After countless empty bottles, tubes and tubs, Gentleman’s Journal has narrowed the ever-widening grooming market to the crème de la crème of the viscous, the runny and the spritz – and looked damn good doing so.
Winners: (Left to Right) Kiehl’s, Dr Jackson’s, Ruffians
Founded in 2008, the British label’s plant-derived moisturiser nourishes skin from stem to surface. Packed full of anti-inflammatory kigella, baobab vitamin C and hydrating marula, it actively works to reduce redness and wrinkles when used twice a day.
Winners: (Left to Right) Lab Series, Clinique, Dermalogica
Despite the dark colouring, Clinique’s detoxifying gel wash provides a thorough facial clean, getting deep into the pores. Dermatologically developed and fragrance free, it works for all skin types and the natural charcoal coaxes out excess oil for a soothing wash to start or end the day.
Winners: (Left to Right) Clinique, Lab Series, Dr Jackson’s
Apply two pumps every morning before moisturising to help defend your face against the daily stresses that cause aging. This will rid your skin of dead surface cells, fortify its protective barrier and also promote your body’s natural repair process and collagen production.
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Winners: (Left to Right) Aqua di Parma, Kiehl’s, Neville
All-in-ones are often vilified, but Body Fuel breaks that mould. Working into a nice, non-drying lather, it removes pore-clogging impurities with an energising composition that includes caffeine, vitamin C and zinc. The menthol aroma is refreshingly vitalising first thing too.
Winners: (Left to Right) Murdock, Dermalogica, L’Occitane
Rosemary oil, lavender extract and soy protein combine to strengthen and bolster the male mane. Light enough to use daily, it moisturises without weighing hair and follicles down with excess viscosity, promoting a healthy scalp through a gentle yet scrupulous cleanse.
Winners: (Left to Right) Hanz De Fuko, Geo F. Trumper, Jack Black
Used sparingly after shampooing, this conditioner improves and smooths hair texture for a more kempt look. The innovative blend of natural oil ingredients visibly enhances and repairs dry, dull or damaged hair in just a handful of uses.
Winners: (Left to Right) Murdock, Malin + Goetz, Aveda
Gel often gets a bad rap. This product dispels all notions of playground styling though. Enriched with Camomile, Lavender and Argan Oil to hydrate, it’s suitable for use on even the most sensitive scalp. It holds for hours and the citrusy scent is a welcome addition.
Winners: (Left to Right) Aqua di Parma, D.R. Harris, Elemis
With citrusy opening notes, the complex scent of this cream matures into a yield of black pepper and vetiver. Better still, it produces a smooth shave, soothing and moisturising with a good lather — best applied with a traditional shave brush.
Winners: (Left to Right) Pankhurst, L’Occitan, Neville
Light and rapidly absorbed, this cream-gel soothes skin post-shave with a hydrating and comfortable feel. It’s non-greasy and sinks into the skin, while its fragrance finishes things off – Cedrat being a raw citrus aroma to stimulate the senses.
Winners: (Left to Right) Gillette, Murdock
Presented with a handsome horn handle, the Ernest traditional double edge safety razor provides a more stylish shaving option than a disposable. Add to that a close and clean shave that won’t nick your neck, and the fact it makes use of inexpensive blades for a more economical tidy up.
Winners: (Left to Right) Braun, Phillips
The patented SensoFoil technology in this Braun allows the shaver heads to slice through stubble growth without taking any of your skin on the way, minimising irritation. The three heads adjust to the contours of your face seamlessly, leaving no hair behind.
Winners: (Left to Right) Creed, Mont Blanc, Byredo
Aromatic but sweet, Legend has a heart and body of contrasting halves. Fresh bergamot and pineapple leaf top notes are followed by woody oak moss and dried fruit aping Pomarose. The bottle, meanwhile, is a nod to the brand’s masterful Meisterstück writing instrument.
Winners: (Left to Right) Floris, Creed, Penhaligon’s
The Virgin Islands, named by Christopher Columbus for their untouched beauty, are the inspiration behind Creed’s cocktail of coconut toddy, lime, hibiscus flower, ylang-ylang, sugar cane and white rum, among other evocative notes.
Winners: (Left to Right) Jo Malone, Byredo, Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Saffron’s reputation as a sexual stimulant dates back to biblical times, making it a fitting base for a winning evening aroma. Citrus pomelo, juniper berry, black violet, raspberry and vetiver complete this sublime after-dark fragrance.
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