Stuart is a Modern Man

Welcome to "Stuart is a Modern Man", my new lifestyle blog aimed at the urban gent.

Inspired by a couple of recent events, and finally triggered by meeting the lovely Zoe (of Face Value Beauty Blog) at a garden party, this blog will attempt to provide some helpful insight into the well-packaged but often problematically shallow world of men's grooming products. The blog intends to be useful for every kind of man - from those who use a two-blade razor without even so much as Gillette foam and are looking to branch out, to those who would just like to try something new.

I like to think of myself as a modern kind of man. One of the modern things I do is carry with me a small selection of what I consider to be essential lifestyle products wherever I go. When a good friend, who shall remain nameless but knows who they are, remarked that they found this an atypical thing for a guy to do, I first found myself troubled, but afterwards thinking more about what might be typical for the average man when it comes to looking after themselves.

It is the most simple thing in the world for me to pop my (admittedly rather fancy Scotchgrain Mulberry) washbag into a satchel, tote bag or briefcase. Then I'm ready for the day, whatever happens.

The six products that most often make it into my day are my eau de toilette, moisturiser, lip balm, hair product, hand cream and (as it's summer) sun lotion. As you can see:

Stuart's essentials, from left to right: Kiehl's Ultimate Men's After-Shave Balm and Moisturiser, Penhaligon's Zizonia Eau de Toilette, Clinique Face Cream (SPF 30), Murdock Hair Doh, Molton Brown Protecting Vitamin Lipsaver and Clarins Men Active Hand Care.

The beginnings of this blog will be individual reviews of each product, before I venture off into the lightly fragranced and non-sticky world to bring you more views, reviews and features, all related to man-welfare.

Finally, this blog of course represents my own personal views from having either used or tested the products in question. Additional thoughts and alternative views are very welcome, but keep it (reasonably) nice!