From using cleansers and cosmetics to everything in between, the modern male is changing his grooming habits dramatically.
Bathroom mirrors are now a key weapon, but men are also visiting tanning parlours, day spas and nail bars in increasing numbers.
Looking good comes at a cost, with the average man expected to spend £30-50 each month on grooming products this year.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Latest Videos FromThe Week
Here's my four-step guide to looking your very best:
Skin
Most men think that acceptable skincare starts with a mediocre moisturiser or a paraben-fuelled face wash, but I've used my fair share of these in the past and they do not form part of a good grooming routine.
Superior skincare starts with drinking plenty of water every day, sticking to a diet that is rich in vegetables and Omega 3 and getting plenty of sleep and exercise. It's important to remember that your skin is essentially a reflection of how well you look after yourself.
When it comes to daily cleansing, the starting point is the bathroom. Clinique For Men's Charcoal Face Wash and Jack Black's Energizing Face Buff Scrub are a powerful combination that leaves the pores toxin free.
A good night cream is definitely worth adding to your grooming arsenal. Kiehl's Facial Fuel Anti-Wrinkle Moisturiser For Men uses a unique delivery system and high-grade ingredients to delay the onset of wrinkles and leave you with a brighter, firmer skin surface. Perfect for the more mature gentleman, MMUK MAN's Face and Eye Serum is also an absolute must.
Finish off your routine in style with MMUK MAN's range of cosmetic products for men. A touch of concealer or even foundation can be a game changer if you're anything like me and suffer from the occasional spot or blemish.
Hair
The key to looking well groomed is to maintain a clean, fresh hairstyle, as well as use products that will enhance your hair. Getting a trim every ten days to two weeks is essential to looking and feeling your best.
When it comes to products, Vitaman's Hair Food is one of my favourites as its premium quality ingredients and DHT blockers encourage the growth of thick, healthy hair, especially when left in overnight. Whether you opt for a matte or shine finish to your hairstyle, I highly recommend the likes of Jack Black's Clay Pomade.
Facial Hair:
Whether you like full facial hair or prefer a closer shave, Ted's Grooming Room (ten branches across London) offers a superb range of treatments that relax and invigorate (especially if you order a beer or two). An added bonus: their full works treatment features eyebrow threading and shaping.
Body
As most of us don't have the luxury of lapping up the sun all year round, every now and then we have to cheat a little. You can do so with the use of fake tan or a sun bed, but I'm a fan of the former as it doesn't come with damaging effects to the skin.
Boudoir Beauty Parlour in London's Shoreditch covers all the bases when it comes to achieving a perfect holiday look. The salon does a great manicure and pedicure, as well as waxing.
After setting up men's cosmetic company MMUK MAN in 2011, Alex Dalley has worked with male celebrities including footballers, band members and even a formula one racing driver. He now seeks to share his knowledge and develop the skincare education of the UK's growingly grooming-obsessed modern men.
