Despite all odds last year, we received 191 nominations, tested 140 of them and crowned 33 “Best Of” products for our inaugral Grooming Awards. This year, the nominations have almost doubled to a whopping 368 that could be taken as a sign of doing one thing right: staying committed to looking past the hype to deliver the cream (or serums and lotions) of the crop of grooming products. While such reviews are common on the internet now, we, alongside industry veterans (makeup artist Eric Yeo, Larry Yeo and Sha Shamsi & Mediacorp actor Thavanessan) pride ourselves in how stringent and sincere we are in our reviews. They have to be as innovative as they are ingenious and of course, a pleasure to the senses when used.
One might notice too that we have opened up a makeup category: a response to the new era in its unbridled liberation of gender norms. Here, the “Best Of” products for our Grooming Awards 2021. We hope one will enjoy them as much as we did.
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1. Best All in One Cleanser — Orbis Mr. Wash: Lathering up to a dense foam with just a pea-sized amount, this cleanser removes dirt and light makeup without stripping one’s face. Bryan also appreciates its fragrance-free formula.
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2. Best Exfoliating Treatment — Derma-Rx Arazyme Exfoliant: “A mild exfoliant that hydrates well,” reviews Larry. This protein-based enzyme exfoliant can be used once or twice a week to improve texture, even out one’s skin tone and decongest clogged pores.
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3. Best Oil Control Toner — LAB SERIES Oil Control Clearing Solution: A little of this oil control and balancing toner goes a long way according to Thavanesan — “in fact its overuse may lead to your face feeling greasy. So it’s great in that sense, this product will last you very long.”
This is just part one of our Men’s Folio Grooming Awards 2021 that will appear in the months of June and July. For the full story, click here to catch up with the issue itself.