All posts filed under: Grooming

David Beckham launches House 99

Published by Mark Smith

Football legend David Beckham has partnered with L’Oréal to launch House 99, a 13 piece grooming line which includes hair products and moisturisers. The launch is a partnership with the dominant international beauty business -L’Oréal, which has a track record in the male skincare market with L’Oréal Men Expert. Beckham has dabbled in the men’s grooming arena before with his range of fragrances. I haven’t been a huge fan of those. It will be interesting to see what the full line-up includes and how focussed it will be on anti-ageing and beards. The brand is said to be inspired by British barber shops as well as Beckham’s own favourite products, featuring skincare, haircare, bodycare and grooming, ranging from the Bold Statement Tattoo Body Moisturizer to the Softer Touch Beard Oil. Quinoa and spirulina are at the heart of the formulas, chosen specifically by Beckham for their reputation as health-boosting ingredients. I’m guessing from some of the imagery available that it will address shaving, beards and skin with 13 products. David Beckham launches House 99 It is said that …

The Spa Man’s Christmas Gift Guide 2017

Published by Mark Smith

It’s Christmas gifts galore with The Spa Man’s spa-inspired Christmas Gift Guide for 2017. Expect lots of bath oils, soothing, calming scents and plenty of healing and soothing essential oils. Prepare to be pampered. Christmas Gift Guide for men – 2017 Elemis The Superman High performance skincare to cleanse, nourish and hydrate. Includes: Full size Deep Cleanse Facial Wash 150ml, Full size Daily Moisture Boost 50ml and Sharp Shower Body Wash 100ml £38 www.elemis.com ESPA Ultimate Grooming Kit The Ultimate Grooming Kit comes in its very own ultra-handy Man Tin, with four hard-working formulas will nourish and protect for stronger, healthier, and revitalised skin. Collection Includes: Dual-Action Shavemud 30ml, Invigorating Face Wash 50ml, Energising Shower Gel 70ml, The Hydrator 35ml £40 www.espaskincare.com [comfort zone] Man Shave Kit The ideal shave kit for guys who want to take the very best care of their skin, ensuring it is nourished and protected. The Man Space soft shave performer (150ml) and the Man Space extra cream (50ml) ensure intense hydration and a revitalizing action, even for sensitive skin. £70 www.feelunique.com …

Jack Black Eye Balm De-Puffing & Cooling Gel launches

Published by Mark Smith

Jack Black Eye Balm De-Puffing & Cooling Gel is a potent cooling gel with advanced ingredients and soothing extracts. It is applied with a cooling stainless-steel massaging roller-ball applicator to dissipate the fluid retention that creates the puffy eye appearance. It’s a handy little item to have in your travel bag or gym kit. The best tip with any eye product – is use it. It won’t work sitting in the cupboard. Morning and night is preferable for maximum results. This one promises to energise and refresh tired-looking eyes with a blend of hydrating ingredients, soothing botanical extracts, and nourishing vitamins which together help reduce puffiness, soften the appearance of fine lines, and brighten eyes. The clear, lightweight gel absorbs immediately with its mess-free, non-sticky formula. What’s in the Jack Black new Eye Balm De-Puffing & Cooling Gel? Chamomile Extract: Helps soothe and de-puff tired-looking eyes Grape Seed Extract and Vitamins A, C & E: Encourages cell-turnover to help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines Panthenol & Sodium Hyaluronate: Provides lightweight yet effective moisturisation and …

What’s hemp got to do with it? Perricone MD launches CBx for Men

Published by Mark Smith

CBx for Men is the new capsule collection of men’s products from Perricone MD and boy do they deliver. I’ve been trialling them for over a month and have been suitably impressed with the textures, skin fell and results. I wondered what the CBx stood for – but it is a reference to phytocannabinoids, which is a key ingredient the three products in the Perricone MD CBx for Men skincare line. Formulated with Cannabis Sativa, phytocannaboids promise to visibly calm irritation, smooth the skin, balance oily patches, and help to maintain hydration in the skin. Phytocannabinoids are non-psychoactive cannabinoids derived from the cannabis sativa plant and have no recreational use. The phytocannabinoids used in the CBx for Men range are extracted from the mature stalk of the fiber-type hemp plant. Phytocannabinoids are said to deliver powerful antioxidant benefits which help stressed, oil-prone skin feel soothed, healthy and refreshed. These benefits are especially important for mens skin which tends to be dry and irritated as a result of shaving or frequent exposure to the elements. so this is …

10 of the best face masks for men

Published by Mark Smith

Face masks for men have become a booming market and a skincare must-have following the internet trend for multi-masking. It really went crazy in 2016 and social media can take the credit for most of it. The trend for multi-masking has been a real boost for skincare sales in this emerging new category. Face masks were valued at £11.2 million in 2016, increasing by 45% on the previous year according to the NPD Group. Experiencing double digit growth since 2014 face masks are the new must-have. Whilst there’s a face mask for pretty much every skincare concern, today we are going to look at the 10 best face masks for men. All tried and tested by The Spa Man. So, join the mask brigade with The Spa Man’s top picks of the face masks for men. Perricone MD Pre:Empt Series – Refreshing Shower Mask This is very clever and unlike any face mask I have tried before. It definitely does maximise your time in the morning as its specifically developed to be used in the shower …

Beast London male beauty store - The Spa Man

Male beauty counters a reality within five years, says L’Oréal MD

Published by Mark Smith

Male beauty counters and male specific make-up counters could be just around the corner, according to Vismay Sharma, L’Oréal UK Managing Director. *image inset courtesy of BEAST which is setting the tone for men’s grooming with its stand alone store in Covent Garden According to an article in the Daily Telegraph, Vismay Sharma predicts that male beauty counters could be a reality within five years appearing first of all in department stores. Now the subject of men’s make-up appears on a semi-regular basis. I have been writing about beauty and men’s grooming for around 18 years. Over that time many men’s make-up ranges have launched to varying degrees of success. Few have lasted. Tom Ford’s line is probably the most successful. and its true, that the concept of make-up for men is at a point where it is more accepted than ever before. but are we actually at the tipping point yet? Men definitely do purchase skincare, fragrance and a variety of grooming products. and they buy big. It’s not such a big jump from …

Wrinkles aren’t a problem for British men as the sale of men’s skincare slows

Published by Mark Smith

Today’s man is pretty happy with his lot (and his looks) and it seems that wrinkles aren’t too much of a problem either. What’s interesting is that it appears that this could be having an impact on the sale of men’s skincare too. 67% of all British men say they look good for their age, and this increases to a self-assured 71% of those aged 65 and over. It seems that as many as 75% of men aged 65 and over feel confident about the way they look, compared to just over half (56%) of men aged 16-24 and an average of 61% of all men. Proving British men are happy to accept ageing with grace, almost four in five (78%) men agree that it is acceptable to have some wrinkles, while 68% agree that skin ageing is a natural process that can’t be stopped. Perhaps less reason to grab an eye care cream from the men’s skincare aisle. This relaxed attitude to ageing doesn’t stop a touch of vanity, more so amongst younger guys. Some …

Korres launches new Yoghurt Bath and Body Collection

Published by Mark Smith

Greek yoghurt is part of the DNA of Greek Culture so it’s no surprise that Korres has developed its Yoghurt Bath and Body Collection. It’s the perfect summer skincare range for the body, cooling and soothing and instantly transports you to a sunny Mediterranean island in the Aegean Sea. The new Yoghurt bodycare essentials, including Showergel, Body Milk, Body Butter and Hand Cream, are powered with the leading ingredient’s ultra-moisturising properties to deliver lasting hydration, deep nourishment and smoothing action. Koreas offer some great Greek themed bath and body collections and infuse the skincare line with some of the very best ingredients from the Greek islands too. Greek Υoghurt is renowned for its beauty benefits due to its high levels of lactose, proteins, minerals and vitamins, which all work to increase the moisture levels in the upper layers of the skin. In fact Korres was the first brand to add real edible Yoghurt when it launched the iconic, Yoghurt Cooling Gel. The range includes: KORRES YOGHURT SHOWERGEL RRP: £8.00 Creamy-foam showergel enriched with moisturizing Yoghurt , Wheat proteins …

Penhaligon’s Savoy Steam: inspired by the steam baths

Published by Mark Smith

Penhaligon’s Savoy Steam has a great story. The idea and resulting Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum were inspired by the steam baths that were once adjacent to the historic Savoy Hotel in London. Long gone and almost forgotten, the chance discovery of a poster of the steam baths led to a journey by the fragrance and development team at Penhaligon’s whereby they created something brand new. Long story short, this chance discovery led to these new blends. There’s also a nod to a very early fragrance: Hammam Bouquet, 1872 which also provides a stepping point for these delightful fragrances. They are designed to evoke the scent and sensation of steam. Now, quite how you truly capture that in an essence is beyond me. But it’s an excellent inspiration for the fragrance that you now find win these smart bottles. It’s fresh, refreshing and gives you a sense of purpose. I like this on hot steamy days when the air is heavy and you need a light refreshing boost. But you really do need to apply this …

The Spa Man’s summer skin essentials for 2017

Published by Mark Smith

Summer presents lots of skin challenges, so The Spa Man has curated his set of perfect summer skin essentials. From cleaning (most important) to hydrating (well essential really) through to SPF protection (now why wouldn’t you?). Then the finer points like eye cream, hydrating mist and a touch of fake tan. There’s something from everyone here in the summer skin essentials round-up for 2017. Verso Skincare Foaming Cleanser There’s something brilliant about Verso. Not only is it simple and easy to understand. The products are a dream to use and offer excellent results. It has a light, almost fruity fragrance a little like papaya. I LOVE IT. It’s soothing and purifying and perfect for daily use. This foaming cleanser will purify the skin without disrupting the skin’s protective function. It gently removes light make-up and impurities, leaving the skin translucent and clean. £32 www.feelunique.com Kiehl’s Cactus Flower and Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist Excellent a an all-round spritz when it’s really hot (keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling action). Or simply spray after cleansing …

You need this bath oil in your life (PS: it’s Olverum)

Published by Mark Smith

Olverum Bath Oil really is a product you really do need in your life. It’s relaxing, stress-relieving, soothes aches and pains and helps to clear the head too. Regular readers will know that I love to bathe. It’s one of the few times I truly stop. I put down the iPhone and iPad, step away from the computer and stop. I might light a candle, play some music and occasionally will read a magazine. But one constant is an excellent bath oil formulated with the very best quality essential oils. Olverum Bath Oil is one such oil. It’s a heady mix of potent oils that pack a punch. You don’t need much – they say 5ml is plenty and thus, it spreads the cost and makes it a reasonable purchase and quite pocket friendly. It has a carefully selected range of botanical oils and plant extracts that is unisex and perfect after a long hard day in the office. This blend has been around since 1931 when it was developed in Germany. Give yourself a little me-time right now. …

Elemis LUXURY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR HIM - The Spa Man

10 best gifts for Father’s Day

Published by Mark Smith

It’s time to reveal the 10 best gifts for Father’s Day. Naturally, these all have a spa and grooming focus, to help keep your Dad looking good on the outside. Clarins Men Grooming Essentials This set of grooming essentials from Clarin Men will suit any Dad – sporty and active or one who prefers to chill at home listening to music. The Grooming Essentials Kit contains four of Clarins bestselling men’s products housed in a sleek navy wash bag. Contains: Super Moisture Balm 50ml Exfoliating Cleanser 125ml Smooth Shave 50ml Shampoo & Shower 30ml. Presented in blue wash bag. £35 (with a customer saving…£21.59*) *Based on ml value of standard size products www.clarins.co.uk Thalgomen Travel Kit Thalgomen is one of my go-to brands and I love the Regenerating Cream in this kit. Contains Regenerating Cream (15ml), Anti-Fatigue Serum for Eyes (10ml), Shaving Gel (30ml), Wake-Up Shower Gel (30ml) RRP £28 (worth £35) www.thalgo.co.uk Lock Stock and Barrel Styling Heroes Gift Set Groom to perfection with the Lock Stock & Barrel Styling Heroes Gift Set. Host to four …

Stoer Skincare for Men is modern, no-fuss and really works

Published by Mark Smith

Stoer Skincare for Men is a bit of a revelation. A simple, effective, modern range of skincare for men that’s no-fuss, straight forward and really works. Born in the wilds of the North of Scotland, the range has been created by Marianne Morrison who has an interesting background, having worked in the oil industry and prior to that as a skin therapist. Combining her knowledge of skin and working closely with lots of blokes, she got to know the concerns and attitudes of men to skincare. So all-in-all she gained some very valuable insights. Many years later and after much research and development she launched Stoer to market, firstly in Harvey Nichols and soon to spread its wings to other retailers. Its key premise is to protect and defend skin against the elements. Stoer Skincare for Men has been developed with signature Clima5 Technology – a unique blend of five skin-saving plant actives from around the world, from four very challenging climates. Clima5 has been encapsulated in cutting-edge ‘cosmetic drone’ technology which is said to …

BEAST – the new retail store for male beauty in Covent Garden

Published by Mark Smith

BEAST, the new uber-cool store devoted to retailing male beauty products has opened its doors in the heart of Covent Garden. Stand alone male grooming shops have come and gone in the past. But maybe 2017 is the right time for a store like this to finally be a success. It has got the basics right – cool store design, great lighting, excellent location with high footfall. And what impressed me most was the curated range of interesting high-performance brands. You really need to check it out as you won’t find many of these male beauty brands in your typical high street department store. This is a good thing. The brands are eclectic and sourced from around the world from Vitaman in Australia to Verso in Sweden. There are 80 brands in total with newcomers and long-standing classic and cult items. Shopping has never been easier as the store is signposted by concern, skin condition or treatment type. It has the potential to shape up the men’s skincare market. Especially for retail. The products are displayed by category …

Six of the Best Beard Oils

Published by Mark Smith

The Spa Man picks six of the best beard oils. Designed to smooth, nourish and condition the beard, this category in the men’s grooming market really is having a moment. Beards continue to be “on trend” and no, we haven’t reached peak beard yet. That’s just the shaving companies trying to create a story. Adding a fine sheen to the beard whilst conditioning the hair is an essential part of the beard grooming ritual. Oils give less shape and style (balms and much better for that) but they do also work to condition and hydrate the skin if you work them through the hair. With all of these oils you will need to wash your hands afterwards. Some are really stubborn and take a while to remove. So here’s The Spa Man’s tried and tested selection of the Best Beard Oils. Brisk Cedarwood Beard Oil Apparently one Brisk grooming product is sold every minute. This beard oil contains a blend of natural and essential oils harnessing the earthy properties of cedarwood for its spicy, woody notes. …