Korres, Basil Lemon Shower Gel (£8.00, 250ml)

For the man who's looking for something posher than Original Source (no offence, Original Source). 

I used this stuff this morning and it gave me a very similar vibe, if you know what I mean. Enjoy!

Product Review: Korres, Borage Men's Cream (£19.50, 50ml)

Korres used to be a bit of a cult favourite for the grooming insider. With its push into the mainstream this "oh what's that" moment when someone enters your bathroom has sadly disappeared. However, I'm sure the owners are very happy that it's now selling in Waitrose (as are mums everywhere)!

But never mind that, the borage moisturiser for men...

First and foremost, I do dislike this packaging. I'm sure the round, hard, plastic tube wasn't meant to be so phallic but, well, it is. Also, the brown and black combo with green text is on the less desirable side of earthy and natural.

However, it's what's inside that counts (said the grooming blogger)... 

And in that regard I'm very happy that Korres are promoting a men's moisturiser with SPF. Although only factor six, this still gives you six times longer in the sun and, even in winter, it's important to try to counter the ageing and other damaging effects of those rays. Women often wear sun block either as a daily moisturiser or over a moisturiser, and I think men should be doing the same.

I also like that this is designed to be anti-shine. Although I will confess to not having tested the limits of this; I used this product as a post-shave balm only, and didn't test it out on my t-zone. 

This product really may not be for you if you prefer unscented creams. The borage oil, while being hydrating, also has quite a strong fragrance. You'll either love it or hate it. I like it, but don't generally want it on my face. Smell before you buy would be my advice.

The cream itself, however, feels lightweight and is fairly absorbent. It also contains aloe, so has pretty good application as a post-shave moisturiser. There's a lot worse on the market!

Available at The Fragrance Shop.

Product Review: Korres, Saffron, Amber and Cardamom Eau de Toilette (£30.00, 50ml)

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was first approached with a saffron, amber and cardamom eau de toilette by Greek brand Korres.

Scents of India and the orient normally please me greatly (think about the sandalwood body lotion by Ishana and Penhaligon’s Zizonia, which have both previously made it onto this blog), but it seemed so out of character for Korres that I was somewhat worried. However, doing a bit of research I found that this spicy fragrance made it neatly into the Independent’s list of the fifty best fragrances, so my reservations didn’t last long.

First, the packaging. The bottle itself is extremely simple (I would perhaps have preferred a black cap, but I’m being picky). The sharp edges remind me of a medicine bottle or a product in a cool Scandinavian apothecary, which I like. This simplicity is also demonstrative of the price, which is extremely reasonable at £30.00 for 50ml.

More importantly, the fragrance itself. I found it quite intense upon application. You get an immediate honey-fied whiff of saffron, though it is the amber and agarwood base notes that last longer for me. There’s cedar and sandalwood in the heart of this fragrance too, so it really does capture the "scents of the East" well.

For those who like something warm and woody, with a little spice on top, I think you will enjoy this one.

My main criticism, however, is that the longevity is pretty average. My advice would therefore be to carry the bottle (or a handy atomiser) around with you for reapplication post-lunch and/or pre-drinks. The lack of longevity is perhaps due to the almost exclusively “natural” content of this fragrance. Chemicals do make things last longer…

Also, there is alcohol in this product, so if you generally stay clear of eau de toilette's with alcohol content then keep this in mind!

Available at www.TheFragranceShop.co.uk. 

In Rotation: October 2013

I've got some excellent products to test out this month, including a couple of face masks to give my skin that extra love and care as the weather gets colder. I've already given my humble opinion on the Kiehl's cleanser and the Clarins Men Fatigue Fighter. But I'll be bringing you views and reviews on the rest of these products in good time, so keep an eye out!

Clockwise from centre top:

Korres: Saffron, Amber & Cardamom Eau de Toilette

Aesop: Bitter Orange Astringent Toner

Clarins: Foot Beauty Treatment Cream

Gentlemen's Tonic: Traditional Shave Cream

Clarins Men: Fatigue Fighter

Elemis: Post Shave Recovery Mask

Kiehl's: Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser

REN Skincare: Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Product Review: Korres, Vanilla Plum Body Milk (£10.00, 200ml)

Okay, so I know I wasn't too emphatic about the face cream, but I do like Korres and I do like this vanilla plum body milk, which I have been using for a couple of weeks now.

I've written about body lotions before, and I question whether men really use them (or just their girlfriends occasionally). But given this is my second review in as many months they must have an audience in me at least.

This offering is both reasonably priced and effective, and the fragrance has a really nice (almost) smokey edge to it. The plum becomes more pronounced over time for me - around 20 minutes or so after first application for me. The vanilla extract is much more prominent up front.

My skin always feel soft and hydrated after use, which is important especially around the elbow where skin can become hard and worn. The almond oil and shea butter make sure you're left supple and smooth.

Not so much a milk as a cream (all the better in my opinion), the product is rich and satisfying. And finally, there's no mineral oils or parabens anywhere near this product, and it's dermatologically tested, so apply away in safety!

My only criticism is that it takes a wee while to absorb. So if you need to put clothes on immediately or you're about to get in amongst those fresh sheets at bed time then you definitely need to factor this in. Otherwise bask in the lovely aroma in your birthday suit for a few minutes.


If vanilla plum isn't your thing, Korres are fantastic at producing a huge variety of options to suit every taste. At the moment there's Bergamot Pear, Fig, and Basil Lemon on offer to name just a few.

In Rotation: September 2013

Sharing the contents of one's bathroom might under any normal circumstances be considered, well, inappropriate. But as I review this stuff all the time I thought it might be fun to share some of what is currently in my grooming rotation for September.*

If there hasn't already been a review of each of these products then there soon will be, so bear with me!

On that note, here you have it (clockwise from top):

Redken: intra-force daily stimulating treatment

Dermalogica: invigorating shave gel

Elemis: deep cleanse facial wash

Aesop: oil free facial hydrating serum

Kiehl's: men's aftershave balm and moisturiser

Baxter of California: night cream AHA

Murdock London: hair doh

Korres: vanilla plum body milk

Diptyque: tam dao eau de toilette

Molton Brown: revitalising eye treatment

PS, you can ignore the olive green tiled background, I happen to like my bathroom so there!

* of course, this is only a snapshot - I'm using new, different and extra products all the time.

Product Review: Korres, Yoghurt Moisturising Cream (Around £19.00, 40ml)

Korres - do you put it on your face or in your mouth?

I want to like this product so much. And I really do. Almost.

Don't get me wrong, I love Korres. And this moisturising cream smells utterly fantastic when you first pop open that little pot. Nearly good enough to eat.

Also, as it's packed with antioxidants to nourish the skin, I do feel very healthy and satisfied immediately after using this cream.

But am I convinced of the more long-term results? Well, only sort of.

As with all Korres products, there are no mineral oils or other naughty stuff here. Also, yoghurt provides a natural source of lactose, proteins and vitamins, which all can help soothe and moisturise the skin.

As well, the cream itself is thick and luxurious. And designed for normal to combination skin, this rich moisturiser spreads onto the face just like you'd expect real yoghurt to, slowly but with good intent. 

Does my skin feel fresh, revitalised and deeply moisturised come morning? I'm not so sure about that. The instant gratification upon application is somewhat dampened by the feeling that nothing has happened other than that my naturally oily forehead is slightly aggravated. Maybe my skin isn't dehydrated enough for yoghurt...!?

As an aside - I have only been testing this product out at night. There's no way I'd put something so thick on my little face in the morning, especially if I'm going to be layering on top with sun screen etc. 

I may test this product again in the depths of winter when my skin really might be feeling the effects of some extreme weather and let you know if I feel differently!

Product Review: Elemis, Time for Men Deep Cleanse Facial Wash (£18.50, 200ml)

Elemis - bringing the spa home

The lovely people at Elemis PR sent me their Time for Men Deep Cleanse Facial Wash a wee while ago. I’ve been using it consistently since then, and thought I would share my conclusions.

This is a gel cleanser, designed for any skin type. I have been using it twice daily, both as a pre-shave cleanser and to remove all that city dirt at the end of the day. And as the formula is designed to prevent ingrowing hairs, this certainly offers a targeted and useful pre-shave option for any modern man.

Made with a blend of oak bark, spearmint and peppermint, the wash provides a spirited wake up moment in that morning shower. You can also see the oaky content in the colour of the gel, which is dark and rich. Almost a bit tree-sap-eque (or perhaps I’m just making that up!?).

Because it’s a gel cleanser, this is very simple and easy to use. None of that hassle you can get from some other cleansing products (which, let's face it, is very welcome early in the morning when every extra minute in bed counts). Squirt just less than a 20p sized amount onto your palm and then lather onto your face. Don’t expect a huge lather, but a gentle massage will be enough to ensure even and well-distributed application. 

Because I have found that this gel doesn't give you that immediate "moment" (when you just know your skin's skeaky clean), I have been leaving the stuff on for 30 seconds or so before washing off with warm water.

Kiehl's - classic

Korres - doing it natural

As with most Elemis products, this isn’t cheap. The classic Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Wash, for example, is £17.00, and you can get a good natural product from Korres for only £10.50 from feelunique.com. But, if you’re looking to splurge then you could definitely do worse!

The Best: Body Washes

We all do it (I hope). So it therefore seems obvious to spend a little bit of time selecting your body wash of choice (unless you're Matthew Parris, when any old bar of soap will do). They come in every possible variety, but below are five that would help modernise your manhood and impress any secret night-time visitors to your shower!

1) Molton Brown’s Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash (£18.00, 300ml)

A spicy bad-boy classic, which I have used on many an occasion. Ingredients such as fiery black peppercorn oil, with bergamot and oakmoss (smelling a bit like earl grey tea), make for a rousing morning shower. Manly and fragrant. 

2) Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Cleanser (£20.00, 200ml)

This is a creamy one. Part of Aveda’s Caribbean Therapy range, the natural oils in this product (think mango and passion fruit) help moisturise the skin and bring the scent of the Caribbean to your morning shower. A pricey option, for the modern man who wants to bring the spa to the shower room. 

3) Korres Mint Tea Shower Gel (£8.00, 250ml)

Made with 90.8% natural ingredients, the Korres body wash is both well balanced and well priced! Dermatologically tested (of course), this product contains wheat proteins, which form a protective film on the skin to maintain its regular hydration level. It also contains aloe vera, to help soothe. Smells like a dream, and looks cool on your shelf if you’re trying to impress house guests. Also, comes in a vast number of fragrances (Mint Tea was just my own preference).

4) C.O. Bigelow Bay Rum Body Wash (£18.00, 295ml)

I wouldn’t normally recommend a 2-in-1 hair and body wash, but this C.O. Bigelow concoction is super-cool. Smelling like original bay rum, this couldn’t get much more masculine. Cheaper to stock up while you’re on a trip to the US of A though!

5) Cowshed Horny Cow Seductive Bath & Shower Gel (£16.00, 300ml)

This is perhaps less manly (think a very concentrated rose and patchouli scent), but this product is specifically intended to evoke sensuality and passion. Whatever that means, it's surely worth giving it a try...? The Bullocks Cowshed range for men has some more manly aromas, if this isn’t up your street.

Clinique Face Cream SPF 30 (£17.00, 50ml)

This product both looks and smells like summer to me. A burst of joyous yellow in my otherwise suitably muted and sophisticated Mulberry.

Clinique Sun Protection, the look and
smell of summer

I use a number of Clinique products, but the sun protection range is by far my favourite. Unlike many lotions out there, the Clinique face cream (and other Clinique sun protection products) is totally oil free. The result: a matt look on the skin and no shiny forehead moments. It also absorbs like a dream.

It’s not a cheap product, especially as it only comes in a 50ml bottle (the matching body cream, which I also use, costs about £19.50 for 150ml). So, if I were going to be lying poolside for seven days and slapping this stuff on every two hours all day every day, I might (carefully, mind you) choose a more cost-effective option. But, the SolarSmart technology in the Clinique range ensures that you are protected from the aging and burning effects of UVA and UVB rays respectively, and being sweat resistant it is perfect for those hot days out in the city.

Also, if you’re not a man with a man-bag, this product is pretty much pocket sized – ideal for carrying round to allow for regular reapplication.

As this is all about sun protection, I tend to be fairly liberal with my usage. I’d rather not be (a) the lobster, or (b) prematurely aged for my love of basking. I therefore make sure that I apply cream before I am exposed to the sun, and I am particularly careful to apply to all the usual burning hotspots. For me, this is around the hairline and behind the ears!

In other sun protection related news, I’m super-keen to try Korres’ face cream yoghurt SPF 30 (picutred below), which just sounds quite literally delicious. I may make time to review this, or other Korres products, soon!  

Korres - bringing you natural Greek flavour