Hey Prepsters,
Since it is the top of the New Year, I understand that much like myself, many of you will be working towards meeting your goals. Especially when it comes to fitness and appearance, but often times, men forget to work on skincare. Here’s my list of skincare products that I 100% stand by, and no, this is in no way shape or form sponsored. These are really skincare products that I have used that I simply can’t live without. I also understand that some of these products are at a premium price point, but I think that these are all products that justify the price point with results and quality. I also have a few drugstore items that I love as well.
Lips:
Often time’s men leave their lips as an after thought. However, since the skin on your lips is so sensitive, it is important to take special care of them.
Exfoliator:
ELF for those who do not know is a cosmetics brand that is super affordable and can be found online and in-stores at the Real Canadian Superstore. This product is amazing because it is super affordable and it gets the job done. All you have to do is simply apply the product as if you were rubbing on a chap stick, followed by rubbing your lips gently together. Instantly, you will notice that all of the dead skin on your lips will be removed and you will be left behind with super soft lips.
Lip Balm:
Tied between Burt’s Bees and EOS
Right after I exfoliate my lips, I use the EOS lip balm. It is super hydrating and provides instant moisture to your lips, which is super important when you exfoliate your lips. However, although the EOS lip balm is extremely moisturizing, it doesn’t wear as long as the Burt’s Bees classic lip balm. So what I like to do is apply my EOS right after exfoliating, however, throughout the day, I like to apply my Burt’s Bees chap stick. Both items are very affordable and can be found at drug stores and your local Walmart’s and Shoppers Drug Marts.
If you’re looking for a premium priced product that provides incredible results, try out the Clarins Lip Balm. I picked up mine at my local Shoppers Drug Mart and loved it (finished my tube insert sad emoji). Although it is quiet a splurge for a lip balm, it definitely justifies its price. I would recommend trying out the Burt’s Bees and EOS options first and if you can stick to using those, work your way up to this one by Clarins.
Face:
Mask:
Freeman Feeling Beautiful Charcoal Charcoal and Black Sugar Polishing Mask
Here’s another drug-store product that is impeccable. My sister recommended this product to me when we were at Walmart, and since we both have very similar skin types, I gave it a shot. To apply this mask, you just apply it to damp skin and leave it on for 5-7 minutes. I wouldn’t recommend this trick unless you have tried it for the recommended time period, but I like to leave this on for 10-15 minutes on, once a week, and rinse it off. It left my skin look refreshed and clean, and also exfoliated my skin. I personally haven’t tried any of the other items from the Freeman Feeling Beautiful mask lines but I am sure that there is something that would work wonders for you. If you head over to Walmart’s website, it will provide details on all of the products benefits.
Toner:
Right after giving your face a wash, this product helps tone and firm your skin and close up the open pores. I stole this from my sister and absolutely love it. It’s gentle and does the job well, all while being a reasonable price.
Cleanser:
L’Occitane En Provence – Pure Cleanser
This cleanser is from L’Occitane’s Cedrat collection for men, and smells phenomenal. But it is also very effective, and a little goes a long way. This is one of the products that really justify the price point. I like to damp my face, apply this, rinse and use a washcloth to dry my face.
Serum:
Lab Series Max LS Power V Lifting Serum
Serums may not be a part of most peoples serums but they definitely provide long term and long lasting results. I love this serum that I picked up from Shoppers Drug Mart from Lab Series, which is a line catered to men. It’s a little bit on the higher end in terms of pricing, but if you were serious about your skincare regimen, this would be a great addition.
Moisturizers:
Keihl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men
This has to be my hands down moisturizer to use in the morning. It is vitamin enriched and non-oily, and uses Chestnut extract and soy to leave you with super soft, refreshed and awake looking skin. I like to apply this quiet liberally to really get the energized feeling to my face.
The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Day Cream
This is a great cream that I like to apply this as refresher in the afternoon. It’s gentle and calming for your skin, without. Additionally for my vegan readers, you will definitely appreciate this vegan product. Do note that this does come in a night cream version, which I have not tried, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
Anthony – All Purpose Facial Moisturizer
I use this Anthony moisturizer right before I head to bed. It’s great for hydrating the skin and although I love the Keihl’s Facial Fuel for the morning, this product doesn’t add any “fuel” to my face, which is something I definitely don’t need when going to bed.
Eye Creams:
Keihl’s Age Defender Eye Repair
I can definitely fess up to having horrible dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles. Totally genetics but this area of my face is probably the only insecurity I have, which is why I often wear a little bit of concealer to cover it up for blog shoots. However, I was invited to stop by the Keihl’s Toronto Queen Street store a couple months ago, and was highly recommended to try this product. The kind staff also showcased how to apply eye-cream, as the skin around our eyes is the most sensitive. You simply apply little dots around the perimeters of your eyes (not directly on the skin) and use your ring finger to lightly dab and spread it. I can definitely vouch that this works and is my personal favourite eye cream alongside the next one.
The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream
The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream is a great budget friendly substitute for the previous pick. I like using this cream more liberally than the prior as it is not as expensive, but it definitely does a stellar job of hydrating the under-eye area. I actually prefer this for when I am applying concealer, under my eyes to the Kiehl’s cream as it is a little more hydrating, and helps with a smoother application of concealer.
If you are interested in hearing my make-up regimen for men for photo-shoots and special occasions, please feel free to let me know. Also, be sure to give this a share and subscribe to the blog. If this may seem a little bit wordy for you, stay tuned as I will roll this out in a video for YouTube.
