I use aftershave after I shower even if I don’t shave. The sharp slap, the way it seems to rapidly penetrate pores, the tingle that lasts for a few moments — it all speaks to me. I like the way a good aftershave smells, too. For me, the best ones hide in public, mostly reserving their aromas for the men splashing them on their cheeks.
For the longest time I bought aftershaves at Whole Foods Market and places like Natural Grocers in Boulder, but it became harder and harder to find ones that I liked sold in something other than plastic. So I started making my own. The project quickly persuaded me that DIY aftershave is a big improvement improvement over store-bought. With DIY aftershave, I get to craft whatever combination of scents I want.
The essential oils listed here represent just one option. The potential aromatic profiles of your own DIY aftershave are up to you, and nearly limitless.
One note: I bought the Witch Hazel and vegetable glycerin prior to becoming a bit OCD about plastic and #noplastic My sources for these key ingredients came in plastic, but they will not next time. I will find them in plastic-free containers.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
- 3/4 cup witch hazel
- 25 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 10 drops vetiver essential oil
- 8 drops bergamot essential oil
Mix all ingredients together in a glass jar. Pour into a glass spray bottle, or some other bottle that work. The goal is a vessel that makes it easy to release small amounts of liquid at at time.