Men's grooming is now as much an essential as a well-curated wardrobe and a working knowledge of a (natural) wine list. There's no shame involved. On the contrary, shame only presents itself when you don't have a daily routine (what do you mean you don't have a top five moisturiser list seared into your memory!?). The secret is to appear understated: be the man who looks after himself without a low-level radiation glow or a set of Picasso portrait eyebrows. As with many things in this life, less is more when it comes to grooming.
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That means it pays to find essentials that work for you. For your skin, your hair type. The trick isn't to spend a fortune on a thousand different products, or to lock yourself in the bathroom for hours at a time. Rather, you should develop a daily routine that is quick, simple and – above all else – about straightforward maintenance that even the most product-averse man can easily pick up and run with.
From simple-but-effective haircare tips to finding your signature scent, these are the 12 easy grooming habits all men should adopt.
1 | Become a regular at your barbers
Get into the habit of regular stays in the barber's chair: if you've noticed your hair needs a trim, then others have too. That means you get proactive (as opposed to reactive). While some guys can settle for monthly appointments, your locks may still enjoy a growth spurt, thus requiring increased attention. Don't be surprised if it takes triweekly, or even fortnightly visits.
2 | Know which hair products work for you
One size does not fit all, and the current rotation of men's products reflect this. If you've thicker, unruly hair, know that pomade and waxes are for you. The finer-headed should go go for lighter products. Moreover, there's stuff for those with no hair at all.
The solution is simple: do your research. Products usually do what they say on the tin, and some light reading, in addition to some slight trial-and-error, will glean the right kit for your hair.
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Mr. Porter3 | Find your signature scent
Colognes and aftershaves are built to complement, not knock passers-by out cold. So, use sparingly, and rather than owning eight to ten average scents, find one or two classic blends that you really like.
Then, invest. Typically, woody, spicy or herby scents work in the winter, while lighter, citrus-based notes are better-suited to summer.
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Blue Mediterraneo Mirto di Panarea, £82/75ml, selfridges.com
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Getty ImagesEven James Bond needs a little grooming time
4 | "Do a Dylan" with your toothbrush
If eyes are the window to your soul, your mouth is the gateway to your character. That means you present the best version of yourself, and let an electric toothbrush do the hard work for you.
According to a study by Sheffield University, rotating brushes reduce 11 percent more plaque than manual toothbrushes, and can also significantly reduce gum problems. And while you're at it, use a mouthwash after you brush first thing in the morning.
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Credit: Amazon5 | Scrub your face
Flannels won't cut it. A well-chosen scrub - concoctions specially designed to slough away deceased skin - is a weekly essential to keep skin in its best condition.
Your gleaming face shouldn't come at the planet's expensive, though. Opt for natural ingredients, like oats, or apricot kernels, as opposed to microbeads that work the way up the food chain, and end up on your plate. Bon appétit.
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James Dean: an early advocate of the male grooming routine
6 | Manage your facial fuzz
In recent years, beards have surpassed trend status to become a regular fixture: amongst offices, amongst bars, amongst creative agencies resplendent with bean bags and 'blue skies thinking'. Whatever that means.
The newfound green light isn't without regulation, though. Maintenance is essential, and a decent beard trimmer will keep unsightly neck hairs at bay, and give some semblance of care. They're not even that expensive, either.
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Amazon7 | ...Or learn how to shave like an expert
Clean shaven is just as permissible though. And, if you've the stone jawline of a Givenchy campaign, actually encouraged.
Prepare your skin beforehand with a shave oil that'll help the razor easily glide, while soaking the blades in warm water will help your pores expand, reducing redness and irritation. If it still feels like a chore, leave your precious face in the hands of the experts and get a professional shave once a week.
8 | Put your best feet forward
They might not be on show that often, but a good footcare routine is still important. Take care of them after a bath or shower (when the skin is softest) using a pumice stone on any dead skin, before lathering a generous amount of moisturiser on.
Then, when summer rolls back around, you can wear your some incredibly sharp, utilitarian sandals, and cause minimal disgust in your holiday compatriots.
It\'s impossible not to pull a funny face when shaving. Even if you\'re David Hockney.
9 | Tackle dark circles
Eyes are not natural bag carriers. But, burn the candle at both ends, and you'll be the office Uncle Fester in no time at all.
Eliminate dark circles and puffiness with an eye cream, or a roll-on. Or better yet: just go to bed early, man.
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10 | Sort those eyebrows
Big eyebrows aren't a problem – see Clooney, Farrell et al – but if they're meeting in the middle, you've got a problem on your hands (and in the middle of your face).
Naturally eliminate a monobrow by focusing on the stragglers that stand apart from the main body of your slugs. Plucking is time-consuming, though so if needs be ask your barber to tidy your brows up when you're next in. If they're worth their salt, they'll offer to do it for you.
11 | Nail your hand-care routine
Cutting your nails once a week – preferably after a bath or shower, to soften them and make them easier to trim – is basic. But that rough, flaky skin around the nail bed? Treat with a tiny bit of moisturiser every couple of days to smooth things over.
Elvis getting an army-issue crewcut in 1958. You might want to go for something a little more subtle.
12 | Wear sunscreen
Baz Luhrmann's 1999 sleeper hit was correct: "if I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it." It reduces ageing. It reduces wrinkles. It reduces the risk of skin cancer, which, worryingly, is on the rise.
We suggest adding a light SPF 30 moisturiser into your daily grooming routine, a two birds one stone job that will nourish and protect. Just like Baz said.
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