Bonus: boy skincare
Recommendations from my human brain to your inbox
Actually Good Things is a weekly newsletter that usually goes out on Fridays. But I’m sending a bonus letter this week in response to a request from my brother-in-law (hi, Dan).
Dan asked for men’s skincare recommendations. Is skincare gendered, though? It certainly doesn’t have to be. Men’s spending in personal care and grooming has spiked in recent years—a good sign because skincare is for everyone.
This roundup is for folks new to a skincare routine and those who want to gently nudge their male partners into moisturizing. It’s also for guys interested in skincare who may have a complex about using products in pretty packaging—toxic masculinity hurts dudes, too.
(I’m doing my best to be modern and unproblematic here. Please forgive any fumbles—and appreciate this sports metaphor.)
Here are actually good things I’d use if I were a guy.*
Step 1: Cleanser
Affordable: The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Mid-range: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
Step 2: Eye cream
Affordable: The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
Mid-range: Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Eye Serum
F*ck it: Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream
Step 3: Moisturizer
Affordable: The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
Mid-range: Kiehl’s Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
F*ck it: Caldera + Lab The Base Layer
Step 4: SPF
Affordable: Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50
Mid-range: Dune Suncare The Mug Guard SPF 30
F*ck it: Allies of Skin The One SPF 50
Some extras
Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can go above and beyond.
After cleansing, apply toner (witch hazel is good for razor burn, but you can’t go wrong with a hydrating formula). Swipe it on with a cotton round or just pat it on with your hands. Or, even easier, get something you can spritz on directly, like this toner mist.
This little guy is also awesome for razor burn, bumps, rosacea, mini-breakouts, etc., etc. Mix it with your moisturizer, or apply it only to problem areas.
If you wanna level-up even further, apply serum after cleansing/toning and before moisturizing. Something with hyaluronic acid and ceramides or peptides, like this or this.
To make yourself look more awake, photogenic, and all-around better, these whitening eye drops are it.
Bacne? Body spots? Razer burn on the neck? Wash with salicylic acid cleanser in the shower.
Feeling fancy? Mask it up.
Dry skin below the neck? Here you go.
This sunscreen stick is clutch for touch-ups, travel, or maybe in your golf bag. (But still slather on a cream or gel SPF every morning, OK?)
*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What I’m reading lately:
LA Times | Why do millions of people love watching Rob Anderson tear apart their favorite ’90s movies?
New York Magazine | Have You Heard About Whole Foods Jail?
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