The 8 Grooming Products We're Excited About Right Now
These Esquire-approved grooming staples are a must-try no matter the season
SKINCARE. It can be a scary word for guys of any age, young, old, good skin, bad skin. Filled with ambiguous terms like ‘Vitamin C serums’ and ‘enzyme cleansers’, from the outside, we get that a skincare and grooming routine can be anything but approachable; where does one even begin? Well, here, of course. Because for one, as we age, it’s incredibly important to get a hold of good skincare and grooming practices early on, especially in an effort to look after our skin and bodies from external factors that contribute to the effects of ageing.
The good news? Thanks to the access to skincare knowledge and the best dedicated products in the world, there has never been a better time to familiarise yourself with skincare. All you need is a friendly pointer in the right direction and you’ll be on your way to eternal youth. Like this Esquire-driven grooming roundup of all the best products on the market right now.
1
SUNSHINE IN A BOTTLE
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
I consider this fast-absorbing, high-potency Vitamin C serum to be sunshine in a bottle. Designed for all skin types — dry, normal, combination and sensitive — SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic utilises a combination of powerful antioxidants to protect the skin against atmospheric ageing (such as UV rays, infrared radiation, and ozone pollution) while keeping your skin looking bright, firm and youthful in the process. C E Ferulic can help fight the signs of ageing by improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and skin laxity that comes with age, while brightening complexion for more radiant looking skin — you’ll wonder how you could have ever lived without it.
2
ANTI-AGEING POWERHOUSE
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Sure, this ultra-luxurious moisturiser has a hefty price tag but believe me, this is no ordinary moisturiser. I was first introduced to Augustinus Bader after a facial at Melanie Grant, where the aesthetician recommended the Rich Cream as an ideal everyday moisturiser to assist with fine lines and acne scarring. I haven’t looked back since. Clinically proven to reduce the signs of ageing (like fine lines and wrinkles) and deeply moisturise, just two pumps and your skin will feel soft, restored and renewed. For those worried about the loss of skin elasticity (ageing, folks), this moisturiser is proven to help prevent transepidermal water loss, resulting in skin that’s supple, plump, and smooth.
3
HAIR LOSS HERO
Patricks Ultra Thickening Anti Hairloss Set
It’s never too early to start considering ways in which to prevent hair loss. A great precursor to costly and time-consuming hair loss regimes is this anti hair loss shampoo and conditioner set formulated by the team at Patricks. While the first thing you’ll notice after using this set is its incredible smell, the real magic lies within its pioneering ingredients and cutting-edge biotechnology; a DHT-blocking (a hormone that causes hair loss) shampoo and conditioner that not only works in tandem to thicken existing hair mass, but helps prevent further hair loss by stimulating new growth.
4
FAUX-GLOW-MAKER
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
There’s a reason Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops have been sold out since the end of 2022 — sure, Alix Earle’s viral TikTok video might have had something to do with it. But for those looking to add a touch of brightness to their complexion without the hassle of foundation or fake tan, then this little bottle of joy is for you. Super easy to apply, just mix three to four drops with your daily moisturiser and rub into your face and décolletage area. The result is a subtle glow that lasts all day.
5
MIRACLE WORKER NIGHT CREAM
Verso Night Cream
This deeply nourishing and regenerating retinol-powered night cream has been hailed as a miracle skincare product. Designed to be used as the last step of your nightly skincare regime, the thick cream is formulated to support the skin’s natural reparative processes, calming and hydrating your skin as you sleep, while the addition of retinol to help promote more youthful skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines. A little thick on application, but know that this powerful night cream is doing its thing as you sleep.
6
SPF THAT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE SPF
Ultra Violette Clean Screen SUNSCREEN SPF30
Making sunscreen cool, Ultra Violette has formulated a sunscreen that is super easy to apply, and perhaps one of the best you’ll ever use. If you’re anything like me, I hate the texture and greasiness of your traditional sunscreens, which is why Ultra Violet’s Clean Screen is a fantastic alternative. Its mattifying gel texture rubs in super easy, and best of all, it’s designed for those with problematic skin, so don’t expect any irritation or breakouts after use. We probably don’t need to reiterate the importance of incorporating sunscreen as the final step of your routine, guys… right?
7
NO-FUSS CLEANSER
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
A no-fuss face cleanser is crucial to every grooming/skincare regime. Take this soy face cleanser by Fresh: this best-selling face wash is universally proven to maintain the skin’s pH levels whilst also cleansing, softening and hydrating all skin types. It’s super easy to apply, doesn’t cause any mess, and best of all, has a soothing cucumber smell that you’re bound to love.
8
ALL-DAY STYLER
Bumble and Bumble Sumotech
This flexible and low-shine styling product is perfect for short to medium hairstyles and even better for those that hate any build-up of oil or sheen from their hair products. Bumble and Bumble’s Sumotech isn’t exactly a wax, nor is it a paste or creme, but probably somewhere in the middle; just rub a small amount in your palms, warm the product up for ten seconds, and apply for all-day styling.
