Words: Charlie Thomas
The world of male grooming is experiencing somewhat of a boom. Gentlemen up and down the country seem to be embracing it more than ever before and it’s almost commonplace for them to perform daily skincare routines. How far is too far though? Opinions are often divided on this topic, so we thought we’d look at what are acceptable grooming practices for the modern-day gentleman.
SKINCARE
Many traditionalists believe that it is simply not manly to care for you skin. We struggle with this school of thought though, as the modern man should be the whole package. Not looking after your skin is like the equivalent of wearing a finely tailored suit with unpolished, worn-out shoes. It’s just not right.
That said, it’s more than possible to take it too far. The gentleman should never apply artificial tanning products, the removal of hair from the eyebrow region should be minimal and one daily moisturising product is sufficient. A single eye cream is acceptable and no more than three squirts of cologne should be applied. These are some of the products we’d recommend:
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Heavy Lifting Eye Repair, £38 from Kiehl’s // Murdock London Daily Facial Moisturiser, £26 from Liberty // Aesop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum, £39 from Liberty // Masculin Pluriel 70ml, £110 from Maison Francis Kurkdjian
HAIRCARE
The gentleman has always cared about the appearance of his hair. We have discussed the cuts you should consider, but the products you use are equally as important. When it comes to styling your hair it can be easy to get caught up though. You needn’t spend much longer than five minutes in front of the mirror and any straightening devices are strictly prohibited. And of course, dyeing you hair is unforgivable. Just remember, if James Bond doesn’t do it then you shouldn’t either. These are some of the products we’d recommend:
American Crew Defining Paste, £POA from American Crew // Hanz de Fuko Modify Pomade, $17.50 from Hanz de Fuko // Murdock London Hair Play Cream, £14 from Liberty
BODYCARE
Caring after your body should be simple. Hair removal is generally unacceptable, as is staring at yourself in the mirror. All you need is a quality shower gel, which leaves you feeling revitalised and refreshed. A body moisturiser is necessary for those with dry skin, too. Furthermore, if you want to go old school then a manly soap will serve you well. These are some of the products we’d recommend:
, Penhaligon’s Quercus Bath and Shower Gel, £25 from Harrods // Kiehl’s ‘Ultimate Man’ Body Scrub Soap, £14 from Kiehl’s // Tom Ford Oud Wood Shower Gel, £42 from Harrods // Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturiser, £28 from Liberty
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