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Aftershave with Essential Oils
Posted in Personal Care by Rocky Mountain Oils

Aftershave with Essential Oils

Aftershave is the best way to finish off your shave. It is bracing, it tingles, and gets your blood pumping. Making your own aftershave gives you the edge. You can make one that suits your own skin and, by using essential oils, gives you the scent you want.

Points of Interest

  • Vodka is a common base for most aftershaves. Since it has virtually no odor, you will not be smelling like a drunk person all day. If you are uncomfortable with using an alcoholic beverage, you can substitute Witch Hazel.
  • Aftershave balms and gels are designed to help with any dryness or skin irritation you might have after a shave. These are also great for men who don't particularly care for the sting of astringent aftershave. Aloe, Lanolin, and Vitamin E oil are all great to use in aftershave balms.
  • With any of the recipes listed below, you can substitute different essential oils if you would rather have a different scent. These are here as a guide and you can tailor them to fit your style.

Best Oils

  • Essential Oils: Bay Rum, Cucumber Seed, Carrot Seed, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, Sandalwood, Elemi, Frankincense, Lavender, Melaleuca, Tagetes, Tea Tree, Vetiver, Patchouli, Palmarosa, Yarrow, Red Mandarin
  • Bases: Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Vodka, Vitamin E, Jojoba, Almond, Olive, Flaxseed, Lanolin

Recipes

These DIY aftershave with essential oils recipes each use various oils, so you can customize the scent. Feel free to substitute any of the oils for ones you have on hand. Always test on a small part of your skin first before using all over your face. Please be sure your skin can handle the blend before being covered in it.

Soothing Aftershave

  • 1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons Witch Hazel
  • 2 tablespoons dried Chamomile Flowers
  • 1/8 teaspoon Alum powder
  • 5 drops Roman Chamomile or Carrot Seed oil

Mix together all ingredients. Pour into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar into a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. At the end of 2 weeks, strain off the liquid and pour into a clean container. Discard any remaining solids. Splash on face after shaving. Shake well before every use.

Old West Aftershave

  • 1/2 cup Witch Hazel
  • 2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 drop Sage oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried Basil or 1/2 teaspoon fresh Basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon whole Allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon Alum powder

Mix together all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Place in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. At end of two weeks, strain off liquid and store in a clean container. Discard solids.

Roman Empire Aftershave

  • 1 cup Witch Hazel
  • 3 drops Yarrow
  • 5 drops Lavender
  • 4 drops Sage
  • 2 drops Peppermint
  • 1 drop Bay Leaf
  • 1 tablespoon Glycerin

Mix together all ingredients and store in a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. After shaving, pour a small amount into your hands and pat on your face. Shake well before every use.

Aftershave

  • 4 ounces Witch Hazel
  • 5 drops Bay Rum
  • 5 drops Sandalwood
  • 6 drops Cedarwood
  • 1 drop Cinnamon Bark

Other possible essential oil combinations:

  • 4 ounces Witch Hazel
  • 1 drop Clove Bud
  • 15 drops Cedarwood
  • 5 drops Bergamot

Put all ingredients in a dark colored glass bottle (4 ounces). Shake well before every use. Can follow with some Jojoba oil.

Soothing Aftershave

  • 1/2 cup Vodka
  • 1/2 cup Witch Hazel
  • 1 drop Lavender
  • 1 drop Sage
  • 1 drop Bay Leaf
  • 1 drop Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Glycerin

Mix together all the ingredients in a dark colored glass jar. Shake well before every use. Keep it tightly sealed when not in use.

Myrrh and Aloe Aftershave

  • 1/2 cup Aloe Vera Juice
  • 1/2 cup Witch Hazel
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vegetable Glycerin
  • 25 drops Myrrh
  • 10 drops Carrot Seed

Mix and store in a dark glass bottle. Shake well before every use. Use within two weeks if stored at room temperature. Within 6 months if stored in refrigerator.

Aftershave Gel

  • 10 drops Lavender
  • 4 drops Neroli
  • 2 drops Labdanum
  • 4 ounces Aloe Vera gel

Mix and store in a 4 ounce, dark glass bottle. Shake well before every use. Use within two weeks if stored at room temperature. (If you are storing at room temperature, divide the recipe in half, or even in a fourth, just so you don't waste any.) Use within 6 months if stored in refrigerator.

JC's Bay Rum Aftershave Balm

  • 1/4 cup Virgin Coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup Raw Shea Butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
  • 4 drops Bay Rum
  • 2 drops Red Mandarin

Mix ingredients together with a whisk or hand blender. Store in an airtight container. Apply to clean, dry face after shaving. Use within 6 months

A Last Thought

Time to take charge! Tell us what you think in the comment section at the bottom of the page. Give us your ideas. Everyone wants to know!