Just in time for Fathers Day (for all the Northern Hemisphere readers), a great DIY Aftershave Balm and Astringent recipe. For that special man in your life, whether it’s a father, hubby, grandfather, son, I’m sure they will all enjoy this wonderful cooling and soothing coconut aftershave balm and astringent duo.
While most of my posts are written with women in mind, it occurred to me while I was whipping up this beautiful homemade whipped coconut body butter, that a man would benefit greatly from the soothing, moisturising properties that come from this butter. While I have no idea what it’s like to shave my face, I do know that my legs reap the benefits of using the body butter. No more red spots, raised bumps or dry patches.
So ladies, for that special gift for the “him” in your life check out the following DIY recipes for all his skin care needs.
Electric Pre-Shave
Reap the benefits of conditioning the skin prior to shaving with this pre-shave lotion
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar or Witch Hazel
- 2 Tbsp Distilled Water
- 1 Tbsp Glycerin
- 2-3 Vitamin E capsules
- 6-10 drops essential oils (optional (Rosemary, Sandalwood, Clove or Vetiver))
- Place all ingredients into a a spray or pump dispenser and shake until all mixed.
- Dispense as needed.
Shelf Life: 1-2 weeks
Homemade Coconut Aftershave Balm
This butter or salve is for after shaving and will condition, soothe and moisturise the skin.
- 1 cup or more solid coconut oil
- 15 drops of Rosehip Oil
- 2 tsp Almond Oil
- 1-4 Vitamin E capsules – pierce the capsule to release the oil
- 30 drops essential oil – Sandalwood (Rosemary, Patchouli, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus or Vetiver)
- Whip coconut oil on low speed until most of the big lumps are out, approx 2 minutes.
- Add other ingredients and turn up speed.
- Whip until all small lumps are out, approx another 2-3 minutes.
- Store in a glass or plastic jar.
- Use after shaving for to soothe, condition and moisturise skin.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and will help preserve the shelf life of this oil based balm.
This last recipe is from www.passionatehomemaking.com and is a more liquid type aftershave.
Apple Cider Vinegar Aftershave
Some men prefer a lotion than a cream or oil to rub on their skin after shaving. This recipe is perfect.
- 3 Tbsp Witch Hazel
- 5 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- A few drops of essential oils – see men's selection above
- Place ingredients into an old spice jar or something that has small holes on the top.
- Shake well and store in a dark cool place.
- Use within 3-4 days.
For dry skin: Add 1 Tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel, Glycerin or Rose Water.
For oily skin: Add 1 Tbsp Vodka
For sensitive skin: Use Apple Cider Vinegar alone or diluted with filtered water.
Spoil your man this Father’s Day with a gift of love and indulgence.
Have you made Whipped Coconut Body Butter before? What do you use it for? Leave a comment or start a conversation on facebook.
In your coconut oil aftershave, what does the rosehip oil do? Does it have a purpose or is it just for smell?
Hi Jennifer, Rosehip oil is very beneficial for dry or mature skins but also good for healing and soothing any chafing or rash that may occur from shaving. It is an additional oil but not necessary. If you don’t have any on hand it can be easily left out. Rosehip oil is usually odourless. Hope that helps. 🙂 Kerry
Kerry,
Quick question, I am interested in making this balm but I am confused as to the Vitamin E capsule. Pardon my lack of knowledge, but are you referring to an actual pill? How would you blend that?
Hi Fil, Yes it is the capsule that you would buy if you wanted to take it as a supplement. The skin on the capsules can be pierced and the Vit E oil can then be squeezed out and blended. You can buy Vit E oil not in capsule form and you will need a dropper to measure out the oil about 8 drops should do it. Hope that helps – let me know if you have any other questions and hope the balm turns out. 🙂 Kerry
Kerry,
What is the shelf life for the aftershave balm? I want to make these for Christmas and am wondering when to start.
Hi Rachel,
Depending on the season, 6 months in the colder months and 3 months in the warmer months. You could add a small amount of beeswax (30 grams) to the mix by first melting the coconut oil and the beeswax together before adding other ingredients after it has cooled and then whipping. The beeswax will extend the shelf life by a month or 2. Hope that helps 🙂