The grooming and beauty industry works on its own timeline which is to say that while drops are still planned with accordance to a marketing calendar, it gets delivered harder, faster, and stronger. This then brings about a question I asked the PRs and brand owners for this March 2022 grooming products story: “How does the brand decide the exact drop?”. While some just giggled and pressed another drink into my hands, the others were in two camps.
One mentioned that their products were made with years of development and by some luck and kismet, their launch date hits the sweet spot of customer demands. The other? They mentioned that to keep a brand fresh, their launches have to be equally fresh. Frankly, there are no right and wrong answers because while hype isn’t the metric for judging these 12 March 2022 grooming products, they are interesting enough (and yes, efficacious of course) to put on your shelf.
Some underrated, some brand-spanking-new and meticulously tried-and-tested. Enjoy.
Pictured Above: For those already familiar with Diptyque‘s Do Son, the range now comes in beautiful aquiline bottles. For those who have not had the pleasure of trying it, it is a timeless bouquet of creamy tuberose with the spiciness of pink pepper and the warm heat of musk. In some cases and with the right body chemistry, it’s a wonderful scent akin to flower-infused coconut milk.
Whenever Aesop launches something, you know it’s good. What do I mean? I mean that they take their time to make sure that their formula works to make magic happen on your skin. The Exalted Eye Serum is exactly what I mean: a lightweight serum with Vitamins B3, B5, C, and E that retains moisture while “softening” the looks of fine lines. It even smells relaxing (essential oils of cedar atlas and frankincense are used) and if the situation arises, makes for quite a lovely serum for the face.
One of the most clinical but not conventional March 2022 grooming products is the Bioderma Sensibio Active Soothing Cream, a non-scented lightweight cream that instantly soothes irritation in 30 seconds or less. While I appreciate its effects on the face and even the body, one of my favourite ways to use it is when I turn it into shaving cream.
The Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! MegaStrength+ Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment should only be used once weekly which is a testament to how powerful it is in repairing the hair. While it can be used on most hair types — straight, wavy, curly, coily — I expect it to work even better on people who love bleaching their hair.
From the labs of the French House comes the Dior La Mousse OFF/ON Cleanser, a cleanser that even removes heavy-duty makeup. While you might think it might strip the skin, the cornflower water complex and licorice extract works to hydrate and soften it even if you’re taking your time to wash your face. A bonus to the product: it can even be used on sensitive skin.
The Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm is one of the most exciting March 2022 grooming products launch for me because not only does it remove everything one might have on his mug, it doesn’t leave a “slippery” after-feel. In short, you can skip the use of a foaming cleanser post-use and dive straight into your skincare. Here’s a tip: if you lose the spatula, dig into the balm using your knuckles instead of using your fingertips.
The most matured sibling of the Givenchy Gentleman series (it’s now called Réserve Privée) opens up with a very strong accord of amber, wood and a boozy finish. There’s a particular iris note too that adds a floral smoothness before a chocolate-banana finish comes with the dry down. It smells incredibly like whisky throughout its longevity: aged, refined, triple distilled and pleasingly sophisticated..
I always talk about how some primers I’ve tried are Photoshop in a bottle but the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is my #1 holy grail. Think of it like using the front camera of the first iPhone where the filter is so strong that it visibly cancels out any flaws like pores, fine lines and wrinkles. What makes it even better than the rest too is that it repels water which of course, I’ve tried with an aggressive spritzing of a facial mist on my face.
The problem with most hair scrubs would be that post-use, your hair clumps together. That isn’t a problem with the Ikoo Join The Scrub Cleansing Sea Salt Scalp Scrub as its sea salt to balm formula is calibrated correctly to completely wash out without leaving any residue or stringiness.
I’m quite surprised most people don’t know about the L’occitane Almond Shower Oil, an oil that transforms into milk upon contact with water to soften your skin as you shower. Though most people might not feel “clean”, I recommend giving it a go at least once and letting the magic of this product work for them. You can even buy a refillable version at the brand’s ION Orchard boutique where it comes in a beautiful aluminum bottle.
One of the most incredible March 2022 grooming products, the ONE/SIZE Preserve The Serve Luminous Setting Mist is not just featured on this list because it works to set makeup and retexturise dry skin. It’s because it’s proof that beauty influencers are capable of producing well-formulated products. The results for this one are in how it really makes makeup transfer-proof.
While the brand recommends it for the night, think of the Pixi Rose Ceramide Cream as a day-or-night one product where your skin gets an antioxidant boost regardless of the time. Its light pink tint also helps to colour correct to a certain extent and its rose aroma is very pleasing if you’re into realistic scents in your skincare.
Does the Shiseido Sublimic Scalp Power Shot promote hair growth? Well, ask my hairstylist who asked why I’m scheduling even more cuts. Does it strengthen the hair? I’m happy to report no breakage since I’ve used it. Is it easy to use? Of course. Just apply it to the back of your scalp and the top of it and simply massage the product in.
What could the EX in the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum EX mean? I’d like to think it means extraordinary with its combination of Ginsenomics (there are 100,000 of its capsules in the product) with Retinol that works on everything from acne, dry patches, and dullness that comes with fatigue. Most importantly, it works extremely fast. Expect tightened pores, brighter skin, and bounciness overnight.
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our March 2022 issue!
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