Grooming your man

On any given day, you won’t normally see your man using a clay pack or putting moisturizer on his skin. Grooming aids can give a man the stigma of being overly vain or otherwise being gay. It is just rock ’n’ roll for them to do the most basic routine of washing the face with soap and water, then shaving afterwards.

Fact is, the more a man stands out from his competition, the greater the chances of attracting the woman of his dreams. That is why it is ideal for men to have a predisposition towards personal grooming.

Thanks to the so-called metrosexual phenomenon, it is now acceptable for men to stock their medicine cabinets with hair, face, shaving and personal-care essentials.

It is a common mistake for men to start the day with a shave. Some shave when their face is dry, scraping off the skin in the process, while others use pre-shave products and shaving creams that contain irritating ingredients. All this makes the hair follicle and skin swell, leaving nasty ingrown hairs, flaky skin, and occasional blemishes. You wouldn’t want to kiss a rough-faced man, right?

Dermalogica’s Skin Kit For Men

>Dermalogica’s Skin Kit for men ensures healthy skin after shaving. This low-maintenance kit includes functional, balanced products that are suitable for everyday use. Men do not know that washing their faces with the soap that they use on their bodies is a big no-no. It is best to start off with Special Cleansing Gel, which cleans and refreshes the skin, leaving no irritation. Guys need exfoliation, too. The rounded corncob-meal particles of the Skin Prep Scrub can remove dead skin cells, while at the same time prepping the beard for shaving.

Dermalogica’s Professional Shave is the only shaving product that contains essential oils of soothing botanicals and organic silicones that cushion the blade to prevent a nasty razor burn.

An important tip for guys: After shaving, it is necessary to moisturize to prevent fine lines and dry, flaky skin. The Active Moist is a non-oily hydrator for morning and evening that treats the beard, allowing a clean shave the next day. The last step for this skin kit is the Medicated Clearing Gel. A few drops of this treatment are all a man needs to shrink and heal the occasional blemishes and to loosen ingrown hair. All it takes is five minutes to clean, shave, condition, and see healthy, rejuvenated skin.

Jane Wurwand, founder of Dermalogica, once said, "Professional skincare solves and prevents problems. Men get the idea instantly when it’s put to them in their terms."

Dermalogica’s Skin Kit will help men attain healthy skin. Available at Rustan’s Essenses for P2,450.

Aramis Bermuda Tonic

When you think of Bermuda, you don’t think of the mysterious triangle but rather tropical breezes and romantic sunsets on the secluded beach. Think escapades with the one you love. The essence of the island – from its lush greenery to intriguing landscapes to exotic beauty – inspired Aramis in creating a fragrance of distinct character.

Bermuda Tonic by Aramis combines a refreshing burst of crisp green notes with citrus wrapped with eucalyptus flower. For a sensual aura, other notes include rum, milk, and soft wood. It captures the atmosphere of Bermuda’s paradise – cool breezes, tropical shades, and refined elegance.

Raymond Matts, vice president of corporate fragrance development for the Estee Lauder Companies, says, "Bermuda Tonic embraces a casual elegance and a feeling of easy comfort similar to wrapping yourself in a soft terry-cloth robe to welcome a spectacular sunrise. The fresh, clean scent inspires the feeling of being in a place every woman wants their man to be – a place where you can relax and be yourself."

The Bermuda Tonic 100ml Eau de Toilette (P2,350) is available at Rustan’s Aramis counter. Apivita Express Men Care

Ancient Greeks believed that when you ignore the natural harmony and rhythm of life, it reduces vitality. Avita believes in Hippocrates’ maxim: "Nature is the most dominant ruler of all."

The company is deeply inspired by nature and the search for balance. Factoid of the day: Male skin is thicker, more elastic and retains hydration better than female skin. This is why it is less sensitive to dehydration and wrinkles. But shaving damages the skin, removing the topmost layer or the hydrolipid film. Using after-shave products soothes and protects the skin from irritation. Pollution, cigarette smoke, stress and late nights partying all take their toll on the face. Fine lines and wrinkles will appear with an unhealthy lifestyle.

Apivita Aromatherapy Express Men Care for all skin types contains hydrating and anti-aging ingredients. The After-shave Balsam with green coffee soothes and treats the skin, while the Face and Eye cream with red wine makes the skin look younger and gives a refreshed looked to the eyes.

Apivita’s face-care system for men is ideal for sensitive skin. This does not leave oiliness since it gives the face a matte look with oil-regulating ingredients.

Apivita Natural Products are available at Rustan’s Essenses.