Men’s Guide To Business-Casual – The Summer Edition
Paying Attention To The Details
Five SS13 Menswear Staples
Grooming Resolutions for 2012
As 2012 dawns and we step tentatively into the bright lights of another New Year, the natural reaction is to take stock, assess the passing of 2011 and make plans for the 12 months ahead. Most of you will be back at work, college or uni by now, fresh with a new wardrobe accumulated from Christmas presents and sale bargains and looking for this to be the year.
The first few weeks of January are awash with New Years resolutions, and for some of us that’s as long as they’ll last. The press are all over it with ‘get fit’ this, and ‘diet’ that, encouraging even the most unwilling to make a fresh start and change their lives for the better. So when I sat down to write my first article of 2012, I thought it was only right that I attempt to sum up what’s in store for men’s grooming in the year ahead.
With fewer trends to draw upon than my fashion writing colleagues, I decided to steer clear of the style predictions. I then dabbled (tentatively) down the health and fitness (and ‘New Year, New You’) route before I found myself assessing the fundamental principles of a well groomed modern gent. That’s when I set about creating a men’s grooming checklist for 2012, landing on my Grooming Resolutions 2012.
As we embark on another annual adventure I wanted to go back to the basic principles that make up a grooming routine, and hopefully make 2012 as happy, successful and as well groomed as possible.
1. Got A Problem? Find A Solution!
I’ve commented many times on these pages about grooming problems and my stance has never wavered – it’s vitally important to find a product that tailored to your specific concerns. You’re not going to combat sensitive skin with harsh products, and likewise you’ve got no hope of boosting thinning hair with a supermarket shampoo – you need targeted professional products.
I could (and have) written separate articles about each concern but for the purposes of this article I’ve tried to do a whistle-stop-tour of the main offenders and recommend the best product ranges on the market for each. So please, if you suffer from any grooming related problems, let 2012 be the year that you find a solution once and for all.
Best For Oily Skin
- Men-u Healthy Facial Wash 100ml
- Men-u Matt Moisturiser 100ml
- Men-u Matt Skin Refresh Gel 100ml
- Men-u D-tox Deep Clean Clay Mask 100ml
Best For Dry Skin/Sensitivity
- Loreal Men Expert Hydra Sensitive Face Wash 150ml
- Loréal Paris Men Expert Hydra Sensitive 24hr Hydrating Cream 50ml
- Loréal Men Expert Hydra Sensitive Anti-razor Burn Shaving Gel 200ml
- Men Expert By Loreal Paris Hydra Sensitive Post-shave Balm 100ml
Best For Acne
- Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Cleanser 200ml
- Murad Oil-control Mattifier Spf15 50ml
- Murad Clarifying Toner 150ml
- Murad Acne Blemish Spot Treatment 15ml
Best For Hair Loss/Thinning Hair
- Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo 250ml
- Alpecin Liquid Hair Energizer 200ml
- Kérastase Homme Capital Force Densifying Shampoo 250ml
- Kérastase Homme Soin Capital Force Densifying Activator Spray Treatment 125ml
2. Shake Up Your Styling Options
I don’t mean literally give them a shake, that could get messy. But it’s worth considering if your choice of hair styling product is right for you. Often guys stick with a styling product they’ve loved for years even if it’s no longer right for their look or their hair type.
I’m a big fan of having two, or even three products on the go at one time. I tend to use a product with more of a matte hold when my hair is shorter, and something more pliable as my hair gets longer. Sometimes I even mix and match to get the right effect – it’s all about exploring your options.
Taking a punt on a new product without trying it on your hair or researching it first has obvious risks, so my advice would be to ask your barber or stylist to try out a new product next time you go for a chop, or opt for one of these tried and tested hair products to improve your styling credentials…
Six Of The Best Hair Products
- Sebastian Professional Craft Clay 50g
- American Crew Fiber 85gm
- Hairbond Sculptor Professional Hair Putty 100ml
- Speciality By Bumble & Bumble Styling Surf Spray 125ml
- Label.m Curl Cream 150ml
- Redken For Men Cool Finish Invigorating Conditioner 300ml
3. Get The Basics Right
With hundreds of products and routines it’s very easy to forget about the basics. Sometimes we get caught up on expensive super creams without taking care of the finer details that will make sure we are well turned out at all times. Fresh breath and impeccable hygiene are a given, but what other basics did you neglect in 2011? My money is on your hands and feet.
Not as glamorous as your hair style or your complexion I’ll admit, but taking good care of your hands and feet should be compulsory for a modern gent. Lets be frank – no one (and I mean no one) wants to be felt up by sand paper hands. And unkempt (not to mention dirty) nails are surely one of the biggest turn offs imaginable?
Get the basics right with these essentials and your path to grooming perfection in 2012 will be a much smoother ride.
- Tweezerman His Essential Grooming Kit
- Tweezerman Slant Tweezer – Black
- Tweezerman Deluxe Trimmer
- Tweezerman Stainless Steel Nail Scissors
- Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream For Dry Or Damaged Feet 100ml
- Gehwol Foot Cream Extra 75ml
- Henri Lloyd Ocean Mineral Hand Protection Cream Spf6 75ml
- Clarins Men Active Hand Care
4. React To The Climate
It’s no secret that the weather and other external factors have a huge effect on our skin. With the central heating, biting winds and downpours of the winter months you may find that your complexion is currently dry, or lacking energy. While we’re still in the grips of winter, its all about hydration and putting some life back in to our skin. These four products are all designed to moisturise, energise and help your skin combat whatever the winter weather throws at it.
- Elemis Men Sos Survival Cream 50ml
- Loréal Paris Men Expert Hydra Energetic Turbo Booster 50ml
- Alpha H Triple Action Cleanser With Triclosan 200ml
- Brave Soldier Lip Defender 8g
As the weather and external factors change in the year ahead, it’s important that your skin care regime changes with it and adapts to your surroundings. By the time summer comes around (or even sooner if you’re going away on holiday) the need for SPF protection goes into overdrive. I’ve picked four of my favourite products to help you ensure all areas of your skin – your face, lips and body – are adequately covered in 2012.
- Lab Series Daily Moisture Defence Lotion Spf15 100ml
- Murad Waterproof Sunblock Spf30 125ml
- Kyoku For Men Lip Fuel Spf15 10ml
- Riemann P20 Once A Day 10 Hours Sun Protection Spf20 100ml
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Treat Yourself
Last but by no means least, my final tip for a successfully groomed 2012 is to treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be every month, and it doesn’t have to be a weekend away at a spa with you and the boys, but there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a little luxury.
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to receive a complementary facial from a Murad professional and liked it so much I’ve been having them every couple of months since. There’s nothing emasculating about improving your complexion, or having a relaxing massage, so let 2012 be the year you embrace one of these ideas…
- A barbershop shave.
- Treating yourself to a range of luxury products.
- Getting a facial.
- Shunning the £9 ‘Super Cut’ and getting your hair cut by a professional stylist.
- A relaxing massage.
- Some ‘male’ waxing.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, successful and well groomed 2012!
Duncan
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
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Thank you Duncan for this post. I am an African American male and when I shaved for the first time, it resulted in razor bumps due to my sensitive skin. After it healed I was left with dark spots (scars) and I’m looking for a product that could relieve the appearance of them if not git rid of them. Suggestions?
- John
Hi John,
Thanks for your comments. I’ve tried nearly every product out there, but unfortunatley none for your specific problem. So to make sure I got the right recommendation for you I spoke to a colleague of mine who is an expert in this kind of thing and he recommended this Murad product..
http://www.lookmantastic.com/murad-environmental-shield-essential-c-daily-renewal-complex-30ml/10554273.html
Please do let me know how you get on – good luck! :)
Duncan
After finally getting my hair the way I wanted (teddy boy esque) I continued to bash away at it with soft waxes and clay type products and all that achieved was to make it look greasy, heavy and stop it sitting where I wanted it to. Popping into Boots the other day I discovered Brylcreem was half price (£1.74) and so I took a punt. Definitely not going back now, it certainly pays to look elsewhere.
my problem with moisturisers is that they always make my eyes tired even when I havent put it anywhere near them, any suggestions?
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your comments. I’d suggest maybe using a specific Eye Cream to try and combat your tired eyes, as there shouldn’t be any reason for your moisturiser to be effecting this area if you’re not applying it anywhere near.
What moisturiser are you using? Have you ever used an eye cream?
Duncan
Ill have to check with the last one that did it although I may have binned it but I have had it with a few, its weird and hard to describe the type that do it, its as it the aroma or something evaporates into my eyes!
Not tried any eye creams in the past.
It may be a certain chemical or fragrance in that particular product, so in future steer clear of those kind of products and stick with something that’s fragrance free or designed for sensitive skin.
As far as I eye creams go, this is my favourites – give it a try, but make sure you apply small amounts and very gently with your ring finger!
http://www.lookmantastic.com/l-or-al-men-expert-hydra-energetic-anti-fatigue-eye-care-15ml/10547027.html
Duncan
Thanks for the replies (its what really sets this site above others!) Ill add that one to me list and see how I get on with the new bunch of Men-U stuff I ordered
totally agree with everything said here, especially finding a solution to that annoying grooming problem you have. Although it’s not mentioned here, I’d also recommend getting a pedicure. My feet have been wrecked for years from too much Rugby and after the treatment feel so much better about getting them out around people, especially women.
I notice Men-U recommended a lot on this site, so I went and bought the moisturiser and a toning product. I find they feel very cheap and don’t do a very good job at all. The moisturiser for oily skin is chalky and leaves my face feeling blocked up. It feels almost identical to a supermarket version by Garnier that cost under half the price. I will never purchase from Men-U again. I stick to Clinique dramatically different moisturising gel which is the best I have found yet for my skin.
Hi David,
Thanks for your feedback. It may be the case that you weren’t using the men-u products that were right for your skin, as the other feedback and my experiance has been very good.
The key thing here is that you’ve found a product range that you do like, so stick with Clinque! :)
Duncan
I on the other hand, have bought some products from the Men-U range, including the refresher gel, and the matt moisturising lotion, and find them to be one of the best grooming purchases I have made in a long time. I suffer from oily skin, yet the two products used together (refresher gel applied first, followed by matt moisturiser), create a matt look, that lasts the whole day, and feels invisible and light on the skin. Come in 100ml sizes, yet you only need to apply a small amount. Definately worth investing in!
well just gone and bought a few bits and pieces, I used feeunique.com as they do worldwide free delivery and are still cheap, Im currently based in Amsterdam. Ill try and remember and let people know what I thought of the Men-U range.
Hi,
Regarding hair products, last time i had my hair cut the stylist used some kind of powder to style my hair as he said it’s better for thin types than wax or clay as it doesn’t clump the hair together so much. I forgot to as khim what brand he used or where he got it but wondered if you know of anything like this as I’ve never seen it before?
Hi, i may be wrong but i think it could be Osis Dust-it Mattifying Powder. It comes in a small red pot that you shake on, but adds great texture to hair and provides great hold
Hi Ben,
I’d agree with Amin, sounds to me like Osis Dust It, which is a great product when used sparingly. There’s also a product from Label.m that does a similar thing…
http://www.lookmantastic.com/label.m-resurrection-style-dust-3g/10544061.html
Duncan
I agree – I need to sort out my products because I’ve been getting a light red rash on my face and I think it’s because of using the Sauna at the Gym. My skin is waaaay too sensitive!
Can only agree with the positive comments regarding men-u…the refresh gel and matt moisturiser combo is the best I’ve tried! I find it performs better than much more expensive products like dermologica’s matt gel.
I’ve never seen label.m’s matt paste recommended on this site..personally I think it’s brilliant! Similar to crew fibre but a bit more ‘workable’ and not quite so dry. Smells great too! If you’ve got unruly hair, using this with a decent hair spray like redken force 20 works a treat :)
Something I’d like to ask is your feelings on Pure Vitamin E oil. I recently had me picture taken and was disappointed with the acne red marks/scars that were apparent on my face. I then found out about Vitamin E oil and I’ve used it for 2 days now, so can’t comment, but it seems to be helping so far with moisture, and my eyes look a bit better already (less visible fine lines). Will this help red marks too? Anyways, I’ll try and we’ll see.
How about a toner for the face? How are the benefits to cleaning and closing pores? I think I have big pores too, so I’m looking into trying that too.
Anyways, I may treat myself to a facial off your recommendations… :D
Always a pleasure to read… fb rocks!
Hi Peter,
Many high performance skin care products do contain vitamin E oil, and it’s benefits are widely attributed to the problems you are describing. I would be interested in hearing how you feel it’s performing.
Toners are great, espcially if (as it sounds) you have an oily/acne prone skin type. They help improve your skin tone and tighten your pores while working with your skin’s natural oils to prevent breakouts.
There’s a great toning product (which some of the other readers have mentioned they liked) from men-u
http://www.lookmantastic.com/men-u-matt-skin-refresh-gel-100ml/10360354.html
I promise you, you’ll find a facial AMAZING! Then there’s no going back!
Duncan
thanks for the response Duncan! I appreciate it!
I can also vouch for Men-U, although I’ve only used the “Healthy Face Wash”; nevertheless, the best product I’ve used so far for my oily/sensitive skin type.
Also, by pure coincidence, I purchased the Bumble & Bumble sea salt spray which I’ve had delivered today. Never used sea salt spray before so hopefully it’ll work well on my thick, medium length barnet.
In addition, I purchased both of the above products from lookmantastic.com. I doubt I’d ever go anywhere else now – the best selection of products I’ve seen and, unless I’m mistaken, they don’t seem to charge for delivery.
Fantastic article, simple, informative and some excellent recommendations.
Good article but my problem is that i have slight yellowish/brown rings around my eyes and due to my student lifestyle its not through lack of sleep. any ideas on how to address it?
Hi Ryan,
Firstly, the best thing for rings around your eyes is to adjust your lifestyle slightly (as hard as it may be for a student!). Try getting more sleep, drinking more water and eating more fruit and vegetables.
In addition to that, a targeted eye product will help to combat those symptoms if your student lifestyle is still taking its toll! This L’Oreal product is great to combat fatigue http://www.lookmantastic.com/l-or-al-men-expert-hydra-energetic-anti-fatigue-eye-care-15ml/10547027.html
Good luck!
Duncan
Hi Duncan, I’ve got a dry skin type, but prone to spots as well. I also have a lot of faint, red scars from previous blemishes, any recommendations to help with the blemishes and scars at all?
Thanks.
Hi Ben,
It sounds to me like you’ve got classic symptoms of a ‘combination’ skin type, which is something that many guys experience. Do the breakouts normally occur on your T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)?
Also, what type of skin care routine/products do you use at the minute?
Thanks,
Duncan
Hi Duncan thanks for replying! Breakouts usually occur on my cheeks, chin and forhead annoyingly. Currently using Man-u face wash and Loreal for Men moisturiser. And a Nivea For Men exfoliator every couple of days. Usually Man- face wash day and night, moisturiser too. Exfoliator every couple of 2 days in the morning.
It sounds like you’ve got the basis of a very good routine there Ben, but there’s one product I would add, and that’s a toner. Used after your men-u face wash and before your moisturiser, a toner would help to combat grease and grim from building up in your pores and causing breakouts. If you do experience dry areas too, I’d avoid using the toner here, and just on your cheeks, chin and forehead where the breakouts occur. Still continue to use your moisturiser and face scrub as normal.
As you’re already using the men-u face wash, the men-u Matt Skin Refresh Gel would fit into your routine perfectly http://www.lookmantastic.com/men-u-matt-skin-refresh-gel-100ml/10360354.html
Let me know how you get on with this product, and if you need any more tips of product recommendations then please let me know. Duncan
Grand, I’ll give it a shot! Thanks Duncan, I’ll let you know.
For acne scars Mario Badescu healing cream works just as well on men and women. It’s best on caucasian or asian skin (including south-east Asian) but is not as good with afro-caribbean skin which tends to be oilier. I have used it myself for a few years now, and have recommended it to many male friends who have all had positive results. A bit pricey but a little goes a long way.
Hey Duncan, I’m wondering if you can help me with a problem I’ve had for years! My nose is covered in blackheads, and over the years, I’ve tried every Facescrub known to man to clear them. Pretty much all the Facescrubs work perfectly for keeping my face clean, & stopping new blackheads, but none of them seem to be removing any of the old blackheads. I’m wondering whether the only option is professional treatment? Dermabrasion or some kind of specialist facial?
Also, for the last couple of months, my pores have been unusually big? Giving me an almost golf ball like look on my cheeks, & forehead (the Tzone) and I’ve got no idea how to ‘close them’.
Any help would be greatly appreciated because I think it’ll massively help my confidence if I sort this problem.
Thanks,
Rob.
I have the exact same problem as you. Blackheads on the nose. I’ve tried scrubs, porestrips and various other products, but they don’t help and just make the skin on my nose red.
I’m considering professional care as well, but if anyone has a solution I’d love to hear from you.
Hi Rob/Freddie,
Blackheads and large pores are a common problem for guys, as our skin is thicker and tends to produce more ‘sebum’ (which cloggs the pores and caused black heads).
If you haven’t already, I would recommend adding a Toner into your routine. Used inbetween your face wash and your moisturiser/mattifying product, they’re designed to shrinks pores, preventing them from filling up with muck.
These toning pads are very convenient, and extremely effective http://www.lookmantastic.com/anthony-logistics-astringent-oil-control-toner-pads/10222831.html while this men-u product is a real favourite among fashionbeans readers http://www.lookmantastic.com/men-u-matt-skin-refresh-gel-100ml/10360354.html
In addition to that (and if you don’t see the improvement you’d like) then I’d definitely recommend a facial. Not only will they be able to give your skin a total overhaul, but they’ll be able to offer advice based on an assessment of your skin (something that’s a bit more difficult over the internet!). Then you’ll be able to use one of the toners to keep your skin in great nick!
Any questions let me know.
Duncan
I love reading this site and all the comments.
Can you recommend anything to get rid of the “panda eyes” effect? I have quite dark bags under my eyes, and despite ensuring I have enough sleep each night, cannot seem to get rid of them!
any help would be much appreciated
Marc