Believe it or not, I’m pretty sure that my love of grooming and beauty comes not from my mother but from my father. Dad admittedly had a functional view of personal care, but he was also a military man – his day was filled with little rituals, a fact that certainly included his grooming habits.

I grew up watching his shaving routine (which included an old school brush, rather than a can of foam; when questioned by a young Lily as to why he used the brush, he actually dropped the word “exfoliation” into the explanation.  The man knows his ish), and knowing that his appointments at the barber were as regular as clockwork.  He had his go-to cologne and toothpaste, which he still uses.

Because of this upbringing (and my own fascination with/career in beauty), I find it very disconcerting when men don’t take pride in their appearance.  And, frankly, there’s very good reason for men to care enough to have their own stash of products – after all, male skin is different from that of their female friends.  Here are a few stats:

• Male skin is 20 percent thicker than women’s
• It’s richer in collagen and elastin, which means that it’s firmer and has fewer deep-set wrinkles and folds
• Men have more active sebaceous glands (meaning that they produce more sebum, oil and sweat), have larger pores and and a richer blood supply that translates to a ruddier complexion
• Shaving removes the top layer of skin, which means that facial products designed for use after shaving need to be very calming and soothing

The fact that men – the ultimate problem/solution gender – will happily reach for their girlfriend’s thick, super moisturizing firming lotion continues to amaze me.  Skincare is about as problem/solution as it gets, after all.  One would think that this would be an area that men would take an interest in.

The good news for the men in my life (except my dad – there’s no talking him out of his favorite products) is that my fascination with beauty and grooming means that I’m obsessed with men’s products.  Following is my list of “must haves” for the men in my life:

Shaving

• Anthony Logistics For Men Whisker Lifter Shave Brush (pictured above) – Renowned for their ability to soften and lift facial hair while mildly exfoliating, brushes have been necessities for barbers for more than 200 years.  This new version features synthetic hairs with an anti-bacterial coating that prevents germs from building up in the bristles.  $80 at Anthony.com.
• Action from Anthony for Men 2-in-1 Shave Cream – This moisturizing shave cream uses a combination of eucalyptus and peppermint oil to stimulate skin and lift beard hairs, while wheat protein (a favorite ingredient in many of the “lifting and tightening” lotions on the market) moisturizers, firms and tightens.  Licorice evens skin tone.  The multi-tasking product is best used as a traditional shave cream, then reapplied after the original layer is shaved/rinsed off – no need for a second bottle of moisturizer.  $25 at Anthony.com.
• Elemis Recovery Mask - Sometimes there’s just no avoiding the irritation of shaving, but you can definitely  soothe sensitive skin in a hurry with this fast acting mask.  Lavendar, macadamia, rosemary and thyme calm the shaving burn and sensiitivity (not to mention nicks, cuts and blemishes), while restoring vital nutrients lost during shaving.  $46 at TimeToSpa.com.

Cologne

• Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (pictured above) – A masculine fragrance for men who prefer a subtle scent.  This uplifting citrus cologne layers grapefruit and tangerine with vetyver and rosemary.  It’s a multi-purpose product that manages to be both spicy and fresh.  $55 (1 oz) or $100 (3.4 oz) at JoMalone.com
• Patrick Dempsey Unscripted – This woody, green fragrance harnesses the invigorating scents of cardamom, cracked black peppercorn, fig and lavendar for warm, inviting notes.  Leatherwood, patchouli heart, vetiver and musk keep the frangrance adventurous and earthy – all in all, a very nice, unforgettable scent.  $32 at Avon.com.

Body Skincare

• Origins For Men Skin Diver Active Charcoal body wash and Skin Diver Active Charcoal body soap (soap picture above) – My love for Origins is well documented on this site, so I’ll spare the superlatives and cut right to the chase: I love that the brand truly understands not only its own identity, but its consumers skincare needs and personal buying preferences.  Both products are formulated with bamboo charcoal, an ingredient that penetrates deep into pores to clear out clogging dirt and sebum.  Spearamint and rosemary lend their refreshing scents to both items, making them perfect for men, regardless of whether you prefer a bar soap or liquid wash.  Body wash: $18.50 (6.7 oz); body soap: $11 (7 oz).  Both at Origins.com.
• Philip B Nordic Wood Hair & Body Shampoo – This multitasking cleanser, which is infused with Norwegian spruce, is specifically engineered to condition hair, scalp and skin.  $8 at PhilipB.com.

Facial Skincare

• Derek Jeter Driven Oil Control Face Wash - I love the fact that this line bills itself as “line of problem-benefit-solution products created for the specific skincare needs of men that are simple, no nonsense and, above all, effective.”  The face wash includes salicylic acid to easily penetrates pores and eliminates blackheads and acne pimples.  Skin is tingly, refreshed and clear.  Available for $9.50 from Avon.
• Ahava Protective Moisturizing Fluid SPF 15 For Men – A lightweight, cream-gel that calms and soothes while protecting skin for UV rays with SPF 15.  $30 at AhavaUS.com.

Hair

• Philip B Scent of Santa Fe Balancing Shampoo – A gentle daily, antibacterial shampoo that boasts hair-friendly ingredients like shea butter, vitamin B5 and a full 10 percent of pure plant extracts (such as pinon, sage and juniper berry) and an uplifting scent.  $29 (7.4 oz) or $42 (11.8 oz) at PhilipB.com.
• Bumble and bumble Sumotech - Not a gel, not a wax, not a paste and certainly not a cream.  The brand bills the product as a “moulding paste,” and that is certainly the closest description I can think of. All I know is that this is a miracle product (and I realize I’ve said that about Bb. Surf Spray before, but I’m just as serious now) – hair isn’t greasy or crunchy, yet it stays perfectly in place.  $24 at Bumbleandbumble.com.

Tags: Action from Anthony for Men 2-in-1 Shave Cream, Ahava Protective Moisturizing Fluid SPF 15 For Men, Anthony Logistics For Men Whisker Lifter Shave Brush, Bumble and bumble Sumotech, Derek Jeter Driven Oil Control Face Wash, Elemis Recovery Mask, Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne, men's grooming, men's products, Origins for Men Active Charcoal Body Soap, Origins For Men Active Charcoal Body Wash, Patrick Dempsey Unscripted, Philip B Nordic Wood Hair & Body Shampoo, Philip B Scent of Santa Fe Balancing Shampoo

This entry was posted on Monday, April 13th, 2009 at 3:35 pm and is filed under Boystory, Schmears. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.