Whether you’re heading to a special occasion or getting ready for work, freshen up with these six grooming essentials for a sophisticated look.
Some may argue that men need nothing more than simple soap and water, but proper grooming goes a long way. Good appearance extends far beyond the clothes one wears—especially in social situations. A pleasing fragrance, well-kept hair (or facial hair), and nice skin can elevate any look, lending an air of a true gentleman.
Though there are many choices for grooming essentials in the market, it’s still nice to return to the classic, established brands that men throughout the years have considered to be the crème de la crème.
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So if you (or the special guy in your life) is searching for quality additions to their current roster of grooming products, here are six that are must-haves for the discerning and distinguished man:
Tom Ford Oud Wood Shower Gel
Tom Ford understands men deeply, not only offering sharp outfits for the sartorially savvy, but also a range of grooming products that exude masculinity and sophistication. The brand’s Oud Wood Shower Gel is a striking example of this, offering the woody, amber scent that many know and love.
The soap offers a clean, pleasing scent that gently conditions skin with soothing tonka bean and leaves it lightly scented so it doesn’t overpower other products like perfume. Exotic rosewood, cardamom, sandalwood, and vetiver top everything off, creating a unique blend that will leave you feeling as good as you smell.
Crème de la Mer
Though Crème de la Mer has long been a staple in every discerning woman’s skincare routine for decades, this doesn’t mean men can’t indulge in its long-celebrated magic. The creator of the cream was a man, after all—Dr. Max Huber, who sought a potent formula that would help him heal from burns he acquired in a lab accident.
There’s no shame in taking full advantage of the healing powers of the sea, as Crème de la Mer helps heal dryness and lock in moisture unlike any other. Use it in the morning before facing the elements when you’re heading to work, and in the evenings before unwinding: your skin will thank you.
Acca Kappa White Moss Shaving Cream
Acca Kappa is one of those brands that doesn’t need further introduction, having a long and storied history of manufacturing top-tier hair brushes and products since 1869. Over the years, the brand has continued delivering exceptional quality while expanding its product range to include even shaving cream for proper facial hair care.
The brand’s White Moss Shaving Cream contains Macadamia oil and alfa-Bisabolol (a natural compound that chemists often derive from chamomile flowers. This makes for a gentle and calming formulation that softens and moistens the skin from the inside out, which makes wet shaving a breeze.
Philips S5582/20 Wet & Dry Shaver Series 5000
Granted, with today’s busy lifestyles for the working man, it can be tricky to find windows of time for a wet shave when one needs a clean face. This has led to the rise of electric shavers, and it’s easy to see why. Keep the shaver anywhere, from a car compartment to your suitcase, and you’re pretty much good to go. It’s great for emergencies, but also just appropriate when you’re generally pressed for time.
Still, shaving is a delicate matter, which is why proper electric tools are necessary. The Philips S5582/20 Shaver Series 5000 fulfills just about every need you can think of and more, all with a precise yet careful touch. Its 360-D Flexing heads follow the face’s contours naturally for a comfortable shave, and SteelPrecision blades complete up to 90,000 cutting actions per minute, offering a powerful performance. Meanwhile, the shaver’s SkinIQ sensor adapts to one’s facial hair, offering a more controlled, gentle cut. If you’re in the mood for a wet shave, the shaver accommodates that as well, making it an ideal all-in-one tool.
Kiehl’s Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil
Kiehl’s has always been at the forefront of premium yet simple skincare that focuses on quality ingredients and advanced formulations that speak for themselves. Its Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil is a great way to finish up one’s facial hair routine, as it not only tames unruly and coarse hairs, but also nourishes the skin and improves its overall texture through Pracaxi oil [a fruit native to the Amazon with antiseptic properties]. So you can say goodbye to the rough patches and coarseness that can sometimes accompany a fine beard or mustache.
After cleansing your face, simply apply several drops of the oil onto your palms and massage it upwards into your facial hair, making sure to incorporate it into the skin underneath. It also leaves an earthy and refreshing smell of sandalwood, cedarwood, and eucalyptus.
Creed Aventus Eau de Parfum
The final touch to many grooming routines is, of course, a few spritzes of alluring cologne that captivates both its wearer and the people around him. Of the many great scent makers out there, Creed has cemented itself as among the finest—and oldest, having been a favored brand of Napoleon III himself. Its Aventus Eau de Parfum is perhaps one of the most famous scents from its prestigious collections, beloved by many men. The discerning “It Boys” of their generation would know, as it’s one that many women have adored in equal measure.
At once bold and sophisticated, it contains head notes of hand-picked Calabrian bergamot, lemon, pink pepper, apple, and blackcurrant; exotic heartnotes of pineapple, jasmine, and patchouli; and darkly complex base notes of cedarwood, birch, musk, and oakmoss. The scent lives up to its name, made for the “audacious, modern, and confidently original” gentlemen who truly take charge.
Banner photo by Lumin via Unsplash.
