I am not really a fan of most aftershaves—yeah, I remember my dad's Mennen Skin bracer and Old spice—fond memories from the scent. The ones I do prefer tend to be more mildly scented as I often apply post-shave balms. Even the old school 'Barber Shop' stuff—Pinaud Clubman, Osage Rub—packs an olfactory punch to the senses initially, but dissipates quickly. My 3 sons evaluate most of my collection and aren't hesitant to offer an opinion. "Crusty old barber shop."(Clubman),"...that one smells like grandpa." (Aqua Velva), "Fruit Pebbles.." (4711), "Retirement home janitor's closet" (Osage Rub), "Spicy, but weird...smells like an air freshener" (my own Bay Rum )— Needless to say, a tough crowd!
It's nice to hear some love for English Leather. That's one of the brands in my rotation. I've been using it since way back when I first started shaving. I am glad I have had so many great recommendations here. I look forward to trying some of these!
At Walmart the English Leather is usually kept in the cologne and perfume aisle and not the shaving aisle. Just thought I'd give a head's up.
Today at CVS, I was checking out the shaving supplies aisle. They had Aqua Velva Ice Blue on sale for $4.49, so I decided to pick up a bottle. I had never used this aftershave before. I really like it! It has a nice cooling feel on the face and the scent is great also. My wife also likes the scent!
English Leather seems to have been reformulated. It smells much weaker than it did in the 60's when I wore it. Doesn't last very long, either.
My go to favorite is Pinaud Clubman. It is my weekend AS as work in a no fragrance zone. I also like Osage Rub, Ogalla Bay Rum, Aqua Velva Ice Sport, Barbasol Brisk and Pacific Rush (didn't know it was available at dollar General), Old Spice, Masters Bay Rum. I still need to try Florida Water, Pinaud VIBR, and Kramperts. I really like St John's Bay Rum, but it's a bit pricey. I'm sure I will find some more that I "need" as well.
Just plan old Witch Hazel followed by an AS Balm such as Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm, Nivea Revitalizing Double Action Balm, Avon Musk, Wild Country or Black Suede Leather.
I like something with little or no scent, with a little moisturizer. Right now I just use an alcohol splash followed by a little lotion, or just a cold water splash. For some time now, I've used only a very mild soap on my face, or no soap at all, to let my face self-regulate as much as possible. I'm thinking about giving witch hazel and aloe a try.
Careful with the Florida Water and especially the VIBR both can burn like fire if you've had a less than smooth/irritation free shave...
I currently own: Skin Bracer (the classic green one). Aqua Velva Musk. Aubrey Organics North Woods. Spice (knockoff version of Old Spice made by ShopRite). Florida Water. My go to during summer is the Skin Bracer. That, plus Polo Ralph Lauren and Avon Wild Country were the scents I grew up with because that's all my dad used. He also used Quorum by Antonio Puig, but mainly the other ones. So, Skin Bracer is my go to scent because of the memories. During fall I personally prefer spice over musk, so the Old Spice knockoff gets used up fast. Even in no shave days. It only costs 2$ so why not. Out of the AS I have now, Aubrey Organics North Woods is probably my favorite. Almost no sting, great pine-lavender scent and great moisturizing properties. It's got witch hazel and glycerin, I think.
I enjoy Clubman.Great scent for late fall&winter. One thing I read about Clubman is that those brands that sell for high prices keep trying to match Clubman, and they just can't. I remember the Old Spice decanter that you mention. I like to stay with those great old memories, as I myself get older.
I might try Old Spice in the warm/hot climates. But just the original kinds. I mean, that's what I was most used to when I tried them years ago.