10 lotions, potions and beauty products that men should steal from the women in their life
Our guide to some of the best brands you can pinch off your partner
With the beauty industry continuing to be heavily female dominated when it comes to the creams and lotions we apply to our faces, it’s no surprise that more and more men are owning up to using their girlfriends’ or wives’ products.
Whilst the male grooming market has evolved hugely, there are still some deep-rooted stereotypes that stop some men from fully embracing a skincare and beauty routine. The good news is that by sharing their girlfriends and wives products, men can indulge in a bit of self-care, whilst also saving on time, money and shopping stress — not to mention head-scratching research.
Although women and men’s skin is different — primarily in that the latter is thicker and contains more collagen, giving it a tighter appearance — both suffer from many of the same skin concerns. We may have been trained to think (through marketing such as pink packaging and floral designs) that our needs differ but both men and women contend with dry, oily and acne-prone skin.
So there’s nothing to stop you from raiding your partner’s bathroom cabinet! The only word of warning we would give is to try and steer clear of products that are overloaded with fragrance if you are someone who shaves, as these could irritate the skin.
Below, our guide to the top skincare, make-up and beauty products that are worth pinching off the women in your life.
Oh, and one more word of warning — it’s probably best to give your better half a heads-up before you raid their bathroom cabinet!
1. REN Everhydrate Marine Moisture-Replenish Cream
This is a perfect moisturiser for guys who suffer from dry skin as it floods the face with hydration, thanks to an algae-activated complex of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Algae is a popular skincare ingredient that helps to reduce wrinkling and skin thinning so this is packed with anti-ageing benefits too. It leaves your face feeling instantly soothed so if you have stubble rash, or suffer from flaky patches on the face or your skin feels tight, this is a life saver.
2. STYLPRO 2-in-1 Light Up Sonic Dermaplane
Sonic dermaplaning is a beauty tool you can use at home to exfoliate the skin and remove unwanted facial hair. This product (that has a built in LED light for precision) features a device with vibrating blades that work gently on the skin, enabling you to scrape away dead cells, and other impurities from the surface of the skin. Dermaplaning may be popular with women but men can benefit from it too. As well as helping to exfoliate the skin and unwanted hairs, it can also be used to tame unruly brows. A perfect beauty tool to use in between shaving to ensure skin is as soft as possible.
3. TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
Long gone are the days when foundation was worn just by women and whilst this Korean brand product may look super feminine, it works just as well on men’s skin, as it does on ladies’. With a cushion pad, it is easy to apply if you want to cover up skin imperfections or dark eye bags, and if you are a guy with oily skin, it can help matte things out. It’s also easy to blend so if you don’t want full coverage, you can dab it on to the skin lightly for a barely-there look. What’s more, it is sweat proof so if you are working out at the gym, the good news is it does not run. The only problem you may have is that it comes in 40 shades, so think twice if your complexion is not similar to that of your partner’s.
4. DROWSY Beauty Sleep Body Cream
The brand infamous for its silk eye masks has a fabulous magnesium-infused body care range that is definitely worth pinching from your partner’s bathroom cabinet, if they happen to have it. Not only does it smell divine due its blend of six sleep-enhancing oils, but it makes your skin feel super smooth, removing any dry patches on the body. The magnesium in the body cream is great for a post gym workout if your muscles feel achy and if you are a guy that suffers from back acne the cream helps control oil and soothe breakouts.
5. SBTRCT Clarifying facial exfoliator
Exfoliating can be a particularly beneficial skincare step for men to take as it works by unclogging pores and clearing oils away from hair follicles. If you shave and suffer with ingrown hairs, this product is definitely worth nabbing off your partner if she has it. With ingredients including white willow bark — a natural and gentler alternative to salicylic acid — and upcycled rice powder to gently lift away dead skin cells and impurities, this exfoliator expertly decongests pores leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished.
6. Sana Jardin Air of Aquarius Eau de Parfum
It may be aimed at the female market with its feminine shaped bottle and fruity scent but this fragrance smells as good on men as it does women. At the heart of Air of Aquarius lies the essence of uplifting lemon that you can smell as soon as it hits the skin, and it lasts all day. Although it is enriched with rosemary and lavender — two notes common in feminine, sweet perfumes — it gives off a wonderful aroma that men can certainly benefit from thanks to a cool and spicy scent once it settles on to the skin.
7. Neutrogena Retinol Boost Serum
Often an overlooked step in many men's skincare routines, face serums are definitely worth using as they help to achieve clearer, healthier and more youthful-looking skin. Don’t be put off by retinol as it is a popular topical anti-ageing ingredient that goes to work in treating everything from acne to smoothing out wrinkles. Also, if you have dry or tight skin, the Hyaluronic Acid in this serum really hydrates the face and you will notice your skin is a lot smoother after use.
8. NIANCE SWITZERLAND Eye Care SHINE
Both women and men suffer from delicate skin around the eye area and this light formula is a superhero in combating puffiness and signs of tiredness while restoring lost moisture and ironing out wrinkles. Your other half may have invested a lot in this cream so use it sparingly, as only a tiny amount is required. If you are sleep deprived or have dark circles under the eyes, you’ll notice this not only perks skin up but also makes the area look brighter. Plus it is fragrance free and hypoallergenic so if you have sensitive skin this works like a dream.
9. FAB SKINCARE LED Light Mask
There are numerous LED masks out there and they work as effectively on men as they do women. If you have any skin concerns, or just need a pick-me-up, this one is amazing. It offers red, blue and yellow lights for multiple benefits, including reducing inflammation and excessive oil, something a lot of men suffer with. The mask also works a treat in fighting and preventing acne breakouts. The only problem you may find is that you should wear this mask for up to 20 minutes at a time, so your partner may clock you’ve nicked it from her!
10. Dermatology M Nourishing Hand & Foot Cream
Women may generally reach for a hand cream more than men but this one is for you if you suffer from dry or sore areas on the skin. It has a unique blend of Chinese herbs that instantly soothe the skin, whilst removing any dry patches you have on your hands or feet. Although the fragrance does smell quite sweet due to the extracts of blueberries, sugarcane, oranges, lemons and sugar maple ingredients, it is not an overly feminine smell. The addition of organic shea & cocoa butters are ideal for soothing dry skin while also supporting skin barrier strength and function. A good product to reach for post-gym!
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