Being the best-groomed man in the room isn’t just about the products you use, but it’s also about how you use them. Often, it takes a whole lot of trial and error to discover these unwritten rules of skin, body and hair care - but we’re pleased to provide you with a handy shortcut. We’ve spoken to a selection of the most respected journalists in the grooming world to get their expert grooming tips, honed through years of experience in the field. You’re welcome.
Ahmed Zambarakji, health and grooming journalist
“Less is always more. I feel like there is an unspoken rule in men’s grooming that stronger is somehow better and that’s not necessarily true. Yes, actives need to be of a certain concentration in order to be effective but it’s very possible to go overboard - especially with things like chemical exfoliants or retinoids - and end up sensitising the skin or causing inflammation.”
Jessica Punter, grooming editor for Ape to Gentleman
“If you suffer from bags or puffy eyes in the morning, keep your gels and creams in the fridge. The extra cooling factor will deflate them super fast and keeping a product in the fridge can extend its shelf life.”
Nick Carvell, freelance grooming writer
“When you use a moisturiser, your first instinct is probably to squeeze it into your palm before putting it on your face and rubbing it in - but this results in moisturising your hands more than your face. Instead, apply a few dots of moisturiser where it’s needed on your face with your finger, then rub in. It’ll mean you waste less of the cream or gel, and get a far more targeted application. For a next level move, invest in a jade roller, chill it in the fridge and use this to slowly massage the moisturiser into your skin. Not only is this tool brilliant for relaxing your facial muscles and detoxifying skin far more effectively than your hands, but - trust me - it’s an experience that’s almost hypnotically stress-relieving at the end of a tough day.”
Lee Kynaston, grooming columnist for The Telegraph
“The main piece of advice I’d give to my younger self would be to use a moisturiser containing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, daily and all year round, from my mid-teens onwards. Sun-induced fine lines, wrinkles and age spots might seem like a long way off when you’re young but they arrive sooner than you think. Don’t think of it as moisturising but future-proofing. Start early, look good for longer.”
@groomingguru
Nick Hogan, grooming editor for Menswear Style
“Wash your hair less, condition more. Daily washing strips oil from your hair, making it feel dry and more difficult to style. Switch out the shampoo for just conditioner only days between washing, your hair will feel healthier and more manageable, and who doesn't want that?”
