Grooming Picks: June 2012

"Most guys see the word "energy" on a bottle and assume whatever is in it will work like some magic Red Bull and steroids cocktail."

If the deluge of new products that arrive on our desk every month is anything to go by, it’s safe to say that men’s grooming is big business. From small startups to international brands, everyone is jumping on the grooming bandwagon in the hope of making a quick buck. And, in an effort to sort the practical from the truly pointless, we’ve slathered ourselves in unguents, doused ourselves in potions and shamelessly fumigated several rooms with fragrance. Here’s the best of what June 2012 has brought.

Invati Exfoliating Shampoo by Aveda
Price: $24
Buy it here

While many chemical-laden hair-loss treatments come with a host of unfortunate (and sometimes relatively amusing) side effects, this ayurveda-inspired shampoo goes about the job of feeding weak follicles with botanical ingredients. Unlike silicone-based shampoos, which have a tendency to block the hair follicle and cause a buildup of oil and toxins below the scalp, this gentle formula cleanses your crown by way of turmeric and ginseng.

Active Energizing Concentrate by Shiseido
Learn more here

Most guys see the word "energy" on a bottle and assume whatever is in it will work like some magic Red Bull and steroids cocktail. In fact, energizing ingredients (in the context of skin care) are often antiaging boosters, designed to speed up cell regeneration and hide the signs of wear and tear that come from shaving, pollution, UV damage and general stress. Provided you know what to expect, this high-tech potion from Japanese brand Shiseido does a great job of keeping your face in check. 

Exfoliating Cleanser by ClarinsMen 
Price: $19.50
Buy it here

A two-in-one face-wash-cum-scrub, this formula delivers a thorough clean and yet is gentle enough for daily use. It works fantastically well as a pre-shave prep, helping lift flat or ingrown hairs.

AOX+® Eye Gel by SkinCeuticals
Price: $85 
Buy it here

If your daily routine involves late nights and/or early mornings, this vitamin C-loaded serum should help deflate puffiness and neutralize those telling emo eyes. The antioxidant formula -- based on research that recently came out of Duke, no less -- works on fine lines and discoloration, too. As with all antiaging products, don’t expect results overnight; you’ll have to use the formula for at least four weeks before you see a difference.

Acqua di Gio Essenza by Giorgio Armani

One of the defining aquatic fragrances of the '90s, Armani’s Acqua di Gio has probably already made an appearance in your fragrance collection at some point in the past. It’s a bit dated and generic by today’s standards, but this reworked version of the marine classic has had the volume turned up in line with today’s trend for louder-than-loud intense, extreme or concentrée fragrances. Expect a longer-lasting, punchier woody-amber base and a couple of new ozonic nuances to help lift that signature ocean breeze feel. One for fans of the original. 

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