Category: men’s grooming


A man’s guide to grooming like a pro this winter

From power products to the latest trends, we’ve got what you need to transform your current grooming routine.
Winter is coming, which means it’s time to switch up your grooming routine. What worked in summer is simply not going to cut it as the harsh elements kick in, sapping moisture from your body and doing a number on your skin.  Here’s how to make changes that prepare your hair and skin for the new season.

Hair trends

Expect to see the return of wild and free hair this year. The buzz cut that was big news last year is still a trendy option, but longer styles are staging a comeback. Curly-haired guys, consider growing out your waves into a loose, floppy top. Straight-haired? Grow it into a bob a la Johnny Depp. And when it comes to the ’fro, graphic shapes are back, such as skin fade flat tops, bowl tops and taper fades.

Retinol remedy

Retinol is a powerful anti-ageing ingredient that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by boosting the production of collagen in the skin. It also improves the skin’s texture and reduces dark marks and scarring, for an even complexion. It takes consistent use to benefit from this ingredient, so find a product you like and stick to it for best results.

Grooming oils

If you’re after a soft beard, smooth locks and hydrated skin, consider incorporating oils into your grooming routine. They absorb quicker and deeper into the skin than moisturisers, and contain nourishing and soothing ingredients that condition unruly beard hair and keep skin hydrated.

Fragrance update

New season new scent, right? With all the launches taking place, it’s difficult to narrow it down to just one – so don’t! We recommend picking a light, crisp and fresh fragrance for daytime use, and something more sensual for the evening.

Beard care

When it comes to facial fuzz, big, unruly and bushy beards are being replaced with short, clean and more stylised stubble. For those who still prefer some facial fur, the moustache is making a huge comeback – not only reserved for ‘Movember’, it’s now a strong style statement.

Pollution proof 

 We are all exposed to pollution on a daily basis. The latest wave of serums and moisturisers are designed to form an invisible shield between the air and your skin. They contain powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals, minimising the damage caused by air pollution and protecting your skin from premature ageing.

Optimal hydration

A common skin concern among men is dehydration, which indicates that your skin is lacking the essential moisture it needs to look plump and healthy. The latest launch by ClarinsMen consists of three products to target varying degrees of dehydration – from a rich and heavy balm for severely dehydrated skin, to lightweight, fresh lotions with built-in sun protection that are suitable for all skin types.

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

The Essential Valentine’s Day Grooming Guide

Look hot this Valentine’s Day with men’s grooming tips that show you pay attention to detail.

If there’s ever a time to rise to the occasion and look sharp, Valentine’s Day is surely it. Follow our grooming guidelines to look on point for your date and boost the romance quotient.

Don’t neglect your personal grooming in the midst of all your romantic V-Day planning, because no matter how well dressed you might be on the day, puffy eyes or tired-looking skin won’t go unnoticed. Here’s how to look your handsome best on the big day.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Kick off the process by cleansing your face with a product that removes dirt and sebum from the skin’s surface without stripping it of essential oils. Next, exfoliate with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells and other debris. Exfoliating is also a vital pre-shave step as it opens your pores and lifts facial hairs away from your skin, preparing the way for a comfortable and smooth shave.

Clinique For Men Face Wash 385
ClarinsMen Exfoliating Cleanser 360
Tom Ford For Men Exfoliating Energizing Scrub 925

BE A SMOOTH OPERATOR

Keeping your facial fuzz in check is an important step in the grooming process. First, apply a thick, lotion-like shave cream to your skin to hydrate and protect it while you shave. Post shave, use a natural aftershave to calm and soothe sensitive areas. If you have a moustache or beard, treat it with a beard oil or balm to keep it soft and styled.

Kiehl’s Grooming Solutions Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil 480 
ClarinsMen Smooth Shave Foaming Gel 305
Nuxe Men Gentle Toning Lotion 245

HYDRATE AND REFRESH

Keep your face soft and supple with a nourishing moisturiser. Products enriched with hydration-boosting ingredients and antioxidants will brighten a lacklustre complexion, for a fresh, youthful face.

Clinique For Men Maximum Hydrator 610
Elemis For Men S.O.S Survival Cream 1110
Sisley Sisleÿum For Men Anti-Age Global Revitalizer 3135

TACKLE DARK CIRCLES

Use a hard-working eye cream to diminish dark circles and smooth fine lines. Look out for a product containing power ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which plumps and firms dehydrated skin, and caffeine, a natural antioxidant with a knack for minimising puffy bags and energising tired-looking complexions.

Filorga Optim-Eyes Eye Contour 885
Kiehl’s Eye Alert 270
La Mer The Lifting Eye Serum 3660

SERVICE YOUR LIPS

Dry, cracked and chapped lips are not going to encourage any romantic displays of affection. Make sure your lips are smooth and healthy by applying a lip balm regularly leading up to your date. If you’re put off by notions of glossy, fruit-scented sticks, think again – there are plenty of no-shine formulas geared towards men whose lips need a moisture boost.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm 220
Lab Series Pro LS Lip Tech Lip Balm 205
Tom Ford For Men Hydrating Lip Balm 550

BE HANDS ON

Rough, dry hands are an instant turn-off. You may think your body lotion is good enough for your hands, but this is not necessarily the case. Hand creams are formulated with a thicker consistency than body creams, and contain nourishing ingredients such as nut butters and vitamins A and E, for soft, smooth hands that invite intimacy.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment 270
Nivea NourishingCare Hand Cream 34.99
Clarins Super Restorative Hand Cream 705

WEAR A SENSUAL SCENT

Your date won’t be able to resist an incredible scent, so put some thought into your V-Day fragrance choice. You could play it safe with your signature scent, but for those wanting to make more of an impact we recommend a deeper, richer fragrance with notes of cedar, patchouli, oud and even rose. These fragrances are stronger, with more projection, than your day-to-day choice, so simply spray a little on each wrist, followed by a dab on the neck, to prevent fragrance overload.

Bvlgari Man Wood Essence 100ml EDP 1640
Giorgio Armani Code 125ml EDT 1727
YSL M7 Oud Absolu 80ml EDT 1550

Photography: Getty Images
All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

SHAVING TIPS EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW

What was once considered to be low maintenance and scruffy, today’s beard is anything but. Stylish and sophisticated – sporting a beard never looked so good.

We’ve watched the humble beard slowly make its comeback over the last few years. Facial fuzz is no longer seen as a low maintenance grooming routine; it’s become the ultimate style accessory and form of self-expression. Whether you’re sporting a few whiskers, a full beard or stubble, facial hair requires a certain level of maintenance and skill, and it’s essential to know how to shave properly. Here we list our top shaving tips to help keep your beard in shape.

Prep, Prep and more Prep

One of the most important and often overlooked steps is prepping the skin before you shave. Not only will this ensure a near perfect shave, it will also cause less friction between the blade and the skin, preventing razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs. Start by taking a hot shower. If you’re short on time, wrap your face in a warm, moist towel. The heat and moisture will open your pores and soften your beard hair, making shaving a lot easier. Next, get rid of oil, sweat and dead skin cells by cleansing the skin with a face wash; this will also aid in lifting and softening the stubble for a more comfortable shave. Lastly, apply a pre-shaving oil or beard balm. This will add a layer of moisture to your skin and allow the razor to glide over it, creating a better – and not to mention closer – shave.

Lather up

When it comes to shaving, it’s best not to rush the process. Lathering a pre-shaving product may seem tedious but your face will thank you for it. Massaging your shaving cream or gel into the skin will lubricate the face, soften and lift the hairs and enable the blade to cut more easily – resulting in a comfortable shave.

Invest in the best

A bar of soap and disposable razor blades are more affordable than a good razor and shaving cream but are much more likely to result in nicks and redness. It’s best to invest in quality products for your grooming routine. A creamy and luxurious shaving cream will give your face extra moisture that will help your razor glide easily. It will also have ingredients that protect your skin and help with the healing process after you’re done (in conjunction with a good aftershave). When it comes to razors, look for those that provide a smooth, precise shave with minimal fuss. A three-blade razor is perfect for a close shave while razors with two blades are ideal for guys with sensitive skin or those prone to ingrown hairs.

Right Direction

A proper shave uses short, light strokes. Don’t drag the blade from your ear to the base of your neck. Stick to 3 to 6cm strokes at most, and make sure to rinse off the blade between each stroke. As for the direction, always shave with the grain (the direction in which the hairs grow) – from the cheeks to the mouth and from the chin to the neck. When it comes to those pesky areas such as your jaw and lip, puff out your cheeks to give you more surface area to work with.

Sharpen Your Shaving Skills

A common mistake men often make is using an old blade to shave. Because the razor is not sharp enough it can’t cut the hairs properly, making the skin more susceptible to cuts, not to mention razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Don’t Forget About Your Neck

The neck can be a particularly troublesome area to shave, so leave it until last. Given that it’s a more sensitive area than the rest of your face, the extra time will allow the shaving cream to soften the hair. Applying the short-stroke technique to this area is most important; resist all urges to shave in large strokes. Shave from the bottom of your neck upwards. This will help prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. When shaving under your chin, pull the razor from your throat area up towards your chin.

Go for Cold

After a close shave your face is vulnerable; the pores are wide open and susceptible to clogging if not properly closed. Immediately after your shave rinse your face with cold water – this will close your pores and help prevent ingrown hairs and redness. It will also stop any dirt from getting in there. Be gentle and pat your face dry with a clean towel rather than wiping it.

Super Soothe

No matter how amazing your shaving technique, there is bound to be some irritation. To relieve your skin, finish off your shave with a post-shave balm or aftershave that will soothe your skin. Avoid products with alcohol as they can dry out the skin. Rather opt for a good conditioning aftershave which will gently reintroduce moisture to your skin and calm down any irritation.


Finish With A Fragrance

Complete your grooming routine with several spritzes of a refreshing EDT. Avoid spraying directly onto freshly-shaven areas – the alcohol in the scent is likely to sting sensitive post-shave skin. Stick to the spots behind your ears and on the inside of your wrists instead.

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

The grooming guide

Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, Clinique, Lab Series and Kiehl’s products to help groom you to perfection this holiday season.

From the latest products to the finest fragrances, our guide will help you primp like a pro.

NEW BOSS

Hugo Boss has unveiled Fifty Shades of Grey frontman Jamie Dornan as the new face of its Boss Scent campaign. Following the footsteps of the brand’s previous famous line-up of ambassadors, including the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Chris Hemsworth and Jared Leto, the Irish actor is the latest to join the Boss family. Known for his confidence and impeccable taste, Dornan is the perfect embodiment of the Boss brand, and together with model Birgit Kos, will kick off a new, sophisticated and enthralling campaign for the fragrance.

KEEP CONTROL

When it comes to combatting oil and shine, Lab Series has always led the way with its dedicated oil-control line. And now its launched a new three-step, 8-hour oil control system, consisting of three core products. The Oil Control Clay Cleanser + Mask eliminates grease and grime; the Oil Control Clearing Solution removes any remaining oil and dead skin cells, and lastly the Oil Control Daily Moisturiser is an oil-free hydrator that keeps skin shine-free for up to eight hours.

GREY AREA

The One Grey is the latest flanker to join the Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men line, and marks a bold new chapter. A fusion of opposites, The One Grey grounds aromatic cardamom with earthy vetiver, creating a striking new interpretation that’s magnetic, modern and refined.

BEST BARS

If having loads of lotions and potions on your shelf scares you, maybe it’s time to get back to basics with your grooming and invest in a decent bar of plain, old-fashioned soap.