Editor’s note: Click this link for a full set of online #menswear shopping suggestions.
If you’re lucky, by this point in the season, you’ve got lots of your summer style essentials taken care of. There are some other style details that should be left out though, and it goes without saying that summer grooming essentials should also be on your shopping list. After all, what’s the benefit of rocking a stylish pair of shorts or some crisp white sneakers if you don’t have the proper grooming products to complement ’em? It’s all about the little steps that really create a holistic lifestyle, and that goes particularly for how you’re taking care of your skin in the sun. It’s something I can certainly get better at, and in that vein, you can expect more grooming-centric content in the coming weeks here (we’re in this together, folks). And today, we’re talking sun care, skin care and a bit of everything else. To get a jump on on the brands pictured below, head here to learn more about Baxter of California — and for the rest of the grooming essentials you need, carry on.
The Sun Protection: Manda Organic Sun Paste — $28.98
A refreshing look and feel, different from your average sunscreen.
While great grooming is essential any time of year (particularly in the winter), there’s a defining attribute that makes summer skincare so essential, and it’s right up there at high noon. Grabbing a bottle of basic sunscreen is definitely one way to go (and other grooming brands also stock sun protection products), it can be nice to grab something that’s out of the ordinary in both packaging and its approach. This organic sun paste is more expensive, but again, it’s a nice, worthwhile change of pace from the ordinary.
The Daily Routine: Tread For Men Facial Cleanser — $25
A premium facial cleanser that packs a serious punch.
Before you get ahead of yourself and skip onto other parts of your grooming routine, make sure your face is taken care of first. This no-frills facial cleanser incorporates Vitamins A and E, oats, olive and jojoba oils (among other ingredients) to hydrate, repair and firm your skin. It also flushes dirt and removes dead skin cells in the process — having tried it out recently courtesy of the brand, I’ve been very pleased with the results so far. It really has left my skin feeling refreshed and energized, and that’s all too rare before I’ve had my first morning coffee. Plus, the label is well-designed, the directions are easy to read and the glass bottle the product comes in feels a bit more premium than other skincare products.
The Skin Protection: Ursa Major Perfect Zen Body Lotion — $26
Never used a body lotion before? Try this one on for size.
If you do happen to get too much sun, getting that recovery process going is critical (and ASAP, too!). Ursa Major makes very effective, if pricey, grooming gear that’s a bit more unique — it seems not many brands are doing body lotion for guys (and if you know of any great recommendations, jump in over on Twitter). Either way, this body lotion is going to soothe and soften your skin, and it works throughout summer and into the drier climes of fall and winter.
The Must-Have: Baxter of California Deodorant — $19
Another upgrade from a typical deodorant.
It goes without saying that deodorant is quite necessary in the summer, yes? One that’s made with a more premium approach than a standard drugstore pick-up can be a welcome style upgrade that pays dividends (better performance and better scent among them). The citrus scent and the solid gel won’t stain or discolor your clothes, so that’s another positive. And if you show off that time in the gym in a tank top, it always helps to have deodorant on (another no-brainer, right?).
The Hair Care: Byrd Matte Pomade — $22
An easy way to look good — a bit of matte pomade and some light styling can go a long way.
In addition to finding the right ‘do for your hair — maybe a bit more of a classic hairstyle or one that’s closer-cropped — it can be a bit of a struggle to figure out what exactly to do with it. Well, that’s where a touch of pomade works out nicely. Keep it matte, so you avoid the shiny, spikey haircuts so common in the early 00s (yes, I modeled my hair after boy bands, too). In this case, less product is better — and if your hair is already cut shorter to begin with, that’s all the better. Like the other grooming products on this list, it’s an investment in terms of price — but worth it if you use it the right way.
The Finishing Touch: Everyman Jack Signature Face Lotion — $6
A small container that holds an essential key to grooming success.
The adage that seems to hold true in most matters of #menswear holds equally true in matters of men’s grooming — namely, a little goes a long way. Just a bit of face lotion (only $6 worth!) can help soothe dry skin and razor burn at the same time. Plus, this face lotion offers a much-needed chance to keep your face looking hydrated and healthy even outside of summer — consider it the last step in your daily grooming routine.
Stocking up on the right grooming products for summer — or any other season — revolves around meeting your daily needs head-on, whether you spend a ton of time in the sun or spend a ton of time indoors, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy is quite important. And if you find yourself unsure of where to start in terms of products, reaching for upgraded basics — like a better deodorant or pomade — is often the way to go. That holds true for figuring out the rest of the menswear world as well, but it can be a big help if you only need a few key grooming products to get started. Have any thoughts on brands that should’ve made the cut, or any grooming must-haves for summer? Join the conversation at The Style Guide’s Facebook page, or on Twitter.
Thanks, as always, for reading
-Beau
The Style Guide 