By Simone Olivero and Caroline Youdan | Photographs by Carlo Mendoza
After years of less-is-more maintenance, the male preening routine now goes way beyond a bar of soap and a washcloth. Behind bathroom doors, guys are layering musky fragrances, using fancy badger-hair brushes and slathering on soothing botanical creams. Whether you’re fully bearded or freshly shaven, here are eight manly grooming products to help you appear naturally refreshed.
<strong>Santa Maria Novella Before and After Shave Cream</strong><br /><br />
A cream laced with pomegranate essence, borage oil and calendula blossoms sooths skin pre- and post-shave. $62. <em>Jacob and Sebastian, 622 Queen St. W., 647-345-0478.</em><br />
<strong>F. Miller Beard Oil</strong><br /><br />
Unruly beards are tamed, moisturized and protected by Toronto native Fran Miller’s blend of argan, jojoba and grapeseed oils. $34. <em>Easy Tiger Goods, 1447 Dundas St. W., 647-748-6161.</em>
<strong>Rebels Refinery Capital Vices Lip Balm</strong><br /><br />
Forget Chapstick—this lip-friendly blend of coconut and almond oils comes in a badass black skull. $9. <em>Likely General, 389 Roncesvalles Ave., 647-351-4590.</em>
<strong>Prospector Co. Compressed Towel Tablets</strong><br /><br />
Add water to these cotton fibre “pills” and they bloom into face cloths, ideal for on-the-go hot towel treatments. $5. <em>Frank and Oak, 735 Queen St. W., 647-930-8711.</em>
<strong>Happy Spritz Cologne in Rugged Gentleman</strong><br /><br />
With notes of musk and patchouli, the manly scent can be used as regular cologne or sprayed on linens. $32. <em>The Cure Apothecary, 719 Queen St. W., 647-350-8274.</em>
<strong>Baxter of California Silver Tip Shave Brush</strong><br /><br />
Shave brushes can be made with boar hair, horsehair or—the most luxurious option—silvertip badger hair, used here. $90. <em>MenEssentials, 412 Danforth Ave., 1-800-833-1055.</em>
<strong>Gold Dachs Classic Straight Razor</strong><br /><br />
This German-made straight razor eliminates stubble the old-fashioned way—with a single sharpened blade. $150. <em>Gerhard Supply, 2949 Dundas St. W., 416-797-1290.</em>
Have you guys heard of http://www.unclepetersman.com? Toronto-developed, executed, born and bred brand for men. Real authentic stuff. My boyfriend loves the soldier scrub and the 416 beard oil.