Guys Need Beauty

Lots of guys are using beauty products on a daily basis, but do they know what to do when they hit a skin crisis?

A recent survey showed men under the age of 40 spend approximately £111 a year on pampering products which, rather amazingly, is only £27 less than women. The average male has come a long, long way in the beauty stakes.

Gone are the days when a soap-on-a-rope or a bottle of Old Spice was the sole beauty item on display in his bathroom. Film stars and footballers have had a considerable impact on the ‘cool’ factor of male beauty products, and nowadays it would appear that men are far more willing to wear a daily moisturiser or splash on some scent without worrying that their ‘macho’ image might be called into question.

Cosmetic companies have not been slow to capitalise on this new phenomenon. But just because there’s now a staggering range of men-only grooming goodies to choose from it doesn’t mean that the guys are suddenly exempt from getting spots or suffering from shaving rashes. Just like us, they need to use the right product to target specific problem areas.

Wash it all away
It’s not only teenagers who suffer from troublesome skins. Stress, hormones and a busy lifestyle can cause spots and dehydrated skin. Get your man to wash his face morning --and night with a cleanser that’s suited to his skin type to keep it refreshed and hydrated. Phytomer Homme Global Pur Detoxifying Cleaning Gel whose ultra fresh gel formula gently cleans and detoxifies (£14.75). Nivea Men’s Double Action Face Wash (£4.59, leading chemists) is gentle enough for most complexions and is enriched with skin brightening vitamins which leave the skin looking cleaner and healthier. Two to three times a week your man should also use a gentle exfoliating product such as Phytomer Homme ExfoliaMask facial scrub (£14.75) or FCUK’s Scrub Up (£5, Boots) to gently slough off any dry skin caused from shaving and to keep the skin looking clean and clear. T-Zone’s Treatment Stick (£3.29, Tescos) is also brilliant for zapping the odd zit or two.

Moisturise
You want your guy to stay gorgeously soft to touch, so you need to instil in him the importance of a moisturiser. Used daily this will ensure that his skin is hydrated and nourished properly. Phytomer Facial Protect Comforting Moisturising Care (£26.25) is enriched with invigorating and oxygenating Marine Oxhylium, gives a feeling of freshness from the moment it’s applied and provides the skin with optimum protection against harsh elements (shaving, pollution, climate). Clinique’s Oil Control Hydrator (£21) is great for keeping spot breakouts and grease at bay but if your partner’s skin is prone to dryness then get him to try Elemis’s SOS Survival Cream (£38.50). If he’s worried about getting older then get him to slather on some of The Real Shaving Company’s Daily Anti- Wrinkle Cream (£6.99, Boots) but if it’s simply far too much effort for your boyfriend to massage some cream onto his skin then why not get him to try Oxywater Task Essential’s Oxygen Spritzer for Men (£8) instead.

A close shave
Most guys hate shaving because it can cause the skin to become irritated and sore. If your guy suffers from redness or rashes suggest he uses shaving products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Gels tend to be better for the skin than foams as they often allow the razor to glide over the skin more easily. Phytomer Rasage Perfect Shaving Mask (£12.50) is a 2-in-1 care product that helps ensure their razor slides smoothly over skin to reduce irritation and can be used more intensely once or twice a week as a complete moisturizing and detoxifying care mask. A post-shave balm will calm any irritation and soften the skin. It’s a good idea to keep this particular product somewhere cool so it’s nice and soothing when applied.

Unwanted hair
The dreaded nose hair, wiry brows and - dare we say it - wandering pubic hairs are all big no-nos when it comes to a man looking good ‘n’ sexy. You must get your guy to invest in a hair trimmer and a pair of clippers so he can shear off or pluck out any stray offending strands pronto - the caveman look is not an option.

Keep your eye on him!
Too many late nights and too much booze causes big, dark circles under the eyes and these are not going to make the man in your life look good so tell him to treat himself to an eye cream. Botanics’ Look Alert Under Eye Serum (£6.99, Boots) contains extracts of Echinacea which will keep him looking bright eyed while Clinique’s Daily Eye Hydrator (£18) will banish bags if used in the morning and at night. Vital Eyes (£3.48, Tesco) is a great way of transforming eyes from bloodshot to bright while a cooling eye pack kept in the fridge can work wonders on puffy peepers. While you’re there you could also get him to pop a couple of cucumber slices on his eyes. It may be an age-old remedy but it’s a good one - and cheap!