Once upon a time, a typical man’s grooming kit included a razor, a can of shaving cream, a manly bar of soap and deodorant. A dandy type might throw in a bottle of aftershave or nail clippers.
Today’s men–even the non-dandies–have more skin-care choices than ever before. And, Stacy Stark, manager of the apothecary at Kuhl-Linscomb, says, they’re snapping them up faster than you can say, “Shake well before using.”
“It’s a big trend,” Stark said.
“I see a lot of professional men who are concerned about their looks and want to take care of themselves.”
Danielle Greene, manager of Kiehl’s in North Texas, says grooming habits that a few years ago would have tagged a fellow as metrosexual now are trickling down to the average Joe.
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“I think men are just more aware,” she said. “They understand that women take care of their skin, and there are products out there that can help men as well.”
Greene and Stark believe that once a guy gives one product a try, he’ll be back for more.
“Once they see what it does for their skin, they’re hooked,” Greene said.
Stark likes to start men new to skin care with good shave-care habits.
“Then they’re more apt to get a cleanser or a scrub or a body wash,” she said.
For guys who are not ready to shop in a boutique environment, Target has gotten in on the action. Earlier this year, the retailer began carrying an exclusive line by Sharps, a brand formerly available only in high-end shops.
The new Sharps Barber Brigade products promise quality skin care at mass-market prices.
Even the categories are manly–the regimen is divided not by oily, dry and sensitive, but by Heavy, Light and Rebellious. Nothing feminine about that.
And with facial scrubs, shave gels, toners and earthy-scented body washes, it’s clear that guys have come a long way from Old Spice.
OPTIONS FOR GUYS
Here are some choices for the well-groomed man:
Kiehl’s Ultimate Man
The Body Scrub Soap ($11) is a good choice for guys who prefer a bar soap with gentle exfoliating power. A product group called Facial Fuel contains a moisturizer ($20), Energizing Scrub ($15) and Face Wash ($16), all meant to give an energizing boost. Fortifying Baobab Skin Therapy ($25) is an anti-aging formula with a mix of botanicals such as baobab, rice protein and sunflower-seed extract. Available at Kiehl’s, 907 W. Armitage Ave.
L’Occitane
Cade Energy Face Gel is a light formula that’s quickly absorbed in the skin. Formulated to feel great after shaving or cleansing, it mixes vitamin E, tapioca powder and larch-tree extract; $28. Available at L’Occitane boutiques at 900 N. Michigan Ave. and 846 W. Armitage St.
The Art of Shaving
An unpleasant occasional effect of shaving: razor bumps. New Ingrown Hair Night Cream boasts the power to reduce bumps and help heal ingrown hairs through a combo of jojoba oil and African shea butter, $40. Available at Guise, 2217 N. Halsted St.
Sharps Barber Brigade
Exclusive to Target, this line includes Clean Foam Face Wash/Scrub ($8), Non-foaming Shave Gel ($7), Quick Dry After-shave Gel ($8), No Shine Face Toner ($7), Concentrated Body Wash ($8) and Foaming Body Scrub ($9). Each comes in formulas to suit a variety of skin types.
Tweezerman
Ready to trade in that ratty set of clippers for a precision instrument? A new trio of sleek scissors is designed to attack unruly growth: Spa Cuticle Scissors, Deluxe Nail Scissors and Nose, Ear and Facial Hair Scissors. They’re $20 a pair at drugstores.
Malin+Goetz
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Formulated for sensitive skin are shaving cream ($22), peppermint hand soap ($10), sunscreen ($16), eye moisturizer ($35) and an essentials gift set ($30). Available at Barney’s Co-Op, 2209-11 N. Halsted St.