Men's Grooming 101

If you’re like most men, then you probably want to keep things simple when it comes to grooming. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on the basics—as long as you’re doing something. No matter how much you keep your grooming regimen to a minimum, it’s still a good idea to commit to a hair and skin care routine—and that’s exactly what we’re sharing. We’ve complied eight grooming tips for men below. Keep reading for your crash course in men’s grooming.

Men’s Grooming Tip #1: Keep Your Complexion Clean

We’re starting things off with the most basic skin care tip: washing your face. If you aren’t already a facial cleanser devotee, it’s time to change that. Start washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, being sure to throw in an additional cleansing if you have a serious sweat sesh at the gym. Using the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Hydra Energetic Extreme Cleanser Infused with Charcoal, massage the product onto wet skin to wash away dirt, pollution, impurities, and excess oils from the surface of your skin for a fresh look. Definitely worth an extra minute or two at the sink, don’t you think?

Men’s Grooming Tip #2: Make Sure to Moisturize

There’s nothing manly about skipping out on moisturizer. You wouldn’t pass up on a glass of water when you’re feeling thirsty, and the same should go for your skin—it needs hydration as well. Whether you’re dry, oily, or somewhere in between, it’s a must to moisturize on the daily—in the morning and evening. In the A.M., tackle multiple needs at once and opt for a moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply as directed. The L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Vita Lift SPF 15 Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Moisturizer helps hydrate and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Sunscreen isn’t the only sun protection measure you should be taking—remember to also limit your amount of time in the sun (especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.), seek shade, and cover up exposed areas in pants, sleeves, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. At night, you can choose to use another moisturizer sans SPF.

Men’s Grooming Tip #3: Always Use After Shave

Once you know how to wield a razor (check out The Guy’s Guide to Taking Care of and Removing Facial Hair), it doesn’t automatically make shaving a cinch. No matter how well the actual act goes, if you don’t follow up correctly, you could be left in an uncomfortable situation. After shaving, you should always apply an after shave lotion to soothe and moisturize your skin. After rinsing off any remaining shaving cream or soap, try smoothing on the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Hydra Energetic After Shave Balm to fight the signs of shaving discomfort. No more razor burn or irritation? Yes please!

Men’s Grooming Tip #4: Take Care of Your Under-Eye Area

The first area to show signs of aging is often around the eyes. That’s why using an eye cream can come in handy. Simply roll on the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert™ Hydra-Energetic Ice Cold Eye Roller, which has a cooling applicator, to help diminish the appearance of under-eye circles and puffiness.

Men’s Grooming Tip #5: Select a Signature Scent

Everyone should have a signature scent, including you. A few spritzes of cologne could have you catching all sorts of compliments. Sense of smell is a powerful thing, after all. Find a scent you love and spray it on your pulse points every day. Soon enough, you’ll be associated with that delicious scent in the minds of everyone you know.

Men’s Grooming Tip #6: Get Regular Trims

It’s awfully relatable to not make it back to the barbershop before your strands are terribly grown out, but that doesn’t negate the fact that it goes against the rules of grooming. While your female friends may be able to get away with going longer between cuts, the same doesn’t always work for shorter men’s haircuts. Next time you’re in for a trim, try asking your barber when you’ll need to come back next—then book the appointment right away. Once your trim is locked into your calendar, you’re a lot less likely to let things get out of hand.

Men’s Grooming Tip #7: Put Styling Product in Your Hair

Smoothing a single product through your hair can make all the difference in how well-groomed you manage to look. While hair is damp, tousle to style and work the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Out of Bed Texturizer through your mane. Use the pomade to help shape and style your hair as you please for an on-trend, undone style.

Men’s Grooming Tip #8: Have Dry Shampoo on Hand

Dry shampoo isn’t only for women or men with long locks. Anyone can get in on the fun. Refresh your style with the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo, and you’ll be a dry shampoo convert in no time.