We often discuss how important it is for the modern gentleman to be well groomed. A solid, daily routine well help you look your best – after all, you are your greatest asset, gentlemen. Before you plan your morning strategy though, you’re going to need the weapons. Here’s what every gentleman’s bathroom cabinet should include…
FOR THE SHAVE
The shave is the most important aspect of the gentleman’s grooming routine. If you’re not one of the many bearded folk frequenting Shoreditch High Street, then chances are that you favour a good old fashioned clean shave. Just like Mr Frank Sinatra demonstrates here, the double edged razor is a great choice. It’s safer and less intimidating than a cut-throat, yet it offers an almost unparalleled shave. If your skin can bare it, we recommend shaving every day. After all, ‘winning is like shaving – you do it every day or you wind up looking like a bum’.
RAZOR:
Made from weighty solid metal, this razor will become your trusty steed day in, day out.
BADGER BRUSH:
, A badger brush should be used to apply the shaving cream. Applied in even, circular motions, it will prepare the stubble and help to open up the pores, allowing you to shave closer to the skin.
Floris London Briarwood and Gold Plate Shaving Brush, £185 from Floris
SHAVING CREAM:
A quality shaving cream should lather up with ease and this one, from Penhaligon’s latest grooming range, fits the bill perfectly.
Penhaligon’s Bayolea Conditioning Shave Cream, £38 from Mr Porter
FOR THE FACE
Gone are the days when you can just get up, throw some water on your face and head to work. You should treat your face like you would a girlfriend; this means with respect, as well as giving it the attention it deserves. Moisturise twice daily to replenish and boost your natural oils, as well as keeping it from feeling tight and dry. Never overlook a quality fragrance either – it will become your signature and people will associate you with it whenever they smell it.
FACE WASH:
“A facial scrub or light exfoliator to cleanse your face properly and wash away dead skin is vital,” according to the barbers at Ruffians, one of the UK’s best barber shops.
Ruffians Daily Facial Scrub, £9.95 from Ruffians
MOISTURISER:
The light, non-greasy formula of this Aesop cream is ideal for everyday use.
Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, £43 from Mr Porter
FRAGRANCE:, , Apply modestly. Too many men go overboard with the application of aftershave – it’s overpowering. Subtlety is the way forward. Ruffians advise choosing “a signature eau de toilette which suits your personality and overall style”.
Ruffians One, £45 from Ruffians
FOR THE HAIR
George Clooney said of Ryan Gosling’s success: ‘It’s the way he dresses. And his hair. It’s what makes most actors big – the way they dress and their hair.’ Whilst we can’t aim to emulate the career of one of Hollywood’s leading men, we can at least – like he does – look after our hair. First of all, you need to get the right haircut for your face, and then you should invest in the right products…
POMADE:
For a slick, Mad Men-esque style, a pomade is your best bet. This one from Bluebeard’s Revenge provides excellent hold that will last all day. Apply modestly, gentlemen.
Bluebeards Revenge Pomade, £9.99 from Bluebeard’s Revenge
CLAY:, , For something less shiny, a pliable clay will give you the versatility you need for a flexible, natural look.
Gentlemen’s Tonic Sculpt, £14 from Gentlemen’s Tonic
SEA SALT SPRAY:, , Although not quite as essential as the others in this list, a sea salt spray will make all the difference. Apply to towel-dried hair before you use a styling product, and it will give you separation and volume, similar to what can be achieved after a day sunbathing in the riviera.
Murdock London Sea Salt Styling Spray, £18 from Mankind
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