While skincare may be out of many men’s wheelhouse, it’s important to maintain a simple routine to keep skin in tiptop shape.
“Feeling fresh and confident is the best way to start a new day and the skin is a super important way to achieve those things,” celebrity makeup artist Jeannia Robinette, whose male client list includes A-listers like David Beckham, Gerard Butler and Jared Leto, told The Post. “Men have nothing to fear and everything to gain!”
Although a lot of men may see the women in their lives throw tons of different products on their faces or are simply intimidated by creating their own skincare regimen, it only takes a few key products to get the job done.
“Most men believe there need to be so many steps, but really, clean and hydrated skin is all you really need,” said beauty expert Megan Lanoux, who has worked with the likes of Neil Patrick Harris, Luke Evans and Ethan Hawke. “A good cleanser and moisturizer are key.”
Since men’s skincare can be quite different from what a woman may use, The Post spoke with a variety of different experts to find out which face washes, shaving products, moisturizers and other items men should be investing in to achieve a clean and clear complexion.
The must-haves list includes designer skincare products and items for as low as $5 from brands like La Mer, Cetaphil, Tom Ford, Kiehl’s, Mario Badescu and more.
Best Face Washes for Men
1. Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser, $35
“Jack Black’s Pure Clean Facial Cleanser is my favorite,” Lanoux said, noting that it’s “a two-in-one cleanser and toner for all the low maintenance guys.”
“It also has very soothing ingredients such aloe and sage, which leaves the skin feeling soft, hydrated and clean. Witch hazel is another great ingredient that acts as a natural toner,” she added.
This Jack Black cleanser is great for removing deep-down dirt and oil for clear, smooth, shave-ready skin. It works gently without over-drying the skin and is made without parabens, vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free and good for all skin types.
2. La Mer The Cleansing Foam, $25+
“The La Mer Cleansing Foam Cleanser is one of my favorites for both men and women,” said Robinette. “I recommend it for men because it doesn’t have a strong smell and it leaves your skin looking clean and fresh without stripping the natural oils of the skin.”
Since the full-size (4.2-oz) bottle of this cleanser goes for a whopping $95, we recommend giving the smaller size (1-oz) a try first — as it costs a fraction of the cost.
Celebrity esthetician Candace Marino, who works with Quincy Brown and Todd Chrisley, highly recommends the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex for all men and skin types.
“This light and refreshing gel deep cleans without stripping or drying the skin. It’s perfect for all skin types, including men who experience breakouts, folliculitis and ingrown hairs,” Marino explained.
Marino also said this product can also double as a shaving lubricant.
“It contains botanically derived glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to penetrate the pore, prevent build up and mildly exfoliate the skin,” she added.
For a tried-and-true, budget-friendly option, you can’t go wrong with the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It has more than 20,000 reviews on Amazon, is extremely hydrating and soothes as it cleans the skin to replenish the natural moisture barrier without leaving a residue that can clog pores.
“This product is simple. It is easy to find in any store and it is hypoallergenic, so it is good for all skin types,” said plastic surgeon Dr. K. Roxanne Grawe.
Best Moisturizers for Men
1. Mario Badescu Collagen Moisturizer with SPF 15, $24
When it comes to moisturizers for men, Robinette is a big advocate for this collagen-infused face lotion from Mario Badescu.
“It’s lightweight, has SPF 15 in it, hydrates your skin really well and smoothes and softens the look of fine lines,” Robinette told The Post. “Especially for guys who may start to see some wrinkles around the eyes — it’s nice to have a product like this Mario Badescu moisturizer that gives your complexion a boost and plumps up your skin.”
Aside from collagen, another key ingredient is cottonseed oil which nourishes and conditions your face.
2. Kiehl’s Since 1851 Facial Fuel Moisturizer, $28
“This product does exactly what it says it will do: give you facial fuel. [It’s] infused with caffeine and Vitamin C to naturally help wake up the skin, de-puff and brighten,” Lanoux said.
Lanoux pointed out that you should only use this product once a day (as directed by the brand) and it will last you up to six months. However, it has an extra benefit.
“This moisturizer also has SPF 20, which makes it a two-in-one product — one less step in a man skincare routine,” Lanoux added. “Everyone should be wearing SPF, so including it in their moisturizer kills two birds with one stone.”
3. Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, $50
For the man struggling with oily skin, consider giving the Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream a try. “This moisturizer tops every list because of its matte finish and is great for oily skin. It has SPF 25 but doesn’t feel greasy so it’s easy to use on the daily,” Grawe said.
This Australian-made product is lightweight with citrus-derived ingredients to cool, tone and balance the skin, delivering amazing hydrating replenishment.
Best Shaving Cream for Men
1. Cremo Barber Grade Original Shave Cream, $5
Grawe is also a big advocate for the budget-friendly Cremo shaving cream when it comes to men’s grooming.
“This shaving cream is on every ‘best of’ list because of its thin and non-foamy smooth lather. It is easy to find and [you don’t need much water] so [it] tends to be great to travel with,” Grawe said.
The Cremo Barber Grade Original Shave Cream has almost 10,000 reviews on Amazon so it doesn’t seem like Grawe is alone in this product’s fan club!
2. Harry’s Rich Lather Foaming Shave Gel, $6
Lanoux on the other hand, loves Harry’s Shave Gel.
“I love it so much because it’s such a great price and the ingredients naturally calm the skin with cucumber and aloe,” Lanoux said. “It [also] isn’t sticky and doesn’t leave a residue. I think this is a great universal shave gel for everyone, even men with more sensitive skin.”
The Harry’s Shave Gel lathers into a rich shaving foam that helps the razor glide effortlessly over the skin or beard. The lather cushions the face and keeps the man in control of their shave.
3. Tom Ford Shave Oil for Men, $67
When it comes to shaving products, Robinette raves about this Tom Ford Shave Oil and even mentioned that her longtime client, David Beckham, is also a fan. “[David] loved all the Tom Ford grooming products I used on him, so I just gave it all to him and I’m pretty sure this oil is still in his toiletry bag,” she told The Post.
“It has a great smell to it, it’s calming and doesn’t irritate the skin and it’s great for razor burns, too,” she added. “The Tom Ford Shave Oil is lightweight, moisturizing, conditions your skin and allows you to get a really close shave.”
As for the price, Robinette says, “guys deserve to spoil themselves, too!”
“Of course, this product is more expensive than your average drugstore shaving cream but if you shave every day, it’s worth investing in and making the shaving experience a tad more luxurious.”
You can use this shave product the same way you would with shaving cream.
4. Fur Shave Cream, $28
Marino’s shaving cream recommendation is made by the brand Fur.
“This protective and soothing shave cream has a whipped texture that provides a smooth glide with zero irritation and will help achieve a close shave without razor burn whether you’re a daily or weekly shaver [or rarely shave at all],” Marino said.
The Fur Shaving Cream is completely gluten-free and vegan and has a protective, no foam, featherlight consistency. It’s also free of phthalates, parabens, silicones and artificial colors or fragrance so it’s ideal for sensitive skin, too.
Best Lip Treatments for Men
1. Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Origin Moisturizing Lip Balm, $3
“Most men love the Burts Bee’s lip treatment. It doesn’t give off any shine or sheen and leaves a little bit of a peppermint sensation,” Lanoux said.
The Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm is of course made with beeswax and Vitamin, plus a hint of peppermint oil to hydrate and nourish dry lips.
2. Tom Ford Hydrating Lip Balm, $29
If you can’t stand chapped lips and willing to splurge a little bit, the Tom Ford lip balm is perfect for you.
“I love this lip balm – it’s just so good!” said Robinette. “A lot of guys don’t like lip treatments that are shiny but this Tom Ford one is kind of like a matte lip balm and looks super natural. It’s super nourishing and feels like silk on your lips.”
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