INTRODUCTION

Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. A good night’s sleep is essential for healthy skin, bright eyes and a brighter, more youthful appearance. Make sleep your number one priority.

Shaving Essentials: Beyond the Basic Blade

While a good razor is crucial, consider these upgrades for a smoother and more comfortable shave:

  • Safety Razor: If you’re an experienced shaver looking for a premium, ultra-close shave, then a safety razor is what you’re looking for. It’s a one-of-a-kind shave that’s tailored to your individual needs. You’ll need a shaving brush, shaving soap, and shaving cream. The cost of a safety razor is higher initially, but blades are much more affordable over time.
  • Shaving Brush (For Safety Razors): Brushing with a natural bristle, such as boar’s bristle, creates a creamy lather, raises your beard hairs and gently exfoliates your skin for a smoother shave and less irritation.
  • Shaving Soap or Cream: Go from canned shaving creams to high-quality shaving soaps or creams. Look for natural shaving creams and creams that lubricate your skin, reduce razor burns, and provide a better shave.

Facial Care: Beyond the Bar Soap

Ditch the harsh bar soap and embrace these essential products for healthy, radiant skin:

  • Facial Cleanser: A mild cleanser for men’s skin gets rid of grime, oil and sweat without losing natural oils. Choose a cleanser that’s right for your type of skin (dry, oily or sensitive) to avoid irritation and keep your skin looking healthy.
  • Exfoliator (Use 1-2 times a week): Regular exfoliation kills dead skin cells, stimulates cell turnover, and stops the growth of new hair. Choose a mild exfoliator that suits your skin type for a smoother, whiter complexion.
  • Moisturizer: No matter what type of skin you have, a good moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated, protect it from the elements and keep it from drying out and flaking. Look for a lightweight, non-oil formula that absorbs quickly.
  • Eye Cream (Optional): Elevate the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, as well as fine lines, around the eyes using a separate eye cream.
  • Look for formulas that are formulated with ingredients such as caffeine or hydroxyanisole.

Hair Care: Beyond the 2-in-1

Level up your hair care routine with these products to achieve your desired style:

  • Shampoo and Conditioner: Choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type: dry hair, oily hair, curly hair, etc. This will help cleanse the scalp, nourish the hair, and make it easier to manage.
  • Hair Styling Products: Depending on your hair type and hair preference, experiment with products such as hair gel, hair wax, hair pomade or styling cream.
  • Scalp Treatment (Optional): If you have dandruff or are dealing with hair loss in your men’s area, try a targeted shampoo or scalp treatment serum. These products target specific scalp issues and help improve the overall health of your scalp.

Beyond the Essentials: Products for the Discerning Gentleman

  • Beard Care (For Bearded Men): To keep your beard looking fresh and soft, use beard oil that nourishes and softens the hair, use beard wash that cleanses without stripping the oils from your beard, and use beard balm to style and shape your beard.
  • Lip Balm: Lip balm is the best way to keep your lips moisturized and protected from the sun’s rays, especially when it’s dry or cold outside. Make sure your lip balm contains SPF for extra sun protection.
  • Cologne (Optional): A little bit of cologne can make all the difference when it comes to finishing your grooming and leaving a lasting impression. Pick a scent that matches your body chemistry and doesn’t overpower you. Spray cologne on your pulse points for maximum fragrance diffusion.

Pro Tips for Upgrading Your Routine

  • Learn Proper Techniques: Whether you’re looking to learn how to shave, groom your beard, or apply hair styling products, watching tutorials or talking to your barber can be just as beneficial as investing in new products.
  • Read Labels and Reviews: Learn about the ingredients and benefits of the product before buying. You can also read online reviews to learn from other users who have similar needs.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Rather than accumulating a large inventory of low-quality products, focus on quality products that meet your specific needs.
  • Sample and Experiment: Most stores will have samples or trial sizes available. Use these to try different products before ordering a full-size bottle.

Building Your Personalized Kit:

  • It’s important to note that you don’t need to buy all of the products on this list right away. Stick to the basics and build your personalized kit as you go. Here are some things to keep in mind as you build your personalized kit:
  • Skin Type: Select products that are well-suited to your specific skin type (dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin) to get the best results and minimize irritation.