Men, we know that caring for yourself ain’t easy. With so many products on the market promising to transform you into David Gandy with nothing more than a slick of moisturiser, it can be hard knowing which products to trust. Well, look no further, we’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. Here are the top 10 in the grooming biz that are more than worthy of your time. You can thank us later.
The Shaving Cream
Saturdays NYC has found a match made in shaving heaven — the combination of almond and coconut oil. The almond works as a natural moisturiser, helping to combat UV damage and reduce flare-ups, while the coconut oil provides an über silky surface for the ultimate close shave. We dare you to find a more synergistic duo.
The Razor
Handmade in England from solid brass and with an easy-to-grip rubber handle, this luxurious razor by Marram Co is as fantastically handsome as it is functional.
The Oil
Even those few gentlemen with Mr Twit-esque beards will find solace in Le Labo’s wondrous beard oil. Combining sunflower, grapeseed oil and jojoba, this plant-based formula protects, smooths and nourishes rugged whiskers to a silky soft degree. As an added bonus the formula smells good, emanating notes of fresh bergamot with lavender and violet.
The Moisturiser
Combining anti-inflammatory calendula with hydrating rosemary and vitamin E rich almond oil, the S.M. Novella Calendula cream is a jack-of-all-trades moisturiser that nourishes and hydrates the skin.
The Cleanser
Be sure to opt for something light on fragrance — skincare shouldn’t have to smell like a bouquet of botanicals. This cleansing facial scrub by Hunter Lab keeps skin prepped, soothed and hydrated without bruising your manliness with heavy floral aromatics.
The Fragrance
Like an attention-grabbing evening tux, Clive Christian’s No 1 fragrance is the pinnacle of luxury. Prepare to be the finest smelling chap around with a scent that combines the rarest of ingredients — including 50-year old sandalwood, powdery musk and vetiver. This is a warm, velvety fragrance that is understated yet distinctive (and far easier to don than the tux).
The Hair Product
We all know that dogs are supposed to be a man’s best friend but as far as this hair necessity is concerned, it seems they might have some competition. Davines’ Forming Pomade — found at Servilles — makes styling a breeze, whipping texture into hair while still remaining lightweight and invisible.
The Body Wash
An uncomplicated variation that’s easy on the fragrance but heavy on the skin-conditioning and cleansing, Ecostore’s body wash is just the ticket for the simple, refined man. (NB: this smells divine without delivering that overpowering, just-used-my-girlfriends-shampoo kind of smell.)
The Lip Balm
Regardless of how blistered, dry or cracked their lips are, most blokes are hesitant to partake in a spot of lip balm application for fear of sporting the glossed look. Luckily, Sans’ velvety balm puts damaged lips into recovery mode with its papaya seed oil formula without leaving behind a shimmering residue.
The Make-Up
Listen up lads, men can wear makeup too — or at least they can according to Chanel. Last year, the luxury fashion house debuted its first-ever men’s makeup collection, entitled ‘BOY de Chanel,‘ comprising a range of items you wouldn’t expect to see lurking within a men’s wash bag. Well, guys, times are a’changing, and we couldn’t recommend the easy-to-apply, effective yet subtle, lightweight foundations enough.
