All posts filed under: Grooming

The Great British Grooming Co. - The Spa Man

The Great British Grooming Co. reviewed

Published by Mark Smith

It seems that every day there’s another men’s grooming launch focussing on shaving and beards and then along comes one that actually rather good, enter: The Great British Grooming Co. The Great British Grooming Co. has launched a capsule range of four products with a light fragrance that refreshes and revitalises the beard. It’s blended with the hydrating, nourishing and skin boosting properties of Argan Oil. I particularly liked the Beard Wash and Beard Balm. The scent infused into the products is slightly spicy, but not heavily so. Sometimes the fragrance used in men’s products – especially for the beard is way too strong, this is the perfect balance. The Balm helps to style the beard and give it a nice sheen without too much residue or heaviness. The products are priced very competitively and won’t dent your grooming budget too much. and you can gran them in Superdrug. Perfect! The Great British Grooming Co. Wash Beard Wash will help you to cleanse and keep your facial hair smooth, sleek and untangled. It can also …

Voya Lazy Days reviewed

Published by Mark Smith

I’ve been a fan of Voya for some time and was privileged to visit the home of the brand on the West Coast of Ireland a few years back to learn about the benefits of seaweed and the joys of a seaweed bath – which you can now enjoy at home thanks to the spa-at-home seaweed bath in a box – Voya Lazy Days. Voya hand-harvests organic seaweed using traditional methods and combines it with Dead Sea salt to create Lazy Days. The seaweed is dried using a special technique and packaged and sent around the world so that everyone can enjoy the hydrating, skin-caring benefits of a relaxing seaweed bath. Voya Lazy Days Placed in hot water, the seaweed naturally rehydrates and springs back to life in an instant and releases a kind of alginate which is both soothing and moisturising. It feels great on the skin and because the seaweed is in a mesh bag – its not too weird on the skin. For a full experience I ripped the bag open to allow the seaweed to float …

Arabian Beard Ritual reviewed at The Spa at Dolphin Square

Published by Mark Smith

Capitalising on the continuing popularity of the beard trend (which I might note at this point – we have not yet reached peak beard), The Spa at Dolphin Square has added a rather impressive new treatment for men to its spa menu. The Arabian Beard Ritual is all about the beard. It’s not offered in a barbers chair and you won’t get a trim and style, but unlike anything I’ve experienced in a spa to date, your beard is cleansed, massaged and combed to perfection. To start, it begins with a light cleanse and hot towel refresh of the beard and so begins the ritual. Then, in true Moroccan style, the therapist applies thick, unctuous amounts of traditional black soap – Savon Noir. Arabian Beard Ritual Reviewed A potent blend of eucalyptus, it’s a heady cleanser that is used to lather up the follicles and hairs on the face in what can only be described as a good and thoroughly scrub. The muscles on the face are gently massaged which relieves tension in the jaw and was totally …

The Refinery launches at M&S

Published by Mark Smith

Established in 2000, The Refinery has over 15 years’ experience in crafting great skincare products and perfecting the art of shaving and beard maintenance at its Mayfair HQ. From 1 September 2016, The Refinery launches at M&S. this premium men’s grooming brand will be available at selected M&S counters showcasing an iconic selection of products. It’s an interesting move that takes a world-renowned men’s spa and grooming brand to the masses. Partnering with some of the world’s best Mandarin Oriental Hotels and Spas, The Refinery has gained an international reputation for quality products that delivery great results. Power-packed with essential oils, The Refinery range is a pioneering skin care collection specifically formulated for men combining cutting edge technology with all the force of the finest quality highly concentrated essential oils. I’ve always been impressed with the product formulations. they are smartly packaged, with effective ingredients and a heady blend of essential oils that make the grooming regime an experience, not a chore. The Refinery products launching into M&S: The Refinery Face Wash – £20.00 The Refinery Shave Foam …

nügg Face Masks

Published by Mark Smith

nügg Face Masks are rather dinky little travel-friendly face masks that are not only a great price (£3.29) they are an ideal pick-me-up for the face when its been a bit neglected. I decided to put them to the test on a break in Ibiza, knowing I would be out in the sun and swimming in the sea everyday. I knew my face would need an added boost of nourishing and hydrating ingredients and each mask in the range addresses a different concern – be it soothing, hydrating, cleansing, exfoliating, revitalizing and anti-ageing. nügg’s innovative facemasks are manufactured with what is said to be an innovative Natural Oil Dispersion Technology that uses physics instead of chemistry to blend oil and water which avoids the use of chemical emulsifiers that can impair the natural skin barrier function. Did they live up to the hype? So I tried out nügg Hydrating Face Mask and it does what it says on the tin. It felt cool on the skin, but not a menthol-style cool. It was probably just …

Thai Square Spa launches new Men’s Time Reviver

Published by Mark Smith

Thai Square Spa launches new Men’s Time Reviver at its new location on Northumberland Avenue, near Trafalgar Square. Offering gentlemen the perfect escape from their busy schedules they can unwind with the Men’s Time Out Reviver package. Choose from a blissful one hour Traditional Thai Massage, or a soothing one hour Gentlemen Hot Towel Facial or stress-busting Back, Neck, Shoulder Massage (with or without Andaman Aroma Soul oil) as well as a 45 minute haircut in the Thai Square Salon. This time saving package offers men the chance to relax and get all their grooming needs taken care of in a one-stop shop. Thai Square Spa launches new Men’s Time Reviver Thai Square Spa brings the traditional Thai Spa experience to the heart of London with an eclectic mix of Thai, Roman and Turkish influences. There are five Thai Massage treatment rooms, six Ritual Massage rooms and one vast VIP Suite treatment room! Also relax and part take in a session in the day spa’s ‘Sen Space’ before treatments. A Vichy Shower Treatment Room, a Jacuzzi, …

Bombay Sapphire The Art of Contemplation with Murdock London

Gin inspired grooming at Murdock London

Published by Mark Smith

There’s some gin inspired grooming at Murdock London during August and September as part of the promotion – The Art of Contemplation which sees Murdock partner with Star of Bombay, the newly launched super premium gin. From 1st August – 16th September 2016, visitors to the Murdock London stores in Soho, Covent Garden and Shoreditch will be able to enjoy a moment of contemplation with complimentary Star & Tonics during their grooming experience. Inspired by the slow vapour infusion distillation process used to create the newly launched Star of Bombay, The Art of Contemplation with Murdock London provides each and every client with the opportunity to upgrade their treatment with a Star & Tonic. The six-week long partnership will also feature private ‘How-To’ masterclasses, co-hosted by Bombay Sapphire’s brand ambassador Renaud de Bosredon as guests learn how to make the perfect Star of Bombay martini whilst absorbing grooming trips from Murdock London’s expert barbers. Gin inspired grooming at Murdock London So – how about the gin? Slowly distilled with the addition of two new botanicals, …

On National Men’s Grooming Day I’m increasingly frustrated by the lack of innovation in spa

Published by Mark Smith

National Men’s Grooming Day is a great way for what? For men to go out and celebrate grooming? I don’t think we will see the streets filled with blokes parading around holding their favourite shave gel or moisturiser up high. I’m increasingly frustrated by the lack of innovation in men’s spa treatments I visit about 30 spas a year and try lots of treatments, experiencing some of the very best the industry has to offer. I find it very frustrating that there’s a real lack of innovation in the market for men. Invariably the treatments will be repackaged generic beauty treatments that have been given a title “Energising facial for men” or “Sports massage for men” when in reality, its just the same old, same old. Repackaged, renamed and lacks thought or inspiration. Men are interested in visiting spas and numbers are increasing around the world. I have seen various figures about the number of men who visit spas – but its hard to get an accurate figure. According to Conde Nast Traveler magazine, 35% of spa …

Grume Eau de Toilette No14 - The Spa Man

Gruhme for him

Published by Mark Smith

Gruhme is a very British story about fragrance. Created by former lawyer Rob Hallmark, he wanted to craft a new way for men’s grooming. Gruhme is the brainchild of Rob Hallmark, our CEO and Founder (pictured). Rob grew up in the West Midlands where he spent seven years as a lawyer advising businesses before deciding to follow his heart and start his own. Rob was convinced the male grooming sector could appeal to the modern male consumer in a new way Beginning with fragrance the brand debuted in 2013. the newest kid on the block is Gruhme for Him Eau de Toilette No.14 – which is light, fresh and modern. When I first captured the scent, an early Ted Baker fragrance sprung to mind. But it’s a more complex story than that. It’s where it ends up that most appeals to me. It’s a long-lasting fragrance that works well day and night, although for me its a nice day time scent that I like to wear to casual business meetings. I have it in mind for …

Father’s Day Giveaway: ThalgoMen Grooming Kit

Published by Mark Smith

The Spa Man has teamed up with Thalgo for a Father’s Day Giveaway: ThalgoMen Grooming Kit. Presented in a smart dark blue travel wash bag, it contains two of my favourite products from the Thalgo range: Wake-Up Shower Gel and Regenerating Cream. These are great partner products that will refresh and revive the skin. 10 sets up for grabs in the Father’s Day Giveaway: ThalgoMen Grooming Kit It’s easy to enter and plenty of opportunity to win! The ThalgoMen Grooming Kit – what’s in it? ThalgoMen Wake-Up Shower Gel is a fresh-feeling all-over body wash/shampoo that instantly cleanses and purifies your skin and hair. It’s the ideal product to take when travelling or after exercising. ThalgoMen Regenerating Cream is an excellent addition to the ThalgoMen Grooming Kit as it has a creamy consistency to help rehydrate and strengthen skin suffering the signs of ageing – helping to calm stressed skin. It’s got a great consistency. It’s somewhat thicker than most creams. I really rate it. These two hero products both contain Algue Bleue Vitale™. Algue Bleue Vitale™ formula …

LAB Series high Tech Sports Kit - The Spa Man Father's Day Gift Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2016

Published by Mark Smith

And so it’s time for the Father’s Day Gift Guide 2016. Interestingly a lot of the packs and gifts are focussing on the beard. So for all the nay sayers who say we have reached peak beard. Think again. It’s big business and for all of the hirsute Dads around, its a bumper time for beard-related gift sets. Braun Beard Trimmer The new Braun Beard Trimmer offers ultimate precision for the perfect look. It makes it easy to achieve an exact trim length and precise contours, for a perfectly groomed beard. With options to achieve different lengths, the Precision Comb cuts hairs to between 1mm and 10mm in 0.5mm steps, whilst the Long Beard Comb trims hairs between 10mm and 0mm in 2mm steps. £39.95 www.amazon.co.uk Elemis Gym Kit Collection for Him Packed with multi-active ingredients, the sporty Dad will really appreciate this. ‘The Gym Kit Collection for Him’ contains Deep Cleanse Facial Wash 50ml, Anti-Fatigue Day Cream 20ml, Revitalise-Me Shower Gel 200ml, Aching Muscle Super Soak 125ml, Instant Refreshing Gel 20ml and an Elemis Sporty …

Dolphin Square launches Arabian Beard Ritual - The Spa Man

Arabian Beard Ritual launches at The Spa at Dolphin Square

Published by Mark Smith

Developed in response to the current popularity of beards, I’m pleased to hear that the Moroccan themed Spa at Dolphin Square has developed a new Arabian Beard Ritual treatment to exclusively cater for its bearded clients. Set to launch on June 1st, the Arabian Beard Ritual is the brainchild of Dolphin Square’s Marketing Manager, Ricardo Faria Ornelas, who came up with concept based on the proven hygiene benefits of beard grooming. “The fact that facial hair is very course means that beards are likely to trap dirt and harbour germs which can lead to skin infections” Ricardo comments. “With this in mind, it is important to keep both the beard and the surrounding skin clean to maximise facial hygiene”. The Arabian Beard Ritual The 25 minute treatment starts with a cleansing ritual using Savon Noir soap to remove dead skin cells, leaving a smoother and brighter complexion. Part of the Spa’s traditional Moroccan Hammam ritual, Savoir Noir soap contains black olives and is rich in vitamin E, helping to soften and nourish the skin. Hot towels are then …

The ThalgoMen Grooming Kit

Published by Mark Smith

Thalgo has launched the ThalgoMen Grooming Kit. Presented in a smart dark blue travel wash bag, it contains two of my favourite products from the Thalgo range: Wake-Up Shower Gel and Regenerating Cream. These two hero products both contain Algue Bleue Vitale™. Algue Bleue Vitale™ formula stimulates cell renewal and features scientifically proven anti- ageing properties. It’s also perfect for sensitive of skins. The ThalgoMen Grooming Kit – what’s in it? ThalgoMen Wake-Up Shower Gel is a fresh-feeling all-over body wash/shampoo that instantly cleanses and purifies your skin and hair. I have taken this on holiday many times, and when I use it at home it reminds me of open skies, sunny beaches and totally chilling out. I also keep a mini sized one in my gym kit. Its effective, non-aggressive foaming system respects the hair fibre and the skin’s physiological balance – the ideal product to take when travelling or after exercising. ThalgoMen Regenerating Cream is an excellent addition to the ThalgoMen Grooming Kit as it has a creamy consistency to help rehydrate and strengthen skin suffering …

Dorco Razors launch in the UK

Published by Mark Smith

In what is already a very crowded arena, Dorco Razors launch in the UK. Dominated by two major mass market brands, the shaving sector has shifted recently with the launch of bespoke, tailored subscription razors and they have really started to muscle in on the action. Cornerstone is the one that I’ve been most impressed with over the past few years. Read about Cornerstone here So, how does Dorco think it can gain a slice of the cut-throat razor market? Experts in shaving technology for over 60 years it has launched what they say is the world’s first six blade razor, the Dorco Pace6+ . The history of Dorco Razors Tak Si-Geun founded Dorco in the newly formed South Korea in 1955. Little did he know back then that we would become the industry leader we are today, helping over 100 million people enjoy a comfortable shave and look their best in more than 130 countries around the world. Dorco Razors launch in the UK with Dorco Pace 6+ The Dorco Pace6+ is designed to give the best shaving experience possible. You can shape …

David Beckham signs grooming deal with Biotherm Homme

Published by Mark Smith

This really is big news in the world of men’s grooming. Already an established player in the fragrance market, David Beckham has signed a deal with L’Oréal Luxe’s brand Biotherm Homme, and Seven Global. Today they announced what they say is an unprecedented long-term partnership to develop a men’s grooming line. The collection, of both skincare and daily grooming products, will launch in 2017. As part of the collaboration, England’s football icon becomes Biotherm Homme’s first global ambassador. David Beckham’s first Biotherm Homme campaign, for the brand’s N°1 moisturizer Aquapower will break online in June. David Beckham says… “I’m excited to be working with Biotherm Homme,” said David Beckham. “I’ve been thinking about developing a skincare range for a long time and it wasn’t until I started speaking with Biotherm that it all came together. They are as ambitious as I am, and we look forward to showing everyone the fruits of our labor very soon.” “The partnership between Biotherm Homme and David Beckham is set to shift the boundaries in the men’s skincare category and …