Essential Items For A Grown-Up Grooming Routine
screenshot/”American Psycho”
Look like him, don’t act like him.
A man’s got to show up looking sharp and professional, whether it’s for work or a date.
And to do that, you need to have all the grooming essentials for shaving, hair, and skincare. As you and your skin age, you’re not going to get by using the same drugstore products you did when you were younger. Your hair and skin need more care now, so it’s time to upgrade your morning routine.
Insider Picks rounded up the essentials for great grooming that’ll keep you looking your best.
Shaving
Electric Razor
Instead of buying hundreds of disposable razors that will irritate and cut your skin, invest in one good razor (manual or electric). It’ll save your skin some serious abuse.
Here are some razors and products that will help prevent burns, cuts, and bleeding.
Braun Series 7-790cc Pulsonic Men’s Shaving System
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $269.99 $170.99
Braun Series 7-790cc Pulsonic Men’s Shaving System
Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 Electric Shaver Wet/Dry with Multi-Flex Pivoting Head for Men
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $299.99 $139.95
Old Spice Men’s Shaver
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $69.99 $59.99
Philips Norelco BG2040/34 Bodygroom 7100
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $69.99 $69.95
Manual Razor
The Art of Shaving Set (Comes with Shave brush)
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $80.00 $79.95
Amazon
If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a safety razor. They look cool, and because they’re heavier you can use a soft touch. It won’t clog as much as a multi-blade razor, and cuts the hair in a single pass, which prevents ingrown hairs. Just be careful.
Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $37.00 $29.99
Edwin Jagger Chrome Plated Safety Razor
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $44.39 $34.48
Pre-Shave Oil
The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil
Pre-shave oil helps soften facial hair and also moisturizes and protects skin from burning and cuts. If you have sensitive skin, a coarse beard, or are prone to ingrown hairs, definitely grab some.
The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $31.63 $20.80
Proraso Anti-Irritation Pre-Shaving Cream
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $13.00 $11.41
Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $11.00
Kyoku for Men Electric Pre-Shave Optimizer
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $15.00 $7.51
Shaving Cream
Unless you’re planning on just dragging a dry razor right across your face, you’re going to need some shaving cream. We recommend getting a nice, creamy one with a built-in moisturizer to help soften and smooth your skin. Plus, it will keep your skin from getting too dry and flaking off, especially in the winter when the air is more dry.
Henry Cavendish Shaving Cream
Henry Cavendish Shaving Cream
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $25.95 $19.47
Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Shaving Cream
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $22.00
Lucky Tiger Mollè Brushless Shave Cream
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $14.25
And shaving cream for brushes:
Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $17.00
Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $23.00
Aftershave
Baxter of California After Shave Balm
To help prevent post-shave irritation and cut infections, you’ll need some aftershave. These can be applied directly after shaving, or whenever your skin is feeling irritated. These options are all lightweight and moisturizing.
Baxter of California After Shave Balm
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $18.00
Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Post Shave Lotion
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $27.96 $23.50
Nivea for Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $35.19 $20.36
Skincare
Acne Treatment
Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength Acne Treatment
Unfortunately, moving past puberty doesn’t guarantee a spot-free face. Here are some great acne-fighters that are strong enough to zap blemishes, but are gentle enough to not dry out and destroy your skin. Good acne treatment is always worth the investment.
Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength Acne Treatment
Amazon Rating: 5 Stars
Price: $18.00
MD Skincare Correct & Perfect Spot Treatment
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $32.84
MenScience Androceuticals Acne Spot Repair
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $23.00
Cleanser
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energzing Face Wash Gel Cleanser
You’ll want remove all the dirt and oil that piles in your skin after a long day or gym workout. These cleansers will keep your skin and face clean without them drying out too much. These are also great to keep in your gym bag or at your desk just in case.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash Gel Cleanser
Amazon Rating: 5 Stars
Price: $30.00
Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $33.00
Kyoku for Men Daily Facial Cleanser
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $14.25
Moisturizer
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20
Winter’s low temperatures and freezing winds will destroy your skin. Invest in a great moisturizer to keep your skin from cracking, flaking, and peeling off. These are all great options that aren’t too oily or heavy, so you won’t look shiny or feel like you’re “wearing make up.”
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $27.00
Neutrogena Men Age Fighter Face Moisturizer
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $27.00
MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Face Lotion
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $39.00
Kyoku for Men Facial Moisturizer
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $49.00 $13.00
Hair
Shampoo for thin hair
Pura d’or Premium Organic Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo
It’s a sad truth that about 70% of guys are going to deal with some hair loss or thinning as they age. One way to fight that early is to use the right shampoo. These will help keep your scalp and hair follicles healthy, and also reduce the amount of hair you shed.
Pura d’or Premium Organic Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $39.00 $33.79
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge Caffeine Hair Loss Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $59.99 $43.99
Phytoworx Organic Hair Loss Shampoo
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $79.99 $59.99
Growth shampoo
If you’re looking for something a bit stronger than just preventative care, you should look into some hair growth shampoo.
DS Laboratories Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo
DS Laboratories Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $52.50 $33.50
Green Touch Beauty Hair Growth Shampoo
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $52.50 $33.50
PRI Hair Growth Shampooo
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $34.95 $16.95
Hair Wax
DS Laboratories Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo
This product is ideal for guys with straight or wavy hair. Iit’ll give you a medium hold and works well for those who prefer the messy look. Wax holds hair in place without looking rock-solid or making your head sticky. It also doesn’t add shine to your hair and washes out easily. Blind Barber, Crew, and Uppercut are all favorites.
Blind Barber 60 Proof Hair Wax
Amazon Rating: 5 Stars
Price: $18.00
American Crew Classic Fiber (2 Pack)
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $33.92 $25.16
Uppercut Matt Clay
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price:
Pomade
Uppercut Deluxe Pomade
Pomade is basically the same thing as hair wax except it holds your hair a little more and adds shine. Which one you use just depends on your preference.
Uppercut Deluxe Pomade
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $18.00
American Crew Pomade
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $31.92 $24.91
Blind Barber 90 Proof Hair Pomade
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $18.00
Styling Creme
Blind Barber 60 Proof Hair Wax
Styling creme, on the other hand, works well for guys with curly hair. It doesn’t have any hold and gives your locks a light shine. It will keep your hair moisturized and healthy-looking.
Bumble and Bumble by Bumble and Bumble Styling Creme
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $26.00 $24.99
Malin + Goetz Sage Styling Cream
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
Price: $37.82
Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream
Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
Price: $40.99
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.
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