Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$ ($30) – Available at Malin+Goetz, Bloomingdale’s, and Bigelow Chemists.
Scent: Light grapefruit.
I liked: how gentle this cleanser was on my face. It got rid of the dirt without over-drying my skin. The subtle smell of grapefruit was a nice, refreshing touch.
I didn’t like: nothing. However, guys may be hesitant to spend $30 on a face cleanser.
Less is more when it comes to Malin+Goetz’s Grapefruit Face Cleanser. This face wash effectively removes dirt without stripping the skin of vital oils. It is clear and colorless, with a slight grapefruit scent. The biggest thing I notice when using this cleanser is the lack of lather – which means it is gentle and doesn’t over-dry the skin. I used this face wash day and night with excellent results – no breakouts or signs of irritation. As usual, I immediately moisturized after every cleansing. The product’s thick texture allows you to use a little each time – which, even at $30, makes it a good value.
Kiehls Soothing Nourishing Face Cream for Men Texture
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: $$ ($10-$20) – Discontinued, but here are the Amazon reviews of Kiehl’s Soothing, Nourishing Face Cream for Men.
Scent: Virtually unscented. Has a very slight hint of shea butter.
I like: the product’s versatility – it can be used as a moisturizer as well as an aftershave. It works well at moisturizing dry skin.
I don’t like: the paraben preservatives.
Kiehl’s Soothing, Nourishing Face Cream for Men is a simple, versatile moisturizer that can be used as a moisturizer and aftershave. Those with sensitive will appreciate that it’s practically fragrance-free. This lightweight moisturizer contains some natural nourishing ingredients including shea butter, sesame oil, and apricot oil. Ideal for normal to dry skin.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$$$ ($40-$50) – Available at Malin + Goetz and Barneys New York.
Scent: Unscented.
I like: how well this product works on breakout-prone skin – most likely due to the salicylic acid content. Keeps the redness and irritation in check.
I didn’t like: the rigid bottle. I would have preferred a squeeze tube – it’s a much easier way to get the moisturizer out.
Anyone battling acne and redness of the skin should seriously consider trying the Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer. The product is lightweight, unscented, and contains salicylic acid, which effectively controls breakouts. Vitamin E and panthenol moisturize while chamomile and allantoin soothe. Despite its higher price tag, this face moisturizer is a great value considering what it’s capable of doing for those with problem skin. Don’t hesitate to buy this. It’ll boost your confidence. Really.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$$ ($20-$30) – Available at Origins and Macy’s.
Scent: Undetectable.
I liked: that the eye cream was effective at lightening dark circles and decreasing puffiness around the eyes. Its thick texture helped to keep the area around my eyes moisturized.
I didn’t like: the initial invigorating sensation. It almost does too good a job at “waking” your eyes up.
Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream is a great non-gender specific moisturizer that effectively lightens dark circles and decreases puffiness around the eyes. It contains panax ginseng, caffeine from coffee, and “natural optic brighteners” to revive tired-looking eyes. Be careful not to apply too much of this eye cream at once. My eyes initially watered because I used a generous amount of the product around the eyes – they felt way too invigorated (perhaps too much of a good thing?). At .5 ounces, a jar of Origins Ginzing eye cream is easy to carry around and will come in handy on mornings after those fun but rough nights.
Shiny Face. I suffer from it and I know a lot of you find it annoying as well. I have tried numerous products to control my oily skin including face blotting papers and moisturizers with matte finishes only to be repeatedly disappointed by their ineffectiveness. My days of experiencing shiny face are much fewer now that I always keep a clean 100% cotton handkerchief in my back pocket. That thin piece of cloth has restored my confidence level, especially at social events where there is constant mingling and picture-taking. In addition to controlling oil, handkerchiefs gently exfoliate. They are inexpensive and widely available at department stores. Pick up a pack and you’ll see the shine disappear from your face.
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: $$$ ($30) – Available at Origins and Macy’s.
Scent: Light blend of chamomile, lavender, patchouli, and orange.
I liked: the product’s unique ayurvedic scent as well as its soothing and hydrating properties.
I didn’t like: nothing. This is a great toner for sensitive skin.
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion works very well as an aftershave splash and refreshing skin toner. I’m normally not a big fan of face toners and astringents as they usually contain alcohol and do more harm than good. However, this “lotion” (which is really a splash) is alcohol-free and contains a number of plant-based ingredients that help soothe and hydrate the skin. I really enjoyed the product’s calming scent, which is a light blend of chamomile, lavender, patchouli, and orange. As with all toners the Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion should be used after washing and before moisturizing.
Do you use an aftershave balm thinking it is the only post-shave product you need to apply before leaving the house? If so, you may want to reconsider your post-shave skincare routine as many aftershave balms contain alcohol, which can over-dry the skin, and do not possess the sustained moisturizing benefits of face lotions. While aftershave balms can soothe the skin immediately after shaving, their effect is usually temporary. Face moisturizers, on the other hand, soothe AND keep the skin properly moisturized throughout the day. Also, it’s generally easier to find face moisturizers with sun protection. The next time you’re in the men’s skincare aisle debating whether to buy the aftershave balm or face moisturizer, get both…or just buy the moisturizer if you want to keep it simple. Just remember to use a lotion with an SPF before going out.
Kiehl's Ultimate Mens After Shave Balm and Moisturizer
Kiehl's Ultimate Mens After Shave Balm and Moisturizer (Texture)
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: $$ ($10-$20) – Available at Kiehl’s, Nordstrom, and Barneys New York.
Scent: Light menthol, slightly medicinal.
I liked: the cream’s richness – you only need to apply a small amount. This product did a great job at soothing and moisturizing my face after shaving. Enjoyed the light menthol fragrance. Contains a number of beneficial ingredients including avocado oil, sesame seed oil, vitamin E, and cocoa butter.
I didn’t like: the paraben preservatives.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Mens After Shave Balm and Moisturizer won me over as soon as I tried it. I enjoyed how rich and thick this balm felt. Natural ingredients such as avocado oil, sesame seed oil, olive oil, and cocoa butter helped to instantly soothe and moisturize my skin post-shave. Because the cream is so rich, you only need to apply a small amount. The light traces of menthol and camphor felt subtly invigorating. You can use this product any time, day or night – not just after shaving. This cream works particularly well in cold and/or dry weather.
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