Fresh for the fest

Take grooming for the modern-day gentleman to the next level.

There's no denying that the modern times have reformed the definition of self-care for the contemporary man. Gone are the days when pampering oneself is deemed okay only for the opposite gender and shunned for "real men". Today's society considers male grooming a prime necessity when it comes to looking and feeling good.

Moisturise daily: A good moisturiser for men is designed to retain the moisture that is already in skin. While your skin is generally thicker and oiler than women's, it is not immune to drying, cracking and creasing, which affects your appearance. Your skin needs hydration, especially after shaving, which exfoliates and exposes skin to external factors.

Use sunscreen: Even though we are not heading to the beach every day, we are still facing the sun and extreme heat is absolutely not good for our skin. Adding another layer of sunscreen on top of a daily moisturiser can be a pain, so most guys just end up skipping it. Don't!

Shave and tame that beard: Shave after you shower so that your stubble is warmer and cuts easier. This reduces chances of nicks or irritation. Use a good shaving cream and a good quality razor. If you are growing a beard, use a beard oil daily with natural ingredients or a beard balm to style a longer beard and keep it in a good hold. Brush regularly with a beard brush to stimulate the follicles that encourage hair growth and help keep your beard healthy and clean. 

Exfoliate: Soap and water may get the dirt off, but it will leave your skin dry and vulnerable to irritations and imperfections. Simple, deep facial cleansing at the end of the day with a superior face and body scrub will exfoliate, clean and renew your skin.

Use a lip balm: Low humidity in the winter, and increased sun exposure in the warmer season means your lips are drying and rehydrating all the time, leading to chapping and cracking. Simply licking your lips is never enough. Apply a nourishing lip balm repeatedly throughout the day to keep your lips hydrated and healthy.

Invest in your hair: Check in with a good hair stylist and ask for advice on what styles would suit your face shape. Greasy hair is not a good look so use a hair product that is water based and healthy for your hair and washes out the first time.

Zein Arbeed is the Founder of The Grooming Lab.