The main difference between aftershave and eau de toilette is that eau de toilette is applied after having a bath or shave, whereas aftershave is used only after shaving.
Aftershave and eau de toilette are two popular personal care products. While both are used for fragrance purposes, they are different in their composition, application, and usage.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Aftershave
– Definition, Use, Fragrance
2. What is Eau de Toilette
– Definition, Use, Fragrance
3. Similarities Between Aftershave and Eau de Toilette
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Aftershave and Eau de Toilette
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Aftershave, Eau de Toilette
What is Aftershave
Aftershave is a scented lotion that is applied to the skin after shaving. It helps to reduce irritations and razor bumps that happen due to shaving. It also helps to disinfect the freshly-shaved skin. At the same time, it helps to hydrate the skin after shaving. Since it has a pleasant smell, it gives the user a fresh feeling after shaving. A lot of users use aftershave not only just after shaving but also to get a sweet smell.
Aftershave must be applied gently on the skin after shaving and drying up the face with a dry towel. The users can take an amount of aftershave on the palm and massage gently on the face. An aftershave may last for three to four hours on the skin.
Aftershaves generally have an alcohol-based liquid form. There are different types of aftershaves in the market, and they perform different functions. Apart from aftershave liquid, there are aftershave balm and lotion too. An aftershave balm is creamier and milder than aftershave liquid and aftershave lotion. Although all three formations of aftershaves contain alcohol, balms contain a lower percentage of alcohol content than the other two. Balms are a good choice for men suffering from razor bumps. Aftershave lotions help to tighten the pores and seal the shave cuts. They have a stronger smell than aftershave balms due to their alcoholic content.
What is Eau de Toilette
Eau de toilette is a lightly scented perfume. It is an aromatic liquid that contains a high alcohol percentage. Users can apply eau de toilette directly on the skin after bathing and after shaving. It contains alcohol and various volatile oils. In the modern industry of perfume production, eau de toilette has a weaker fragrance than perfume. The term eau de toilette comes from the french term “faire sa toilette,” which gives the meaning “get ready”.
Eau de toilette generally lasts for two-three hours. Since the fragrance only lasts for two-three hours, the users tend to take the bottle wherever they go to refresh themselves. At the same time, eau de toilette is considered daywear. As scent researchers suggest, in order to get the maximum output of eau de toilette, the user should apply it on the dress after dressing up. Users can also spray eau de toilette as a cloud by standing away from the bottle. This may help the user to get the maximum usage of the product. Further, it may help the user to protect the clothes and jewellery from chemical substances in the product. Eau de toilette reacts differently in different skin types because of their concentration.
Similarities Between Aftershave and Eau de Toilette
- Both aftershave and eau de toilette contain alcohol.
- Aftershave and eau de toilette have pleasant fragrances.
- You can use both products after shaving.
Difference Between Aftershave and Eau de Toilette
Definition
Aftershave is a scented lotion that is applied to the skin after shaving, while eau de toilette is a lightly scented perfume.
Usage
Although people use aftershave only after shaving, they use eau de toilette after shaving as well as after bathing.
Application
You can apply eau de toilette to both skin and dresses, while you only apply aftershave to the face. To apply eau de toilette, you can spray it as a cloud, whereas with aftershave, you need to apply the liquid to your palm and gently massage it onto your face.
Fragrance
Aftershave may last for three to four hours, whereas eau de toilette may last for two to three hours.
Form
Although eau de toilette is in the liquid form, aftershave has three different formations such as liquid, lotion, and balm.
Function
Aftershave reduces the razor bumps on the face, whereas, eau de toilette keeps the user fresh throughout the day.
Conclusion
While both aftershave and eau de toilette have good fragrances, they are different in their composition, application, and usage. The main difference between aftershave and eau de toilette is that eau de toilette is applied after having a bath or shave, whereas aftershave is used only after shaving.
Reference:
1. “Aftershave.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Eau de Toilette.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Gucci-aftershave” By tuanlifecolor 0903964291 (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “CHANEL Cristalle EAU DE TOILETTE VAPORISATEUR” By Kazuhiro Keino (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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