Clean Up Your Act: Grooming Essentials for 2016

Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 5 MIN.

New year, new you. Every time January rolls around we commit to more workouts, healthier eating, and perhaps time on the apps. But small steps can go a long way, especially when it comes to your grooming routine. EDGE showcases our favorite grooming picks for the coming year that will keep you fresh-faced and ready for all that 2016 has to offer.

MANMADE: The Essential Skincare and Grooming Reference for Every Man
Put your grooming strategy in place with this new grooming guide book by Chris Salgardo, President, Kiehl's Since 1851, USA. Don't worry about it being a plug for the Kiehl's grooming portfolio - there's not a single specific product mention in the entire 239-page book. Instead, Salgardo draws upon his own personal and professional experience (prior to Kiehl's, he worked for Chanel, Est�e Lauder, and L'Or�al) to good use, mapping out basic principals and tips for the modern man. And since no man is created equal, he's developed five archetypes ranging from the "extreme dude" to "the Renaissance man" to ensure your grooming regimen fits your style.

Salgardo, who celebrates a decade as President of Kiehl's Since 1851, USA, has created an easy-to-follow guide for men to rediscover their self-confidence. "I wanted to put all the basic information in the first section. But men self-identify in certain groups so if I talk about these categories in section two as a way for men to figure out what their regiment should look like," said Salgardo at a recent book launch at Kiehl's flagship store in New York City.

LAB SERIES Skincare for Men

In 1987 before it was a "thing," Est�e Lauder launched LAB Series for Men. The brand has continued to evolve over the nearly 30 years that it's been on the market, and we've found the portfolio of products to be fantastic for the everyday guy who doesn't want to fuss too much with his grooming habits.

Some of our favorite picks to toss in your dopp kit include the PRO LS All-In-One Face Treatment - the ultimate multi-tasker that is perfect after a workout. The fast-absorbing formula moisturizes, controls shine, and with extended use, repairs fine lines and wrinkles (at least according to 88 percent of the men surveyed.)

Follow up with Daily Moisture Defense Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 15. Even in the winter months, the key to a healthy complexion is to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays. This light, moisturizing lotion is infused with antioxidants and will protect from UVA/UVB rays.

Balsem by Frank & Oak

Oh, Canada! Given our country's current political climate, many men may want to pack up and cross the northern border to bunker with some friendly Canadians for a while, eh? If that's not feasible, consider Balsem, the new apothecary collection from Frank & Oak. Our favorite pick of the bunch is the Balsem Face Moisturizer, which features Canadian botanicals like Birch Sap and Willowherb to help moisturize and nourish the skin.

"We wanted to create a product line that makes it easier for our customers to take care of themselves," says Co-Founder and CEO, Ethan Song. "With Balsem, we're making it effortless for men and women to look and feel good, while staying true to our values in offering only the highest quality products at accessible prices."

Atelier Cologne

Smell your best in 2016 with the exquisite collection from Atelier Cologne. Inspired by Eau de Cologne, founders Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel created the brand in 2009. Their unique collection - Cologne Absolue - combines citrus with high concentrations of essential oils. In short... a little goes a long way.

Their Venetian blue storefronts can be found in New York City and Paris, where you'll receive attentive service amid chic, industrial surroundings. But it's just as easy to explore these unique scents by ordering online. Sample collections range from $15 to $30, or create your own variety set for $3 each. Once you decide on your signature scent, prices range from $80 (30ml) to $295 (200 ml gift set). Keep your home smelling just as intoxicating with a matching candle.

Soothe

Self-care goes beyond the surface. Dig a little deeper in 2016 and be sure to incorporate massage treatments into your routine. Soothe CEO and Founder Merlin Kauffman is capitalizing on this desire with the launch of a mobile app and online portal that allows customers to order massage (of the legit variety!) on demand. Soothe is currently available in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Orange County, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Washington D.C., Seattle, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Vancouver (British Columbia).

"It's an affordable luxury everyone deserves to have," says Kauffman. "People love the high-quality service and easy booking, which allows for both same-day and future appointments, plus extended operating hours. And it's hassle-free because gratuity and tax are included in the price. That's why our customer reviews and ratings are off the charts."

A recent in-home massage treatment proved that, indeed, Soothe is delivering the goods. The therapist showed up precisely on time, table in tow, and quickly set up right in the living room. The deep tissue massage was invigorating and the therapist checked in several times to assure that the desired pressure was performed. Even better, there's no need to worry about the financial transaction or tipping - it's all included in the online pricing. And safety first! All massage therapists are licensed, background-checked and vetted. Pricing starts at $99 ($129 in New York City).


by Matthew Wexler

Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.

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