Before the advent of razors, some humans removed hair using two sea shells. Later, around 3,000 BC, when copper tools were developed, humans developed copper razors. The idea of an aesthetic approach to personal hygiene may have begun at this time, though Egyptian priests may have practiced something similar to this earlier. Soap, water and a brush may have been the way Dad did it, but why not trade in cuts, nicks and that burning sensation for smooth, kissable skin by using an after shave balm?
L’Occitane En Provence After Shave Balm
L’Occitane is dedicated to recreating the colours, scents and traditions of the South of France by developing beauty, skincare, and fragrance products for men, women and the home.
The fluid and light texture of this balm is formulated for all skin types. Enriched with Shea butter, it helps firm the skin thanks to the Birchwood sap extract. Was one of the favourites of our panel.
Price: £11.95 for 75ml
Available from: L’Occitane en Provence 22 818151
Karin Herzog After Shave Face Cream
The Swiss company was founded by a man whose many inventions earned him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, awarded by the Nobel Institute.
The face cream is marketed as the only after shave in the world to benefit from two patents, guaranteeing healthy, soft skin after shaving with excellent hydration. It prevents the common problem of hair re-growth beneath the skin and also has a beneficial action in the case of scarring resulting from tiny shaving nicks. Has a strong, almost antiseptic smell, though.
Price: £25 for 50ml
Available from: Jeno Space 22 668800
Crabtree & Evelyn Sienna Luxury After Shave Balm
An alcohol-free balm with added almond oil and vitamin E to help calm and soothe the skin, an alternative to the more astringent and traditional alcohol-based balms. Old-world luxury is captured in this Italian-inspired blend of leather, citrus, and spice with a hint of fire and herbs.
Price: £15.95 for 100ml
Available from: Crabtree & Evelyn 25 370500
Est?e Lauder Beyond Paradise After Shave Balm
Founded in 1946, this technologically advanced, innovative company has gained a worldwide reputation for elegant, luxurious products. Beyond Paradise has the best looking packaging of a green and blue glass bottle and was among the nicest-smelling in our opinion.
Price: £29 for 100ml
Available from: 25 selected stores nationwide 22-672950
Clinique Post-Shave Healer
Clinique was launched in 1968 as the first dermatologist-guided, allergy tested, and fragrance-free cosmetic brand and has gone on to become one of the biggest names in the industry. We found the healer to be superb, soothing razor burn on freshly-shaved skin and also liked the fact that it is fragrance-free.
Price: £15 for 75ml
Available from: 25 selected stores nationwide
Nivea for Men After Shave Balm
Named after the Latin word nivius meaning snow-white, Nivea is one of the world’s largest and most popular skin and body care brands and was founded in 1911.
Good value for money, this balm was instantly absorbed and didn’t leave the skin feeling greasy. A new, improved formula containing sea minerals and vitamins.
Price: £4.45 for 100ml
Available from: Ermes stores nationwide
Avon for Men Soothing After Shave Balm
The roots of Avon can be traced back to 1886, when door-to-door salesman David McConnell made the decision to sell perfumes, rather than books to New York homes. Having been enchanted by the beauty of Stratford upon Avon during a visit to England, McConnell was inspired and in 1939 chose the name Avon for his growing international company. The balm contains tea tree extract, which has antiseptic and antifungal properties, and was the runniest of all tested.
Price: £6.50 for 100ml
Available from: Avon Cosmetics 22-323090
