Tuesday 2 December 2014

Item Spotlight 3 | Men's Grooming Essentials

PRODUCTS - All the facial skincare necessities a man will ever need. 
1. Kiehl's - Facial Fuel Moisturiser  (£29)
2. Kiehl's - No Shine Moisturising Lip Balm (£9)
3. Kiehl's - Creative Cream Wax (£16)
4. Bumble and Bumble - Surf Spray (£9.50)
5. Kiehl's - Facial Fuel Face Wash (£17.50)
6. Kiehl's - Oil Eliminator Toner (£18) 
7. The Body Shop - Seaweed Facial Exfoliator (£10)

THE ROUTINE 
I clean my skin every morning and evening with 'Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash' (5). This is a gel clenser for all skin types. It's not drying like other products I have used in the past and also leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized - perfect especially for the winter months when skin can become irritated. 

The next step in my routine is the 'Kiehl's Oil Eliminator Toner' (6). You should always use a toner after cleansing as it clarifies your skin further and closes pores; preparing your skin for the moisturiser and preventing potential breakouts. My skin can become shiny later in the day. As this toner is a spray it's perfect to carry around and to use at any point. Most toners require cotton pads to apply so this is another reason why this toner is so good! It prevents shine in the t-zone area; the cooling affect really helps in the summer as you are more prone to oily skin in hotter temperatures.

Finish off your daily routine with the 'Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Moisturiser' (1) that contains both vitamins and caffeine to rejuvenate and awaken your skin. Many of my past moisturisers either made my skin oily, brake out or didn't appear to moisturize at all. This certainly isn't the case with this Kiehl's product.   My skin looks brighter, more vibrant and pores appear less visible after use. 

 I only used 'The Body Shop Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator' (7) every other day to every three days to remove any dead skin cells. I find that if I use it any more frequently than this, my skin becomes excessively dry. This may be because this is for oily/combination skin - if this is your skin type I would recommend using it more frequently. The Seaweed range by The Body Shop is specific for pore refining and mattifying skin

The 'Kiehl's Lip Balm' (2) is specially formulated for men meaning it's great for hydrating your lips without looking like you are wearing a lip product as it is matte. Once again this is perfect for the winter as, if you are anything like me, you will suffer from chapped lips in the cold. It has a subtle mint flavor which is by no means overwhelming but is a nice touch to round off the product. 

When it comes to hair products I have always sworn by the saying 'less is more'. I use the 'Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray' (4) and 'Kiehls Creative Cream Wax' (3) - both are very subtle but do an amazing job. The surf spray adds volume to wavy hair (or any kind!) increasing the texture and body. The point to surf spray is to create waves for a beach like effect. I tend to use it on wet hair and manipulate it by using a diffuser on a low heat setting. There are many 'surf spray' products on the market but Bumble and Bumble is a classic and the best I have used. After, use the 'Creative Cream Wax' to perfect and finalise your desired style. It again has a matte finish and gives great hold throughout the day.