A little grooming goes a long way

I recently had the tough job of grooming three gorgeous male models for an Olympic-inspired menswear shoot for Phoenix Magazine. It got me thinking about the kinds of grooming tips I'd recommend for real guys. 

Did you know, the UK male grooming market was worth £711m by the end of 2011? (that's some serious moolah!). Gone are the 'metrosexual' days of slapping on a bit of moisturiser after a shower. In 2012, the male grooming market has completely exploded with product launches spanning cleansers, eye creams, exfoliators and masques - all designed with male skin in mind.

So what is male grooming anyway? And does it involve make-up?! <holds breath>

Chaps, let me break it down for you; there are 4 key areas you need to think about when it comes to personal grooming:

SKIN

HAIR

TEETH

NAILS

Let's start with SKIN. For as much as you might like to think you are, you're no more protected from the elements (weather, the environment, ageing) than we are. So as a basic care regime, looking after your skin is a great place to start. For one, hydrated and cared-for skin can take years off you (I've seen this first hand, particularly on older gentlemen).

Like your female counterparts, your skin will fall into 4 categories: normal / dry / combination (oily T-zone) / oily. You should know instinctively which one you are. If you're unsure, ask.

For an overview of moisturisers for DRY SKIN, check out this handy review from Ape to Gentleman from 2011. For more GENERAL MOISTURISERS - including ones with built in SPF - see Mankind. Also worth checking out are Kiehl's and Cowshed Bullock (my man uses this and he says it's 'good').

Another great tip is to exfoliate once a week (click here for the low down on what it is/how it works/why it's good). Exfoliating gently sloughs away dead skin, to reveal younger, 'cleaner' skin. Alongside moisturising, it will be the single best thing you can do (providing you remember to do it).

Next up, HAIR. If you've still got it, flaunt it! And if you don't see above and keep that head moisturised.

Two things you need to do:
1. (an obvious one) keep your hair clean and smelling good (there are so many male shampoos to choose from I can't tell you! I like the look of Redken)
2: never underestimate the power of a little styling (clay, wax, gel).

Killer smile but low on wattage (image courtesy of Starpulse.com)

TEETH: <cha-ching!>

A killer smile can work wonders but even if you're not particularly blessed with pearly whites, daily flossing and teeth whitening are a good place to start. Basically, the rule with teeth is be sensible. Keep up appearances at the dentist (I've been going to private dentist Doug Jarvis for years and cannot recommend him enough); watch out for bleeding gums and keep that breath minty-fresh (coffee breath can kill a woman at 20 paces!).

And finally, NAILS. May seem like an odd one to include but I'm the kind of gal who notices a man's hands. I'm not suggesting for a moment you have a weekly manicure (to each his own) but:
- keep nails short (unless you're a guitarist, and even then....)
- watch out for dirt under the fingernails (easily removed with soapy water and a pair of tweezers)
- don't shy away from a bit of hand cream once in a while (go on, it won't kill you)

For those who want to dip their toe a little further into the world of male grooming, check out these bad boys:

Anthony Logistics (available at Space NK and online)
LAB Series for Men (old kid on the block but looks reassuringly premium/manly <grrrrrr>)
Clinique Skin Supplies (possibly my favourite packaging of all the ranges, gun-metal grey and clearly 'not for girls')
Liz Earle Men's Skincare (don't knock it til you've tried it. British-born Liz has won countless awards for her Cleanse and Polish™ - having been a fan of Liz's products for years, I reckon her Men's Skincare range is worth a gander).

Do you have any faves in your wash bag?
_______
For those wondering what I used on the Phoenix shoot:
- Kiehl's Facial Fuel (oil-free moisturiser with built in SPF)
- Bobbi Brown hydrating eye cream
- a little concealer* (Bobbi Brown)
- Lucas Paw-Paw (cult Aussie lip balm)
- MAC blot powder (a staple on shoots to combat shine)
* not necessary for every day but hey, it's fashion daaaarling...

All images courtesy of Phoenix Magazine
Photography: © Cecilie Harris 
Styling: Rebekah Roy
Grooming: Natalie James