Thinking of getting Dad a power saw or a tie for Father's Day? Well, you may want to think again. It could be that moisturizer is the one gift he can't live without. Adam Rapoport, style editor from GQ magazine has recommendations for what men need if they're interested in skin care, but don't know where to start.
Cosmetics companies try to sell men a zillion products when they really only need a few items. And you don't need to buy all high-end products. It's best to use drugstore products and supplement with a few key higher-priced items.
Moisturize:
Everyone should use a moisturizer or a good after-shave product every day. But if your after-shave product doesn't have SPF, a light moisturizer is a good way to get sun protection. (A note: You should look for something that protects from UVB AND UVA rays. UVB rays cause classic sunburn, but the UVA rays are what lead to skin cancer and deep lines).
A moisturizer is also great on days you don't shave.
- L'Oreal Men's Expert Stop Lines SPF 15: $11.99 This is a light, non-greasy, daily moisturizer with UVA/UVB protection that is found at the drugstore.
- Kiehl's Facial Fuel SPF 15: $24.50
This is a great, light zingy-feeling moisturizer with SPF. It perks you up and has a minty scent that guys dig. This product is nice to use late in the afternoon when you're feeling tired. It's also good to put on before you leave work to go out for the night. - Nivea Men Energizing Hydro Gel: $6.99
This is another mid-afternoon refresher. It's minty and stimulating and works when you just need a pick me up and are feeling dry and burnt out toward the end of the day. - Lancome Men Hydrix Moisturizing Balm: $30A thicker moisturizer good for winter or to use at night. It's particularly good for older guys who need something a bit heavier.
- La Mer The Moisturizing Lotion: $165La Mer is a favorite among celebrities. It's very costly, but a lot of women find their boyfriends or husbands dipping into their La Mer. So if you want your man to have his own supply, this lotion has a lighter feel than the traditional Creme de la Mer.
Shave:
It really is worth getting a decent shaving product. Be suspicious of anything that comes in a pressurized can. Products in a tube or jar or tub are better. Often guys worry that they need something thicker or with more lather, and they are worried about products that feel thinner on their face. But thicker doesn't mean you get a better shave.
- Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave: $16 This is good shaving cream because it won't strip your skin like foaming gels sold at the drugstore. It doesn't foam up like regular shaving cream does so it might take guys a few days to get used to. Jack Black is a higher-end boutique men's line found at department stores.
- Anthony Logistics After-Shave Balm: $18 This is a popular after shave product. It's not greasy so it won't make you look oily. It also helps soothe razor burn and has a masculine scent. A lot of products either smell feminine or over-the-top masculine, but this is a good clean scent. This is another great men's-only line that is available at Sephora and most major department stores.
Shower:
This is the place for cleansers, which means not the same bar of soap you use to wash your body. Men should shower before they shave in order to open up their pores and prepare their skin for shaving.
For starters, try a cleanser specifically for your face:
- Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash: $6.99This is a soap-free product that is not specifically for men or women. Dermatologists love it because it is basic and gentle. It's available in drugstores.
- Neutrogena MEN Hair & Body Wash: $5.49 A lot of men's lines feature body wash products. Adam likes this one because it's a good 2-in-1 product, being both a shampoo and body wash. It's great if you have a wife or girlfriend with a ton of products in the shower. And it allows you to multitask, which means you buy fewer products and save a few minutes in the morning.