3 recipes for making your own shaving cream and after-shave balm

Men shave on average 21,900 times during their lives. Shaving creams and after-shave balms are a must. Here are three recipes for making your own creams.

This preparation softens the facial hair and leaves the skin soft and intact.

Essential oils of olive, jojoba and grapefruit seed are emollient and moisturizing; using glycerin, the blade glides over the skin; witch hazel soothes the irritation of sensitive skin and aloe vera moisturizes and heals.

• 90 ml (6 tbsp) coconut oil
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) witch hazel
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) jojoba oil
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) grapefruit seed oil
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) aloe juice
• 10 drops essential sandalwood oil
• 10 drops essential lavender oil

1. In a double boiler, heat the coconut oil over low heat to liquify.
2. Off the heat, stir the witch hazel, olive oil, jojoba oil and grapefruit seed oil into the water.
3. Add the aloe juice and essential oils. Beat the mixture using a mixer at low speed for two to three minutes. Decant the cream in a pot.
4. Use a tablespoon of this cream, that you can warm in the palm of your hand before applying it to your face and neck. After shaving, remove any trace of cream with a wet washcloth.

Reminder: To apply shaving cream, use a brush instead of your fingers. A brush with natural bristle is recommended, as the bristle will be softer and more absorbent.

Try to avoid commercial after-shaves, which burn and dry out the skin since they contain alcohol; by stimulating the secretion of sebum, they also disturb the pH.

Comfrey: regenerates the thin cornea layer removed during shaving

Chamomile: contains azulene that soothes inflammation

Vitamin E: softens and heals the skin

• 30 ml (2 tbsp) dried comfrey
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) dried chamomile
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) dried marigold
• 180ml (¾ cup) witch hazel water
• 15 g (1 tbsp) vegetable glycerin
• 1 capsule vitamin E 1,000 IU

1. Put the dried herbs in a jar and pour in the witch hazel water. Close it tightly and store it in a cool, dry place for two weeks, shaking daily.
2. Strain the liquid and pour it into a bottle. Add the glycerin and the contents of the capsule. Shake before use. Dab the face with this balm after you shave.

Sandalwood is antiseptic and has the characteristic aroma of men's fragrances. Melaleuca fights irritation, spearmint is refreshing, and rosemary activates circulation.

• 180ml (¾ cup) witch hazel water
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) cider vinegar
• 10 drops essential sandalwood oil
• 5 drops essential oil of spearmint
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops essential oil of melaleuca

1. Put all ingredients in a jar.
2. Shake well before any use.
3. Dab the face after shaving.

You'll shave very often! Make these creams for your skin and the plants and essential oils will provide their soothing properties.