The Difference between Aftershave and Cologne
In the realm of grooming and personal care, two products often come into play to enhance one's scent profile: aftershave and cologne. While both serve the purpose of making you smell good, in part, they are not one and the same. In this blog post, we'll delve into the key differences between aftershave and cologne to help you make informed choices when it comes to your fragrance and grooming routine, endeavouring to aid you in ensuring sartorial excellence.
Aftershave: The Post-Shave Hero
Aftershave is a product designed primarily for use after shaving. It serves a range of purposes, with its scent being just one of them, enhancing the overall experience. Let's now look at some of the main features that may be present in such products, and uses of aftershave:
Soothing Properties: Aftershave typically contains ingredients that soothe the skin, reducing irritation and redness that may be caused by shaving. These can include ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel, and chamomile to name just a few.
Antiseptic: Some aftershaves may contain antiseptic ingredients to prevent infection from small nicks and cuts that can occur during shaving.
Light Scent: While aftershaves do have a scent, it's generally lighter and less concentrated when compared to cologne. Aftershave scents are meant to complement, not overpower.
Short-Lived Fragrance: The scent of aftershave tends to dissipate relatively quickly. It's meant to be a subtle, refreshing addition to your grooming routine rather than the feature of it.
Cologne: The Fragrance Powerhouse
Cologne, on the other hand, is a fragrance product designed solely for the purpose of scent. Here are the key characteristics of cologne:
Concentration: Cologne has a higher concentration of aromatic compounds compared to aftershave, making its scent more pronounced and long-lasting. However, cologne may sometimes be confused with Perfume or Toilette preparations which are stronger fragrances containing more fragrant oils within the composition (we have covered the differences between Eau de Cologne, Toilette and Parfum in a previous blog post which you can read here.)
Versatility: Cologne can be applied to more parts of the body to create a lasting fragrance. It's not limited to use after shaving.
Complexity: Fragrance experts create colognes with a blend of top, middle, and base notes, resulting in a more complex and layered scent experience.
Longevity: The scent of cologne can last for several hours, allowing you to enjoy the fragrance throughout the day.
Choosing Between Aftershave and Cologne
The choice between aftershave and cologne ultimately depends on your grooming routine and personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
Purpose: If you're looking for a product to soothe and refresh your skin post-shave, aftershave is the way to go. If you're primarily interested in a longer long-lasting scent, cologne, is a better bet.
Scent Intensity: If you prefer a subtle, refreshing scent, aftershave is a good choice. If you want a more intense and long-lasting fragrance, cologne is the better option.
Layering: Some individuals choose to use both aftershave and cologne. In this case, apply the aftershave first, and once it dries, add a few spritzes of cologne for a layered effect.
Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, be cautious with fragranced products as they can potentially cause irritation. Opt for aftershaves specifically formulated for sensitive skin and consider hypoallergenic colognes.
Products by Plowden & Fallow
At the present time Plowden & Fallow does not produce colognes, we produce more powerful forms of fragrance that lasts longer on the wearer i.e., Eau de Toilettes (Toilette Preparations) and Eau de Parfums (Perfumes) containing a higher quantity of fragrance oils.
Also contained within Plowden & Fallow’s shaving ranges, due to be launched by the end of 2023, we have luxury aftershave balms. Produced in three scents: 1. English Lavender, 2. A Close Shave and 3. Cedar, Sandalwood & Vanilla, our aftershave products are designed to leave your skin post shave feeling moisturised and soothed, whilst emitting a light fragrance. Plowden & Fallow’s shaving ranges are currently fragranced with natural essential oils. To view our range of aftershave balms please click here.
Conclusion
Aftershave and cologne serve distinct purposes in your grooming routine. While aftershave focuses on skin care and provides a light, refreshing scent, cologne is all about the fragrance and offers complexity and longevity. Your choice should be based on your individual needs and preferences, and there's no rule against using both if you want to enjoy the benefits of both worlds. Ultimately, whether you choose aftershave, cologne, or a combination of both, the key is to feel confident and comfortable in your scent.
Yours faithfully,
Plowden & Fallow Customer Services.