Summer 2020 may be more or less cancelled, but that doesn’t mean your grooming routine should follow the same fate. Maintaining your appearance during lockdown is just as important as it ever was, especially as we edge closer and closer to the day when our favourite bars, pubs and restaurants reopen.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite grooming products and accessories that are designed to keep you smelling great and looking sharp from head to toe. After all, we’d all rather look more Don Draper than Donald Trump when we finally emerge for that first big night out, job interview or family event.
Jane Scrivner for men
Channelling over 30 years of work in the skincare and therapy industry, the brand new men’s grooming range from Jane Scrivner is just as impressive as her bestselling ladies collection. We were especially taken with the Skin Resurface Acid Exfoliator (RRP £26), which is a clear liquid solution designed to clear and smooth the skin, as well as stimulating cell renewal and collagen elastin synthesis.
Follow this with Skin Hydrate Smoothing Hyaluronic Hydrating Gel (RRP £32) which smoothens micro wrinkles and lines, and you’re left with a complexion Patrick Bateman would kill for. The range also includes face oil, moisturiser and a cleansing balm. A handy Scrivner for Men Trial Kit (RRP £23) is also available for anyone that wants to road test the entire range.
Shop the Jane Scrivner brand online.
War Paint for Men tinted moisturiser
If you want to dip your toe into the world of men’s make-up without looking like a Love Island wannabe, then a good quality BB cream should do just the trick. War Paint Tinted Moisturiser (RRP £22) is one of the best out there, combining all the benefits of a moisturiser with a subtle foundation and concealer effect. The result is a smooth, radiant complexion with no residue or obvious signs you’re wearing make-up.
The War Paint collection also includes an excellent Primer, anti-shine powder, concealers and more. So good, we’re confident your better half will be trying to steal these products from your bathroom cabinet.
Shop War Paint for Men online.
Bluebeards Revenge Cooling Moisturiser
A long-term favourite here at team H&N, Bluebeards Revenge always put out the best no-nonsense products that deliver results whilst also looking cool AF on your bathroom shelf. Their new Cooling Moisturiser (RRP £9.99) is no exception, blending prickly pear, fenugreek and jojoba oil to create a soothing formula that’s perfect for daily use or post shave.
Their shaving and beard range is also second-to-none and used across the UK by some of the most sought after barbers.
Shop the Bluebeards Revenge collection online.
Bespoke London
You don’t have to break the bank to smell darn good these days, thanks to the Bespoke London range of colognes and body sprays. We loved the Sweet Spice & Sandalwood eau de parfum with its vibrant notes of jasmine and orange blossom, but it was the Oriental Woods & Amber scent that picked up all the compliments with its intoxicating combination of tobacco and saffron. Priced at just £9.99 for 100ml, Bespoke London is perfect for everyday wear at all occasions.
Shop Bespoke London at Superdrug.
Spicy Calabria by Maison Sybarite
If you want to stand out from the crowd when it comes to cologne, then Spicy Calabria from Maison Sybarite is a blow the budget option that turns heads every time. Boasting powerful notes of leather, oud, bergamot, ginger and lime, Spicy Calabria (RRP £160) is a long-lasting masculine fragrance and the ultimate date night scent. It also happens to be water-based, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
Shop Maison Sybarite at Bloom Perfume.
Man Behind the Mirror Teeth Whitening Kit
If lockdown has left your pearly whites looking less than pearly (or white), then look no further than the Man Behind the Mirror Teeth Whitening Kit (RRP £49.99). This out of the box home whitening kit contains a mouth guard and tray, LED activation light and three syringes loaded with enough whitening gel for six treatments.
I was mightily impressed with the results of my six-day trial, which left my gnashers looking two shades lighter. Refills are also available for just £14.95, making this nifty little kit an affordable way to keep your teeth looking pristine.
Discover more from Man Behind the Mirror online.
Smoovall Contact Spray
If you’ve become an avid runner, cyclist or hiker this year thanks to the closure of all UK gyms, then there’s a good chance you’ve been unfortunate enough to experience chafing. Not only does it make walking or exercise uncomfortable, but it looks damn ugly too.
Smoovall Skin Contact Spray (RRP £14.99) is a non-toxic, non-greasy and invisible formula that’s designed to prevent soreness and irritation caused by friction. Simply spray it on prior to exercise and you’re all set. An absolute god send for sporty types and the compact sized can is handy enough to be used on the go.
Ramer Wet Shave Towel
With the barbershop shut, we’re always on the lookout for products that can help us achieve that barber-smooth look at home. The Ramer Wet Shave Towel (RRP £6.99) does just that and fits perfectly into your shaving routine.
Simply immerse the soft, spongy towel in warm water and apply to your face to open up your pores for a close and comfortable shave. The Ramer Towel does an excellent job at reducing razor burn and can then be used to wash away excess foam and hair. It’s also hypoallergenic and machine washable, making it ideal for multiple uses.
Shop the Ramer men’s range online.
RW Perio Tongue Scraper
Anyone that sips tea or coffee like it’s going out of fashion will know that awful feeling of built-up gunk you get on your tongue come mid-afternoon. The RW Perio Tongue Scraper (RRP £14) is built to instantly remove toxins and bacteria in an instant, preventing bad breath in the process. One of those gadgets you never knew you needed until you use it.
For more men’s grooming news, tips and advice, head to our For Him section.
