It’s almost 2020, and with that being said, it’s time the men in your life have a consistent and dedicated grooming routine. The time has come to retire all those overly gendered 3-in-1 shampoos, conditioners and body washes in favor of something a little more sophisticated.
Now, grooming products don’t necessarily seem like the most thrilling gift, but they are the gift that truly keeps on giving. In case you need a reminder, skin is the body’s largest organ and thus requires upkeep. Women have been attuned to this for sometime now (due in large part to, you know, societal standards) but men have been lagging (society strikes again). The notion that a man taking care of himself or putting in the slightest effort somehow translates to being feminine or ‘primping’ is so blasé. In fact, there’s nothing hotter than a guy who takes care of himself. Toxic masculinity be gone!
If you find yourself struggling with where to begin this new grooming journey, below we’ve rounded up 15 products that will immediately become a staple in any guy’s everyday routine (and definitely no 3-in-1s included). Just be prepared to make room in your medicine cabinet.
Baxter of California Beard Comb
This beard comb from Baxter of California is small enough that it can easily be slipped into a pocket and toted around (in the event of any beard-related emergencies). This little guy will help prevent any beard from looking scraggly or unkempt, and a quick comb-through (preferably while the beard is wet) will take less than a few minutes.
Ursa Major All Star Travel Kit
Maintaining a skincare routine while traveling is a lot more difficult than it sounds. For one thing, you have TSA to contend with. To ensure your guy is still taking care of himself while away, and to avoid the risk of him having to hand over all his goods to TSA, gift him with this travel kit from Ursa Major. It has all the essentials: face wash, face wipes, deodorant and face cream.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
It’s often said that your hands are one of the first things to show signs of aging. Sure, calloused hands that look like they’ve been splitting firewood all day scream manly, but cracked, split, dry hands are just gross. A little of this salve goes a long way, and the scent is a neutral eucalyptus.
Nécessaire The Body Collection
Skincare doesn’t just refer to the face, but the whole body. This set from Nécessaire is the perfect starter kit for a guy who’s just learning to take care of, and pay attention to, his skin and its needs. Only the basics are included in this set (body exfoliator, body wash, body lotion, body serum), so it won’t prove too overwhelming or daunting.
Herbivore Men’s Hydration Set
Shaving takes a pretty heavy toll on one’s skin, especially one’s face. I mean, when you really think about it, the act of repeatedly dragging a razor down the skin doesn’t exactly sound all that pleasant. But this Post Shave Elixir from Herbivore works to alleviate any post-shave irritation. Used in tandem with the Bamboo Charcoal soap bar, your skin will be well nourished and soothed.
Weleda Smooth Shaving Cream
This shaving cream is a little fancier than your run-of-the-mill aluminum can drugstore purchase. The cream includes pansy extract, almond and goat’s milk, meaning it’s perfect for sensitive skin types.
Boy De Chanel Lip Balm
Okay, this lip balm is a little bougie, but who wouldn’t want chapstick from Chanel? Plus, this version is as basic as it gets: unscented, matte, yet it keeps lips hydrated for over 8 hours.
Anthony Ingrown Hair Treatment
One of the nastier side effects of shaving is the potential for ingrown hairs. In order to be proactive against them, apply this Anthony Ingrown Hair Treatment post-shave, which, in addition to preventing ingrowns, also helps calm and soothe the skin.
MERKUR Classic 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor
Instead of constantly spending money on cheap razors that don’t really get the job done, go ahead and invest in this heavy duty one from MERKUR. Not only will it last a lot longer than those cheap plastic ones, it will also provide a closer and much more enjoyable shave.
Aesop Shine Hair Oil
Beard hair is often pretty coarse, and if you have a significant other with facial hair, then you know how in turn it can irritate your own skin. Aesop’s Shine Hair Oil will make your partner’s beard softer and all around nicer to the touch, making it a gift both of you will enjoy.
Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidant
There’s a reason The Ordinary has quickly grown to become a cult skincare brand: their prices are insanely low, and they’re products actually … work. If there’s going to be one grooming thing you get your guy this holiday season, let it be this SPF protection. Sunscreen should be applied everyday — no excuses!
Kiehl’s Hydration Essentials
This set featuring all of Kiehl’s essential hydration products is key for anyone delving into the world of skincare for the first time and needs to take baby steps.
Away The Dopp Kit
With all these new products he’s receiving, the guy in your life is going to need something to carry them in. This dopp kit from Away is unassuming yet functional and is made of a water-resistant nylon that will keep all his toiletries safe and sound.
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, 30 Packettes
Exfoliation is skincare 101, and these two-step peel pad system from Dr. Dennis Gross are so easy that even your dad will be able to use them. All that’s required is rubbing the first pad over one’s face, wait 1 to 2 minutes, then repeat with the second pad and then ta-da! Glowing and more youthful skin is as easy as that.
Malin+Goetz Hair Pomade
A lot of guys take their hair very seriously and the process of styling it is often a very balanced act of just the right amount of effort without looking too coiffed. This hair pomade from Malin+Goetz will help to achieve that artfully tousled, just rolled out of bed look.
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