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 BRIGHTENING TONER — AHC Niacin Biome Toner
“I love the texture that’s both smooth and light that absorbs to a non-sticky finish,” says Larry, but more importantly, one’s skin will instantly be “bright, bouncy, and plumped up”.
BEST HYDRATING FACIAL MIST — Fields Of Yarrow Eau de Fleur Hydrating Floral Essence
A spritz that “doesn’t cause the skin to tighten” when it dries down. Two other winning factors, according to Bryan, are its calming rose scent and that it doesn’t interfere with makeup.
BEST ANTI–AGEING TONER — Clé de Peau Beauté Hydro-Softening Lotion
Besides it giving the skin a luminous glow, Asaph appreciates that “this rich toner has helped plump my skin up while diminishing lines around the face.”
BEST OIL–CONTROL TONER — Orbis Clearful Lotion L
“This toner has great absorption with instant hydration”, notes Priscelia, who adds that “it tones oiliness down well without causing dryness”. Another bonus in her notes is its pump.
BEST ANTI–ACNE SERUM — RE:ERTH Barrier Control
Calming the skin and shrinking acne with just one use, the quick absorbency of this product makes it “nice for use on the neck, chest, or back” too, according to Asaph.
BEST SKIN SOOTHING SERUM — Fresh Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum
“One of the best barrier repairing serums”, according to Naz, adding that the “results of using it are almost instantaneous”: radiant, hydrated, and supple skin.
BEST RETEXTURISING SERUM — ést.lab LumiWhite 10% PHA Resurfacing Glow Serum
With results ranging from lightened scars, brighter skin tone, and smoother skin, another benefit, according to Izwan, is how much more hydrated his skin feels.
BEST ANTI–AGEING SERUM — Heure Ageless Serum
According to Larry, the smarts of this product are how “quickly it works to smoothen fine lines and give a glow” and “its pump that dispenses the right amount.”
BEST HYDRATING SERUM — Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F Triple Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The first thing one will notice, according to Sha, is “instant plumpness and dewiness”, and if he is diligent with its usage, these effects will be permanent within three months.
BEST SPOT TREATMENT — The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
Besides being one of the most effective tea tree oils in Eric’s opinion, he also notes that “its small bottle makes it easy to carry if you constantly have nasal congestion or skin irritation”.
From left to right clockwise:
BEST PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN — RATIONALE #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+
Not only does this sunscreen not cause any irritation, but Bryan also notes that it seems to protect the skin even when one “is walking through dusty or smoggy” areas.
BEST PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN FOR MATURE SKIN — Sulwhasoo Men UV Defense Protector SPF50+ PA+++
“The products’ strong SPF factor works to prevent premature ageing,” says Eric, adding that its comfortable and protective layer also helps shield the skin from pollutants like dust and smoke.
BEST CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN — Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF50
If one is looking for a sunscreen that “leaves the skin soothed, smooth, and with a glass-like sheen”, this one, according to Larry, also allows him to skip using a moisturiser.
BEST PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN FOR ACNE–PRONE SKIN — Supergoop! Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF40
With a soft-matte finish and a light pink tint that gives a soft glow, the hydrating properties of this sunscreen also leave the skin “feeling comfortable all day,” as mentioned by Asaph.
BEST CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN FOR ACNE–PRONE SKIN — Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion SPF50+ PA++++
Eric mentions that “it spreads out sheer with a luxurious texture that is in-between a lotion and milk” and that its lightness “makes application very easy.”
BEST PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN FOR DRY SKIN — KOSE Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Milk Mild SPF50+ PA+++
Despite being a physical sunscreen, Naz is impressed that there is minimal to no white cast. “With ingredients such as rice extract, this one is also a great choice for sensitive skin types!”
BEST CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN FOR MATURE SKIN — IDS Non-Tinted Sunscreen (with Extra Blue Light Protection) SPF50+
Blending quickly into the skin with no white cast and including a hydrating effect, Sha also thinks that the” added benefit of blue light protection is good for office workers”.
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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