THE JOURNAL
Photograph by Bohman+Sjöstrand
Festive presents for men who like to scrub up well.
Treading the line between well-groomed and just insufferably vain can be tricky, which is why our bathroom rituals aren’t something you’ll likely find us frequently chatting about down the pub. We do, however, appreciate (and actively encourage) the desire to look our best, and few are the men who won’t benefit from a little upgrade in that department. And what better way to bring an upgrade than in the form of a present? Below, then, is a generous list of foolproof grooming products that – as well as making sure every hair is in place – will also make brilliant gifts.
Marram Co Modern Razor Shaving Set
Marram Co has only been around for a year, but has already established itself as a game-changer when it comes to shaving. The brand’s ethos lies in making shaving an enjoyable ritual rather than the tedious daily practice many men resent, and its beautifully-crafted products bring this idea to life. This chrome-plated modern shaving set is particularly special, and comprises a badger-hair bristle hair brush, a deep lathering bowl, and an ergonomic razor designed to minimise irritation.
Tom Ford Beauty Black Orchid Eau De Toilette
Tom Ford Beauty’s Black Orchid has been around for over a decade, and in that time has built a reputation as a distinguished fragrance well-suited to an evening. It’s full-bodied, dark and sweet, with punchy notes of orchid, patchouli and bergamot, and subtly woody undertones.
Czech & Speake Leather-Bound Manicure Set
Even the man who has everything could probably benefit from looking after his nails a little better, and this leather-bound manicure set from English lifestyle brand Czech & Speake will allow him to do just that. It contains a variety of tools to keep you looking in very fine shape, and is a gift that, if cared for properly, will last for years and years.
Patricks Day And Night Styling Gift Set
For the man who appreciates the transformative power of a good hairstyling product, look no further than Patricks. The Day And Night gift set contains the brand’s M2 Matte Finish and its S2 Shine Finish pomades, which you can switch between depending on how slick you want to look. Both provide a nimble medium hold, which you can re-mould throughout the day or the evening.
Buly 1803 Crème Pogonotomienne Shaving Cream
Buly 1803’s products are made for gifting because they are more akin to objets d’art rather than something you’d find in the average man’s bathroom cabinet. Its Crème Pogonotomienne has a name as ornate as its packaging and is a shaving cream that contains antibacterial hinoki wood and soothing sweet almond oil.
La Mer The Brilliance Brightening Facial Set
Is your intended giftee looking a little dull in the face? Bring his countenance out of the doldrums with La Mer’s brightening facial set, which contains a two-step routine of primer and gel that will nourish, protect and brighten tired skin.
Claus Porto Banho Gift Set
Claus Porto’s Banho Gift Set is made up of a bar soap, dish and hand cream that is ideal as a housewarming gift, or as something with which to brighten up the bathroom. The dish is decorated with a tasteful diamond pattern inspired by traditional Portuguese architecture.
**Le Labo Hinoki Body & Hair Travel Set **
Ideal for upgrading a gym bag or for a holiday, Le Labo’s travel set contains shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion, which carry the fresh, earthy scent of hinoki wood, otherwise known as the Japanese cypress tree.
Sisley - Paris Soir D’Orient Eau De Parfum
Soir D’Orient is equal parts floral and spicy, blending Turkish rose with sandalwood and saffron to create a fragrance as rich and exotic as its name suggests. The ornate bottle is emblazoned with “Hubert Isabelle d’Ornano” in homage to the Count and Countess Hubert and Isabelle, who established the brand.
MR PORTER’s 12 Days Of Grooming
If there’s a man in your life that you’d really like to treat, do so with MR PORTER’s 12 Days Of Grooming advent calendar. Containing everything from Malin + Goetz’s Vitamin E Shaving Cream and 111Skin’s Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask, it’s a comprehensive apothecary of 12 products that will make your intended look his best come Christmas time (plus a clever way to discover a host of potential new grooming staples).
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