When we first launched the inaugural Men’s Folio Grooming Awards in the annus horribilis year 2020, we were surprised that we managed to pull it off with 33 categories with 140 products tested, but one of our suspicions was right. More than ever, men have been getting down and dirty by elevating their skin, body, and hair care routines.
While the 2021 edition had 38 categories with 217 products tested before increasing to 68 and 286, respectively, in 2022, the 2023 edition of our Grooming Awards involves a batch of 10 judges — an internal team consisting of Managing Editor Asaph, Beauty & Grooming Director Bryan, and Group Creative Director Izwan alongside an external one who includes makeup artists Larry Yeo, Eric Lim, Kenneth Chia, Priscelia Wong and content creators Naz and Kevin Brendan — testing 477 products across 90 categories.
The Men’s Folio Grooming Awards 2023 includes a heavier focus on hydrating products across various formulations, different kinds of sun protection for different skin types, and introducing technology to make routines simpler but sleeker. Trust us: you’re going to like these 90 winners.
Pictured above from left to right:
BEST MILK CLEANSER — mtm labo Custom-blended Milk Cleanser
Besides removing light makeup, dirt, and oil with a viscosity that provides the “right amount of slip”, another benefit of this product is its calming scent, according to Bryan.
BEST MICELLAR WATER CLEANSER — Givenchy Skin Ressource Cleansing Micellar Water
Similar to other micellar water cleansers, Bryan thinks this one “thoroughly removes makeup”, but its winning point is how it “refreshes the skin like you dunked it in ice water”.
BEST HYDRATING CLEANSER — Tatcha The Rice Wash Cleanser
With its formula that foams up to gently cleanse dirt, oil, and pollutants away without stripping the skin, Naz adds that “it is gentle enough to be used in the morning and night”.
BEST OIL CLEANSER — Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil
Removing makeup with a lush formulation that emulsifies to leave skin feeling softer; another thing Larry likes is that “its pump dispenses just the right amount of product”.
BEST SENSITIVE SKIN CLEANSER — EPION Skin 1.1 Cleanse
Besides its gel texture that lathers into a soft foam, Priscelia notes too that it “feels super gentle on the skin and hydrates very well.” Also, a pump-dispensed cleanser is always a win for her.
BEST CLEANSING BALM — RATIONALE #4 The PreCleanse Balm
Kenneth considers that it “emulsifies beautifully and made short work of my makeup and the day’s grime” and that its ingredients also soothe irritation while repairing the skin’s barrier.
BEST PHYSICAL EXFOLIATING TREATMENT — DrGL Cosmos Scrub
One use leaves the skin on the face or body feeling clear and smooth. Kevin also mentions that “the product is designed to dispense the exact amount one requires”.
BEST CHEMICAL EXFOLIATING TREATMENT — Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
A fan of its smooth and silky texture, Izwan mentions too that it “feels less harsh” than other chemical exfoliators but “with the same quick results”, like glowing skin with lessened texture.
Photography Jaya Khidir
Styling Manfred Lu
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our May 2023 issue!
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