Skip the harsh artificial fragrances and the high price tag that can arise from aftershave. Making your own DIY aftershave requires very few ingredients, and it can come together in just a few minutes. Did I mention that it smells divine!?
While all my beauty recipes are for everyone and anyone, the ladies really love them the most. So, I wanted to make something that the men would especially enjoy!
This homemade aftershave is woodsy and masculine, providing a nice scent to the skin while also soothing and hydrating it post-shave.
It’s also incredibly easy to personalize based on what type of bottle you put it in, how you label it, and even the scents you decide to include. That’s why it’s one of my go-go gifts, especially during the holiday season.
I originally formulated this DIY aftershave to be a combo with my herbal beard oil recipe. Try making both for the perfect gift duo or stocking stuffer!
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Not Just for Men!
While I made this recipe for those with facial hair in mind, it can be used on anybody and anywhere! The aftershave is designed to soothe skin, no matter where it is. From legs to arms, just apply some of the aftershave once you’ve set the razor aside and washed off.
You can easily use it as a DIY aftershave for the bikini area as well. Feel free to change up the essential oil combination. I always recommend lavender for all kinds of blends.
Why Use Aftershave?
For those who like a freshly shaven face, aftershave can also help to soothe irritated skin. Shaving severely dries out the skin, leaving it tight and prickly. Aftershave helps to re-hydrate the skin and avoid any future itchy, prickly feelings. It also helps to close pores, preventing dirt and bacteria from getting in, the main cause behind breakouts and razor burn. Impurities begone!
The base of the aftershave recipe, Humphrey’s Witch Hazel is a natural astringent that helps to remove oil from the face. It also calms and reduces inflammation, perfect for post-shave skin.
It smells absolutely amazing, using an all-natural blend of essential oils. For inspiration, I went with musky and woodsy scents, balanced with hints of lavender and bergamot. The essential oils can be left out for an unscented version as well.
Herbal DIY Aftershave Recipe
Put this aftershave on a recently shaven face to help soothe and hydrate inflamed skin, complete with a woodsy scent to wake up and feel refreshed. Without the essential oils, it is just pure witch hazel, so if you are using it for yourself, there is no need to package it up. However, as a gift, this unscented aftershave looks great in an amber spray bottle.
Ingredients
Makes 100g
Make It!
Using a kitchen scale and bowl, measure your witch hazel.
Add in your essential oils. Carefully pour the mixture into a small atomizer for easy use.
To use, spray on freshly shaven skin and pat in as necessary.
Homemade Aftershave FAQ
For those who have sensitive skin, I always recommend going for scentless products, especially if you’re applying something to the face. In this case, your DIY aftershave will consist of just witch hazel! To really get the best results, you can make your own witch hazel toner by infusing the plant with alcohol.
You absolutely can. I’ve worked with aloe vera in many of my other recipes, thanks to its soothing properties for skin.
You won’t want to use fresh aloe vera gel, since it will only have a shelf life of about a week or so, even in the fridge. Use a high-quality aloe gel (Lily of the Desert is my go-to brand). Whisk it with the witch hazel until it’s completely homogenous, then add your essential oils.
More Plant-Based Beauty Recipes to Try
Herbal Aftershave
After shaving, use this aftershave to soothe and rehydrate irritated skin. Makes 50g.
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Using a kitchen scale and bowl, measure your witch hazel.
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Add in your essential oils. Carefully pour mixture into a small atomizer for easy use.
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To use, spray on freshly shaven skin and pat in as necessary.
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
