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 left to right:
BEST DAYTIME FACIAL OIL — Ole Henriksen Strength HydraBarrier Nourishing Face Oil
The product’s lightweight texture “absorbs almost immediately and makes the skin look glowy and feel softer.” says Bryan. As for its pipette, it “dispenses the right amount as you don’t need much”.
BEST NIGHTTIME FACIAL OIL — Talika Skintelligence Vital Oil
Sometimes using it as the only step in his nighttime routine as it “is already hydrating enough”, Izwan also likes that its lavender and rose scent relaxes him before bedtime.
BEST HYDRATING GEL — Clinique Moisture SurgeTM 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Leaving the “skin feeling hydrated and very glowy”, Kevin notes too that this product will work beautifully for people with oilier skin and that its size is “perfect for travelling”.
BEST ANTI–AGEING CREAM — DECORTÉ Liposome Advanced Repair Cream
“A stunning cream that leaves skin optimally hydrated”, Larry adds that “its beautiful mix of different ingredients like liposomes and plant extracts” helps with rejuvenating and protecting ageing skin.
BEST HYDRATING CREAM — ILLUMIASKIN BOUNCE Recharge Cream
Advising that this product is best used by people working in air-conditioned environments, Sha also says it is a “beautiful and hydrating product that also heals the skin barrier”.
BEST BRIGHTENING MOISTURISER — Augustinus Bader The Cream
Noting that one will experience a variety of benefits like brightened skin, faded spots, and a lit-from-within glow, Larry adds that this cream “has one of the lushest textures you can ever try.”
BEST SKIN SOOTHING MOISTURISER — Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Calming Gel Cream
Noting that his favourite types of moisturisers are hybrid ones, Naz loves this particular one as it “instantly provides a fresh boost of hydration with a calming effect”.
BEST OIL CONTROL MOISTURISER — Drunk Elephant ProtiniTM Polypeptide Cream
Providing optimum moisture that oily skin still requires, this product also “layers well with serums and makeup”, according to Eric, even though it has a more creamy and emollient texture.
BEST EYE MASK — mtm labo custom-blended eye mask
Izwan frequently employs this two-step brightening and soothing mask — a serum and a collagen pad — to “soothe the eyes after a long day or as an on-flight pick-me-up.”
BEST ANTI–AGEING SERUM — Porcelain RevitalEyes Concentrate with Microvibration Device
With ingredients that stimulate collagen and lighten dark eye circles, another positive about this product, according to Eric, is that its “micro-vibrations feel soothing, especially after a long day”.
BEST DARK EYE CIRCLE CREAM — LABSERIES Daily Rescue Eye Treatment
Instantly energising the under-eyes for a brighter and more refreshed appearance, Eric advises the diligent application of this gel cream to “quickly diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness”.
BEST DARK EYE CIRCLE SERUM — Jung Beauty Probiotics Firming & Brightening Eye Serum
Firming, hydrating, and illuminating the eye area if one is disciplined to use the metallic applicator constantly, it “helps to depuff the eyes if you don’t sleep much,” according to Asaph.
BEST ANTI–AGEING EYE CREAM — Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream
Even though it has a “mix of potent ingredients that improves everything around the undereye area”, Sha also attributes its win because of its “fast absorbency with no greasy after-feel”.
BEST ANTI-POLLUTION MASK — Fields Of Yarrow Rose Gel and Mulberry Face Mask
Best used when the skin feels red and raw after a day out or if one “just wants a boost of hydration”, Asaph notes that his skin also “feels much stronger” with just one use.
BEST CLARIFYING CLAY MASK — Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask
Proving great and immediate results with just one use — smaller pores, smoother skin, and a clean after-feel — Priscelia also likes its “nice fragrance and convenient-to-use squeeze tube”.
BEST SOOTHING SHEET MASK — Sigi Skin Tea-Tox Sheet Mask
“This mask boasts a high thread-count microfibre material that’s comfortable on the skin,” says Kenneth, adding that it also “stayed moist throughout without the messiness”.
BEST OVERNIGHT HYDRATING MASK — Laneige Water Sleeping Mask_EX
Spreading evenly on the skin and leaving the skin hydrated throughout the next day, this product “is also suitable for strengthening sensitive skin,” as mentioned by Naz.
BEST SOOTHING MASK — Belif Super Knights Multi Vitamin Mask
Soothing afflictions like sunburn, dehydration, and dullness within just one overnight use, Sha also thinks that it could make “the skin feel even better if you leave it in the fridge” before use.
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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