Tried and Tested: Best of Mens skin care

 

 

Skin care for men has come a long way from the days when dabbing yourself with some Old Spice could have been considered metrosexual, had the term being invented already.  Things have changed these days, and although there's always a guy at a stone's throw who feels emasculated at the mere mention of skin care for men, plenty these days know what they want. It's great to see how many good brands for men there are and how many now use organic products and support ethic standards too. Here are some of the best you can get your hands on.

 

Eyre BioBotanics Cehami After Shave Balm (£19) is rich in extract of Cehami  –  the native Australian plant also known as Centipeda Cunninghamii (or more commonly Old Man Weed), used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, aloe vera, witch hazel and peppermint. Applied after shaving, it cools and soothes irritated skin whilst moisturising. The pump system dispenses the right amount of product, the balm is easy to absorb and has a rather lovely herbal scent that's not overpowering.  Eyre only uses organic, biodynamic and wild harvest bio-botanics and is against animal testing. http://www.eyrebiobotanics.com/

Bulldog – Post Shave Balm (£4.99), Shave Gel (£3.49), Moisturiser (£5.99) The name Bulldog immediately conjures in my head images of beer guzzling, pie scoffing lads on a night out on the town.  I must admit that my expectations were low, but when I'm wrong I'm happy to own up. And how wrong was I! This range is for men who like their products to look and smell masculine but want quality. I (and my male guinea pig) really liked the scent: sexy, manly, yet very delicate and natural. Not only that: the Post Shave Balm with rosehip oil was extremely light yet soothing and calmed irritation instantly. The Moisturiser is as good, with green tea leaf extract, algae and cedarwood, whilst the Shave Gel (more like a cream) is rich in jojoba, sunflower seed oil and aloe vera for a smooth and refreshing shave.  Bulldog products contain no parabens, sodium laureth sulphate, animal derivatives, artificial colours or fragrances. http://www.meetthebulldog.com/

Trilogy – Moisturiser with SPF15 (£18) – zinc copper and magnesium, After Shave Balm (£16)
Fresh from being launched in the UK this month, Trilogy range for men applies the same high standards  as they have for their women line.  With zinc, copper and magnesium the After Shave Balm is an ultra-light, ultra-refreshing moisturising lotion that sinks into the skin instantly. Its fresh, light lemony scent makes it a great start to the day. Follow with the SPF15 moisturiser. Quality, ethics (Trilogy supports ethical trade practices, is free from parabens, animal products – except honey and beeswax – mineral oils, and is against animal testing) and elegant chocolate brown and green packaging make these products a must have for the eco-yet-style conscious males out there. http://www.trilogyproducts.com/

Murad – Face Defense SPF15 (£24), Cleansing Shave (£19), Razor Burn Rescue (£26) With a complex of neem, panthenol and vitamin E, the Cleansing Shave is effective yet delicate and gives the skin elasticity whilst refreshing it. Follow with the miraculous Razor Burn Rescue if you haven't got a steady hand, before applying the gorgeous Face Defense SPF15 . Highly hydrating, it leaves a barely there,  captivating scent on the skin. Not tested on animals. http://www.muraduk.com/

Perricone MD High Potency Eye Lift (£75) is not specifically directed at men, but this eye serum has a unisex packaging and is perfect for those who have forgotten to take care of the delicate eye area until a only miracle will do (which tends to be men). This serum has performed excellently in clinical tests, with 86% reporting an improvement in the appearance of lines and wrinkles and skin elasticity. Very light and easily absorbed, it's perfect for men who want results and with no fuss. Recyclable packaging, not tested on animal.http://www.perriconemd.co.uk/ 

Rehab London Mens No Shine Anti Shine Moisturiser for Oily Skin (£19.50) Rich in algae mineral complex, this moisturiser replenishes the skin whilst helping keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Leaves the skin soft and supple.  Quite a strong, old school, manly scent.  Not tested on animals. http://www.rehablondon.co.uk/

Osmium  – Clean and Refresh Cleanser (£11.95), Age Defend Shave (£11) 93% preservative free and containing  contains more than 90% natural products, this Ayurvedic line  is gentle and very soothing. The Clean and Refresh Cleanser has a natural, zingy ginger scent. It cleanses the skin deeply and it's so gentle and fresh women will love it too.  The Age Defend Shave prevents redness and irritation whilst refreshing.  Not tested on animals.  http://www.mankind.co.uk/; http://www.osmiumformen.com/