Words: Josh Lee
Who else has been vigorously cleaning, given that we’ve now ushered in the new year? Come on, get those turkey-greased, gravy-soaked hands up. We know you haven’t been constantly clearing out the inbox over the last couple of days. We ourselves have been having a good tidy up, with a particular focus on our bathroom cabinets. Who knew we still had that tiny toothpaste from our BA first-class flight from way back when? Or the miniature conditioner nabbed from the summer’s hotel suite?
What we did know, however, is that we hadn’t used half of our grooming products in the last 12 months. So it was only right to put our recent downtime to good use, and throw out every half-squeezed tube and dried-up tub of product that’s been clogging our shelves. You should try it, too. So, to help you better streamline your slicks and schmears, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the finest new contemporary essentials you’ll be falling back on week after week, ones that’ll either help you in your rush out the door in the morning or allow you to slow down and re-focus during the chaos of the week…
Claus Porto Shaving Cream
Adding kudos to any shaving routine is this throwback-style cream by Claus Porto, an artisanal maker of grooming-cabinet essentials. Lanolin, jojoba oil and extract of witch hazel leaf meld together to soften stubbles and beards, and a light fragrance of lavender and orange blossom are as bright as the sun-toned packaging. For best use, use a badger-hair brush and work a small amount into a rich lather.
Floris No 89. Moisturising Bath Shower Gel
Now that we’re in the thick of the work rush again, it helps to have a shower gel that not only awakens the senses and sets you in the right state of mind before the nine-to-five starts, but is also able to scrub off the day’s labour when you arrive back home. The No.89 by Floris, celebrated perfumer since 1730, is lined with body-cleansing, skin-nourishing olive oil; meanwhile the brand’s classic notes of lavender, neroli and orris provide a softening sensation for the olfactory system.
Heath Moisturiser
The cornerstone of every man’s skincare routine, a solid moisturiser is not only key to softening up any dry, harsh-winter complexions but also to getting a jump on your advancing years. Fuss-free in look and usage, Heath’s protective pump-action offering is powered with soliberine (which protects against UV rays), hyaluronic acid (a promoter of hydration) and vitamin E (an antioxidant).
La Mer The Renewal Oil
An all-round elixir, La Mer’s bottle of liquid gold draws upon its in-house, kelp-infused ‘Miracle Broth’ and other sea-sourced ingredients that help plump the face and soften lines – things that we consider to be much-needed remedies following the season of heavy partying. Though intended mainly for the face, it can also be worked into cuticles and hair, leaving the wearer with a vibrant, refreshed feel.
Salt Grooming Hybrid Hair
Haircare indie Salt Grooming has been cutting through the noise owing to its straightforward, tightly edited selection of goods – its Hybrid Hair, notably, has quickly become a bathroom-cabinet essential, thanks to its thick-yet-distributable feel, and an ability to be constantly reworked throughout the day. Although mainly targeted for those with longer hair, it can pair equally well on shorter styles.
Dr Sebagh Skin Perfecting Mask
Though most of the pieces listed above are mainly aimed for the early-morning routine, we’d also recommend you invest in some items for slow-and-easy off-duty hours. Master of skincare Dr Sebagh, a label known for its restorative qualities, proffers this anti-pollution mask whose formula, which comprises kaolin clay, purifies and refreshes skin all the while absorbing excess oil and impurities.
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
An item that takes care of your inner engine while the majority of other products here look after your appearance, Seed’s daily probiotic capsules, which revolve around punicalagins (antioxidants) concentrated from Indian pomegranate, have been developed to enhance digestive and cardiovascular health.
Soho Home Trento Diffuser
Bringing a touch of Europe to you during these frosty January days, Soho House’s ‘Trento’ diffuser features a marble vessel that aims to evoke imagery of Rome’s streets and statues; simultaneously, its ‘Sicilian Thyme’ fragrance showcases lemon, pine and lavender, a sweet, welcome concoction that the brand says captures “the essence of an Italian breakfast on the morning terrace”.
Aesop Brass Oil Burner
A favourite among the front-row pack and widely considered an indicator of fine taste, the Aesop label is famed for its wonderful balms and soaps. This solid-brass oil burner, however, is one of its lesser-known creations, but its brutalist appearance feels worthy of a plinth. To use, place a lit candle in the cradle, set the lid back in place, and let yourself be enveloped by the aromas.
Want more suggestions to help you scrub up this month? These are the best new grooming products we discovered in December…
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