I named these three aftershaves after Alexandre Dumas’ popular musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, whose famous motto — “One for all, and all for one!” — earned them an eternal place in literary history. In my opinion, they’re representative of three very distinct types of men.
Athos was a deep thinker and visionary who commanded great respect from his contemporaries. A born leader, Athos helped ground the group and keep them focused on the task or adventure at hand. For this man, I’ve created a classic aftershave made with dark rum and fragrant spices. Yield: 4 ounces.
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 2 dried bay leaves
Mix all the ingredients together. Pour into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. Strain off the liquid, and then pour it into a clean container.
To use: Lightly splash on the face after shaving.
Porthos had a zest for life. He was fun-loving and the center of any social gathering. Of the three musketeers, Porthos had the best sense of humor, so for him, we have an exhilarating menthol aftershave. Menthol crystals are found at drugstores and grocery stores, or you can substitute peppermint essential oil. Yield: 4 ounces.
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 1/8 teaspoon menthol crystals, or 2 to 3 drops peppermint oil
- 1 teaspoon glycerin
- 1/4 cup water
Mix together all the ingredients, and pour into a clean bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
To use: Lightly splash on the face after shaving.
Aramis was handsome, religious, and poetic. He was the romantic of the trio, and his charm and passion for life infected all who surrounded him. For him, I’ve concocted a classic scent with light floral notes. Yield: 8 ounces.
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
- 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 4 black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon glycerin
Mix together all the ingredients. Pour into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. Strain off the liquid, discard any solids, and then pour into a clean container.
To use: Lightly splash on the face after shaving.
For more spring beauty recipes, see:
A Self-Care Routine for Spring
Janice Cox is an author, the beauty editor for Herb Quarterly magazine, and a frequent speaker at Mother Earth News Fairs. These recipes are reprinted from her book, Natural Beauty for All Seasons.
Seasons change and your skin care routine can, too. In Natural Beauty for All Seasons, natural beauty expert Janice Cox walks readers through 250 body, bath, and hair care recipes that they can make on their own during each season! Not one of the recipes calls for any more skill than being able to boil water. And an introductory section reveals what equipment is necessary and where needed ingredients can easily be found. Janice Cox is an author, the beauty editor for Herb Quarterly magazine, and a frequent speaker at Mother Earth News Fairs. These recipes are reprinted from her book, Natural Beauty for All Seasons, available below. Order from the GRIT Store or by calling 800-234-3368.
