WRITTEN BY MIKHAIL GOMES
I like to think of personal men’s grooming as a rabbit hole in your own backyard – It may be on familiar ground yet camouflaged in plain sight. But once discovered, there’s an irresistible curiosity to explore what lies beneath and discover new paths of grooming wisdom.
As a Canadian man traversing through seasons of consistent climatic transition, it’s essential to regulate your grooming cabinets with the right skincare regimes and products. But well, it’s safe to say that this matters most during the first and final quarters of the year, during Tundra szn. The Canadian winter is an absolute whiteout – packed with brisk blizzards, cold snaps and serious chills, it is punishing weather for a man’s skin. Cold dryness, acne, and windburn are common perils to watch out for. As we’re entering winter, it’s perhaps a good time to recheck our grooming rituals and stock up on skincare and haircare supplies.
Consonant HydExtreme Hydration Boosting Serum
Next up, Consonant’s HydExtreme Hydration Boosting Serum. If you think I’m overemphasizing on moisturization and hydration for the winter? Well, I guess we’ll find out soon enough – trust me, it won’t be pretty. To combat skin dryness and its related worries, I’ve picked out this serum aimed to offer protection from deep under your skin, clinically proven to outperform hyaluronic acid. Designed as an everyday serum to rid fine lines, wrinkles, dry and flaky skin, it’s juiced up with Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide and Vegetable Glycerin, which attracts water from the air, smooths skin texture, and heals the skin’s moisture barrier. Water-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, cruelty-free, and vegan – that’s an impressive checklist.
Price: $500.00 (125 ml)/$149.00 (30 ml)
BULLDOG Original Moisturizer – Soin Hydratant
First things first – ensure your face is efficiently moisturised during these chilly months. The first and final quarter of the year are notorious for skin dryness and irritation. Ignore this, and it could even lead to skin darkening. While this seems like a major worry, its solution is simple – more so, gentle. BULLDOG’s Original Moisturizer for men comes surged with aloe vera, camelina oil and green tea – Subtle ingredients yet highly potent hydrators. What I also like about this facial moisturizer, is that it doesn’t leave back a greasy finish. It’s light, cool to the touch, and feels great once your skin absorbs it. Apply this twice a day, on the face and neck for best results. Once used, I’m certain this will be your new regular.
Price: $15.5 (100ml)
Versace Eros Flame
This right here is the perfect symmetry of Italian suave, spiciness, and the classic elegance of a Vercase Man. There’s a lot about Versace that creates a distinction for itself. The Versace Eros Flame has been a long-residing tenant in my winter cologne cabinet– and will assuredly stay for many more. With a scent that strikes right through the heart, it’s packed with Madagascan Black Pepper, geranium, and rose. You’ll also find woody notes of Texas cedar, Patchouli, Haitian Vetiver, and sandalwood – topped with a sweet dose of Tonka Beans and vanilla.
Price: $192 (200 ml)
Clinique For Men™ Maximum Hydrator 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
While the winters might seem like a heavy bargain, here’s a lightweight solution to combat dryness and windburn. This Clinique solution promises an absolute hydration boost, oil-free, lasting for up to 72 hours. I’ve been using this moisturiser year-round, and it works perfectly with all climates. Be it cold moisturization or protection from the sun, this one’s been my go-to. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid ad Activated Aloe Water, it locks in moisture for hydrated, healthy-looking skin. This is a perfect solution for dry and oily skin types, at work – AM to PM.
Price: $60 (50 ml)
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm Mint SPF 25
I think we can all agree, by and large, that dry lips are the worst winter grooming ick. Apart from looking like asphalt, they feel like it too. To manage this mess, I’ve picked out Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Lip Balm Mint SPF 25. Packed with Avobenzone and Octinoxate as protective SPF 25 sunscreen agents, its active ingredients include Shea Butter, Theobroma Cacao, Lanolin Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and a heavy dose of Vitamin E, delivering antioxidant goodness. This is a great everyday lip balm for chilly days, thanks to its highly refreshing ingredients and matte finish.
Price: $14.00 (7g)
Bvlgari Man Wood Essence Eau De Parfum
The Bvlgari universe is elegant as it is limitless. Being masters of Italian suave, they’ve proven that their opulence transcends beyond multiple worlds of luxury, be it fashion, eyewear, perfumes, or haute horlogerie. The novelty that caught my attention today, is the Bvlgari Man Wood Essence Eau De Parfum – fused with a neo-woody signature scent, it’s a sparkling cocktail based with Cedar Wood, Cypress Wood, Haitian Viviter, and topped with essences of Coriander and Italian Citrus Zests. You’ll also catch notes of Siamese Benzoin and Ambergris Accord. It promises the goodness of woodlands with a punch of citrusy zest.
Price: $164 (150 ml)
BULLDOG Original Face Wash – Gel Nettoyant Visage
Winters may be dull, but I promise you, this face wash packs a punch of freshness. The reason why I’ve picked this Bulldog facial cleanser is for its ability to deeply cleanse without anti-moisturizing your skin. Which is a critical skincare deet during winter. Its ingredients are everything refreshing and serene. Containing BULLDOG’s signature ingredients of aloe vera, camelina oil and green tea, I’d suggest you use this at dawn and dusk – as you start and end your day. Pair this up with their Original Moisturizer for the face, and you have a winning hydrating combination.
Price: $11.97 (100ml)
TOM FORD Oud Wood Eau De Parfum
To finish off – I like to ensure my readers are on point in matters olfactory. I’ve picked out a fragrance I’ve worn for many winters now, and through each of these chilly seasons, its scent was no slouch in delivering freshness, uniqueness, and spice – it’s the TOM FORD Oud Wood. At first scent itself, its notes engulf you in a warm, fuzzy wave of exotic spices and cardamom. Surged with rare oud wood, Sandalwood, and Chinese Pepper, it promises a burst of woodland brilliance. Spicy, Warm, TF.
Price: $425 (100 ml)
Cremo Body Wash – Gel Douche – Silver Water & Birch
Turn your shower into a ritual of excellence with Cremo’s Silver Water & Birch body wash. What’s so special about it? It’s a sparkling cocktail of aquatic scents inspired by the glacier-fed streams of the Rockies and the burst of lavender freshness. Under all those layers of winter-wear, it’s essential to keep our body fresh and odour-free, that’s where this Cremo Body Wash comes into play. I’ve also handpicked this one for those who have a ‘nose’ for good shower scents and rich lathering. If you’re looking for something spicier, try their Bourbon & Oak variant.
Price: $9.99 (473ml)