The Gentleman's Journal Grooming Awards 2024
The best products in the world, tried, tested and then tried again
Words: Zak Maoui
The grooming industry is, well, booming. There are new product drops every week and new brand launches every month. There’s a serum to combat every skin imperfection, and a hair treatment to iron out most barnet problems. But this abundance of choice isn’t necessarily a good thing, especially if you’re looking for products for yourself.
So we’ve done the hard job for you: we’ve tried and tested the newest and most-hyped products to find out which ones are actually worth your coin.After intense testing, we’ve crowned the products that are going to give you Hollywood gnashers, clearer complexions and god-like hair(among other things)...
Best Moisturiser: The Grey Comfort+ Face Cream
Using a mix of retinol, peptides, blue sea kale and antioxidants, The Grey’s Comfort+ Face Cream gives you a daily dose of the good stuff to nourish and moisturise dull skin. That’s not all. It also actively promotes cell regeneration and the rebuilding of the skin’s barrier, in turn combatting the inevitable signs of ageing.
Best In-Shower Experience: Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Hand and Body Scrub
Supercharged with a natural eucalyptus extract and pumped with active amino acids and glycerine, cult New York City-based brand Malin + Goetz’s Hand and Body Scrub works hard to retain hydration and smooth out tired skin. The bestselling foaming cleansing gel also prevents the accumulation of pollutants on the skin that can lead to inflammation. Lather up and enjoy.
Best For Hair: Augustinus Bader The Rich Shampoo
Augustinus Bader’s patented TFC8 technology (a blend of natural amino acids, vitamins and peptides) was originally used for burns victims, but is now used across the brand’s entire catalogue of products. The Rich Shampoo is packed with TFC8 as well as moringa oil and black oat complex, to promote stronger, less brittle hair at the root, resulting in less hair fall.
Best Cleanser: Dior Sauvage Mencare The Cleanser
Dior’s Mencare range, which is inspired by its popular Sauvage scent, is powered by the desert cactus. But this cleanser won’t leave your skin feeling all prickly. Instead, cactus extracts, when combined with natural charcoal, work to purify and cleanse, making it the ideal base layer for whatever moisturiser you might slap on.
Dior Sauvage Mencare The Cleanser
£43.00
Best Legacy Fragrance: Floris No.89
Spicy nutmeg, dominant sandalwood, cedarwood and vetiver. That’s the unique and sensual blend that makes Floris’ iconic No.89 the go-to scent for Hollywood’s Greats, including Cary Grant to Sir Alec Guinness and Ian Fleming.
Best New Fragance: Hermès H24 Herbes Vives
Hermès dropped its botanical H24 in 2021, and it has become a hero in the Hermès cabinet of parfums. The Herbes Vives iteration, which launched this year, mingles sweet pear granita with minty, synthetic Physcool to make a fresh and lively scent that works in the city, in the countryside, in spring, in winter, wherever you are, whenever you are.
Best For Shaving: Ishga Beard & Shave Oil
Shaving isn’t easy. Cuts are likely. Razor bumps are the real deal. Ishga’s oil can help with that. Organic and natural, it contains seaweed extract, packed with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as jojoba, thistle and sweet almond oils. Combined, these soften facial hair, reduce irritation, and allow for a close and precise shave.
Best Serum: Heath Protect Serum
Formulated with Pollustop, this skin-saving serum rebalances the microbiome, reinforcing its natural barrier, while creating a breathable film on the skin to protect against harmful domestic and atmospheric pollution. A daily essential.
Best for Teeth: Kent Sonik Electric Toothbrush
A dental brand with a royal seal of approval, Kent is all about superior dental care.The Sonik gives a hygienist-level clean and looks pretty neat on your bathroom shelf.
Best Gadget: Sculpta by Déesse PRO
Déesse’s Sculpta gives new meaning to home workouts, as it’s trained to lift, tighten and strengthen your facial muscles from the comfort of your sofa. It uses electrical muscle stimulation and radio frequency to penetrate muscles, causing them to contract and, overtime, tighten and lift. The result? A jawline like Brad Pitt.
Best Face Scrub: Patricks FS1 Anti-Aging Face Scrub
Packed with anti-ageing peptides, multivitamins and anti-irritants, this scrub will leave your skin gleaming.
Best Body Treatment: Aēsop Polish Bar Soap
Aēsop’s long been the go-to brand for serious bodycare treatments, and now it has added polish bars to its roster. The exfoliating bar soaps use pumice and grape seed to polish dried-out and dull-looking skin. Thought deep exfoliation was just for your face? Think again.
The Hero Product: Orveda The Omnipotent Concentrate
Orveda’s Omnipotent Concentrate tackles the past, present and future. Using 17 actives, the serum targets the effect of the past damage to the skin’s appearance caused by external stressors and ageing, addresses present concerns by improving a radiant glow, while it safeguards the future by enhancing our skin’ resilience. An all-rounder for proper skin protection.
Best Spa: The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre
Spread over two floors designed by world-renowned Peter Marino, the Peninsula’s spa is a serene sanctuary in the heart of London. With a magnificent 25-metre indoor swimming pool, an extensive menu of massages, wraps and facials administered by Margy’s Monte Carlo and Subtle Energies, and a luxe fitness space, it sets the bar high.
The Peninsula London, 1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ. peninsula.com
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