You clean up. You shave. You spruce up with some body care products before heading out. Sounds simple. If that’s the extent of your “grooming routine,” you might be skipping crucial steps that could significantly improve your day-to-day self-care for men.
After testing numerous grooming products and trying out a variety of tips from both experts and self-proclaimed gurus, we’ve distilled the following list of 10 vital grooming tips. These are easy to incorporate into your routine and offer potential results.
Choose a Single Facial Cleanser
“There’s an array of cleanser options, but the key is to have one,” says CALI Hndsome founder Rocky Collins. “Pick one free of parabens or sulfates (check the label). A good practice is to use it twice daily—once in the morning to clear overnight sebum buildup, and again at night to remove day-long debris, sweat, and oil.”
Stay Hydrated in Various Ways
“My philosophy is ‘nurture your soul for a radiant glow,'” suggests Gena Price, the Spa & Wellness Director at ALiLA Napa Valley. “Introducing water is a fantastic element for well-being, whether for simple hydration, applying warm towels to the face and neck, enjoying a hydrotherapy shower that alternates between hot and cold, or indulging in a long detoxifying or soothing bath. Prioritizing our well-being is truly essential in these times and doesn’t need to strain your wallet.”
Improve Your Sleep and Sleep Routine
If you need to achieve the recommended 6-8 hours of sleep each night (depending on your body’s needs), it’s time to address that. We’re all aware of how critical sleep is for overall health, including your skin’s health. You’ll find numerous natural supplements available that can assist in achieving restful sleep (remember to review the labels thoroughly), or seek assistance if you believe your mental well-being hinders rejuvenating rest. You’d be amazed by the overall improvements that follow when your sleep quality improves.
If You’re Exploring Makeup, Stick to the Basics
“When delving into makeup, the array of choices might seem overwhelming, but it’s important not to feel overwhelmed,” advises Danny Gray, the founder of the male-focused makeup brand War Paint for Men. “The truth is, as a beginner, only a few items should become your essentials. That includes a primer, foundation and tinted moisturizer, and concealer. However, the beauty of makeup is that it’s incredibly personal, so whatever makes you feel confident should become your go-to.”
Smart Beard Techniques Are Vital
“If, like me, you prefer to maintain sharp lines in your beard, be aware that over time, you might inadvertently trim the width of your beard,” Collins explains. “Every few days, I use my Andis clippers to redefine crisp lines, but this approach can result in a closer trim into my beard, potentially making it thinner than desired. Every few months, I trim my beard significantly and allow the natural beard lines to regain their thickness.”
Grasp What’s Applied to Your Skin
“Men are commonly known for glancing at the front label alone when picking grooming products. However, it’s even more crucial to examine the back label,” advises Kyle LaFond, the founder of American Provenance. The ingredients on the back are ordered by volume, so “water” frequently appears as a primary ingredient (often as a main filler). The key is to use products with fewer synthetic components, as fewer chemicals on the skin typically lead to happier skin.
Consider Toner as a Beneficial After-Shave Choice
“Toner ” seems puzzling for guys, mainly due to the misleading name. It doesn’t alter your skin tone,” explains Collins. “Think of it more as a ‘wellness shot for your face.’ Applied after cleansing, toners deeply penetrate the skin and restore its balance with essential hydration and beneficial minerals often lost during cleansing.” Since toners hydrate and often include anti-inflammatory elements, they’re an excellent post-shave option right after cleansing and before applying moisturizer.
Embrace Aging Over Fixating on Anti-Aging
There’s undoubtedly an entire industry focused on maintaining a youthful appearance and resisting the effects of time. However, what if, instead of dreading it, we embraced aging? The endeavor and expenses linked to defying aging can become overwhelming. More and more men are simply embracing practices like sun protection and the previously mentioned sleep enhancements to help maintain a youthful appearance for longer.