I always use aftershave with alcohol when I shave. I own an aftershave for every fragrance I have if it's available. I find the aftershave is actually beneficial for my skin, stimulating it and prevent bumps and rashes because of its antimicrobial effect. It never dries out my skin, and I never get unbearable stinging when I shave because I keep my skin well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eat a good diet. I don't smoke and don't drink alcohol expect for the occasional margarita or glass of wine with a meal. Smoking, drinking, and applying aftershave on the dehydrated skin is bad news. I also prepare my skin for shaving carefully and methodically and have never had any issues with using alcohol based aftershaves.
Furthermore, I find aftershaves, despite what some claim, help add to the sillage and longevity to fragrance. Consider the wide area of application, and, also, that if you've shaved that area, the shaved skin produces lubricating oils as a recuperative and regenerating response to the razor scraping the skin. These oils react with the fragrances oils in the aftershave and extend its life. There's no doubt that you get better longevity with a fragrance if you use aftershave than if you just use the EDT or EDP. The same cannot be said with Aftershave Balms, which typically have half to less than half the fragrance oils of an aftershave.
Finally, I often use aftershave when I want the lightest possible application, say when I am in a meeting at closed quarters with people, and I don't want my fragrance to overwhelm. Indeed, some aftershaves are quite strong and because they also have emollients in them and you'll find that they last quite a while especially on dry skin. Czech & Speake No. 88 aftershave, especially the vintage Italian version, is as strong as most of today's EDTs. I wear it often alone when I want a lighter version of No. 88.
I have a couple of spray bottles of vintage Habit Rouge aftershave that wears like a lighter version of Habit Rouge. Often in summer time, I wear the aftershaves of certain oriental fragrances with success, Opium Pour Homme being one of them.
Bvglari Aftershave is another interesting one. It seems to have, as does the balm, a more predominant and prevailing rosewood note than the EDT.
I love aftershaves, and you're right about Prada Amber Pour Homme; it's an excellent aftershave with significant sillage. I've worn it on its own a number of times to great effect.
scentemental
