Aftershave is a men's toiletry product that could be classified as a cosmetic or a fragrance. It comes in the form of a lotion, a gel, or a balm. After shaving, men apply it for one or more of a few reasons: It makes the skin look smoother; it soothes sensitive skin; it closes the pores after shaving; and it serves as a light cologne. The cologne usually isn't strong enough to interfere with the man's primary cologne. In fact, there are some designer fragrances who've introduced aftershave that complements their fragrances.

Aftershave is a lotion, gel, or liquid used, mainly by men, after they have finished shaving. It may contain an antiseptic agent such as alcohol to prevent infection from cuts as well as numb damaged skin, a perfume to enhance scent, and a moisturizer to soften the skin. An alcohol-based, fragrence-free astringent, such as Sea Breeze, can be used as an aftershave.