Gone are the days when grooming was stereotyped to women or to ‘gay’ men. In this day and era, grooming is a requisite regardless of gender, both for aesthetics and overall well-being. A well-rounded grooming routine for men has been found to boost confidence, improve skin health, and even enhance mood. With that said, SENS has compiled a comprehensive guide to the must-have products and steps for an effective men’s grooming routine.
Shower Gel: The foundation of any grooming routine starts in the shower. A high-quality shower gel not only cleanses the body but also refreshes the mind. While on the lookout for a shower gel, one with natural ingredients that hydrate the skin without stripping away natural oils is highly recommended. Plus, a good shower gel with a subtle, masculine scent can leave you feeling fresh all day. At SENS, our tested and approved shower gel is none other than ‘Her Majesty Blossom Burst Body Wash’. Trust it to give you a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home.
Hair Care: A good hair care routine involves regular washing, conditioning, and styling for those with long hair (dreads or Caucasian). For our traditional men, those who prefer to have their hair trimmed, your hair care routine should entail regular visits to your barber (at least every two weeks) and, of course, daily washing, with some hair oil application afterward. How we love a man with a nice haircut (gasps).
Beard Care: Ever wondered why your beard is always itchy? Well, it could be that it’s thirsty for proper grooming. Regular trimming will help maintain the beard shape as well as remove split ends. However, there’s more you can do to achieve a well-kempt beard. A beard shampoo and conditioner will earn you clean and soft hair, while beard oil or balm will nourish the hair and skin beneath, preventing itchiness and dryness.
PS: Look out for products with Ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, and shea butter for excellent results.
Face Wash: You read that right, gentlemen, water alone is not enough to achieve clean and healthy face skin. Your face demands special attention since it’s more sensitive and exposed to environmental stressors (refer to our article on building a skincare routine to learn more about face washes and their relevance to skincare). Choose a face wash that suits your skin type— whether it’s oily, dry, or combination. Regular use helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities, leaving your skin clear and bright.
Exfoliation: Are you the type who would ‘kill’ to have radiant skin? Times have changed. Men too need to look beautiful to be desired by partners. If you answered Yes, exfoliating your skin 2-3 times a week could be the golden ticket to your wish. The act will rid your skin of dead skin cells (responsible for a dull complexion), unclog pores (minimizing chances of acne breakouts), and prevent ingrown hairs (caused by shaving). A gentle scrub with fine exfoliating particles will smoothen the skin without irritating it. Look for products with natural exfoliants like apricot kernels or microbeads.
Vitamin C Serum: According to aestheticians, our skin slows down on collagen production the moment we clock 25 years, losing its elasticity and thus ageing (developing fine lines and wrinkles). Because we can’t fight nature yet, we still need to look younger. Products rich in Vitamin C should come in handy for perfect skin care.
Vitamin C has been tested and proven as a powerhouse ingredient for skin health. It brightens the complexion, fades dark spots, and promotes collagen production, helping to maintain a youthful appearance. Apply a few drops of a vitamin C serum to clean dry skin every morning before moisturizing. This antioxidant-rich serum will protect your skin from free radicals and give it a radiant glow.
Moisturizer: Hydration (through water intake) is vital for healthy skin, that’s not debatable. But for those whose socks still need to be pulled when it comes to taking water, hydration through face moisturizer is our only savior. A good moisturizer will help lock in moisture and prevent dryness and flakiness. For men, we know how much you despise a greasy face, and thus, a lightweight, non-greasy formula will work best. As you hunt for one, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to maintain hydration levels throughout the day, but if you have oily skin, choose an oil-free moisturizer to avoid clogged pores and excess hydration.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is an absolute must, regardless of the weather. Harmful UV rays can cause premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, and ears, every morning. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending extended time outdoors.
Sunscreen not only protects but also helps maintain an even skin tone. If you have read up to this point and already feel discouraged as the list goes on, let me give you some good news: A moisturizer can be three in one. Some moisturizers contain SPF (Sun Protective Factor), thus working as sunscreens and Vitamin C. Good, right?
Body lotion: I would hate to think that in this day and era, there’s a male figure out there still using children’s petroleum jelly. At least not a SENS reader. Anyway, body lotion should be applied after a shower for moisturizing purposes and class.
Body Care: Beyond showering and moisturizing, there’s pubic hair grooming. I don’t know about other females, but I find a man with armpit hair dirty, especially if they dare to show it in public (wearing sleeveless shirts). Short–almost invisible is okay, but not grass long. Shaving is grooming. Hence, don’t take it lightly, and if at all you find the process daunting, then wax. You won’t only have smooth skin, but also the hair will take long to re-appear.
Fragrances: Smelling good won’t only boost your confidence but also put you on the market. That is if you’re single and searching. For married men, it will make your spouse ‘ache’ for you over and over again. Now I know some people think if they have perfume (body spray), then they don’t need deodorants. Sorry to burst your bubble, but those two are like pen and paper. They complement each other. Want to know how each differs from the other? Better yet, grab yourself authentic ones. Drop by any Her Majesty store in Kigali (you can also order online) for your perfect pick.
Hand and Foot Care: We are in summer, and oh boy, the more we want our feet to breathe, the more we risk them drying and cracking. Nonetheless, through regular moisturizing, dryness, and cracking can be kept at bay. For the feet, a pumice stone can help remove dead skin, and a thick, hydrating foot cream can keep them soft. Don’t have these within the vicinity of your home? Worry not. Check out our post for trusted yet affordable spas in Kigali and book yourself a pedicure/manicure.
