What Does Aftershave Do? Benefits, Application & Best St Johns Picks
A close shave. A bracing splash. That quick sting that flips the switch from sleepy to sharp. Aftershave isn’t an extra step; it’s the final, confidence-setting step in a timeless ritual. In a world of complicated skincare, does it still matter? Absolutely. Used well, aftershave calms post-shave skin, tones for a fresher look, helps keep things clean, and leaves a subtle signature that feels unmistakably you.
At St Johns Bay Rum, we treat aftershave as fundamental. Our West Indian Lime splash, handcrafted in small batches with Lily of the Valley and island spices, proves why the classics endure. In this blog, we will unpack why aftershave is necessary, its benefits, application hacks, and best St Johns picks.
What Does Aftershave Do? Breaking It Down
You’ve just wrapped up your shaving session. Your skin feels silky smooth, no doubt, but it’s also left bare, susceptible to irritation, and in dire need of some skincare. Enter aftershave, not merely a finishing flourish, but the essential final act in your shaving ritual.
1. Soothes and Heals Skin
Shaving, no matter how gentle, produces tiny cuts and removes skin that ultimately exposes your underlying skin. A high-quality aftershave acts as an antiseptic, so it kills bacteria and relieves inflammation. Our Bay Rum cologne has clove oil and Bay leaf oil and gives you the sensation of a nice sting followed by a cooling effect.
2. Tightens and Tones
Aftershave naturally helps to close your pores, tones your skin, and reduces the after-shave oily shine. The result is a tighter and more polished look that feels fresh and professional.
3. Reduces Razor Burn
Razor burn and ingrown hairs are the nemeses of a good shave. As a natural astringent, eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, and bay oil work to reduce redness, irritation, and an itchy feeling.
4. Leaves a Signature Scent
The aroma itself is the icing on the cake. A spice-filled, woody aroma hangs softly around you. It is the head-turner, the confidence booster, and the feeling of being just groomed.
Aftershave, as noted by Healthline, is a substance that is not expectedly to smell good and is harmful to your skin, but also offers protection and supports the healing of the skin after shaving.
Balm vs. Splash: What’s Right for You?
There are two main types: splash and balm, and knowing which one works for your skin makes all the difference.
Splash (Bay Rum)
Prefer a classic barbershop finish and have normal-to-oily skin? Choose a splash like Bay Rum. It’s brisk and fast-drying, helping cleanse and tone post-shave while delivering that nostalgic clove-warm kick. Ideal after a close shave or in humid climates when you want a clean, refreshing feel without residue.
Pro tip: if your skin leans dry, pat on a light, unscented moisturizer first, then finish with a modest splash.
Balm
If your skin is dry or sensitive or the weather’s cold, reach for a balm. Its creamy, cushioning texture restores moisture, calms razor burn, and soothes without the sting. Great after daily shaves or electric trims when comfort is the priority.
Pro tip: To layer fragrance, use an unscented balm or one in the same scent family as your cologne.
How to Use Aftershave Like A Pro
Here’s our recommendation guide for incorporating aftershave into your grooming routine for maximum effect.
Instructions
- Cold rinse: After shaving, rinse with cool water.
- Pat dry: No rubbing; your skin’s freshest layer needs a gentle hand.
- Measure: A dime-sized splash in your palms.
- Pat, don’t rub: Press over shaved areas (cheeks, neck, jawline).
- Optional finishing touch: A light tap behind the ears or on the chest for a faint sillage.
- Timing & frequency: Once after each shave is plenty. For evening events, refresh with a small pat; avoid stacking heavy layers.
Make it a moment of pause; a daily ritual that feels less like grooming and more like grounding.
Our Best Aftershave Picks
Here are our top aftershave picks that will level up your shaving game!
Bay Rum Aftershave
Bold, barbershop classic refined for today. Bay Rum Aftershave delivers that brisk, wake-you-up splash and settles into a warm, spicy trail that feels unmistakably St Johns. Handcrafted in small batches with bay leaf, clove, and a whisper of cinnamon, it tones skin after the blade while leaving a subtle signature that plays well with your cologne.
Best for: normal to oily skin or anyone who prefers a crisp, traditional finish.
When to reach for it: year-round, post-shave; perfect before meetings or evening plans.
Pro pairing: layer with Bay Rum soap or finish with Bay Rum Cologne/EDT to extend the scent.
West Indian Lime Aftershave
Clean, cooling, and instantly refreshing. West Indian Lime Aftershave snaps you to attention with bright lime zest and a touch of island greenery, then dries down crisp for a just-showered feel. It tones without heaviness, making it a natural choice for warm weather, tropical trips, or gym-bag grooming.
Best for: normal to combination skin; guys who prefer a light, zesty finish.
When to reach for it: hot/humid days, beach weekends, or anytime you want a cool reset.
Pro pairing: start with our Lime soap or deodorant, then finish with Lime Cologne/EDT for a seamless citrus profile.
A Splash of Tradition, A Mark of Confidence
So, what does aftershave do? It soothes, tones, protects, and adds that final flourish of scent. But more than that, it brings you into a tradition. One built on confidence, care, and consistency.
In a world full of shortcuts and synthetic solutions, our Bay Rum Aftershave delivers something refreshingly different: authenticity, boldness, and legacy.
Ready to elevate your shave game? Reclaim the ritual, own your signature scent, and step into the tradition.
