Groomed For Fall: How To Upgrade That Morning Prep Routine
As we move into the cooler weather, it’s time to take a hard look at your daily groom and throw out those empties for something a bit better. There are places in life to save a few dimes but when it comes to your morning prep, go ahead and spring for the right stuff. Not the expensive stuff, but the best picks for you and your needs.
A few days ago, I was prepping for a trip. There’s nothing like packing to help decide what is essential, and what just takes up space. I pulled out 8 almost empty tubes and bottles of old grooming products, a few old razor bodies, dull blades, and way too many hotel freebies. Looking at those, and the other products on my counter, I decided it was time for a fall overhaul to get me well groomed heading into the cooler weather. Here are a few products you need:
1. A New Razor. I switched it up this fall with a New Safety Razor. This single blade is housed in a hefty head that cuts smoothly and uses really cheap blades. It wasn’t that I was unhappy with my multi-blade setup, I’ve used Harry’s for the past 2 years, and I really have almost nothing but good to say about their customer service and products. (Note, they changed the rubber on their blades about 6 months ago and not for the better). It was simply time to switch it up.
Get:
2. A New Shaving Cream. This rich, creamy lather leaves my face feeling fresh and just a bit tingly. It also has enough oil to really lubricate that blade for a shave without pulled hairs or razor burn. Using it with a great Badger Hair brush really ups the lather. No more gels.
Get: Proraso Shaving Soap Eucalyptus & Menthol $10
3. A Great Badger Hair Brush. I’ve been using a soft, warm badger hair brush for a few years now and it really is the most amazing upgrade to your shaving routine. The fibers lather up the cream, and spread it for an even coat that holds the hairs up and softens them for a smooth cut. I’ve never tried synthetic bristles, because why would you?
Get:
4. A Manly Face Lotion. I’d always been pretty verbal about the fact that I despised lotions. I’d rather suffer through flaking, cracked skin than slather on some greasy, fragrance laced cream. But, there’s nothing masculine about dry, itchy skin.But nobody wants to see your dried out mug. If using lotion threatens your masculinity, then you might want to reflect a little more about what makes you a man. So, let’s all, together, bite the bullet and find a clean, lightly scented face lotion/aftershave to fend of the world. Look for something in a manly bottle and don’t be afraid to spend a bit more. It’ll last.
Get: Every Man Jack Post-Shave Face Lotion $9
5. Bar Soap. Getting clean should be an undertaking if you’re out there living a life worth waking up for. Tackle it properly with a bar of soap designed for the task. I’ve used plenty of chemical laced, brightly colored liquids and gels, but I just seem to gravitate back to the traditional block of natural soap because it just feels right. Oh, and use a washcloth. Slick soap and wet skin just moves stuff around. The grit of the washcloth helps remove the crud and dead skin.
Get: Triumph and Disaster A+R Soap $15
6. Tea Tree Shampoo. For as long as my hair decides to stick around, I’m going to enjoy the daily pick-up of tea tree and peppermint shampoo. It leaves the scalp feeling cool and fresh, without a heavy chemical fragrance because it has essential oils instead of synthetic additives.
Get: Proper Tea Tree and Peppermint Shampoo $20
7. Eye Therapy. Believe it or not, we all have trouble chasing those z’s sometimes. But you don’t have to look like you spent all night rolling around and staring at the ceiling with a bit of this eye-specific cream designed to get those black circles to lighten up. While it won’t help you catch up on your rest, you will look better and that’s something.
Get: Lab Series Rescue Eye $35
8. Heavy Duty Tweezers. Just cause your DNA put a hair there doesn’t mean it should stay. That’s all that needs to be said about that.
Get: Revlon Slant Tip Tweezers $7.00 for two
While there are always a few extra products to make the day a bit easier to start, it’s also about the daily routines the help make the day great. Check out 9 tips for jumpstarting your morning and improving productivity.
David
