Men’s Grooming: Upgrade Your Routine

Introduction

With sites like FashionBeans leading the way in sartorial advice, and a plethora of products now readily available, these days most guys have a good basic understanding of grooming products. Gone are the times when we shied away from moisturiser, we’ve now reached a point when it’s expected that a guy should take care of himself.

But it dawned on me last week, when chatting to a product savvy friend, that there isn’t that much advice out there for guys who already have a grasp on grooming. I write lots of beginners grooming articles for FashionBeans, but i haven’t written anything for a while for those among you who already use a moisturiser, face wash or decent hair products – but don’t quite know how to take your routine to the next level.

So, for this grooming piece, I’ve decided to focus on the small but significant changes to your routine that will help you sharpen your look. I’ll be taking things that most of you already do (or buy) as part of your routine, and suggesting an upgrade that will have a noticeable impact.

What You’re Using: Generic Products

Having a regular, consistent grooming routine of any kind is a great start, and you’ll begin to see a difference in the condition of your skin if you do so. However, you’ll never really see the true benefit of great skin care until you use products designed for your skin type.

Guys normally start off using products simply labelled ‘Moisturiser’ or ‘Face Wash For Men’, which don’t mention specific benefits like oil control or anti ageing. These are fine to a certain extent, and they do help improve the condition of your skin, but you’ll see so many more benefits if you switch to a targeted product – which might not be much more expensive – that is designed to give your skin exactly what it needs.

If you are not sure what skin type you have, why not read through my previous guide on the subject.

The Upgrade: Specific Skincare

Best for tired skin:

• Loreal Men Expert Turbo Moisturiser 50ml
• Loreal Men Expert Boost Turbo Eye Roll On 10ml
• No7 Men Energising Face Wash

Best for ageing skin:

• Lab Series Max Ls Daily Renewing Cleanser 120ml
• Lab Series Max Ls Overnight Renewal Serum 30ml
• Lab Series Max Age-less Face Cream 50ml

Best for dry skin:

• Clarins Clarinsmen Super Moisture Balm 50ml
• One-step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser 125ml – All Skin Types
• Elemis S.o.s Survival Cream 50ml

Best for oily skin:

• Men-u Healthy Facial Wash 100ml
• Men-u Matt Moisturiser
• Men-u D-tox Deep Clean Clay Mask 100ml

Best for sensitive skin:

• Nivea For Men Sensitive 100 Ml Face Wash
• Bulldog Natural Skincare Sensitive Shave Cream 175ml
• Bulldog Natural Skincare Sensitive Moisturiser 100ml

What You’re Using: High Street Shaving Products

Playing such a huge part in so many guys morning routine, it’s incredible that we don’t pay more attention and invest more in our shaving tools.

Sure, products from the likes of Gillette or a supermarket own brand will do a job, but for just a little more investment the improvement in shave quality is astonishing.

Not only that, supporting tools like a shaving brush or a better quality razor will work in harmony with the superior product to ensure a perfect shave. For those looking to take the leap, look to traditional barbershop grooming brands who have a wealth of knowledge within the industry and are renowned for the quality of both their hardware and shaving creams.

For those on a budget, try The Bluebeards Revenge, who are making some critically acclaimed products for those looking for a more affordable form of luxury.

Key Brands: The Bluebeards Revenge, Geo F Trumper, Truefitt & Hill, Merkur, and Taylor of Old Bond Street.

The Upgrade: A Luxury Shaving Experience

• Truefitt & Hill No.10 Finest Shaving Cream 200ml
• Loccitane Cade Shaving Cream 150ml
• Geo F Trumper Shave Cream – Extract Of Lime 200gm Tub
• The Bluebeards Revenge Pure Badger Shaving Brush – White
• The Bluebeards Revenge Shavette Razor
• Merkur Futur Brushed Steel Razor

What You’re Using: Run Of The Mill Scents

Any well groomed gent worth his salt has at least one, if not a couple of signature fragrances. They’re an important part of your individuality and help complete your personal style, but choosing a fragrance can be really difficult in an over saturated market.

There are many widely available fragrances that are certainly decent bets. I’m a fan of Hugo Boss, D&G and Chanel scents, but because you can pick these up pretty much everywhere, you do get quite a few guys wearing them. If you really want to stand out from the crowd, I’d recommend opting for a fragrance that’s a little less well known.

If you scratch beneath the surface, there are some amazing fragrances out there that are undiscovered in the mainstream. I particularly love the Escentric Molecules range – a group of fragrances I’ve been banging on about for a while now, and there really isn’t any range quite like it.

In terms of fashion scents, try premium brands such as Tom Ford, Comme Des Garcons and Maison Martin Margiela – which are generally only sold in high end department stores – whilst the amazing Miller Harris fragrance house also offer some great alternatives to the well known EDT’s.

The Upgrade: Fine Fragrances

• Tom Ford Tom Ford Noir Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml
• Maison Martin Margiela Untitled Leau Eau De Toilette 100ml
• Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau De Toilette
• Miller Harris Un Petit Rien Eau De Cologne 50ml
• Comme Des Garcons Amazing Green Eau De Parfum
• Escentric Molecules – Escentric 01 100ml

What You’re Using: Everyday Shower Gel

Used by (I hope) every guy regardless of whether they have the slightest interest in grooming, shower gels may seem a really basic area without much need for improvement. But as with facial skin care, some of the cheaper bath and shower options can really dry out your skin.

As well as keeping your skin noticeably softer and in better condition, spending a little more on a shower product means you’ll have a much more luxurious daily experience. A friend stayed at my house recently after a night out, and after his morning shower proclaimed that my shower “was like a spa” and that he “smelled amazing”.

All it takes is the right choice of product and scent (Molton Brown being my favourite) and you’ll totally transform your body care routine.

The Upgrade: Bolster Your Body Care

• Kyoku For Men Water Body Wash 250ml
• American Crew Tea Tree Purifying Body Wash 450ml
• Molton Brown Fresh Bushukan Citrus Body Wash 300ml
• Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper Bodyscrub Bar 250g
• Loccitane En Provence Shower Gel Pour Homme 250ml
• Anthony Logistics For Men Sea Salt Body Scrub 340g

Final Word

So there you have it, some quick and easy ways to upgrade your current grooming regime instantly. Whether you go all out and opt for the very best products that the industry has to offer or simply switch something as simple as your shaving cream, you can be sure that every product featured today will help rejuvenate and revitalise your daily routine.

If you have any questions about improving any aspect of your grooming routine, or indeed any grooming product related queries, drop me a comment below.

Duncan