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.

From top clockwise:
BEST ELECTRONIC SHAVER — Philips Wet & Dry Electric Shaver, Series 9000
“One can use this dry for an extremely close shave,” says Asaph before adding that cleaning it is easy as he usually “rinses it with water and lets it dry” on his bathroom counter.

BEST LED FACE DEVICE — ést.lab LumiGlow SmartSkin Buddy
Considering it is an all-in-one device that cleanses, brightens, soothes, and depuffs, another benefit Izwan has noted is that “it charges quickly and stays powered for quite a long time”.

BEST HAIR DRYER — Dyson SupersonicTM Hair Dryer
A hit with professionals and celebrities alike, Bryan thinks that this hair dryer which does the deed ‘in just a matter of a few quick minutes without ever burning it” works just as well for anybody else who wants an ergonomic meets effective machine.

BEST ELECTRONIC TOOTHBRUSH — Zenyum ZenyumSonicTM Go
Already familiar with the original and its properties, like its three brushing modes and two-minute timer, the mini-version, according to Asaph, “makes it so much easier to pack for holidays”.

BEST DRY SHAMPOO — Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat & Ceramide
The best part of this product, according to Asaph, is how it cleanses “without leaving any weird clumpy residue” and removes heavy scents like “dirt or smoke fumes”.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR OILY HAIR — PHS ADV Purify Shampoo
Besides providing a cooling effect on the scalp that “feels good on hot days”, Eric notes that, unlike other oil control shampoos, this one “doesn’t dry the hair out” and, in fact, “leaves it moisturised”.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR DRY HAIR — PHS ADV Soothe Shampoo
Calming irritation that comes with dryness with its gentleness, Bryan notes too that one will notice “bouncier and lighter” hair with just one use.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR HAIR LOSS — Verdure Hair Fall Control Shampoo
Sha advises that one “needs to get used to this shampoo’s low-foaming properties” as it comes sulphate-free, but the quick results, like smoother hair with noticeable regrowth, is worth it”.

BEST HAIR SPRAY — Sisley Paris Volumizing Spray
A little goes a long way with this product that “instantly gives volume and more if your hair is layered,” says Bryan and if one has concerns, its finish is “neither crispy nor crunchy”.

BEST HYDRATING CONDITIONER — Sisley Restructuring Conditioner
With a texture and efficacy that “feels more like a hair mask but without the heaviness,” Izwan adds that one’s hair will still feel smooth even during his next wash.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR COLOURED HAIR — Papilla Haircare Colour Protect Shampoo
Used after colouring or bleaching the hair, this shampoo “immediately works to soothe irritation” says Bryan and, of course, that it does not strip the colour of it while “maintaining its saturation”.

BEST HAIR MASK — Stephen Knoll New York Moisture & Damage Repair Mask
Repairing heat damage, balancing moisture, and keeping the hair soft, Larry mentions that another one of its best is how it “builds up the strength of hair, especially if you constantly dye it”.

BEST HAIR WAX — Stephen Knoll New York Matte Texture Wax
With its ability to “manipulate one’s hair into whatever shape he wants”, Izwan also likes that its finish also allows him to “restyle his hair even after hours of applying it”.

Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our May 2023 issue!