Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: $$ ($10-$20) – Available at Kiehl’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s.
Scent: Somewhat woodsy with a hint of pear. Menthol provides a tingling sensation.
I liked: how refreshing it felt in the shower. This all-one-cleanser is free of parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Guys will find this product convenient – it really is gentle enough to use all over your body.
I didn’t like: the scent at first. The fragrance was quite strong when I smelled it out of the tube. However, I grew to like the scent after a couple of uses.
Here it is, guys. An all-in-one cleanser I can finally advocate using. Unlike a number of other all-in-one washes for the body, face, and hair, Kiehl’s Cross-Terrain ‘All-in-One’ Refueling Wash effectively cleans you from head to toe and wakes up the senses with a crisp, clean scent – all without the use of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and parabens. The scent was a bit strong at first (note: I sniffed it directly from the tube). However, when I used it in the shower, the fragrance was more balanced and pleasant. Menthol and citrus oils help energize while aloe vera and vitamin E help soothe and keep the skin from over-drying. If you need an all-in-one wash for the gym, consider this gentle yet effective option.
Kiehls Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50 Texture
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: $$$ ($20-$30) – Available at Kiehl’s, Nordstrom, Grooming Lounge, and Bloomingdale’s.
Scent: No noticeable fragrance.
I liked: how easy it was to apply. This sunscreen won’t drip into the eyes like lotions can. The compact container and texture makes it convenient to travel with and carry without having to worry about spillage. The high SPF is ideal for adventure seekers and summer tourists alike.
I didn’t like: the texture at first. The solid wax-like consistency took some getting used to. However, once applied on the skin, the product absorbed quickly.
Kiehl’s Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50 is an ideal sunscreen for anyone who is exposed to the Sun for an extended period of time. I had some doubts when I first saw the product – unlike most other sunscreens, the Cross-Terrain Face Protector has a solid texture. I wrongly assumed the wax-like consistency meant a heavier feeling on my face. My skin adapted quickly to the product. It felt no weightier than the face moisturizers I typically use. Don’t let the small size fool you – this stuff packs a protective punch and will last a while. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the lack of a scent. Though this sunscreen is water and sweat resistant, I recommend reapplication after a swim or workout. Ingredients squalane and synthetic beeswax help to keep skin moisturized.
Kiehl's Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - White Eagle
Kiehl's Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - White Eagle (texture)
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Price: $ (under $10 – 2.5 fl. oz. tube) – Available at Kiehl’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s.
Scent: Light menthol and camphor.
I liked: how the shave cream protected my face from cuts and razor burn. The blend of menthol and camphor was cool but not overpowering.
I didn’t like: the paraben preservatives.
I was really impressed by how well Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream (White Eagle) protected my face from getting nicked and irritated. My skin felt moisturized throughout the entire shaving process. Not once did I feel the razor “dragging” across my face. The cream’s light cooling sensation felt both soothing and invigorating. I highly recommend trying out this product if you are unhappy with your current shave cream or gel. Kiehl’s also offers an unscented “Blue Eagle” version for those with sensitive skin.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: $$ ($10-$20) – Available at Zirh, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Grooming Lounge.
Scent: Not-so-subtle sage.
I Liked: the fine grain of the scrub – it felt gentle on my face. Great value – a little goes a long way. Effective at removing dirt and dead skin cells. Ideal for use before shaving.
I didn’t like: the strong scent and paraben preservatives.
Zirh’s Aloe Facial Scrub works very well, especially when used before shaving. What I really like about this product is how gentle and effective it is at getting rid of dead skin and other surface debris. Unlike other scrubs which contain larger, rougher grains that can mutilate the face, this exfoliant has the consistency of a thick gel with fine sugar-like granules. Unless you really enjoy the smell of sage, the scent takes some getting used to. A 3.4 ounce tube should last you a few months. Use twice a week to achieve best results.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Price: $$ ($10-$20) – Available at Dermalogica, Amazon, and other retailers.
Scent: Subtle clove with slight traces of lavender, tea tree, and orange.
I liked: The mild yet masculine scent. The texture of the oil was light and easy to apply. I did not experience any cuts when using this product. It can be used alone or with a shave cream. This pre-shave oil does not contain artificial fragrances or color.
Suggested improvements: The camphor was hardly noticeable. I would have liked more of a cooling effect.
Dermalogica’s Close Shave Oil effectively minimizes the risk of getting nicks and razor burn. Though this product can be used alone, I usually combine it with a shave cream to create a protective buffer between my face and the razor. If you have never used a pre-shave oil before, I highly recommend trying one out – it may change the way you shave. Just be sure to use a pre-shave oil that is natural and does not contain petroleum-based ingredients, e.g., mineral oil, or synthetic fragrances. A video of me using Dermalogica’s Close Shave Oil can be found here.
Like many of you, I had minimal experience using pre-shave oil. The thought of using anything other than shave cream and a razor to shave was completely foreign to me. Pre-shave oils are much more popular in Europe. However, the hype surrounding shaving oils is growing stateside. Being the adventurous skincare guinea pig, I decided to implement a pre-shave oil into a recent shave. Here are the results via YouTube:
Note: Be careful when selecting a pre-shave oil. Make sure it is made of all natural ingredients such as grapeseed oil and jojoba oil. Avoid products with synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients such as mineral oil as they tend to clog your pores and contribute to breakouts and other types of skin irritation.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer Ingredients List
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: $$ ($10-$20) – Available at Kiehl’s and other higher end retailers.
Scent: No noticeable scent.
I liked: how refreshing it felt around the eyes. The product did a great job at moisturizing and minimizing the puffiness around my eyes. The small size makes it ideal for carrying around at all times – fits comfortably in my pocket. Contains caffeine, Arctic Root, and hibiscus extract.
I didn’t like: that it wasn’t as effective at minimizing the dark circles around my eyes.
Overall, Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer is an effective, convenient product for moisturizing and reducing puffiness around the eyes. It also makes for a great eye refresher that can be used at any time. If you go on a bender and need help looking alive the following day, this eye “de-puffer” will come in handy.
Until recently, I never really thought about the difference between a bar of soap and a liquid face or body wash. They both serve the same function, but one has to be superior to the other. I decided to educate myself by reading a few online forum threads on the topic and found some advantages and disadvantages of each.
Bar Soap Advantages:
Convenient – good for when you’re on the go. Can be easily used without a sponge or washcloth.
Generally provides more lather when used without a washcloth.
Disadvantages:
Bar soaps are usually made with harsher ingredients which can strip your skin of oil. This often makes the skin over-produce oil to compensate for the dryness, which can ultimately lead blemishes or breakouts.
Bar soaps are less hygienic than liquid face or body washes. They are constantly exposed to moisture, which makes their surfaces ideal breeding grounds for bacterial growth. Imagine yourself sharing a bar of soap with a roommate who doesn’t have the best body hygiene habits. Just consider the places on the body a bar of soap is rubbed against.
Face or Body Wash Advantages:
Liquid Face and body washes are gentler on your skin compared to bar soaps as they don’t contain as many harsh ingredients. Liquid washes won’t strip your skin of vital oils as much as bar soaps can.
More hygienic to use than bar soaps.
Disadvantages:
Liquid washes are usually more expensive than bar soaps.
Require a washcloth or sponge for maximum lather.
Final verdict
Go with a liquid wash whenever possible. The extra money spent on liquid washes is well worth it when you consider the toll many bar soaps can take on your skin.
And remember to always moisturize after every wash!
Note: The skin on the face is thin compared to other parts of the body – which makes it more sensitive. I don’t suggest using the same soap for your face that you use for your body. If you’re going to use the same liquid cleanser for both areas, try using one that is natural and not heavily scented. Cleansers with synthetic fragrances can cause facial breakouts. For an all-in-one type of liquid cleanser, I recommend using an all-natural castille soap such as Dr. Bronner’s.
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