Men and Makeup: The Truth

It's October, but really it's honesty hour. And by that I mean it's time to breach the whole men and their makeup topic.
You might be going 'life is about the blemishes - deal with them'. Well, yes. There will be blemishes of varying shapes and sizes but the point is that no one needs (or wants) to see them, regardless of chromosomal makeup. Is it really that odd or self-indulgent to not at least try to look our best? The whole aesthetics theory exists for a reason. Men (and women) appear healthier, more successful and certainly more attractive with a clear complexion. And while I'm all for juicing and cleansing from the inside out, sometimes a quick fix is the solution. So with all that in mind, the idea of a man dabbing a little concealer on razor burn is not that offensive, right?

A quick Google search of 'men and makeup' reveals we're definitely thinking about and occasionally doing it, but perhaps not openly admitting to it... yet. And that's not surprising. Most men would avoid confessing to anything cosmetic. Conversely however, in-depth and targeted tutorials indicate that men and their makeup habits are quickly departing the realm of taboo. (Wikihow's "How to Apply Makeup as a Man" is super comprehensive in that it elaborates upon the importance of setting your concealer, while Charlotte Tilbury's "Subtle Undercover Makeup for Men" provides a step-by-step program and product guide on how to achieve a groomed and healthy look.)   

I'm quite familiar with a little concealer. I bought my first tube of Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer in Italy (when in Rome, I suppose). Since then I've kept it simple and subtle. I haven't, for instance, experimented with bronzer or guyliner but admire the likes of Bowie and Depp (who definitely have). The fact that Sephora now has an entire category on their website dedicated to men's makeup is hugely significant. The average male's grooming habits are rapidly evolving while the beauty industry waits. And it's ready.

Browse and shop a selection of concealers, below.
- Photo by Alexander Atkins

   

Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream

Aesop is a repeat offender, and I mean that whole-heartedly, in the best possible way imaginable. So let's chat fall skin.

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp your skin will be in dire need of moisture. Take note! Feed it. Also, a sound skincare routine is ever-evolving. It's seasonal. You wouldn't wear shorts in winter would you? Well, perhaps you would (especially if you're a New Zealander) - but that's not what my point. Back to your skin!

For summer you might recall I was all about Aesop's Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator. And for good cause. Its lightweight texture meant moisture was absorbed and instantly locked-in. (The whole thing was easy and to-the-point, just the way I like it.) But now, with all that dry air thrashing your face it's time to transition to something richer, more powerful and long-lasting. Enter Aesop's Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream. The anti-oxidants and botanicals derived from mandarin, lemon and tangerine rinds deliver exceptional hydration and overall replenishment. Used following the Parsley Seed Facial Toner, skin is left nourished, supple and refreshed. The hazel base means absorption is prompt and moisture is long-lasting. The dominant citrus notes not only smell great, they ensure that fresh feeling (which we all undoubtedly love). Sounds good? It is. 

Browse and shop Aesop's product line here.

- Photos by Alexander Atkins

The Giveaway: Aesop and The Paris Review

My generous friends at Aesop not only satisfy every skincare need imaginable, they're also offering you an exclusive gift.
That's right,  it's giveaway time - and get this: there's enough custom-designed packages for twenty winners! Essentially it's a no-brainer, but just to make it even clearer here's some very simple logic: we all love free stuff ergo get involved. Now onto the details...

As you already know, Aesop is all about the experience. That is to say their products induce instant bliss and reap real results (have you tried the Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator?). What's more the means by which these benefits are delivered truly embody perfection (and are all part of the aforementioned experience). A marriage of incredibly streamlined packaging covered with some of the finest examples of the written word (from the likes of Osler, Twain and Emerson) means your top shelf retains an effortlessly and intellectually curated look (something any bathroom snooper would most definitely admire - and let's be honest, there's always a bathroom snoop). 

Up for grabs:

In a unique partnership with The Paris Review, Aesop is now offering Mr Essentialist readers complimentary copies of the current Summer Issue (which includes works by Ben Lerner, Patrizia Cavalli and Lydia Davis). Founded in 1953, The Paris Review is much lauded for intelligent fiction, poetry, essays and art, not to mention an expansive collection of longform interviews with noted writers – many of whom were first published in its pages. In the words of one critic, it is ‘one of the single most persistent acts of cultural conservation in the history of the world.’ You'll also receive a carefully chosen selection of samples (including Parsley Seed Cleansing Oil, the Cleansing Masque and a travel-sized Body Cleansing Slab). 

How to enter:

It's simple. 'Like' Mr Essentialist on Facebook and shoot me an email. The first twenty emails will receive a response with a unique promotional code and instructions on applying it at check-out. Remember codes are limited and provided on a first come first serve basis. 

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop a few of my favorite Aesop products.

How to Shave: Dove Men+Care

Shaving is a big deal, but it doesn't have to be. In a mini Q & A, Dove's Dr. Peterkin addresses some pressing concerns.
(And because the good doctor has written several books on the topic, and specifically on the cultural history of facial hair - i.e. The Bearded Gentleman: A Style Guide to Shaving Face - I'd say we should take a leaf from his page.) Read, relax. And then, you know, try it?

1. It's like the chicken and the egg thing. What's better: shower then shave, or shave then shower?

"I would recommend shower then shave. That way, the heat from the warm water will soften your facial hairs and open your pores to make for a more comfortable shaving experience. It’s also important to use a quality shave gel (like the Hydrate+Shave Gel) to help soften the beard and reduce the friction between the razor and skin. This results in less razor burn and fewer ingrown hairs and nicks." 

2. Razor burn is officially the worst. What's the best solution?

"Razor burn can be easily remedied with quality products and extra attention to your shaving habits. For starters be sure to apply pre-shave oil before a shaving gel (the oil will further lubricate your skin and reduce friction between the blade in your skin). It's also a good idea to use a fresh razor when you’re shaving. After four or five uses it’s time to replace your blade because once it dulls, it becomes jagged and loses its high-tech coatings that also reduce friction. Always use a light touch. Pressing the razor too hard on your skin will increase friction. Also, make fewer passes. The more times you shave the same area, the more likely you will experience irritation. It might be a good idea to try a razor with fewer blades. Not everyone will benefit from the four or five blade models. Guys who are particularly prone to irritation should consider a two or three blade design. Avoid shaving against the grain and using a soothing moisturizer or aftershave that does not contain alcohol is a huge help. Dove Men+Care has two great options (the Hydrate+Face Lotion and Hydrate+Post Shave Balm). Moisturizers and alcohol free aftershaves will help your skin heal and provide protection from the elements, while alcohol based products will only further irritate your skin."

3. What's the deal with sideburns - Yay or nay (for real though)?

"Sideburns, like any facial hair choice, are a personal preference; however, I always recommend consulting with your barber, friends and/or partner to get a second opinion. Sideburns can be worn at any length and by men with just about any face shape and can change the appearance of your face. Men with round shaped faces in particular can really benefit from the slimming effect provided by the vertical lines of sideburns. Guys with longer faces should wear their sideburns shorter to minimize the length and narrowness of the face."

4. How should guys really clean their faces? (I'm thinking squeaky clean...)

"We all should cleanse our faces (and facial hair) regularly. Using a simple face twice daily is sufficient. You only need a small amount of cleanser, which you should massage gently all over your face and facial hair. This will loosen debris, skin flakes, and oil that build up on your skin, and will also help to tone the skin."

5. Semi-related, but mostly because I have to know. Do we like Clarisonics?

"Electronic facial brushes of all sorts and at different price points have become popular, especially in the last year. I think most men want to keep things simple- a good face wash used with or without a face cloth and lots of rinsing after should suffice!"

Dove Men+Care is available at most all good drug stores. Visit Dove's online site for additional tips, tricks and how-to videos by clicking here.

Oil Your Face: Shu Uemura Skin Purifier

This is going to be weird. I mean why add oil to your face, right? Wrong. Do it. Shu Uemura's Skin Purifier is the answer.
At this stage you're probably thinking: so how did this all happen? Well let's just say unexpected sleepovers result in unexpected skincare routines - Noxzema was definitely involved (not to mention a weird toothbrush situation - don't ask).  
I've heard chatter about moisturizing oils for some time now (Rodin's Luxury Face Oil comes highly recommended) so I thought, why not. Carpe-that-Diem, etc. Besides I've always loved using La Mer's Radiant Serum which is kind-of oil-ish, I guess. After gently applying a few drops of Shu Uemura's Skin Purifier to my face in small circular motions I was impressed. My skin had a definite glow and felt beyond smooth without leaving any oily residue. Absorption complete, I finished the whole process off with Kiehl's Ultimate UV Shield SPF - which coincidentally is oil-free (I'm guessing a more-is-more approach doesn't apply to this situation). 

And it gets weirder. While researching for this post I discovered that the Skin Purifier is actually a make-up cleanser, which leads me to conclude the following: whatever works, works. Don't argue the oil, no matter what. 

Click the arrows above to browse and shop the products mentioned.

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator

There's been a re-shuffle on my bathroom shelf, and Aesop's Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator has emerged as king.

While this may come as a surprise (especially considering my past declarations of moisturizer-loyalty), people (and their skin) change. And change is good. Besides, a new season is upon us, so really there isn't a better time than the present to mix it-up (you know, carpe diem and all). Even if we're just talking moisturizers.

I recently discovered Aesop (via their newly launched mouthwash) and have been captivated ever since. For me it was all about their streamlined packaging, quirky quotes and recommended reading tips - all of which undoubtedly add a cool factor to my bathroom shelf. And while we all know never to judge a book by its cover, beneath Aesop's packaging lies a wealth of promise. That being said, let's get down to business.

Essentially Aesop's Parsley Seed range is nothing short of botanical bliss. The Anti-Oxidant Hydrator is the latest release in a string of Parsley Seed-centric products (which also includes a fantastic toner, fyi). Packed with a whole bunch of botanicals, essential oils and vitamins (including Provitamin B), the lightweight moisturizer leaves skin feeling supple, dewy and refreshed. Besides the signature extract, the hydrator features an array of core ingredients like white tea and willowherb - both of which serve to sooth and comfort (and we all need a little soothing and comforting from time-to-time, non?). 

And in semi-related news Henry David Thoreau once said, "it is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know". Perhaps there's a subliminal mix-up-your-grooming-routine message in there somewhere.

Happy almost-Friday.

*The Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator is available online and in key stores on March 18th, and will retail for $65.