Lifestyle
/
Beauty
/
Beauty home
It’s good form to pay a little more attention to your ablutions during the festive season. Here are the products to know about
Stephen Doig
Men’s grooming often only gets a passing mention compared to the military operation that women endure to get ready for a glamorous night out, but it is necessary, and there can be a fortifying sense of pleasure in it, too. It might not involve smatterings of glittery eyeshadow and slicks of vermilion lipstick (although kudos to the chap for whom it does), but there is a transformational effect in the rituals of getting ready that helps one step out of the door with purpose on a cold winter’s night.
For my father, it was little more than a splash of Brut and a brush of the hair, but today men are more focused on their appearance than ever before; in 2023 it was reported that spending on men’s grooming in the UK had increased 77 per cent year on year. That doesn’t mean you’re expected to be painting your teeth a Rylan-esque emulsion white, dabbling in the dark arts of tinted moisturiser, or exploring the more outré realms of male toilette. But it does mean it’s just good form to pay a little more attention to your party-season ablutions.
Let’s start with some basics: your facial fuzz situation. If you’re shaving, make it a pleasure – a handsome badger-hair brush and properly weighted razor lend a sense of occasion, such as a traditional set from Geo F Trumper (trumpers.com) or Truefitt & Hill (truefittandhill.co.uk). Then use a post-shave healing balm to take some of the prickly heat out; Harry’s (harrys.com) does a great spray that douses the flames. If you’re bearded or shaggy around the visage, it is essential to keep things in check – you want a sophisticated sweep rather than raggedy Santa. A beard-trimmer kit and a little beard oil will ensure that you are fit for purpose.
Next up, moisturiser. I’m continually astonished by the number of men who still don’t moisturise. Men’s skin is thicker than women’s and more prone to oily clogs, so it needs something specific; one of the nicest brands on the market is Dr Jackson’s (drjacksonskincare.com), for excellent, soothing creams.
Then let’s turn to a small degree of polish. Men of a particular vintage need to be mindful that certain curious things begin to occur post-50: a triumphant thickening (and lengthening) of the eyebrows, as well as errant hairs that begin sprouting merrily. Invest in a handsome grooming kit or go the more industrial route with removal ‘buds’ for noses and ears (a gander on Amazon will suggest plenty). It’s not vain to want to demonstrate you’ve made an effort.
From there, let’s consider the finer details that a fellow might contemplate. DIY dye jobs run the risk of you looking like Rudy Giuliani caked in Ronseal-like streaks, but if your eyebrows and sideburns are somewhat snowy these days, it can be worth applying a dab of brow gel. Nothing painterly or OTT, just a small way to make yourself appear a little more fresh for when the cocktails are circulating.
Finally, there’s something wonderfully ceremonial about that final flourish – a spritz of cologne as you set off into the socialising fray. It’s worth switching up your scent for one that fits the darker mood of winter. It feels rather at odds to opt for citrussy notes or sea-salt minerals as the aromas of wood smoke and heady claret fill the air. You want something a little more potent and richer; choose amber and spice notes, such as those found in the classic Sauvage from Dior (dior.com). See also Dries Van Noten’s excellent fragrances (driesvannoten.com) – more nuanced than the usual duty-free smells.
Suitably finessed, you’ll be all set for the season of goodwill and good grooming.
This week, I am mostly ...
Buying British. I don’t know about you, but as with my wardrobe, I’m increasingly keen to support British-made products when it comes to grooming. Thomas Clipper, for example, uses local wood for its shaving bowls, with no two the same.
Handmade bowl, brush and Atlantic soap set, £95, Thomas Clipper
Spritzing traditional scents from eras gone by, rather than today’s flashy, celeb-fronted iterations. See charming Florentine brand Santa Maria Novella, maker of beauty and grooming wares since the 13th century, and its charming bottles .
Acqua, £160 for50ml, Smnovella
Embracing independent dental brands, with toothpastes and mouthwashes that are more elevated than your average. Try Selahatin’s Escapist toothpaste, for example, with its notes of mint, orange and cinnamon.
Selahatin’s Escapist toothpaste £19, John Bell Croyden