Go from a complete novice to greenly groomed with our three-step mindful makeover.
Guys need to groom, but whether it’s due to laziness, cluelessness, old habits dying hard, or some combination of the three, many brothers, fathers, boyfriends and husbands seem to be stuck in green grooming limbo.
This means, quite simply, that a typical man’s bathroom is very sparsely stocked with products that aim to improve his appearance. Even more disappointing is that the jars and bottles that he might own are of the chemical-laden variety—practically devoid of organic and natural ingredients.
The good news is, switching over is easy. Even most drugstores—a suburban mainstay—carry brands bearing the USDA-certified organic logo next to those that don’t. And, it’s easy to build a man’s kit because he only need a few items, making this exercise less overwhelming than one might think.
Let this guide be a men’s makeover of the mindful sort.
Step 1: Replace
We are willing to bet that you already have most of these products in your bathroom, that’s why taking the first step in your green detox isn’t by any means difficult. You will simply need to replace what you are using.
Testosterone is responsible for your body’s oil (sebum) production. While this is great for keeping your skin naturally lubricated, the very same sebum can clog your pores and cause breakouts if not controlled. Get in the habit of washing your face with a mild cleanser and following up with a fast-absorbing moisturizer.
Your lifestyle dictates how often you should be shampooing your hair. If you use a hair styling product daily, work outdoors, or you’re an avid gym-goer, you need to lather up daily just to get rid of the day’s accumulation of sweat, dirt and residue. However, in the process of washing your hair, its natural oils get washed away, too. Replenish with a conditioner to prevent dryness and scalp irritation.
Alongside a proper shampoo-and-condition regimen, know when to shower. If you are lathering up your hair every day, then it only makes sense to jump in and do the full regalia. An invigorating body wash infused with craft beer—turns out, the B-vitamins and proteins in your favorite libation are great for your skin, too—followed by a highly nourishing body lotion is a no-nonsense way to keep your skin healthy.
Dopp Kit Must-Haves
Honey Rosemary Herbal Face Wash, $17
Day Cream, $16.99
Eucalyptus & Peppermint Balancing Argan Shampoo, $12.99
Cleansing Crème for Moisture & Control, $46
Coconut Body Butter, $42
Step 2: Refine
Once you have established a routine with your starter products, add a few more. Don’t run away, this is not meant to suddenly complicate your simple routine. Instead, the following are meant to enhance the statement that you are already making.
The skin on your lips is quite thin, and in the heat of the summer or the dead of winter, it is more susceptible to dryness compared to the rest of your face. You know the signs when your lips are in dire need of water: they are chapped, rough and cracking. Frequent swipes of a balm with shea butter and sunflower shea oil—two ingredients that provide intense hydration—should bring your kisser back to, well, its original kissable state.
Speaking of dryness, your face can also succumb to the effects of the seasons even if you moisturize. A liberal spray of a hydrating mist will soothe parched skin and minimize the appearance of pores.
One hallmark of a good styling gel is how it makes your hair look immediately after it sets the style in place, and then several hours later. Pick up a tube that would not lose its hold as you go about your day’s activities, but is not so stiff that even a gale wind won’t move your hair. Also, start small—a nickel-sized dollop, say. You’ll be surprised at how little you need.
Step 3: Renew
You’re at the final sprint, ready to be declared a green grooming savant. Focus on the finishing touches—those that only need to be practiced once or twice a month.
While you may balk at the idea of using exfoliants, those cleansers with tiny grains actually help gently slough away any dead skin that may have gotten trapped in your hair follicles. What you’re left with is the smooth, new layer underneath, which is the one you want to show off.
Consider indulging at the spa as well. If you still have some reservations, pay no heed—these sanctuaries of calm understand that men need TLC, too, and that offering large slippers and blue robes is not enough. The Rittenhouse Spa Club in Philadelphia is one such place offering an array of services for the metropolitan man, from old-fashioned barber’s cuts to deep-cleansing facials. For special occasions, book the Gentleman’s Ultimate Treatment Experience and enjoy four hours’ worth of grooming services, punctuated by a glass of scotch.
Dopp Kit Must-Haves
Olivestone Face Scrub, $12.50
Coconut & Honey Body Sugar Scrub, $22.50
BaoBalm Lip Therapy; $12
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