4 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Gone are the days of the rugged man. While the stone-chiseled features and the brawniness of icons such as Robert Redford, the Marlboro Man, and John Wayne may have captured the hearts of women in a bygone era, today's preferences require men to be smoother, softer, and more refined, yet still masculine. So hop down from your horse, cowboy, and reach for your facial moisturizer: here are the essential cosmetics every modern man should use and embrace.

1. Exfoliating facial scrub. Every day, millions of skin cells die. These dead skin cells collect on the surface of the epidermis and leaves skin looking dull and makes a man look old and tired. Once a week, a man should use an exfoliating scrub to scour away these dead skin cells. The result will be smooth and healthy-looking skin.

2. Moisturizer. Make a habit of applying a moisturizing lotion to your face and body after you shower. Regularly moisturizing your skin will not only leave your skin smooth, but it will help slow down the signs of aging. Forget about the fancy and expensive creams and lotions that your wife or girlfriend uses; after all, do you really want to smell like wildflowers, a mountain breeze, or a summer meadow? Get an unscented lotion, and no one will ever wonder why you smell like a rose garden.

3. Concealer. A hard night of partying with your buddies can leave you looking like a corpse the following morning. Attack those dark undereye circles with a dab of concealer. Concealers come in many different shades, so choose a color that is closest to your skin tone. Concealer comes in handy for covering many things: black eyes, pimples, wrinkles, and even hickeys.

4. Astringent. Sometimes called "toner", an astringent is a liquid that dries up excess oil on the skin, and is usually made with alcohol or witch hazel. Not only will astringents take that annoying greasy shine away from your skin, but they also help disinfect the skin and prevent things like acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Astringents should be a staple of every active guy, since sweat and dirt can clog pores and lead to pimples and blackheads.

5. Eyebrow pencil. Eyebrow pencils are a great way to tackle most men's cosmetic nuisances, like a receding hairline or that annoying patch of skin beneath your facial hair where the hair won't seem to grow. Simply pick a pencil that matches your hair color, and use it to fill in all the places where you want hair to be. Eyebrow pencils can also help when you get drunk, stumble too close to a campfire, and burn off one of your eyebrows. Hey, it happens.

There you have it; the five essential cosmetic products you need in order to look younger, feel smoother, and to handle all the cosmetic curveballs that life may throw your way.

Learn more about this author, Marlin Bressi.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Cosmetics for the typical man?
We want to hear your view. Write now!