At The Drugstore, an apothecary-like section of the menswear trade show Liberty Fairs, you can find a cream, balm, spray or oil for just about any part of your body. You'll sniff them in scents from things as disparate as tobacco and vetiver to outer-space and leather. This is where your favorite shops and stores come to learn about the newest and very best in men's grooming products. This is heaven.
The Drugstore's curator, David Pirrotta, is an expert in cosmetics marketing and merchandising and part of the team who launched The Art of Shaving and Rodin Olio Lusso. Incapable of embarassment or blushing, Pirrotta explained the importance of Junk Stuff as well as how to correctly apply face oil—and what the heck face oil actually is.
If you had to outfit a guy's medicine cabinet from scratch, what 5 items would you say are essential?1. Cleanser: Cleansing your face at least twice a day with a good face wash is necessary. Dust and pollution that you encounterthroughout the day can suffocate your skin—that’s where the face washcomes in handy. My pick: Grown Alchemist’s Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser:Geranium Leaf, Bergamot & Rose-Bud.
2. Face Polish: These are essential for removing dead skin cells and promoting circulation of the skin. My pick: Grown Alchemist’sPolishing Facial Exfoliant: Pink Grapefruit & Glucomannan Extract.
3. Eye cream or serum: The skin around your eyes is first place where men begin to show unwanted signs of aging— dark circles, crowsfeet, sagging. It's where evidence of poor lifestyle habits quicklymake themselves known. A good eye cream or serum will help you lookyour best. My pick: Grown Alchemist’s Age-Repair Eye Cream:Tetra-Peptide & Centella.
4. Moisturizer: After washing and scrubbing your skin, you need to hydrate it to maintain its natural glow and softness. Moisturizershelp protect your skin from damage, increase hydration and leave thesurface softer and more pliable. My pick: Gentleman's Brand Co.’sDaily Moisturizer.
5. Fragrance: Find your own signature scent. Own it. Make it yours. My pick: Oliver & Co.’s Resina Ea De Parfum. The outcome ofthis scent is a rich and sumptuous perfume filled with spicy andunusually floral textures.
What's the deal with face oils? Many cream moisturizers contain synthetic chemicals and petroleum by-products, which are often linkedto health concerns. Face oils, in contrast, are great naturalsubstances that contain high concentrations of vitamins, antioxidants,and essential fatty acids. Since creams can’t penetrate as deep intoyour skin’s surface, face oils are able to plump fine lines, eventexture and make skin extra moisturized.
What’s your argument for getting a professional shave vs. doing it at home? Every guy wants that perfect close shave, the kind you canonly get at a barbershop. With the right tools, you can getthe same smooth face at home without the cost. Learning the basics ofa good shave is important. Preparing your skin beforehand with aquality shave oil will help the razor glide over your hairs. Soakingthe blades in warm water beforehand will expand your pores, and allowthe hair to come off your face with less redness and irritation. Ifshaving still feels like a chore, it’s probably best to leave yourface in the hands of the experts and get a professional shave once aweek.
What about "manscaping"? Trimming your pubic and chest hair is perfectly acceptable in 2015. Just aim to keep things neat and tidy.When shaving, guys should avoid products that cause ingrown hairs likecitrus, fragrances, mineral oils or cooling elements like eucalyptus.These cause bumps, red spots and discomfort. Exfoliators are great forpreventing in-grown hairs. After exfoliating, apply lukewarm water toopen up pores. Using a gentle exfoliator that contains jojoba beads orground walnut. I like Grown Alchemist’s Purifying Body Exfoliant. It’sgentle, but strong enough to wash out dead skin cells and stimulatehair follicles.
Here's a few things we picked up, tried out, and didn't really want to let go of.
Proraso Refresh Pre-Shave CreamStill the favorite among barbers in Italy, this cream delivers a smooth shave and soothed skin.$10, available at drugstore.com
Oliver & Co. Illustrated Series PerfumesThis series smells great and looks cool too! We like the La Colonia, it's distinctly masculine without being "old man".$130, available at luckyscent.com
Ursa Major Face Wash, Toner, and BalmLightweight and fresh, this brand makes you plain clean—not sticky or smelly.Available at ursamajorvt.com
Uppercut Deluxe SoapHardworking unscented naturally made soap. The oatmeal and goat's milk relieve dry or itchy skin. $5, available at uppercutdeluxe.com
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