As a beauty editor, I’m blessed with a slew of products to test-drive on the daily. I’m happy to share the extra lippies, liners, and other beauty buys amongst family and friends, which means I can’t arrive at a party empty-handed. On the rare occassion a men’s grooming product come across my vanity, I immediately hand it over to my dad. He covets the samples I share, saving them for special occasions. But honestly, what’s the point? They’re meant to be used! So instead of searching for value sets he may hold onto for months, I decided to search for a slew of grooming goodies that I won’t be able to pry from his hands until they’re empty. The great thing is you can bundle a bunch of these buys and create a cute basket (or pack into a nice toiletries bag) to deliver to dear old dad on his big day. But be sure to order soon to ensure it arrives on time!
Facial Cleanser: Bulldog Original Face Wash, $9.99
This was one of the first grooming lines I brought home from the office, and my dad was instantly head over heels. The cruelty-free line is a great introduction to men’s skincare for the uninitiated, and the cleanser uses simple and naturally derived ingredients, including green tea extract to bring balance back to the face regardless of skin type. Plus it delivers a gentle yet invigorating clean that comes care of the brand’s signature blend of 8 essential oils like bergamot, lime, and lemon peel—perfect to greet the summer day refreshed and energized.
Beard Oil: Beardbrand Spiced Citrus Beard Oil, $25
Beard oil has been given a serious upgrade recently and is the perfect gift if your dad sports some scruff. After searching through a couple of grooming guides, I stumbled across this well-regarded brand. While I was staying away from sets, I discovered that fans of the brand loved its beard oils that are formulated to condition and add shine without feeling heavy or greasy. Best of all it can be used as a pre-shave oil to soften the follicles for a smoother shave (but remember, a pre-shave oil can’t be used as beard oil).
Shave Cream: Detroit Grooming Ludington Shave Cream, $19.95
A few years ago, I gifted my dad a full shave service and he loved it so much that he even got his friends to follow suit. But while a good shave can cost more than your typical mani/pedi, a great shave cream can easily recreate the luxurious feeling from the comfort of home. This sandalwood-scented cream is another grooming guide fave that’s formulated with vitamin E to nourish skin as you shave and even contains calendula and aloe to soothe any irritation before it starts.
Razor: Harry’s Winston Razor, $20
The key to silky skin, whether it’s meant for your face or any other part of your body, is a sharp razor that gets as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Aside from sporting five sharp blades, the Winston boasts a flexible hinge to contour to the jawline and a lubricating strip to reduce the risk of nicks and cuts while you go after every last follicle. Plus you can even have the aluminum handle engraved with Dad’s initials to make the memento extra special.
After-Shave: Shaveworks by Anthony The Cool Fix Targeted Gel Lotion, $26
This has been one of the favorite finds amongst shaving savants and editors alike. In fact, many beauty buffs admit to snatching back the bottle from their BFs to cool and calm skin after their hair removal routines. It uses glycolic, salicylic, and phytic acid to keep ingrown hairs at bay while Boerhavia Root Extract soothes with a light aquatic scent to feel as fresh as they feel. Actually, you may want to nab an extra bottle to keep for yourself.
Moisturizer: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel, $25-$42
Taking care of your skin means more than just zapping zits or eliminating ingrown hairs. Most of our dads likely skipped the sunscreen, save for summer days at the pool or the beach to ensure they wouldn’t get burned, but are now worried about the premature aging that might’ve started to show. Given that men’s skin tends to be thicker and oilier, this moisturizer, one of Kiehl’s classic formulas, wakes up skin with a dose of caffeine to prep it for the day with added SPF for protection and chestnut extract to rebuild and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Eye Treatment: Clinique Anti-Fatigue Eye Gel, $30
One of the skincare essential I regularly remind people to use daily is eye cream, as that area is one of the first places to show signs of aging.While most dads don’t have time to dab, they can’t resist an eye roller, at least according to mine. The metal ball inside instantly offers cooling relief to puffy eyes while the gel penetrates the delicate skin to moisturize and brighten any dark circles before he greets the day. Don’t be surprised if it’s the first thing he finishes.
Soap: The Blades Grim Smolder Hand Soap, $7.99
Ban the body washes and the soaps on a rope—a regular bar should be enough as long as it smells great! Though the Blades Grim is known for its well-crafted straight razors, the brand didn’t skimp on the accessories, especially this soap. It’s formulated with natural ingredients like avocado and coconut oil to moisturize while they surround themselves with the scent of energizing citrus and creamy camphor, similar to the brand’s classic beard oil.
Cleansing Wipes: Yes To Natural Man Shower-to-Go Cleansing Cloths, $5.99
Yes To has been one of my fave natural brands, and I was ridiculously excited when the brand branched out with a men’s range earlier this year. While I shared the line with friends and family, these cloths were the one item I kept for myself since after all, wipes of any kind are like gold for a beauty buff. But I was surprised that the texture was a little drier than typical makeup wipes, making it a great option for guys (dads included) who can’t hit the showers right after a workout or travel. It cleans really well without leaving the skin damp with a spicy, warm scent they’ll love.
Cologne: Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme, $90
A fragrance is one of the most personal parts of anyone’s primping routine—it says who we are without whispering a word. So while it’s recommended you stick with dad’s signature scent for his special day, YSL’s classic cologne is an amazing way to break with tradition. With notes of bergamot, white ginger, and vetiver, the fragrance is a clean, woody offering perfect for switching up his scent for the summer season that’s sure to get Mom’s approval as well.
Hair: Suavecito Original Pomade, $9.99
Regardless of the texture, your dad can’t step out with major bed head if he still has his strands. This pomade consistently made the top ten lists of a slew of grooming guides, touting the product’s flexible hold and water-soluble formula that makes it easy to style, re-style, and clean up with just a splash. Not to mention, the scent is similar to a classic (spiced) rum and Coke, which is great for all of the summer soirees that are sure to pop up. Talk about going from desk to drinks and beyond!
Have a few faves of your own? Let me know in the comments below. Happy Father’s Day!