing substances that provide immediate relief to irritated skin after shaving.
It uses a combination of green tea and oat milk in a completely alcohol-free formula, further enriched with vitamin E to combat free radicals and make the skin look younger and fresher. The scent is really "clean" and pleasant and perfect for those who prefer something low-key but still makes you feel fresh. It may not absorb as extremely efficiently as the upper ones on the list and may not be as rich, but even so, it's clear that you get a lot of quality for your money!