For people who shave almost daily, they are aware that aftershave is a necessity. The best aftershave is equally important as a shaving cream: it makes the skin have a smooth and appealing look, has the antibacterial properties, and leaves the skin hydrated, toned, and smelling good. And nothing compares to the clean, woody, sweet smell of West Indies bay leaf, Jamaican rum, and spices which comprise the enchanting aroma of bay rum aftershaves. The list below will help you find the best bay rum aftershave in 2019 sorted by their rating in ascending order.
A Brief History on Aftershave
As you may have guessed, aftershaves were first introduced in barbershops. Barbers used high alcohol content as an antiseptic to kill bacteria and prevent the transmission of germs and diseases among clients. The fresh smell is another perk. Splashing on some aftershave soon evolved from practical use to tradition. We’re sure you’ve seen your father and grandfather using aftershave. The tingling sensation and refreshing feel keep your skin feeling good post-shave and helps to eliminate the effects of razor burn.
During the 1980s, men started to become more aware of the importance of skin care and establishing a daily maintenance program. Needless to say, a new wave of aftershave products took the market by storm. Some were scented and others were more natural, containing herbal extracts and essential oil. Some had alcohol content and others did not. While many aftershave lotions and balms are marketed for shaving, they are simply skincare products.
Today, balms contain about two to five percent of alcohol on average. The best ones do not have any. After all, alcohol dries your skin out a lot. There are plenty of substitutes for antiseptics that are better for your skin and won’t cause dryness. Since balms contain little to no alcohol, they are not as dehydrating as other aftershave products on the market. They won’t leave an oily residue either.
Similarly to balms, aftershave gels have a low alcohol content when compared to aftershave lotions. They are soothing, refreshing, and very helpful when it comes to maintaining healthy, moisturized skin.
Types of Aftershave
The market has a wide variety of aftershave products. Generally, they come in four forms: creams, gels, balms, and lotions. In addition to working as an antiseptic, they also soothe, moisturize, and rejuvenate dry, irritated skin post-shave. Unlike other products you use while shaving, aftershaves have a longer effect. You are not immediately wiping them off after use.
As we previously mentioned, lotions have the highest alcohol content of all the aftershave products on the market – a whopping 60 to 75%. They are very similar to the types of aftershave that barbers used back in the good old days. We recommend steering away from aftershave lotions if you can. The high alcohol content in them not only dries out your skin but also tightens pores, indirectly causing ingrown hairs.
How to Choose the Right Aftershave Product for You
As you know by now, aftershave products should be soothing and help you to maintain a clean, healthy feeling skin. When you are shopping, make sure to check the labels and look for products with all-natural ingredients. Stay away from aftershaves loaded with dye and synthetic fragrances. Chemicals cause skin irritations and even allergic reactions.
Natural ingredients, on the other hand, work in sync with your body’s natural functions and are better for the environment too (they are biodegradable). Some examples of good, natural ingredients include shea butter, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, jojoba, etc. Test the aftershave on your skin before purchasing to see how your skin responds to the product. You don’t want to pick a product that leaves an annoying, oily residue.
What Is Aftershave?
Ask several different people this question and the odds are, you will get several different answers. When we use the term aftershave, we are referring to skincare products applies immediately post-shave. In this article, we will go over the 9 best Bay Rum aftershaves of 2019. When you are reading through the selection, think about which product is right for you. Each of them will provide relief from itchiness, moisturize your skin, and protect you from the elements. What does your skin need the most?
For the purposes of this article, we will divide aftershaves into two broad categories – balms and splashes. Balms feel heavier on your skin and generally provide better relief from skin irritation and razor burn post-shave. If you live in a particularly dry climate, they are great moisturizers. Splashes are water-based and contain a combination of astringents and toners to provide antiseptic benefits. People with oily skin opt for these products since they dry the skin out a bit. Looking for a happy medium? There are crossover ingredients that are used in both balms and splashes.
Toners and Astringents
Have you ever used toners or astringents before? They are used to cleanse your skin and temporarily reduce large pore size. Toners aid in the relief of minor skin irritations (e.g. cuts, rashes, allergies, etc.) and help to heal scars. Astringents are the strongest form of toners, containing a very high alcohol percentage (20% to 60%). They are often recommended for oily skin, as they tend to dry it out a lot.
Removing oil from your skin can result in excess oil production. How? Your skin is trying to compensate for the loss of moisture. It is best to apply astringents to problem areas only, not your whole face. The only exception to the rule is witch hazel which can be applied broadly. Some popular ingredients in toners include alum, oatmeal, acacia, distilled vinegar, and alcohol. Popular astringent ingredients include potassium permanganate, silver nitrate, zinc oxide, and zinc sulfate.
What About Hydrosols?
The product of plant steam distillation, hydrosols go by many names. Some people call them floral or herbal water and others call them herbal distillates of hydrolase. Hydrosols are made in the same way that essential oils are. The difference is that essential oils leave behind the water distillate. Hydrosols contain trace amounts of diluted essential oils. Since they are produced at very high temperatures and contain acid, they inhibit bacterial growth.
Moisturizers and Humectants
Moisturizers contain a combination of ingredients meant to make your skin softer. They increase your skin’s water content by reducing evaporation. Humectants use a combination of ingredients that penetrate the skin and prolong the activity of other beneficial ingredients. They minimize the dehydrating effects of active ingredients. Some examples of humectants are sorbitol, propylene glycol, glycerol, lactic acid, and urea.
Know Your Skin Type
Now that you know what aftershaves are made from, you may be wondering how you use them. The answer depends on what kind of skin you have. Do you have normal, sensitive, dry, oily, or combination skin? Not sure? Read on to find out.
Normal Skin
Normal skin appears smooth and healthy. Your pores are barely visible and you don’t have blemishes or discoloration spots. While you could definitely benefit from using one of the Best Bay Rum aftershaves, you don’t need it daily to have good skin. To maintain your healthy skin, use one of the aftershaves and a quality facial wash twice per week.
Sensitive Skin
Are you prone to getting razor bumps or breaking out in a rash post-shave? When you use certain shaving and skincare products, that can happen more often than you would think. If you are prone to allergic reactions, seek out skincare products designed for people with sensitive skin.
Dry Skin
Does your skin look dull, rough, or cracked? Do you have wrinkles or are you prone to peeling? If so, you could do well to use an aftershave balm. If you are only using a moisturizer before you go to bed, that is not enough. Try using a gentle face wash once per week. If you use a facial scrub, limit it to once a week too. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water too.
Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you know. Your skin feels slick, particularly around your t-zone and your forehead looks shiny. When you have oily skin, your pores appear larger. Unfortunately, you’re prone to getting every type of pimple. Aftershaves with a toner would be the best fit for you. Since oily skin attracts dust and dirt, it could also be useful for you to use a facial cleanser twice a day, a scrub a few times a week, and an oil-free moisturizer.
Combination Skin
Having combination skin means you are prone to getting an oily t-zone but your skin will be dry on your cheeks. You are prone to getting blackheads around the nose. The best way to deal with combination skin is to use products specifically made for your skin type or to apply relevant products to your oily t-zone (make sure these are oil-free). If you have combination skin, look for the following ingredients in aftershave: aloe vera, chamomile, tea tree oil, witch hazel, lavender, rose oil, and jojoba oil.
9. Bay Rum Aftershave by Master
For people considering the price factor, this Bay Rum aftershave by Master is quite inexpensive. It has no burning effect which is an advantage especially when you have gone too far with the shave. From the perfect packaging with no leaks to its mild smell, it is a preferable one to those who are sensitive to smell. The fact that it comes in 15 ounces is an assurance that it will last for so long. With absolutely no irritation, it is a perfect product to wear especially when you don’t want to bring too much attention.
8. Cat O’ Nine Tails Bay Rum After Shave Pour by Captain’s Choice
One major notable feature of the aftershave is the wordings of the bottle. From its clear distinguished title, to how warm the words make you want to purchase it. Made from natural bay leaves and a pint of cloves, it will leave a distinct soothing smell. This is the best bay rum aftershave for people who love a good, invigorating burn after shaving, although it’s not the best-rated. The scent also lasts for a long time leaving a refreshing feeling all day. Most of the customers who reviewed it loved the no-drying effect this aftershave has.
7. Bay Rum After Shave Lotion by Gabels
This aftershave lotion which weighs 1.1 pounds has a dominant smell of cloves. For those who prefer mild aftershaves, this is arguably the best bay rum aftershave of all time. From being affordable to its quality, it’s very much impossible to hate it. You can tell from the customer reviews that it is an excellent product for people looking for a gentle aftershave that has less burning effect. It has a distinct smell which is less annoying to people and one that lasts for the better part of the day. If you have highly sensitive skin, pairing this with one of the best electric razors for sensitive skin will help reduce any possible side effects.
6. Genuine Bay Rum Regular by Ogallala
The first thing you notice with the Genuine Ogallala Bay Rum is its clear cobalt blue bottle that comes with a special card which certifies its traditional recipe. It has a distinct smell of bay leaves, sandalwood, and mild vanilla. The scent that emanates from the splash is what placed it among the best bay rum aftershaves of the year. It has a strong scent that will stay up throughout the day. One important advice from the customer reviews is, shake before use at all times.
5. Bay Rum After Shave with Bay Essential Oil by Turtle Bay Premium
The stylish bottle that comes with it is enough to attract you and make you want to buy it. Oh! And the bottle is reusable. All ingredients are natural with no sheer presence of synthetic fragrance. The firm scent of bay leaves derived from the Caribbean is what dominates, but we can also notice a touch of naturally blended spices. On application, this aftershave relieves the burns from the razor shaves. Customer reviews reveal that they appreciate the packaging but advise on pouring the splash into a different bottle since the flask is unstable. Nevertheless, it might be the best bay rum aftershave for people prone to breakouts.
4. Bay Rum Aftershave Splash by Barberry
This one is arguably among the best bay rum aftershave of all time. For people who are health-sensitive, it is entirely safe for your skin. Uniquely, it has no artificial colors or synthetic chemicals and is only made from natural spices and bay leaves essence all the way from the West Indian Island. It is a good moisturizer, and its bay rum is aged for over 30 days. The scent is a distinct blend of bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon. It reduces irritation caused by wet and dry shaving, which makes it one of the best bay rum aftershaves on this list.
Cheapest Product
3. Virgin Island Bay Rum by Pinaud Clubman
The body splash is the real deal with the numerous blends of bay leaves and exotic spices contained in the aftershave. It is a perfect toner after shaving and has a soothing and refreshing effect on the skin. For people who prefer a mild, delicious scent, this is definitely the best rum aftershave. It is suitable for any aftershave. If you are looking for a high-quality worthwhile aftershave product, this is one of the best bay rum aftershaves that can go well on almost anybody.
2. Bay Rum Aftershave by Taylor of Old Bond Street
The aftershave is a two in one which can be used as a cologne. The unique smell is what becomes attractive and can last a whole day. The great blend of bay leaves brings out an exotic, refreshing feeling. After applying it, it makes your face smooth and leaves the skin feeling wonderful. It is a product that’s made in England and comes in five fluid ounce bottles. From the customer reviews, it is apparent that the Taylor Old Bond Street is an incredible product that, according to online ratings is the second best bay rum aftershave.
1. Bay Rum Aftershave Lotion/Cologne by St Johns
The amazing thing about this aftershave is that it’s been handcrafted for 70 years. It’s alcohol-based which acts as an astringent ultimately leaves the face refreshed. Some of its ingredients come from Caribbean fragrances as well as bay leaf oils which have a distinct smell of eucalyptus. It comprises of natural spices hence no worries of present artificial smells. A distinctive feature is its hand-woven palm leaf ‘St Johns’ signature packaging. Its authentic masculine smell can act up as cologne.
The St Johns Bay Rum is long-lasting and has an attractive scent that is quite noticeable. Customer reviews are majorly positive as they comment on their refreshing smell and how they have been using since they were teenagers. It is a product that is hard not to like.
Aftershave FAQs
We’ve all had painful shaving cuts. While trimming your hair gives you a satisfied, clean feeling, nothing is worse than accidentally cutting the top layer of your skin. For the most part, shaving is safe. The cuts are not very deep. However, it does cause skin irritation (think razor bumps and rashes). These small cuts are gateways for bacteria. Luckily, aftershave provides the antiseptic and topical relief you need to feel your best post-shave. The best Bay Rum aftershaves will work wonders on all types of skin. Aftershave astringents disinfect the shaven area of your skin and help to stop bleeding.
How to Use Aftershave
Start by either showering or use a hot towel to steam your face and open up your pores. Post-shave, splash on some aftershave and finish off with a good, foamy cleanser and cold water to close your pores.
Do You Need to Use Aftershave?
No, you can definitely get away with skipping out on your aftershave. But this doesn’t mean that it is smart. If you’re prone to getting skin irritation, we highly recommend using it. As we previously mentioned, its astringent properties help to kill bacteria that cause acne. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera and moisturizers calm redness.
What Type of Aftershave Should You Use?
Take your time and exercise caution when shopping for aftershave. You need to know your skin type before you pick out a product. You do not want to pick an aftershave that is high in alcohol content if you already have dry or normal skin. That would cause irritation and flakiness. If you have sensitive skin, avoid harsh astringents and opt for products containing witch hazel instead. This ingredient has natural anti-inflammatory properties that soothe bumpy, irritated skin. Another great aftershave ingredient for people with sensitive skin is tea tree oil. Aloe vera and vitamin E will soothe skin irritations.
We all know how itchy and painful razor bumps can be. While plenty of men get them post-shave, there are steps you can take to reduce their occurrence. Prepare for your shaving session and administer your post-shave products to prevent rashes, bumps, and ingrown hairs.
How Aftershave Lotion Works to Prevent Razor Bumps
Unlike traditional aftershave products (e.g. washes), the lotion works to provide the skin with much-needed hydration while still performing the functions of an aftershave. They close up pores and kill bacteria before they can reach the hair follicles. This prevents inflammation, ingrown hairs, and breakouts.
Common Ingredients of Aftershave Lotion
Each of the ingredients listed below plays an active role in helping to reduce razor bumps and soothe your skin after shaving. Read through our description of each of these ingredients to determine what you need in your aftershave lotion.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used as a natural remedy to soothe skin irritation for a long time. Manufacturers add it to an aftershave lotion to help reduce irritation from razors. It soothes the skin and reduces redness.
Jojoba Oil
Did you know that jojoba oil has a similar composition to the oil that your skin naturally produces? Needless to say, it’s a great moisturizer. Some of the antibacterial agents in aftershave lotion dry your skin out. You need an aftershave product with ingredients to replenish that moisture and save your skin. Well-hydrated skin is the key to a healthy appearance.
Tea Tree Oil
Razor bumps become red and sore when infected by bacteria. Tea tree oil kills bacteria and protects you from infection.
Salicylic Acid
This is another ingredient that attacks bacteria and prevents ingrown hairs. Salicylic acid also prevents keratin formation.
Vitamin E
This is one of the most important vitamins for your skin’s health. It helps to keep your skin hydrated.
Lavender Oil
This is very soothing for your skin and has a pleasant scent.
Lactic Acid
Did you know that lactic acid gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin? Its exfoliation leaves a smooth, soft surface. You won’t have annoying razor bumps or dried out, flaky skin.
The more hydrated your skin is, the longer the aftershave scent will stick around. To prolong your aftershave, use a fragrance-free lotion before you apply it. Better yet, prime your skin with some aftershave balm or moisturizer from your favorite product line. Applying your aftershave to the pulse points on your neck and wrist exposes them to air and causes the scent to dissipate more quickly. To make the most of your scent’s staying power, apply it to your chest where it will be trapped between your skin and layers of clothing.
Keep it at least one foot away from your skin when spraying your aftershave products. You will not only get more coverage that way but you will also avoid making the scent from pooling in one place. If you decide to apply a fragrance too, go easy on it. Layering with body washes and deodorant is one of the simplest ways to boost your aftershave’s scent.
Know What Notes Work Best for You
You may not have known this but individual fragrance notes can combine well to create unforgettable scents. Keep in mind that not all notes work well together. Some linger longer than others do. Is the longevity of scent important to you? Keep an eye out for notes like amber, woods, and musk. All of these ingredients are well-known for their longevity.
Most aftershave sprays will stick around for up to six hours after the first application. Make sure you keep a small bottle in the glove box of your car or in your gym bag so you will always smell great. When the scent starts to fade, you can revive it with a little bit of water.
If you’re traveling, handle your aftershave products with care. This means keeping them at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and in its original box. All fragrances fade over time, so don’t save it for only Christmas and special occasions. You can enjoy your fresh aftershave scents every day.
How to Select Your New Favorite Scent
Head down to your local department store and take a sniff of the variety they have. Don’t be swayed by all the different types of scents that you would never normally buy. Let your personal taste be your guide. Want to know some tips for testing out your new favorite aftershave scent?
Try on some prospective scents on paper testers. Narrow your choices down to two. Try out the scents on your arm or elbow instead of your pulse points. Try branching out. Some fun types of scents include floral, oriental, woody, and fresh.
Floral scents have traditional tones like jasmine or rose. They sometimes venture off into light fruity ones like peaches and berries. Oriental tones are much richer. Spices like cinnamon, patchouli, and vanilla fall into this category, along with musky scents.
Woody aftershaves are reminiscent of nature and give off a manly smell. They center on crisp forest scents and notes of moss, cedar, and sandalwood.
Fragrance Terms
You may be confused by all of the fragrance terms out there. As you shop for your new favorite aftershave, chances are you will come across a lot of French words. For those who don’t understand the language, it can be difficult to determine what it all means. Below, we have listed some of the most popular fragrance terms to help you make sense of things while choosing the best Bay Rum aftershaves.
Parfum
Perfume has the largest percentage of oils in it and lasts for up to six hours on the skin.
Eau de Parfum
This term literally means watered down perfume. Instead of containing about 20% or more oils as perfume does, Eau de Parfum contains about 10% to 20% of oil and lasts for four to five hours. It is a more affordable alternative.
Eau de Toilette
Do you prefer even lighter scents? This type of fragrance is used to refresh the skin, contains 7 to 12% of oil and lasts for about three to four hours.
Eau de Cologne
As the lightest of all the aforementioned fragrances, this type contains 2% to 7% oil and lasts for two to three hours.
Pour Homme
You’ll find this phrase listed on cologne bottles. It means “for men.”
How to Apply Your Aftershaves and Other Fragrances
Applying a fragrance is much more artistic than simply putting a spritz here and there. How do you make the scent last the longest? What parts of your body will bring out the scents the most as it reacts to your natural pH levels? When you dab cologne or another scent onto your pressure points, it allows your body’s natural heat to activate and distribute the scent. You can find fragrance pulse points behind your ears, at the base of your neck, on your wrists, and the inside of your elbows and knees.
When you are applying the fragrance, be sure to dab and not rub the scent. Rubbing can spoil the high notes. Allow it to take its own course. While the spray and walk away method is a popular one, it is also a waste of cologne.
How Much Fragrance Should You Apply?
One of the most common questions we are asked when it comes to fragrance is ‘how much is too much?’ Learning to apply the right amount of cologne is a great lesson that every guy should learn. You will save yourself from guessing and everyone around you from a scent that is way too overpowering. As a general rule of thumb, no one should be able to smell you from five or ten feet away.
When you are learning how to apply your fragrance, start off with a smaller amount. You should only use one to two spritzes of fragrance to get you through the day. Another thing to consider is how much cologne or aftershave you wear should depend on your skin type. If you have oily skin, the fragrance will stick around much longer. So, be sure to use the fragrance sparingly on your skin. If you have dry skin, the fragrance will wear off faster. Try moisturizing before you apply it.
Since we’re sure you have a plethora of stuff in your bathroom, pick out one scent for the day. Options include a scented deodorant, a dab of cologne, or a fun body wash. Don’t pick scents that clash and try to mix and match. It just doesn’t work.
Other Things to Consider
Do you have a signature scent? This is the goal you should try and achieve. While your taste might change over time, finding a signature scent will give you a degree of comfortability and something to be remembered by. Seasons are another thing to consider. You can opt for a fresher, floral scent for the spring and summer months and something like oriental or woody for the winter. You can also switch up your scent between day and night. Complement the brightness of the day with fresh notes and the night with a musk or spice scent.
How to Store Your Cologne and Aftershave Properly
Buying the right scents is an investment. You want to take the best care of your property that you can and give the longevity of your scent. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure you are storing your cologne and aftershave properly. Whether or not you use scents on the daily or it is reserved for special occasions, your bottle can easily be spoiled if it is exposed to heat, light, and oxygen. If you wear your scents occasionally, consider storing them in the refrigerator. While this might sound weird, it will eliminate a lot of unconsidered factors from ruining your fragrance.
Which Best Bay Rum Product Do You Like the Best?
All in all, the best bay rum aftershave comes from St Johns according to online ratings and reviews; however, Taylor of Old Bond and Pinaud Clubman also have reliable products. that will keep your skin revitalized and glowing with a good intoxicating smell. If you have any questions or experiences you have had with any of the aftershaves above, let us know how it went in the comment section!
