The days when most blokes thought that a bar of coal tar soap was all the grooming they needed are thankfully a long, long way behind us. But what’s out there now that actually delivers on its promises? Here are ten essential products.
1. The super shower gel
Fragrance Society Black Pepper, Vetiver & Coriander Bath & Shower Gel
Such a chic range from M&S. This scent is woody, spicy and perfect for anyone who avoids florals and foodie scents. There are other products with the same fragrance to layer, including a hand wash, hand and body lotion, and a hand and nail cream. In fact, the whole range smells much more expensive than it actually is. £7.50; marksandspencer.com
2. The matte hair help
Hanz de Fuko Claymation
A modern hair putty should be a few things: supersoft, non-sticky and — most importantly — matte. This works well on all short hairstyles for teens, men and women and is unscented, so will not clash with your chosen fragrance. £18; mankind.co.uk
3. For pits and bits
Secret Whole Body Deodorant Unscented
Whole-body deodorants are taking the US by storm this summer and are set to be here by next year. In the meantime, Amazon will ship this range to the UK and it is perfect for anywhere you might sweat, from feet to hands and backs to bits, as it is formulated for sensitive skin. Unscented, it’s also great for sport. £12.97; amazon.com will ship to the UK
4. The gentle exfoliant
Humanrace Rice Powder Cleanser
This is a well thought through capsule skincare collection from the musician Pharrell Williams, with bars for body and simple skincare products, all of which are refillable. Try the gentle rice powder exfoliating cleanser before shaving to gently lift out ingrown hairs and get rid of dead skin cells. £33; selfridges.com and cultbeauty.co.uk
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5. The perfect moisturiser
Paula’s Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer
Skin is skin, so skincare does not need to be gendered. But I get that a lot of men do not like occlusive creams, which create a barrier on top of skin, helping to seal in moisture. This superlight gel cream blend is ideal in all weathers and just because it is lightweight does not mean that it doesn’t pack a heavyweight moisturising punch. £36; cultbeauty.co.uk
6. The brilliant bar
Dove Sensitive Skin Hypoallergenic Beauty Bar
Contrary to popular belief, this is not simply a soap — it’s a superfatted solid cleansing bar. What’s more, it is unscented, suitable for even the driest and most sensitive skin, it lasts for ages and it is better for the environment than endless plastic bottles of shower gel. This should be a shower and bath staple for every family member. £1.75 for two; sainsburys.co.uk
7. Spray-on sun protection
Eucerin Oil Control Dry Touch Sun Spray
This was recommended to me by a male dermatologist with oily skin because it doesn’t aggravate breakouts, is non-greasy and dries matte. This spray version is idiot-proof to apply — great for anyone who hates sunscreen. Just remember to apply three sprays to each area to get the optimum protection. £22; boots.com
8. Nose no bounds
Paul Anthony Salon Pro Nose Clipper & Trimmer
You can buy this, pretend it’s for your hipster beard, then use it exclusively to whisk away errant nose hairs. The blade is protected by a metal cylinder, so it tackles hairs without nicking sensitive nasal skin. Good for ear hairs, too, as it has an LED light to pick up unwanted growth in dark crevices. £12.99; superdrug.com
9. The foot peel
Barber Pro Foot Peel
A pair of supersized acid-impregnated socks for guys who are about to brave the Birkenstocks. Simply unwrap, put your feet into the socks and secure the ankle ties, leave for 90 minutes, then remove and shower off the gel. The glycolic and salicylic acids penetrate the dead skin to encourage cell renewal. But be warned — over the coming week your feet will visibly peel and shed before emerging like butterflies from their craggy cocoons, just in time for the warmer weather that late summer is sure to serve us. £5.30; boots.com
10. The anti-shine powder
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War Paint Anti-Shine Powder
Now, I’ll be honest: I see no reason why men need a separate make-up range from women. (Hello, MAC anyone?) However, this is a great translucent powder to knock back a shiny T-zone or bald head. It genuinely works on all skin tones and does not cake or clog pores. Just the thing for offsetting sweatier days. £20; warpaintformen.com
Find @nadinebaggott on Instagram and YouTube where she answers all your grooming questions
