I have a theory about men – be it friends, family or lovers – that when it comes to Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages, (if you know, you know) my observation and lived experience tells me that the vast majority of them give and receive love via Acts of Service. Case in point: my wog dad still cuts up fresh fruit and brings them, along with a warm cup of tea to my room every night that I am home, regardless of how cranky he is. And my boyfriend, Nick, will always drive to pick me up no matter where I am and regardless of what ungodly hour it may be. This was why on a lazy Sunday arvo last week, I decided to treat him to a mini at-home facial. Armed with an arsenal of lotions and potions from my own personal skin care stash, there was only one product in there specifically tailored to men’s skin, the Tony and Munro Revive Hydrating Eye Gel. A great product to use if you also want to treat the special man in your life to a home facial.
Nick takes a very laissez-faire (read: practically non-existent) approach to beauty/grooming, and try as I might, no doubt he won’t be joining me on any 10-step Korean skincare routine anytime soon. Another beauty product made especially for men’s skin is a cleanser such as 26′ Deep Men’s Face Wash, packed with gentle vitamin and mineral enriched ingredients, offers an easy and necessary gateway drug into skincare for your beau.
The one grooming step my partner approaches with genuine enthusiasm? Fragrance. After sampling a number of new releases, I couldn’t go past the elegant, classic scent of Beau de Jour by Tom Ford. A new release for 2020, the aromatic, fresh spicy and green fragrance was a hit, both with him, and myself (v important, being the one that orbits said man.) His eyes lit up as he recognised the maker, and vowing to wear it on date nights and special occasions only, something I’m still trying to convince him out of.
For the man that is good with his hands (be it lifting at the gym, using power tools, golfing, or something else entirely…) a luxe hand cream is an approachable and sweet idea. Nick loved the, and I quote, “Ohh, zesty!” scent of this Grown Alchemist Hand Cream in Vanilla Orange Peel, a non-greasy formula infused with cold-pressed orange peel oil, for hydrated hands and cuticles.
Taking the saying ‘partner-in-crime’ quite literally, after seeing that I have not one, but two Beysis water bottles, he promptly proceeded to steal the second from me. Blokey-beauty aside, this practical gift features a lightweight, stainless-steel design that keeps cold liquids cold for 24 hours, and hot liquids hot for 12. With a stylish navy satin finish, it’s the perfect accessory for keeping hydrated at the office and the gym, all whilst helping the environment. A winner in both our books.