Aftershave is a scented liquid that men splash or rub on their faces after shaving. Shaving with a razor can leave tiny cuts and irritated skin, and aftershave helps soothe that irritation while making the skin smell fresh and clean.

Traditional aftershaves contain alcohol, which stings when applied (you might see someone in a movie slap it on their face and wince). The alcohol helps prevent infection in those microscopic cuts. Modern aftershaves often come as gentler lotions or balms that moisturize without the sting.

You might notice that your dad or grandfather has a favorite aftershave with a distinctive scent, one you could recognize immediately. Those scents can become part of how we remember people.