Men’s grooming essentials: Elevate your everyday routine

Men's grooming routines have come a long way over the years. Today, there's a broad assortment of hair products and skincare for men tailored to various skin concerns, hair types, and personal grooming preferences. From beard basics to nail care to cologne and beyond, equipping yourself with a bespoke men's grooming kit can help you look and feel your best.

Skincare essentials for men

Skincare is very much the foundation of an excellent grooming routine. The goal is finding products suited to your skin type and—very importantly—that you truly enjoy using. This will keep you consistent for the skincare long game.

Cleansers. Cleansing is recommended once or twice a day to gently sweep away dirt, oil, product residue, and grime. This preps your skin for other products and helps you generally feel more refreshed. It's also a good idea to wash your face after sweating, swimming, or getting dirty; even a quick wipe down with a cleansing cloth works on the go.

Moisturizers. To find the best options for your routine, determine your skin type and then choose products from there. Oily and combination skin types do best with lightweight, oil-free moisturizers, while those with dry skin can benefit from extra moisture via a rich cream. If you want to get fancy, you can even apply a face serum that targets a specific skin concern—like hyaluronic acid to promote hydration or vitamin C for brightening—followed by your choice of moisturizer.

Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a true skincare MVP, and as such is a non-negotiable. You should apply a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher every single day as the final step in your morning skincare routine—even on cloudy days or when you're spending most of your time indoors.

Shaving and beard care must-haves

Whether you have a full beard, keep things trim, or prefer a clean shave every time, a couple beard care products can help you nail the look. From beard oils that keep whiskers soft and a little glossy (instead of wiry and unruly), to precision trimmers that cut hair to the exact millimeter you desire, having the right products in hand can make things a little easier

Razors and trimmers. Manual and electric razors trim beards to your preferred length, sharpen edges, and remove stubble altogether. Some people like the speed and reduced friction of an electric razor—they're especially nice if you have sensitive skin—while others like the super close shave of a regular razor. Nose trimmers and ear hair trimmers allow for more precise grooming in these areas.

Shaving creams and gels. Manual razors need a little help via shaving creams and gels, which allow the razor to glide more smoothly instead of tugging at the skin. This reduces friction and irritation and makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Some electric razors work on both wet and dry skin, but most don't require shaving creams or gels.

Beard oils and balms. You've put time and care into growing a beard, and the next step is to make sure it's well-groomed. Medium to long beards should be cleaned a couple times a week, with oil or balm application happening daily. A tiny amount every morning hydrates and softens hairs, creates a slight sheen, and even adds a nice smell.

Haircare products every man needs

Just like skincare is tailored to your skin type, haircare for men comes down to your hair's specific needs. Factors like texture, hair length, and even scalp condition come into play, as does the way you prefer to style your hair every day.

Shampoos. Step number one when it comes to hair care is to give your hair a nice shampoo. From formulas designed for curly hair to ultra-hydrating picks and strengthening options for damaged strands, there's something for every hair type and need.

Conditioners. Conditioning follows shampoo, and it essentially helps replenish moisture. Again, tailoring products to your specific needs can help you achieve the look you're going for.

Styling products. Generally speaking, fine or thin hair does best with lightweight styling products such as sprays or mousse, while thick or coarse hair benefit from a bit more control via clays and pomades. Curly hair products can define and smooth, while high-moisture products can hydrate, protect, and boost shine.

Finding your signature scent

Scent is very much a player in the grooming game. Whether you prefer a singular signature scent or like the idea of switching things up depending on your mood or the season, fragrance is like the finishing touch on everything else you do.

Colognes. The scent spectrum is a wide one, ranging from airy sea-inspired colognes to woodsy scents and zesty blends. An eau de parfum (EDP) has the strongest concentration of fragrance, followed by eau de toilette (EDT), and then eau de cologne. Spritzing on pulse points, especially over a layer of moisturizer, can help the scent last longer.

Body sprays. Body sprays and mists are a subtler alternative to traditional fragrances. They're great for men who prefer to keep scent lighter or for those who want to layer fragrance with other grooming products and colognes.

Smell good tip: Finding your favorite cologne is a personal journey—experiment with different scent families, from fresh and citrusy to warm and woody, until you discover one that feels distinctly you. 

Body care basics

While faces tend to get the most attention with grooming routines, skin from the neck down needs some care, too. Think a nicely scented body wash, deodorant to keep odors at bay, and even lotion to hydrate everything from knees to arms.

Body washes. Choosing a body wash you love is one of the easiest ways to personalize and improve your shower ritual. A loofah or washcloth provides a satisfying soapy lather while gently exfoliating skin and helping rinse away dirt, oil, and sweat.

Deodorants and antiperspirants. Two tell-tale signs you've nailed your grooming routine: you feel fresh and you smell that way, too. Deodorant counteracts body odor smells while antiperspirants help reduce sweat. Both come in different scents and formulas.

Body lotions. Body lotion is a helpful step during dry seasons or if you have naturally dry skin. Even those with normal or oily skin can benefit from a little extra hydration. Applying lotion to slightly damp skin post-showering can help lock in moisture.

Nail and hand care for men

Nail and hand care products don't always come to mind when considering hygiene products for men. Given how much they're used throughout the day—and how visible they are to everyone else—hands do require TLC. In fact, well-maintained hands can signal to others you're put together and that you think about the little details, too.

Nail clippers and files. These tiny tools are like the Swiss army knives of nail care. They tackle pretty much any issue, including trimming hangnails, filing rough edges, clipping back length, and shaping nails.

Cuticle care. Located at the base of your nails, cuticles create a little seal that keeps bacteria and dirt out. Moisturizing cuticles daily with an oil or cream can keep fingernails healthy and creates a cleaner look.

Hand creams. A little tube of hand cream at-the-ready keeps hands moisturized and soft, which is especially handy if you use your hands a lot or wash them frequently. You can find scented or fragrance-free options. An oil-free option soaks up quickly and lets you get on with your day, while heavier creams can help repair and soothe.

Building a grooming routine that works for you

Your grooming routine looks different from anyone else's, and you'll probably even find that yours shifts through the seasons and years. Maybe you'll want to swap in a different body wash, experiment with men's skincare products, or try a new beard or hair style at some point. Whatever the case, creating a general routine you stick to every day allows for easy pivots as needed.

Morning grooming routine. A shower and/or facial cleanse revs up the day with fresh skin and a little invigoration. From here, you can tend to your beard and hair, moisturize your skin, body, and hands and then finish with some SPF protection and a splash or two of your go-to cologne.

Evening grooming routine. With the day wrapped up, washing it all away just makes sense. Again, you can start with a shower and/or face wash, followed by moisturizer. Some people like to use an active skincare product at night, such as a retinol.

On-the-go essentials. A kit with all your grooming essentials makes travel and busy schedules easier since it keeps everything in one place. You can store miniatures of your favorite face, body, and haircare items here, along with nail clippers, tweezers, and anything else you need.

Building a grooming routine you love and look forward to helps keep you consistent. And when you're taking care of yourself, it's easier to feel more confident in practically every corner of your life.