Five SS13 Menswear Staples
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring
Men’s Sunglasses & Face Shapes Guide
There are two fundamental grooming basics for anyone new to the world of skin care – know your skin type, and know your products. If you don’t already know your skin type then check out the FashionBeans Skin Type Guide and meet me back here in five minutes. If however you fancy yourself as a bit of a grooming stud and you already know your skin type then you are ready for phase two – Skin Care Products Uncovered.
To be able to understand the best ways of improving your regime, you must first grasp the importance and role of each of the skincare product staples. From daily basics to weekly skin boosters this guide offers the theory behind the products and profiles the some of the industry’s best loved products.
Face Wash
One of the founding fathers of grooming, a face wash forms the base of your regime.
Objectives: To rid skin of dirt, grime and daily build up.
Strategy: Use first thing in the morning and last thing at night, applying to wet skin in a gentle circular motion.
Results: A squeaky clean, fresh complexion.
FB Recommends:
-100ml-IMGLACP6.jpg)
Toner
A valuable skincare addition particularly suited to those with oily complexions, a toner does exactly what it says on the tin.
Objectives: To remove excess oil and tighten pores to prevent future blockages.
Strategy: After cleansing or shaving, apply using a cotton pad, paying particular attention to any oily problem areas.
Results: Toned and refined skin with an even texture.
FB Recommends:
Moisturiser
A moisturiser is to grooming, what Wayne Rooney is to England’s World Cup hopes – indispensable. Appearing in many guises, from matte to anti-ageing, moisturisers are here to help improve and protect your skin.
Objectives: To hydrate your skin and protect against external aggressors.
Strategy: Use twice daily after cleansing and throughout the day if needed.
Results: Skin that’s smooth, hydrated and ready for anything life throws at it.
FB Recommends:
Face Scrub
Like scrubbing the kitchen (without the marigolds and the bleach) a face scrub provides a deep and thorough skin clean.
Objectives: To remove dead skin cells and ‘polish’ your skin.
Strategy: Use once or twice a week, applying to wet skin in gently circular motions.
Results: Skin smoother than Daniel Craig at a bond girl convention.
FB Recommends:
Face Mask
Not to be confused with its fancy dress counterpart, this type of face mask is treatment that provides targeted benefits for all skin types.
Objectives: To provide your skin with a weekly boost of goodness and prevent problem areas.
Strategy: Select a mask that’s suited to your skin type and apply once or twice a week to your entire face – and relax (cucumber on eyes is optional).
Results: Skin that’s boosted and in tip-top condition.
FB Recommends:
Eye Cream
Jeepers creepers, a well chosen eye cream is the best way to look after the skin around your peepers.
Objectives: To provide targeted care to the delicate skin around the eye area and prevent dark circles.
Strategy: Apply daily with your fingertips in a gentle patting motion.
Results: Firm, bright, energised skin without a dark circle in sight (Ha! Sight, see what I did there!).
FB Recommends:
Lip Balm
For lips that are truly kissable – pure and simple.
Objectives: To hydrate, refresh and plump the lip area
Strategy: Apply throughout the day as needed, especially if there is romance forecast.
Results: Soft, great looking lips – it would be rude to keep those to yourself.
FB Recommends:
Men’s Grooming: Scouting For Girls (Products) – Part 2
The Ultimate Streamlined Grooming Routine
How To Tell If You’re A Men’s Grooming Addict
Men’s Grooming: The Benefits Of Using A Face Scrub
Back To Top
These grooming are arriving at the perfect time for me. Recently [admittedly after some prompting from FB] I’ve switched my main focus from fashion to sorting out my pesky grooming routine!
For the last couple of months i’ve literally been testing everything i can get my hands on… and from the high-street perspective the No.7 men’s range is really a revelation. I can’t speak for more ‘designer products’ ,as i haven’t tried many yet due to budget restraints, but the no.7 face-wash, post shave recovery balm & face scrub all look set to claim their rightful places in my everyday routine as they are far the best choices available in the ‘under 10pound’ category.
Just a warning though i have normal-oily combination skin and if you have anything more sensitive their range may be abit to harsh.
Thanks for a very informative article! One problem that isn’t covered here is the actual eyes, would it be possible to get some advice on some eye drops. I find if I go out shopping in London for example, my eyes become blood shot, itchy and tend to water. Just curious if there is anything decent on the market to combat this, I’ve tried the popular brands like Optrex and Murine eye washes/drops with no success, if anything they make it worse.
Thanks for your tips though, I will grab some of these No.7 products. :)
Excellent article. I’ve been trying to find good face masks and I might check out the recommended ones. As for face wash and moisturizer, I normally just use the L’oreal for men range. I think those products are pretty good and also good value for money… but that’s because I have normal skin and… I’ve never really had any skin problem. :) Though, I’ve always had major problems with chapped dry lips. I’ve tried a variety of lip balms including the vaseline one… it’s ok but I always end up having to reapply every half hour. My personal recommendation would be the Elizabeth Arden 8-hour protectant lip balm. Eventhough it’s shaped like a lipstick and costs 18quid for a small tube… however, it does leave your lips feeling nice and soft and looks really smooth… and it does as the label says… it lasts 8-hours. Oh, plus it actually tastes nice too. :)
I use a face scrub, a moisturizer, and a lip balm. I don’t see the purpose in any of the other stuff, unless you have acne or bad skin.
Im with you on the elizebeth arden products my chapped lipped friend… i always carry around the customary tin of vas to see me through-out the working day but when im at home it’s straight back to 8hour cream. As for the cost, i find stealing if from your other half’s make-up bag and popping it in your ever decreasing allocated drawer space helps keep the price down.
Thanks for the comments guys, it’s always great to hear from other grooming conscious guys as there is a lot to be said for sharing tips and product advice.
@James: I’m also a big fan of the No7 For Men range, I think it’s a great stepping stone for guys who are currently using ‘supermarket’ brand products but are looking to upgrade. I love the gradual tan moisturiser, great for giving your skin a boost.
@Katatonik: Not really my speciality I’m afraid, I’ll look into it and see what I can find. In the meantime, has anyone else used anything they can recommend?
@Deks: The 8 hour cream is one of my all time favourites, I’m actually working on an article that features this skin saviour so keep checking back over the coming weeks!
@Ibrahim: Sounds like you already have a fairly steady routine sorted. If you’re lucky enough to have ‘normal’ skin then you aren’t likely to experience as many benefits from these products as someone with say, sensitive skin and no routine. I’m going to move on to more advanced grooming in the coming months so maybe you’ll be able to gain a few more tips from those articles.
I personally prefer the Dermalogica stuff. I have used many other products before, but they are the best IMO. I also use the Garnier Eye Roll On, it really works, and cools down your eyes aswell if they get hot/sticky.
Michael
I have a bit of an issue with moisturising which is really unfortunate and i’m not sure if its my skin type or my product.
Basically when I moisturise after shaving my skin becomes really blocked and i perspire alot from my face. I don’t think I am using to much product and have tried a few different types including Nivea which seems to be the most comfortable for general use but still causes this problem on occassion.
I’d be really greatful for any thoughts / advice.
everyone in the world should try Dr. Dans Cortibalm to fight chapped lips in the winter. Ive always had a problem with my lips in the winter, chapstick never works for longer then 20 mins. I put cortibalm on every morning, 1 time. Thats it. All day perfection.