With an ever-increasing range of cosmetics and skincare products available these days, it’s harder than ever to know what’s good and what’s not. Here’s my run-down of a few of my favourites.
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I’ve always been fascinated by the $670-billion juggernaut that is the cosmetics industry. The way trends go in and out of fashion, and what sticks around.
One thing’s for certain, men’s skincare is a trend that’s here to stay.
And what’s encouraging is seeing companies that specifically make men’s cosmetics, rather than big brands that have always been predominantly female-cosmetics, that are now focused on trend-hopping.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with women’s skincare products. I’ve used a lot of them before. I grew up with my mum giving me her moisturisers, sheet masks and pore cleansers to try.
But with men’s skin being slightly thicker, and with our facial hair requiring attention that’s somewhat ‘different’ to women’s, the products need to be different too.
And let’s not forget the issue that this is all fairly new for quite a lot of us. I mean I still don’t really know what toners do or how hyaluronic acid works.
But these products have been created specifically for men’s facial skin and our lack of attention span, and I think they’re pretty awesome.
Rhone Men’s Care
Founded, owned and made in Australia, Rhone has a blissfully compact range of products that not only feel great when you use them, but also do what you want them to as well.
Rhone Face and Beard Cleanser
This non-foamy (sodium lauryl sulfate, the most common foaming agent, tends to dry your skin out), gentle yet effective cleanser is perfect for guys.
It doesn’t need to be as astringent as women’s cleansers as it doesn’t have to take off makeup. However, it still cuts through the grime of the day and things like sunscreen to allow your skin to breathe and take on any of the goodness you want to put on overnight.
Things like aloe vera, willowherb extract, tamanu oil, papaya, organic hemp seed and gotu kola—an extract from an Australian native herb—all sooth, hydrate and cleanse your skin and facial hair so its ready for further treatment.
It also comes in a slick matte black glass bottle that looks good on the shelf.
Rhone Blue Clay Mask
Once a week, it’s good to slap on a mask that takes all the impurities out of your skin. This clay mask is great at that, but also nourishes the skin with ingredients like Davidson plum—another Aussie native, bilberry extract, and jojoba and sandalwood seed oils.
The clay is a lovely navy blue when you apply it, but lightens to an ashy colour as it dries and tightens, which takes about 15 minutes.
Made from Australian kaolinite clay, this is full of minerals and is gentler than bentonite clay, which is what many other face masks are made from. Interestingly, bentonite is usually from volcanic ash whereas kaolinite is a high silicate clay and was once used to make porcelain.
Rhone Beard Oil
Made with 100% natural ingredients and no added fragrance, Rhone’s beard oil is the perfect finish to your skincare process. It leaves your beard feeling nourished and soft, and the active ingredients help promote strong, even hair growth too.
This is made with oils from jojoba, ginger, organic argan, nigella sativa and, of all things, broccoli (does that count towards your five-a-day?). There’s also Kakadu plum here, which is packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C.
Apply a few drops of this oil to your beard once you’ve cleansed. It’s that extra touch of finesse that makes your beard feel and look so much better.
Shakeup Cosmetics
This UK-based brand has a pretty wide range of skincare products available, aimed specifically at men.
My favourites are the stick products they make like the You Do The Mask purifying and pore-cleansing clay mask, and the Hydrate In A Hurry moisturiser.
Because these are both solid-form products, they keep for longer but also travel well. No chance of getting stopped at the airport with these in your hand luggage and they won’t leak in your bag either.
You can read more about Shakeup’s range in our earlier story here.
Manscaped
Hailing from the USA, this brand has an enormous range of gear from moisturisers to clippers for your pubes, and even undies and T-shirts.
They’ve also had the most fun with the names of its products.
The range incudes the Lawn Mower groin and body hair trimmer, the Crop Reviver toner and refresher for your balls, and The Shed toiletry and travel bag.
You can read more about Manscape’s range in our earlier post here.
