Grooming Guide 2016

Originally motivated by Movember, I ended up keeping my beard once the month was over. During that time I learned how to take care of it. The arsenal that's been helping me maintain my beard, smile and skin healthy throughout the season include some well known names and some newcomers that are worth your consideration.

Hat- QP Collections | Shirt- Wrangler | Photographer- Ty Mecham

1-Kiehl's Age Defender Power Serum: There comes a time in every man's life that you have to admit that you are getting older. This anti-aging serum is light weight and not greasy. My skin feels refreshed as soon as I apply it.

2-Braun Series 9: A beard is great but keep it clean around the neck. This shaver will do just that and its such a close shave you'll be pleased every time.

3-Colgate Optic White: I've been using it for a few months now and noticed how much whiter my teeth are. Follow the instructions and you'll see a brighter smile!

4-Lab Series Instant Eye Lift: Not sure about you but sometimes my brain can't stop thinking when it's time to go to bed. Enter Lab Series's Instant Eye Lift for us insomniacs. 

5-Phillips Norelco Multigroom: This is the most essential tool you should have if you have a beard. With the easy to use attachments you'll feel empowered to take care of your beard.

6-Baxter Shave Tonic: As you're taking care of your beard don't forget skin maintenance. This tonic will help open pores and lift hair pre-shave. Post-shave it will help close pores and it will have you smelling minty fresh.

7- Redbeard Brand's Beer'd Conditioner: It has been a life saver during these harsh wintery days. I apply it to my beard and it's helped avoid dry skin and I'm a fan of the eucalyptus scent.

Men's Grooming Arsenal

Like it or not we men have to up our grooming game. To start, I tried out a couple of grooming products specifically for shaving because I have to do it every couple of days. I've used the Gillete blades for years and then got introduced to the Micro Touch One Blade. The classic look is great and I love the feel of it as I shave. For shaving cream the Super Close Shave Formula from Baxter of California works really well. I used it with their Badger Shave Brush which made it all very old-school and results in a smooth close shave. As for aftershaves aside from moisturizing I'm particular about scents, my favorites are the Baxter's After Shave Balm citric scent and Blind Barber's Aftershave because of its mint scent. In-between shaves I maintain the scruff with the Phillips Norelco Multigroom trimmer. They are all absolute musts in my shaving arsenal.

For skin care my dermatologist recommended for my dry and sensitive skin Eucerin Professional Repair and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser- it's simple and it works. For body washes AXE's Black Chill shower gel is one to consider. As for hair products I was recently introduced to Canadian brand AG Style (also available in the US). They have a lot of great products, like the Shampoo & Body Wash and Conditioner & Shaving Lotion. I'm a fan of combo products, it makes life simpler. I also use their Stucco matte clay paste for a firm hold, love the earthy scent. I found that Suave Professionals MEN line also has a great styling gel and like its medium shine. Baxter of Califonia's Cream Pomade is another great one. It has a soft hold and feels really light. I use it practically everyday. 

Sometimes, all you need to do is go to your neighborhood big box store and find the grooming products you need but making the extra effort and finding the brands I mentioned above in the long run will help you look better and really that's what it's all about.

Portraits by Richard Gerst.