A costly, complicated beauty regimen has traditionally been a turn off for men. But as men learn more about the effects of sun and aging on the skin, they aren’t afraid to put in a little more effort for a better result. So started a welcome movement in men’s grooming, with male only spas, barbershops and product lines popping up around the country.
Carolyn Diamond, creator of men’s line Mug Master, helps men “navigate through the terrain of grooming products.” She breaks it down so it’s “not intimidating, confusing or fussy.” Diamonds feels “skin care for men should be simple to follow and made of the best ingredients plus effective, affordable and simple.”
First, Diamond recommends a good cleanse and we’re not talking with the old shower bar soap. “Soap can make your skin dryer than a month in the desert,” she says. “Men’s skin has larger pores so look for a cleanser that has the strength to cut through grease but is gentle enough to be used twice a day.”
Try to incorporate exfoliation. “Men can find their skin feeling a bit bumpy at times,” Diamond notes. “Do not scrub too hard as that encourages more oil to build up. A good toner can dislodge that additional oil.” She also recommends a “light moisturizer that can fix anything. SPF will also provide a critical shield against the sun.”
In addition, a put together, healthy look includes trimmed nose hair, shaped eyebrows, clean ears and neck, short nails and flossed teeth. Add a bit of product in the hair for a textured, bad boy look. Partial to your facial hair? “A sexy scruff is all it should be,” says Diamond. “Always go for trim, tight and anything but messy.”
