What happens when you sit a horde of beauty and grooming editors band together in non-socially distance times? Firstly, we have the inhuman physical capacity to drink a lot. Secondly, we can gush all night about beauty or grooming editor-approved products; the kind of products that we’ve received and really love. In more extreme cases, they are the kind on our list of products we don’t mind being marooned on an island with.
While every week brings about different drops ( kind of like cryptocurrency), here, ten of the month’s which I feel are as relevant to what a man needs today as they are practical in packaging and price.
Pictured above: When a PR told me that d program was formulated by Shiseido, I was pretty much impressed. This was after all, the Japanese brand that encouraged hydration before it was a thing. Secondly, she mentioned that it was Japan’s number one sensitive skincare brand for 12 years so of course, it had to mean something. While I received the entire range, I only had the capacity (which is to say, one face) to try the Whitening Clear Lotion and Emulsion that lightened fresh acne pigmentation in just four days. It really cut down on my skincare routine too, just two products and I could call it a day.
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The good people at 111SKIN actually encourage you to wear the Anti Blemish Bio Cellulose Mask under a mask to protect against physical abrasion but that is a little extreme to me. However, it contains Hydroxinnamic Acid that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which eradicates acne quickly. The usage of just two flattened out acne and lightened their scars considerably and I’d expect that if you used in in tandem with their serums, your chin will be spot free.
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It’s obvious why anything from Byredo is a grooming editor approved product but while Byredo Blanche isn’t entirely new (think of the scent like fresh laundry sheets that have been sun dried and you’re slipping under them with a lover), the packaging is. A beautiful white cap and a clear bottle that mimics the essence of the scent itself.
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The Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum sounds daunting but it’s not. The percentage of salicylic acid seems just enough without causing sensitisation and it also contains niacinamide and polyphenols that softens and conditions. While it claims to visibly unclog pores and minimise large pores, the results are a little slower than more powerful products. Nevertheless, it’s great if you’re just starting out a routine or want something easy to manage. It’ll only be available come 26 August 2021.
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I’ve recently been stricken with a bout of acne which means that if I’m not handling spots, then I’m handling scabbing. And if I’m not handling scabbing, I’m handle scarring. TLDR, I have to wear heavier coverage products which means that cleansing my skin has become as important as breathing or eating. The Dior Prestige La Mousse Micellaire Face Cleanser removes medium coverage foundation with ease (I’d still highly recommend you use a toner after) and softens the look of scabbing after.
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Think of the ÉST.LAB Activcalm Skin Quenching Serum as an isotonic drink for your skin, one that really quenches and soothes dehydration. Compared to other products containing hyaluronic acid, I felt that this serum hydrated more heavily while retaining it over the course of eight hours. It also seemed to soothe redness in my skin that I experienced from accidentally falling asleep under the sun. Don’t do it, folks.
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Frankly, the new Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Optimizing Power Treatment Lotion is so intensely hydrating that my acne-prone and sensitive skin could not take the daily use of it. However, people with drier skin would appreciate how conditioning it is no thanks to concentrated hyaluronic acid and moringa extract. However, I enjoy it as a weekly conditioning mask where I soak cotton pads in it and apply it on portions of my face.
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First, the bad: The Fenty Skin Buff Ryder Exfoliating Body Scrub is very heavily scented. Perhaps, not a bad thing if you like smelling like cherry cola (different strokes for different folks). Now, the good: it will leave your skin feeling the smoothest it has been since you were walking on all fours as a baby. In fact, after six uses, I noticed my skin tone lightening up.
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Shampoos don’t really excite us that much but the Sisley Soothing Anti-dandruff Shampoo is quite the game-changer in the way it “resets” your hair. It firstly, soothed over irritation and itching and secondly, it relieved my hair of the random flakes that built up from stress and pollution. And lastly, the scent is incredible, a green-like note.
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If I could, I would implore everybody I meet to purchase the ZenyumSonic toothbrush. If I could have another opportunity to speak to them, I’d ask them to purchase the Zenyumfresh Breath Shield, a mouthwash that does not taste alcohol-like (finally, no burning!) and is truly a pleasure to use. Think, fresh breath for up to six to eight hours.
Once you’re done reading about these grooming editor approved products, click here to catch up with our June/July 2021 issue.
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