Words: Anna Galbraith
In association with:
Autumn/winter: Great news for TV dramas and your favourite woolly jumper, rather less good news for your skin – with winter wind, dry indoor air, low humidity, or even a cold-weather sunburn all threatening to wreak havoc on the grooming routine that saw you through the summer.
It’s time to give your bathroom cabinet a seasonal update and keep you protected. Our friends at Floris London are on hand (and face, and hair…) with 5 of their top grooming products every gentleman should be investing in this season…
For some folical self-care: A beard oil with Vitamin E
Just like the hair on the top of your head, facial hair can suffer in the cold weather if it isn’t properly nourished. That’s where Vitamin E comes in handy: not only does it soften beard hair, but it can also help increase blood flow, which promotes new growth.
Floris recommends No. 89 Shaving & Beard Oil – this power-packed oil will not only keep your beard in shape but also soothes and protects the skin underneath. Simply dampen your beard area and pump two or three drops into hand before massaging onto the skin and shave as normal.
For saving face: A lightweight moisturiser
Your skin gets hit the hardest in cold weather, thanks to the low humidity which dries out the outer layer of your skin and allows moisture to escape. If you suffer from dry skin, avoid using harsh soaps and don’t overuse hot water.
That being said, there’s no need to dive headfirst into the thickest face cream you can find, especially if your skin is combination or oil. For a good all-rounder, invest in No. 89 Facial Moisturiser: it includes an exotic array of nourishing ingredients, including Persian silk tree extract to help leave your skin looking refreshed. Apply to cleansed, dry skin in the morning and evening.
For protecting your palms: A rich hand cream full of natural oils
Just like the skin on your face, when your hands are exposed to the cold winter air, they can be sapped of whatever natural oils are left — causing them to crack, peel, and bleed. It might not normally be top of your grooming shopping list, but a premium hand cream will help protect you from the discomfort of chapped, dry skin.
This Rosa Centifolia Hand Treatment Cream not only smells amazing, but will protect hands from the signs of ageing and environmental damage. Easily absorbed and non-greasy, it contains vitamin E to help cell renewal, babassu to soften and healing aloe vera to soothe and calm the skin.
For keeping things smooth: An aftershave balm with aloe vera
If you forget to alter your shaving regimen during this season, get some aloe vera into your cabinet. Thanks to its high water content and anti-inflammatory properties, the plant extract helps heal, soothe and protect the delicate skin you’re dragging a sharp blade over, while opening and closing the pores in rapid succession.
The No. 89 Aftershave Balm incorporates aloe vera and menthol to provide a refreshing cooling effect, which will protect your skin against drying out, and the scent is warmed with a touch of spicy nutmeg — so it will also keep you feeling (and smelling) a little bit festive. And who doesn’t want that?
For keeping your hair healthy: a conditioning shampoo
It isn’t just your skin that will suffer as the mercury drops. Cold air, and manufactured indoor heating can also lead to hair being stripped of all its moisture, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Protect yourself by opting for a bottle of Cefiro Conditioning Shampoo, which uses chamomile to gently cleanse and condition the hair.
We also particularly love the scent of this product, which uses seasonal spicy notes of cardamom and nutmeg on a fresh floral jasmine heart — giving a woody, musky effect.
Have you noticed a few stray greys or fine lines? These are our favourite anti-ageing products (which actually work…)
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
Further reading
Nick Wakeman, founder of Studio Nicholson, on kickstarting her brand as a one woman show
Filippo Pignatti, founder of Gentleman's Gram, shares his secret style codes
