The Best In Grooming: September 2020

Writer and expert4 years ago

Rafts of new and exciting grooming products come through Mankind headquarters every month, which we're lucky to get to try out for ourselves. Read more to find out about the Best In Grooming September 2020, our roundup of our favourite grooming essentials we've gotten the chance to test out over the last month.

The Best In Grooming: September 2020

1. Elemis TFM Time Defence Eye Reviver

First up on our Best in Grooming roundup for September is the Elemis TFM Time Defence Eye Reviver. We're of the opinion at Mankind that the Eye Cream is an unsung hero. And not just because it forms a crucial part of a skincare routine, as the skin around the eyes is more sensitive than other areas of the face, meaning it responds better to different ingredients. The Eye Cream comes to the rescue when you're tired or ill, if you've been overdoing it, or if (like 90% of the Mankind office) you're suffering from allergies.

The TFM Time Defence Eye Reviver from Elemis makes use of antioxidant-rich Pomegranate and soothing Red Ginseng to deliver an intense dose of anti-ageing and refreshing benefits to the skin around the eyes.

2. Aesop Protective Body Lotion SPF50

The Aesop Protective Body Lotion with SPF50 is a skincare must-have all year round. This luxurious sun protection lotion offers maximum protection while being extremely comfortable to wear. Formulated with Silica, it's not only non-comedogenic, but actively mops up excess oil. With conditioning Vitamin E, and an outstanding scent derived from Spearmint, Lavender, and Lemon, this is sun protection on a different level.

3. Clinique for Men 2 in 1 Skin Hydrator + Beard Conditioner

The 2 in 1 Skin Hydrator + Beard Conditioner from Clinique for Men is exactly the type of multipurpose product we love to see on Mankind. Perfect for when you've got to get ready in a hurry, you can apply to the face and facial hair to ensure your skin is protected and hydrated, and that your beard is softened and moisturiser. We can't recommend enough.

4. Babyliss for Men Super Stubble Trimmer

There's no denying it: facial hair is here to stay. Stubble is the new clean-shaven, and to keep your facial hair properly maintained, a Beard Trimmer is the only way forward. We love the Super Stubble Trimmer from Babyliss for Men as its automated guide-length system makes it a breeze to change between lengths. This allows you to easily taper and create contrast without going through the rigmarole of changing heads, and reduces the chances of guide length mishaps. Ultra-precise as well as ultra-convenient, this is a product that it makes sense to invest in.

5. Anthony Day Cream SPF30

If you have been paying attention to the Mankind blog at all over the last few years, you should be well aware of how important protecting your skin from the sun is. Sun damage is not only the main cause of skin ageing, but can cause the genetic mutations that eventually lead to skin cancer. Protecting yourself is especially vital at times when the sun is highest and hottest, but you should aim to avoid sun damage at all times if you're concerned about skin ageing.

The easiest way to do this is to build an SPF moisturiser, such as the Anthony Day Cream SPF 30 into your routine in place of your daily moisturiser. This particular SPF Moisturiser is one of our favourites as it makes use of effective moisturising agents Glycerin and Vitamin E while offering broad spectrum sun protection.

6. Triumph & Disaster Coltrane Clay

The Triumph & Disaster Coltrane Clay is a hair product that we've loved getting to play around with over the last few months. Hair Clays, as we've touched on before on the blog, typically use a clay such as Kaolin, Bentonite, or as in the case of Coltrane Clay, White Clay, to cancel out shine and add texture. Those with the highest clay content are the most matte in finish, but are often the most difficult to apply to the hair due to the inherent stickiness of clay.

What the Coltrane Clay does is to achieve the extremely matte finish of a product with high clay without impacting the ease of application. Creamy in texture due to its blend of Beeswax and Pracaxi Oil, it's extremely easy to run through the hair and create the desired texture. As its moisture content evaporates, it leaves a completely natural, remouldable finish.

Another reason to appreciate the Coltrane Clay is its standout quality as a complete package. Its American Tobacco scent and its weighty and stylishly designed packaging, make it a product that's equally giftable as it is usable.

7. House 99 Change It Up Texturizing Clay

We've written short odes to the House 99 Change It Up Texturizing Clay before but it's not previously been featured in one of our Best In Grooming roundups. Applying like a cream, but drying like a matte clay, this a versatile, dependable styling product that slots into anybody's routine.

Suitable for all hair types, it works particularly well for those with fine hair (meaning thin individual hair strands), as well as those with thick hair (abundant individual strands) that can become flat or lifeless. Avoiding clumping, while helping to build body and volume in the hair, it has a naturalistic finish with a springy, remouldable hold.

8. Hugo Boss - Boss Bottled Infinite Eau De Parfum

Hugo Boss is a fashion icon, and their fragrances are no less iconic. The Boss Bottled Infinite Eau De Parfum is an opulent blend of herbaceous, spicy, and spicy aromas, with distinctive fruity opening notes. Apple, Mandarin and Cinnamon, the light, refreshing top notes, give way to Lavender, Rosemary and Patchouli middle notes, before closing with earth masculine base notes of Olive Wood and Sandalwood.

9. Bulldog Oil Control Face Scrub

Exfoliating is a hugely important part of your skincare routine. The Bulldog Oil Control Face Scrub is exactly the kind of affordable, accessible product that we love here at Mankind, and you should definitely consider picking one up. Using Witch Hazel to cleanse and control oil product, and Willow Bark to slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores, it's the perfect addition to any man's skincare routine.

10. Lab Series Instant Filter Moisturiser

Tinted moisturiser is without doubt the best way to improve your complexion with minimal effort and time investment. Evening skin tone, covering blemishes, and enhancing skin brightness, this face cream makes your skin appear clearer and smoother. Suitable for all skin types, the new Lab Series Instant Filter Moisturiser is one of our favourites, helping to neutralise redness, unevenness, and blemishes, as well as deeply hydrating the skin.

The Best in Grooming August 2020

1. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Anti-Breakout Charcoal Cleanser

First on our list of the Best in Grooming August 2020 is a cleanser that we've been very impressed with. If you're prone to occasional breakouts, or full-blown acne, you know how important picking the right face wash or cleanser is to ensuring your skin remains clear and healthy. The cleanser from Skin Rescue Anti-Breakout Charcoal Cleanser from First Aid Beauty is a product that balances all the crucial ingredients of a an effective cleanser, minimising the risk of irritation while effective dealing with excessive oiliness.

Charcoal and Salicylic Acid are its key cleansing components. Charcoal penetrates into the pores to mop up and clear away excess sebum and dirt, while Salicylic Acid helps to speed up skin cell regeneration and turnover, leaving your skin fresher and clearer.

These effects are joined by Yoghurt Extract and Probiotics, which help to restore the levels of good bacteria in the skin. This makes your skin less vulnerable to breakouts in the aftermath of use.

2. Erno Laszlo Phelityl Night Cream

The Phelityl Night Cream from Erno Laszlo is a big investment, but the kind that definitely pays off. In a daily-wear moisturiser, comfort and fast absorption are often prioritised, which means the benefits are often capped. For Night Creams, it's a different story.

Not limited by the need to be rapidly absorbed, Night Creams deliver intense hydration and anti-ageing benefits over a number of hours. Compared to simply using a day cream, this gets you substantially closer to your desired results. With a satin-smooth finish, and noticeable results within a week of usage, this Night Cream will help to balance your skin's pH levels while fighting the visible signs of ageing while you sleep.

3. Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend

The Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend takes advantage of the benefits of Camellia Oil, a little-used ingredient in the West that has been a staple ingredient in Japanese personal care for centuries.

Rich in plant collagen, the product hydrates and nourishes the skin while provided anti-ageing benefits, leaving the skin strengthened, supple and soft.

4. Filorga Optim-Eyes Eye Contour Cream

For a number of reasons, eyes tend to become the focal point of the face. If you're tired, stressed or unwell, your eyes will give it away. They also tend to be the area of the face where signs of ageing manifest first. For this reason, proper eye care, no matter how small a job, delivers high-impact results.

Investing in a quality Eye Cream is a smart choice, and one of our favourites over the last month or so has been the Filorga Optim-Eyes Eye Contour Cream. Targeting the eyes using a triple-action array, it promotes circulation, reduces puffiness, and plumps the skin using a potent blend of Hyaluronic Acid, and the brands own NCTF exclusive complex.

5. Aesop Lucent Facial Concentrate

The Aesop Lucent Facial Concentrate is a serum that is perfect for use between cleansing and moisturising to lock in a superdose of nutritive benefits. Blending moisturising Glycerin, balancing and pore-minimising Niacinamide, and fragrant and nourishing Rose Petal, regular use will produce stronger, firmer, and clearer skin.

8. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask

Your skin is your first line of defence against everything the world has to throw at you. Keeping pollutants, dirt and infections at bay, not to mention keeping UV radiation from the sun out, and body heat in, your skin hardly ever stops putting in a shift. Just like sore muscles need rest, your skin appreciates some R&R once in a while, and a Face Mask is the perfect way to get it.

The Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask uses the soothing, calming properties of Cucumber, Papaya, and Aloe to refresh and rejuvenate the skin. Spending 10-15 minutes absorbing the benefits is the perfect way to give your skin some downtime.

9. Braun Wet and Dry Shaver Series 3-340

An Electric Shaver that comes with multiple attachment heads, with the Braun Wet & Dry Shaver series 3-340 you get the benefits of a Foil Head, Precision Trimmer, and Beard Trimmer all in one. Its Foil setting achieves an incredibly close shave with ease and without causing irritation, while its Beard Trimmer head setting comes with a number of guard lengths, allowing you to maintain stubble.

10. House 99 All Bright Bronzer

Cosmetics might not be for everyone, and we respect that, but if you're a man who's open minded to experimenting with some colour in your skincare routine, the House 99 All Bright Bronzer is a tinted moisturiser that you're certain to appreciate. Lightweight, easy to apply, and natural looking, it evens skin tone and covers blemishes, while adding a post-holiday glow.

11. Recipe for Men Ultra Soft Beard Balm

Next on our list of the Best in Grooming for August 2020 is the Recipe for Men Ultra Soft Beard Balm, a formulation specially designed to help men untangle and condition beard hair. Minimising discomfort and itchiness, while adding a light but natural shine to the facial hair, it's the perfect thing to make your beard look and feel healthier.

12. Murdock London Sea Salt Spray

The Murdock London Sea Salt Spray is the perfect thing to take your hairstyle up a notch, particularly at this time of year. Its effects are twofold: its light hold adds lift, pliability and texture to the hair, while its Sea Salt content creates a post-beach finish. This means using it before a styling product helps to create bigger, more ambitious styles with ease, all while appearing rugged and natural.

(Best in Grooming July 2020)

1. American Crew Fiber

First up for Best In Grooming in July 2020 is American Crew Fiber, a longtime favourite here at Mankind. A classic product with matte finish that's fantastic for creating naturalistic, textured looks, we've chosen American Crew Fiber this month due to its versatility. It's a product that any man with hair can benefit from having handy.

Due to its high Lanonlin content, American Crew Fiber should be warmed between the hands before application. Apply from the roots to the tip to create lift for high volume looks like quiffs or pompadours. Alternatively, apply lightly from the back to the front of the head to add texture to a natural look.

2. ESPA Tri-Active Advanced ProBiome Moisturiser

Next up is a recent skincare launch that we've been really impressed with over the last month. The ESPA Tri-Active Advanced ProBiome Moisturiser is a luxurious anti-ageing cream that uses Probiome technology, an innovative approach to skincare that we predict will become a major trend in years to come.

Probiome technology is designed to provide pre-biotic and pro-biotic benefits. For background on what this means, your skin naturally has bacteria living on it at all times. Harsh cleansers and other skincare products can kill too much of this bacteria, harming the delicate balance of the skin's ecosystem. What the Tri-Active Advanced Probiome Moisturiser aims to do is provide the right food for good bacteria to grow (pre-biotic), and nurture live bacteria on the skin (pro-biotic). Through this, it effectively fights the ageing process by promoting optimal skin health.

3. men-ü Black Pepper & Bergamot Shower Gel

men-ü is many things: high quality, highly effective, environmentally conscious, and affordable to name just a few. Their Black Pepper & Bergamot Shower Gel, already a favourite at Mankind for some time, makes it onto the list this month due to the recent redesign that makes their packaging more sustainable.

Now available in a refill pack, you can re-use the precision pump to minimise waste, and recycle what's left when you're done.

4. Bulldog Energising Moisturiser

It's fairly obvious that men and women have different concerns when it comes to skincare, but whenever we speak to men about the topic, we're surprised to find that above all they have one major concern: skin fatigue.

Skin fatigue (unlike specific concerns like skin ageing, spots and dryness) refers to a number of inter-related problems that don't necessarily originate in the skin. When you're tired, hungover, or suffering from allergies and illness, your skin can appear dull, inflamed and puffy. The next product on our Best In Grooming rundown, Bulldog's Energising Moisturiser is the perfect quick solution for this. Using Glycogen from Maize to restore even skin tone and brightness, Algae to make the skin soft and supple, and Rice, which contains nourishing Vitamin B, and lightly exfoliating Phytic Acid, the moisturiser rejuvenates the skin and stimulate blood flow.

5. Triumph & Disaster Ritual Face Cleanser

Triumph & Disaster is a modern and stylish Apothecary brand, using a unique array of ingredients and techniques to bring exciting and enticing products to the male grooming market.

Their Ritual Face Cleanser is an exfoliant and face wash that fits the Triumph & Disaster mould perfectly. Enriched with invigorating oils of Tamanu and Peppermint, which replenish hydration sacrificed in the cleansing process, and absorbent Bentonite Clay that mattifies while it cleanses, it's the perfect daily cleanser for dry or slightly sensitive skin.

6. Hawkins & Brimble Natural Beard Shampoo

The Hawkins & Brimble Natural Beard Shampoo is a product you can depend upon as the foundation of your beardcare routine. Anyone who's stuck it out and grown a beard for more than a few weeks knows that it can be an uncomfortable ordeal. Thick, coarse beard hairs can be itchy, and sebum and dirt can cling to the facial hair, causing an all-around unpleasant experience for the newly bearded man.

That's where a proper beardcare routine comes to the rescue, and a routine worth its salt starts with regularly shampooing. Cleansing away dirt and grease as well as softening and gently conditioning the facial hair, regularly shampooing will do wonders for an uncomfortable beard, as well as keeping it looking glossy, clean and healthy.

7. Tommy Hilfiger Now Eau De Toilette

Tommy Now by Tommy Hilfiger takes fragrance elements that are definitively masculine, and juxtaposes them with intriguing, distinctive floral and citrus notes to create a scent you're certain to appreciate.

With opening notes of Bergamot and Mandarin that capture the attention and refresh the senses, it gives way to a heart of Geranium, Ginger, and Cardamom, and earthy, classic masculine base notes of Amber Wood and Moss.

8. Mio Skincare Heavenly Body Radiance Salt Scrub

A recent launch that we can see becoming a mainstay among Mankind favourites, the Heavenly Body Radiance Salt Scrub from Mio Skincare is a luxurious body scrub that puts a new twist on a classic formula (& that we recently wrote about in our blog on the topic of body scrubs).

Using Crystalline Salt and and Bitter Orange Peel, as well as replenishing Almond and Coconut Oils, what sets the Heavenly Body Scrub apart is its incredible scent, which is a genuine treat to the senses.

9. Hanz De Fuko Invisible Shave Cream

The Invisible Shave Cream from Hanz De Fuko is a translucent shaving gel that allows for incredible precision with your shave, as well as unbeatable glide. Its natural conditioning agents, Avocado Oil and Shea Butter, work to protect and rehydrate the skin, whereas its Aloe Vera content fights irritation and soothes the skin.

Perfect for detailing beard and neck lines, or simply just ensuring you don't miss stray hairs, this handy shave cream will be a guaranteed hit.

10. Redken Brews Aftershave Balm

Your skin can find the shaving process a little traumatic, and the Redken Brews Aftershave Balm gives your skin the much needed hydration and protection boost it needs after the ordeal.

Exceptionally nourishing and conditioning, but formulated with a lightweight finish, a quick application of this after shaving will limit razor rash, help to prevent breakouts, and soothe irritation.

11. Men Rock The Cut Throat Shavette

Last on our Best In Grooming breakdown is a fresh and unusual take on the most classic shaving tool that still persists to this day.

Cut Throat razors are minimalist shaving implements that still have their value today. Fewer blades gives a greater control over the angle of cutting, allowing you to shave close to the skin without causing ingrown hairs or scraped skin. As the name suggests, however, they come with a greater risk of experiencing major nicks and cuts.

The Men RockCut Throat Shavette Razor is a traditional safety razor that stands out as you're able to switch the blades, meaning you don't need to invest in sharpening tools such as strops. This means it functions brilliantly as an introduction to the techniques of Cut Throat shaving.

Vanessa

Writer and expert

Creative storyteller. Believer in the power of natural ingredients and cruelty-free formulas. Always puts skincare first for a no-makeup look.