Whatever you got up to the night before, a foolproof morning grooming routine is essential to looking and feeling your best.
Granted, we're all built differently - and that sometimes calls for slightly different weapons in the armoury.
But whether your skin is oily, dry or perfectly in the middle (we're sure it's the latter), no man should be without the cornerstones of the bathroom cabinet listed below.
Step 1: Cleanse
Everyone needs a basic, top level clean up - and one that's actually attuned to the delicate skin of your face. That means soap and water which, while fine for the rest of your body, is no good up top.
Instead, you'll want a lighter, natural cleanser - much like Malin + Goetz Go Grapefruit, which won't strip your skin of natural oils, ensuring you keep all the good stuff.
Step 2: Scrub
Going a little deeper is what separates the 'clean enough' from the truly glowing. Take an extra 30 seconds out of your week to become the latter. Aesop's Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste sloughs away dead cells and softens the skin, eliminating deep-rooted gunk. And you only need two applications a week - anymore you'll be removing those helpful natural oils.
While some exfoliants rely on microbeads - small plastic balls that are a menace to the environment - a natural alternative like this one uses friendlier biodegradable grains. Mother Nature would approve.
Step 3: Moisturise
Winter skin (that period in which your face resembles an old Cornish pasty) wasn't dreamt up by beauty marketing teams. It's real. And you need to moisturise regularly to keep skin smooth, clear and refreshed.
Again, all-natural is the way to go. Not only will prevent a breakout of spots or rashes, but it's easily absorbed and just feels better. Don't forget to treat your neck too: an area susceptible to increased dryness from shaving.
Step 4: Eye Cream
Though often overlooked, men's eye creams are essential to a grooming routine. Not only do they eliminate dark circles, but the right ointment will prevent puffiness and reduce wrinkles, too.
You don't need much, either. Just a few dabs a day can keep skin healthy and firm, which is thinner around the eye and therefore more vulnerable to the elements.
Step 5: Cologne
The fun bit. Or at least the best-smelling. The simple rule for choosing your cologne is to go lighter for summer, and richer for winter. After that it's up to you and your trusty nostril - though we do recommend Acqua di Parma (above).
Just remember: you want to your scent to stimulate, not sting. Keep it to just a spritz or two onto dry skin, ideally before you get dressed.
