For every impeccably coiffed gentleman who appears as if he’s escaped from an on-location shoot, there are ten who seem perfectly content with that “just rolled out of bed” look.
Many of these “just rolled out of bed” guys don’t take criticism so well, however well-intentioned. Tell them they’d look better with a halfway-decent part or halfway-complete shave and they’re liable to shut down completely.
Rather than fight him head on, give your grooming-challenged man a nudge — or five. Each of these personal care essentials is designed to improve your guy’s look without making him feel self-conscious or petty. And they all make great holiday, birthday, or Father’s Day gifts. Hint, hint.
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Face Wash That Actually Washes
Finding the right face wash is all about finding balance.
You’ve probably used a too-tough wash that leaves your face feeling scrubbed clean, and not in a good way. Dollars to donuts, that wash is taking off way too much healthy skin. You’ve also probably used a face wash that leaves your face feeling oily, even icky. That wash isn’t doing its job.
That happy medium is out there, and your guy is waiting for it.
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Retinol-Rich Anti-Aging Cream
Faveble’s top picks for men’s anti-aging creams boast a host of age-fighting properties, ample quantities of youth-promoting retinol among them. These days, it’s not hard to find a mostly natural anti-aging option to fit any gift-giving budget.
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SPF Moisturizer and Lip Balm
There’s no need to go overboard in the sun protection factor (SPF) department. If your guy doesn’t spend most of his waking hours outside, he doesn’t need a SPF 70 moisturizer. Opt for a SPF 15 or SPF 30 instead. And don’t forget the ray-blocking lip balm; lip cancer is on the rise, due in no small part to lackadaisical sun protection habits. Steer clear of pore-clogging products.
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Seasonally Appropriate Hand Cream
Come Father’s Day, much of North America is basking in warm — or downright oppressive — weather. When it’s hot out, heavy hand creams designed to stand up to bone-dry winter conditions are overkill. A light moisturizing hand cream is probably all that’s required to get the job done, at least until the weather turns.
If you’re feeling especially generous, invest in a heavier hand cream or balm for use later in the year. Maybe save it for the holiday stocking and kill two gift-getting birds with one stone.
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3-in-1 Bath Product
Let’s face it: Most guys aren’t diligent enough in the shower to bother with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner in the same five-minute cleanse.
Make it impossible for them to defer any portion of this routine with a 3-in-1 bath product that simultaneously washes, cleans, and nourishes. The dirty (or not so dirty) little secret about 3-in-1s is that you don’t have to ascend the cost ladder very far to reach a quality plateau; the second-shelf option at the local grocery store will work nearly as well, at a fraction of the price, as the designer alternative.
Groom Him Well
Every guy, no matter how unassuming or unpretentious, deserves a better look than the one he’s settling for right now. As the fashionable female in your guy’s life, it’s on you to show him what he’s missing.
Carefully, of course. No one’s asking you to play the martyr here; some guys just can’t be trained. But you’ll at least want to say you tried.