Aftershave or cologne: which is better after shaving?

You probably have the memory of the smell after your father or grandfather’s shave. The truth is that our olfactory memories are as powerful as our visual or auditory ones. That is, when you meet someone, you probably remember how they smell as well as the shoes they wear or the things they say.

The thing is, you need to make sure they remember you for the right reasons, and not because you suck like a teenager who put on too much aftershave for prom. That often happens by not choosing the right fragrance in the right concentration.

But even if you recognize some of the terms on the bottle, what is the difference between aftershave and cologne, or cologne and eau de toilette, or perfume and cologne?

What is after shave?

The history of aftershave is as fascinating as its smell. One of the oldest ways dates back to the Romans, who created an antiseptic formula made from medicinal herbs to prevent infection and even death when shaving.

There are probably much less deadly bacteria on your razor (at least, we hope), but aftershave is still used to help soothe and heal the skin after a clean. Most are also lightly scented with the same notes as a cologne, eau de toilette, or perfume, allowing them to be layered to improve scent longevity.

What is a colony?

When it first appeared in the Middle Ages, eau de cologne (or simply “cologne”) was originally formulated as a medicinal water that was ingested for health benefits. Although we would not advise drinking a bottle that you find in a store, we recommend it rather as an option for a summer scent. This is because, despite becoming an umbrella term for any men’s fragrance, cologne specifically refers to a perfume with an oil-to-alcohol concentration of 2-4% (more than aftershave, but less than eau de toilette), usually made with citrus and herbal notes.

Differences between aftershave and colony

When it comes to a good scent, choosing something that stays firm without being overwhelming is paramount. Aftershave lotion and cologne contain a low concentration of scented oils, but that doesn’t mean they are the same. Aftershave has a lower percentage of scented oils than a cologne, but both will give an initial freshness and develop quickly, leaving a subtle trail. It is designed to be used in conjunction with eau de cologne or perfume, while the cologne stands on its own. Both were originally developed to be used freely, so the intention is to splash rather than spray.