Modifying Alcohol-Based After-Shave Lotions

I have several bottles of alcohol-based after-shave lotions. Some are common drug-store products such as Aqua Velva after shave, while others are more boutique products like Pareidolia, with its fresh, modern scent, or Sin, a no-fragrance-added splash, which has an initial fresh alcohol- or vodka-like scent -- and both of these (and others) are available from Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements.

Like many, I think that alcohol-based after shaves may be a bit harsh right out of the bottle despite their sanitizing effect and bracing sting. Here's how I've turned these products into welcome daily after-shave options:

I ordered via eBay a couple of ounces of menthol crystals. Then I went to my local pharmacy and bought a bottle of generic witch hazel.

Then I took a re-purposed Greek yogurt container (#5 plastic, which is heat tolerant and safe for microwave-oven use), put a couple of menthol crystals in it with just a bit of witch hazel, and, using the kitchen microwave oven, carefully melted the menthol into the witch hazel.

I poured the mentholated witch hazel from the yogurt cup into a little bottle that I bought in the travel section of the personal-products department at my local Target store, and added plain, un-doctored witch hazel to fill the bottle about 80% full. I then completely filled the bottle full with the alcohol-based after-shave product of my choice.

The result is a diluted alcohol after shave that still has the same fragrance as the full-strength version, but is milder, more soothing, and has a nice menthol-cooling effect.

Try it, and let me know what you think.

Happy shaving, happy after-shave splashing, soothing!

I include this link, above, to the new Weishi adjustable DE razor because I think it's the perfect, mild adjustable for men that find other adjustable razors just a touch too aggressive at their mildest settings. I suggest you read my remarks about the razor in my articles that immediately precede this one before you purchase, or read my review under the name, DNH, in the Amazon reviews for this listing. This razor has become my daily driver, and I've found new enthusiam for my daily shave because of this instrument.