Product Review: Clinique, Post-Shave Healer (£18.00, 75ml)

I have fairly sensitive skin, especially on my neck, which after shaving is prone to rashiness and soreness, plus the odd ingrown hair. I’m therefore always on the lookout for products that are soothing and generously kind to my skin.

Step in Clinique’s Post-Shave Healer, which, although it has an almost watery lotion consistency, fits the bill quite nicely. The aloe vera is soothing and the tiniest bit tingly, and helps prevent rashes resulting from razor burn.

The product is oil free, so it’s great for all skin types. It also makes a great pair with the aloe shave gel, which I’ve raved about previously.

Unlike Thom over at the incredible ManFace Blog, I think you need a fairly generous (probably about 50p sized) amount on the palm before you have enough to cover the entire shaved area. This is partly because the lotion is very absorbant and designed as a base to add moisturiser or sun block over the top. 

Just smooth over your neck and chin and you're done.

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.

Sponsored Post: Stuart Is A Modern Man At Christmas

It's only nine weeks until Christmas. And, like everyone else, I've already been overloaded with more catalogues, adverts and "book your Christmas party now" flyers than I care to mention. 

Amongst this deluge of "stuff" there's the obligatory blog and magazine "Christmas Gift Guide". Now, to my mind Christmas gift guides in a vacuum aren't really very useful. Without being able to relate to the person the guide has been put together for, I often find it hard to test whether the gifts might be appropriate for my nearest and dearest.

On that basis, I've decided to put together a guide for me (being the person I know best), made up of gifts available at middle England's favourite department store, John Lewis. You all know me by now, so I'm hoping you can all relate!

1. The Look

Thomas Pink Comfort Stretch Plain Shirt, £69.00

Christmas Party. Christmas Day. New Year's Eve. All occasions where you need a good, crisp, fresh shirt. This plain shirt from Jermyn Street tailor Thomas Pink should do the trick for all three.

And whether in blue, pink or white this is going to look classic and super-sophisto.

2. The Accessory

Mulberry Scotchgrain Simple Clipper Holdall, £550.00

Driving home for Christmas? Perhaps load your presents into this very handsome Scotchgrain Clipper by Mulberry. This bag is durable, beautiful in this mole with cognac trim, and wins humongous man points in my eyes.

It's going to look incredible with that blue Thomas Pink shirt you've just bought, too.

3. Morning Time

Bialetti Moka Express Hob Espresso Maker, £26.40

Hangover after the office party? Then, if you haven't already been dragged into the world of Nespresso, this Bialetti Espresso Maker is an iconic way to make your morning brew. Big enough for six cups, it also means you can cater for those colleagues who had to stay at your place because they couldn't be trusted to get home safely.

4. Cocktail Hour

Alessi Juicy Salif Citrus Squeezer, £48.00

If you're having your own Christmas get together, than you can make preparing those cocktails easier with this instantly recognisable design from Italian brand Alessi. Squeezing those lemons has never been so cool.

5. Travel Necessity

Otis Batterbee Prince of Wales Eye Mast, £45.00

If you're a frequent flyer, why not ask for this Prince of Wales chequed eye mask by Otis Batterbee as a stocking filler? Entirely made in England, and scented with lavender, you can feel both patriotic and luxurious as you get some shut-eye on that red-eye.

6. Fresh-Faced

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Transformer, £27.00

Every Christmas means another year gone (#doom, #gloom). So it's never too early to take into account protecting your visage as part of your Christmas wish-list. This age-correcting moisturiser from Kiehl's could be the start of your attack on any signs of ageing, or just to counter the general weariness following the hectic holiday season.

All products are available at John Lewis.

Interview: Matthew Hughes, Head Barber at Murdock London in Covent Garden

Matthew Hughes is head honcho at the King Street branch of exceptionally cool London barbershop Murdock. Managing to take some time away from treating the well-sculpted hair and facial hair of our good London gents, Matthew has answered a few questions about his style inspirations, and the need to maintain a healthy beard! Take a look:

Who is the modern man?

To me, the modern man should be purposeful but casual in styling, making sure that the look he is trying to achieve is accomplished without appearing like he has taken hours staring in the mirror. A personal style should also be maintained, not changed with each fad that comes and goes. 

Where do you look for inspiration when it comes to grooming and style? 

Absolutely everywhere. Working in an environment like Murdock means that you see guys everyday who have aspects of style that you can pinch and mould to suit you. Besides here, the streets are a great way to spot gents who have interesting but functional style. I think catwalks throw out styles and haircuts that are potentially great for a brief period, but are not always so realistic. 

And how does this impact on the "Murdock experience"?

The Murdock experience is a classic, smooth experience that doesn’t need to be altered depending on what is going on at the time. I think that is why it is so successful, as regardless of what's going on outside you are guaranteed the same relaxing and satisfying experience from entry to exit.

What is your own favourite product? Has this been influenced by your own customers?

At the moment it has to be the Murdock Beard Moisturiser, paired with the Elastick for the hair. My preferred hair product can change depending on the style I'm creating, but maintaining a healthy beard and looking after your skin is always going to be key. A nice Murdock Tweed wash bag to keep them both in is probably just as essential. 

Anything you avoid?

Product-wise there are plenty of things I would avoid for myself, but every product serves a purpose to an extent. The best way to learn would be to pop into your nearest Murdock branch and have a good chat with the gents in store. You'll get an honest opinion of what would suit you and what wouldn't. It’s the best way to make sure your bathroom cupboard isn't clogged up with products that you’ve opened and used once!

And finally, what's your top tip for the modern man?

Find your look and stick to it. Never try too hard.

Matthew and his team at Murdock King Street are helping you look like you don't have to try too hard every day of the week - go and check them out!

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.

Product Review: Baxter of California, Night Cream AHA (£24.00, 120ml)

With the changing of the seasons comes the need to change your skincare regime. As we most certainly moved into autumn last week, I have been in search of a nourishing night cream to provide some super hydration while my skin rests overnight.

The very good people at Niven & Joshua, answering my prayers, sent me this option from Baxter of California.

If you don’t know much about the brand, it was founded by Baxter Finlay in Beverly Hills in 1965 after Mr Finlay had searched in vain for a moisturiser that wasn’t totally woman-ified. After this failure, he decided to make his own. By the 1970’s Baxter of California products had become a Hollywood staple and since then the brand has gone from strength to strength.

This night cream is enriched with Alpha Hydroxy Acid (that’s the AHA in the name), anti-oxidant vitamin C and wheat amino acids, which means this is both super hydrating and also mildly exfoliating, to remove all those dead cells while you’re abed.

It’s also designed to provide collagen support (that’s the wheat amino acids at work) and promote cell renewal, so your skin is plumped, fresh and revitalised come morning.

And I really, really like it.

The texture of this cream is great; it's rich and silky. I also love the non-fragrance fragrance, if you know what I mean?

I tend to be fairly liberal everywhere other than my forehead, where I’m a little more cautious of breakouts. Although for all skin types I’d say this cream is best suited for normal to dry skin. Don’t forget your neck, which also needs hydration to keep smooth and supple. Man-version of chicken neck is not cool.

The ingredients also mean that there is an anti-ageing element to this cream too. For £24.00, I think that is pretty good value. Give it a go this autumn, I’d say.

Product Review: Clinique, Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel (£22.00, 15ml)

Eye creams, gels and serums are one of those products that I don’t normally buy, or buy into. They’re often over-priced and play off the insecurities of people like me (desperate to avoid crow’s feet and the effects of all that life well lived)! In most cases a good moisturiser should provide you with all the support you need for this delicate area.

With that in mind, I’ve been testing out Clinique’s eye specific offering for men over the past two weeks or so. The result, I must say, has gone a little way to countering my initial sentiment. But only a little. While I adore some Clinique products (like the Face Scrub), this eye gel is not breaking any boundaries for me.

The gel is designed to reduce puffiness and dark-spots under the eyes whilst cooling, refreshing and hydrating. A big promise. And as the winner of GQ’s Grooming Award for “Best Target Solution” in 2012, I was kind of expecting to be wowed. 

Starting with the positive, the gel is cool and soothing, and vitally non-greasy. I'm also pretty confident that you could use this with any skin type without side-effects.

It’s caffeinated, which constricts the blood vessels, helping to reduce those nasty bags under the eyes. Of course no coffee smell to help wake you up though. In fact it’s totally fragrance free, which is perfect.

The roller-ball applicator is quite fun, but I haven’t found that it gives a very even spread. Afterwards I certainly have to use my ring finger to smooth the gel over the desired area (basically outwards along my cheek bones) to make sure everything’s absorbed. However, the roller-ball does helpfully avoid wastage. I sometimes can’t help but be tempted to scoop a little too much out of those pots!

Because the gel is quite light (and does absorb well, even if it requires a little manual assistance), I think you could apply it over a light cream-based moisturiser if you were so inclined. I tend to put a little bit over Aesop’s oil free hydrating serum, which is why…

…there is no need in my opinion to keep this product in the bathroom cabinet. Keep it in the office for that pick-me-up during the day, when you’re starting to flag and your skin is struggling from the over-active air-conditioning or from being out in the howling wind. Or following a boozy lunch, maybe? I just don’t think it’s going to perform any miracles in the bathroom.

If you’re interested, the gel is widely available in stores and online.

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!

La Prairie, Cellular Emulsion Matte Pore Minimiser (£150.00 (approx.), 50ml)

Pretty please.

I want some so bad. Would anyone like to donate? Please? Pretty please? 

Product Review: REN Skincare, Guerande Salt Exfoliating Body Balm (£20.00, 330ml)

REN hits the spot.

Body scrubs are pretty confusing (I say so only slightly in jest). Some are hard, grainy and downright offensive, others soft, mild and only good for a tickle. I think that this product may be the best in-betweener I’ve found.

REN has produced this salt based scrub, which does not feel particularly oily, and is leaving my body feeling pretty darn good. Having said that, it does contain basil, olive, peppermint, rosemary leaf, and sweet almond oils, but then this is what makes for that smooth and moisturised finish. It is, as well, free of synthetic ingredients (think parabens or mineral oils), just like the entire REN range.

I fully agree with Sali Hughes that this is a great product and, like she says, it does seem that it will last bloody ages (although I can’t vouch for it, having only made the purchase a wee while ago). Because of that, though, I do tend to be fairly liberal with my usage.

The only thing is, do modern men use body scrubs? I just don’t know the answer to that question and would love comments from readers on this. They certainly have their uses – the REN scrub acts as an exfoliant as well as moisturising and nourishing the skin, which means it does more than the average body wash. I'm not sure about the claim that it will make your skin glow, but other than that I'm fully on board with the advertised effects.

If you are tempted, you only need to use the scrub once a week (maybe twice, especially if you have a day where you want to feel particularly smooth and attractive). I have tried using it both before I shower and during – the exfoliation is obviously more intense in the former, but massaging the scrub onto your body during a hot shower is also pretty wonderful. If you are applying pre-shower, then make sure you're standing somewhere you can wash away any excess salt (I may or may not have stepped out of the shower onto a load of salt crystals...)

If a tub of specifically entitled “body balm” isn’t manly enough for you, then you could try something like the Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper Bodyscrub Bar. This is a very mild exfoliant but (a) is in a bar of soap form and (b) is scented with black peppercorn oil, bergamot and oakmoss, making it totally masculine!

Product Review: Sol De Janeiro, Posto Cool Coconut Water Cooling and Hydrating Mist (£17.00, 150ml)

Sol de Janeiro - straight from the Copacabana

I went to Notting Hill Carnival yesterday. For those who've not had the pleasure, Carnival is a street festival held in west London every August, which celebrates the best of Afro-Caribbean culture and tradition. It gets pretty wild. And yesterday, to top it all off, it was also sunny and HOT.

It therefore could not have been more perfect as the venue to try out my latest product - Brazilian brand Sol de Janeiro's Cool Coconut Water Cooling and Hydrating Mist!

At CARNIVAL

I've never used a cooling mist before, but I won't deny having taken a shine to this before I'd even removed the cap. The Copacabana vibe and predominantly Portuguese branding mean this product just looks like fun. And using it was pretty fun too.

To be clear at the outset, this is not a sun screen, and has no sun protection factor. So make sure you still slap on that lotion before heading outside! What it is designed to do is rehydrate and refresh your skin when it's feeling overheated and irritated from the sun. 

Sol de Janeiro have chosen coconut as their fragrance of choice. For those long days by the pool, on the beach or sipping cocktails in the rooftop bar, the light smell of coconut is instantly atmospheric (please take me to the pool now...). The ingredients are simple and do their job without leaving the skin feeling particularly sticky or shiny after spritz-ing. You're not going to get a perfectly matte finish, but I'm not sure I'd expect that from a product used in this sweaty context.

In terms of application, I was giving myself three to five sprays at a time from around 10cm away. Make sure you spray the product downwind, otherwise you will lose it in the breeze (or spray the person next to you by mistake. It happened).

My only beef is, I'm not sure I would want to pay £17.00 for it. It does feel a little expensive given the content. It sure is fun though!

Sol de Janeiro products are available online from Niven & Joshua if you'd like to check them out for yourself.

Product Review: Elemis Time for Men, Time Defence Wrinkle Delay (£54.00, 50ml)‏

Straight up: this is an anti-ageing moisturiser and I'm 26. So, perhaps some of the qualities of this product are a little lost on me. Having said that, I do like Elemis' Time Defence Wrinkle Delay very much.

Elemis - pumped and plumped

And I'll tell you why. First, quite frankly it just feels lovely. Silky smooth and quite fine, Elemis have captured well the way you want an anti-ageing moisturiser to feel on the skin.

Secondly, and importantly for me, the finish is non-shiny. I have mainly been testing this product as a night cream, so I question how well it would cope with a day out in the hot and sweaty city, but then not many products can.

On the anti-ageing piece, the anti-oxidant ingredients are designed to pump and plump the skin. They seem to do just that - my skin is certainly left feeling well hydrated and smooth.

Finally, it's totally fragrance free (unlike many other products claiming similar), leaving you free to scent up of your own accord.

No. 7 - doing a job for £23.00

To preach, it pays to use anti-ageing products before you feel (and, more importantly in this scenario, look) "aged". They tend to be preventative, rather than curative and as such you want to splash out on the right product at the early signs of ageing. I don't think the Elemis product would be any different.

Any anti-ageing moisturiser is going to be priced more highly than the average generic moisturiser. Even the Boots classic No. 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Moisturiser is £23.00. At £54.00, I can't deny that Elemis have priced themselves towards the top end of the market.

However, when my time comes, I may well be tempted by it.