Male grooming, sometimes referred to as “manscaping,” has become mainstream.
Mintel, a global-market research company, revealed that between 2007 and 2012, “beauty and personal care launches specifically targeted at men increased globally by 70 percent.”
Here’s something that guys need to realize: Adding a few extra minutes to your daily routine can make a big difference in the condition and appearance of your skin, teeth, hair and nails. If your man could use a few grooming hints, slip this article his way!
Hair
- Your guy doesn’t have to spend hours in the mirror to look his best. The first step is to have hair trimmed from the ears and neck. Visit a barber or stylist to take care of this monthly.
- Keep eyebrow hairs neat by having them professionally cleaned and trimmed (don’t worry—this is not the same as women having their eyebrows shaped). The uni-brow has never been in style, so pluck those hairs above your nose, as well!
Purchase a good clipper to keep nose hairs and ear hairs contained and out of view.- For those who have a beard or mustache, it’s important to keep facial hair clean. If you like to go scruffy on the weekends, once you’re back at work during the week, a clean-shaven face will make you appear more professional.
- Scott-Vincent Borba, author of “Skintervention: The Personalized Solution for Healthier, Younger, and Flawless-Looking Skin,” suggests shaving with a cream-based facial cleanser instead of shaving gel. The alcohol in shaving gel is drying and can irritate skin as opposed to a cleanser.
- Don’t be afraid to have hair removed by a professional. If you have excess hair on your upper arms or back, waxing can keep hair in check for at least six weeks.
Nails
Men don’t necessarily need to get a manicure, but they should keep their nails short and clean. It’s not a bad idea to consider getting a pedicure in the summer, because who really wants to look at unsightly feet in a pair of sandals? Ask for nails to be buffed rather than polished for a natural look.
Teeth
Whitening products have come a long way, and with the variety of strips, toothpastes, and even zoom whitening studios, there’s no reason not to keep teeth pearly white. Of course, it’s important to also stay on top of brushing twice a day and flossing.
Skin Care
Just like women, men’s skin changes and ages overtime. Establishing some sort of skin-care regimen will only benefit you in the long run. Meghan Finley, assistant manager of the beauty department atNordstrom in Chicago, explains: “More and more men seem to be interested in taking care of their skin. Men that take care of their skin and purchase effective grooming products are the men that dress to impress, always smell good and look in the mirror before they leave the house.”
Marc Jacobs recently debuted a men’s skin-care line, as did Tom Ford. “Although we do have lines that carry men's products, such as Kiehls, Shiseido and Clinique, it isn't a rarity to have a man that comes in looking for skin-care products from predominantly feminine lines that don't have labeled male products,” Flanery says. “In reality, men need sun protection, preventative, and anti-aging help no less than women do!”
Don’t wash your face with an all-purpose soap. Instead use a cleanser like Cetaphil, which is gentle and less drying.- Consider purchasing a Clarisonic or exfoliant, which you can use once a week to remove dead skin and keep your face clear.
- Use a moisturizer with SPF daily as well as an anti-aging moisturizer in the evening before going to sleep.
- Treat a pimple with salicylic acid. If you have a blemish that needs covering up, don’t be opposed to trying an all-in-one stick that fights the pimple while concealing it. Just dab lightly on the area of skin and blend.
Cologne
Go easy on the cologne. While there are many lovely fragrances on the market, women don’t love smelling you before you walk in the door.
Manly products you’ll love:
- Clinique’s entire Clinique for Men line is worth looking into. If you want to start with something, try the Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($36), which hydrates and firms skin.
- Kiehls Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash ($8) features menthol, caffeine and citric acid to provide a cool and refreshing deep clean that is great to start the day.
- Kiehls Ultimate Men's After Shave Balm and Moisturizer ($18) contains Avocado Oil, Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E to soothe and hydrate skin after the impact of shaving.
- Shiseido Men's Moisturizing Emulsion ($18) is a lightweight, creamy and fast-absorbing hydrator that is also appropriate for aftershave and works well with all skin types. It includes Shiseido's damage defense complex that will help protect and repair against environmental factors.
- Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Power Cx30 Brightening Serum ($85) soothes, nourishes and moisturizes the look of dry, dehydrated skin while you sleep. It’s perfect as a treatment or overnight masque.
