On a budget? Try these great products all under £15
A man's skin is more easily dehydrated and drier than a woman's. It is more acidic, thicker, twice as oily and hairier. But most men are likely to know only the last fact about their skin, and this is because they scrape a sharp blade down it every day.
It is common knowledge that male grooming is one of the fastest growing sectors of the cosmetics industry. Companies such as Nivea and L’Oreal regard the male skincare and cosmetics market as the next area of growth, believing that there are huge financial gains to be made from ‘masculine vanity’, and that male grooming products can be as complex and extensive as women’s sooner rather than later.
As a firm advocate of facial cleansing products and moisturisers, I value my grooming products as much as the garments tucked in my wardrobe. They help you, to paraphrase an old saying, ‘look good, feel good, and smell good’. However, students on a budget (just like myself) have usually given these products the shove for other essentials, believing that they are financially out of reach.
In order to tackle this notion, I went to Superdrug in Winchester’s High Street with one mindset: finding the best grooming products with a budget of just £15.
Nivea for Men Moisturising Shaving Gel & Post Shave Balm:
This may come as a surprise to some but my personal allegiances are with Nivea’s superior shaving products over the man’s staple that is Gillette. The global cosmetics brand have always placed a huge emphasis on the importance and value of soft, smooth skin, with their moisturisers a key item in most women’s drawer. Ensuring a gentle shave throughout, Nivea’s Gel is a great solution to dry, tight skin, and cuts and irritations are a rarity. Top it off with Nivea’s matching Post Shave Balm for a cooling, soothing feeling, invigorating your facial area and leaving your skin looking healthy in the process.
Nivea for Men Moisturising Shaving Gel, £2
Nivea for Men Replenishing Post Shave Balm, £4
Superdrug Tea Tree & Peppermint Facial Scrub:
Forget Clearasil, Clean & Clear, and Neutrogena. This cheaper alternative is quite possibly the best facial scrub that is at an affordable reach for everyone, let alone poor students. Originating from Australia, tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial agent known for its healing purposes. Combined with peppermint oil, renowned for its therapeutic effects on skin conditions, this facial scrub leaves your skin spot-free and refreshed.
Superdrug Tea Tree & Peppermint Facial Scrub, £1.92
Vaseline Deep Conditioning Cocoa Butter Lotion:
The perfect tonic for dry, rough skin. Vaseline’s line of deep conditioning cocoa butter literally leaves your skin glowing, healthy, and rich in texture and colour. In addition, it also smoothes away rough edges and the appearance of dark spots, and tones skin appearance. Add the nice, cocoa fragrance it always brings and you have a lotion that can do no wrong in my eyes.
Vaseline Deep Conditioning Cocoa Butter Lotion, £2.93
VO5 Extreme Rework Fibre Putty:
A welcome change from dry-waxing your hair, VO5’s Extreme Rework Fibre Putty is a great alternative to greased or gelled hair. Ideal if you want to manipulate your hair in any direction throughout the day, VO5’s fibre putty features a long-lasting 24-hour firm hold, guarantees no stickiness and flaking, and contains a very sweet aroma, a huge advantage in my book.
VO5 Extreme Rework Fibre Putty, £3.22
