This morning in Harrods' Penthouse, ShortList handed out awards to the twenty grooming products that were considered the very best of 2012.
Attending were the industry's finest (they smelled exceptional, like dreamcake), including E. Tautz designer Patrick Grant, sporting his trademark beard and slick suit, (he won the Face of 2012, no less).
The many hundreds of entries were whittled down to a shortlist by our expert grooming team, including our Style Director Adrian Clark. We then profiled each product online at Shortlist.com and allowed the readers to review and rate them.
See our list of very deserving winners in the gallery below. Applaud too. That’s not weird. On your own. At your desk.
(All images by Benjamin Glean)
(Main image: From L-R: Annalise Quest, Marigay McKee, Patrick Grant and Adrian Clark)
Face of today
Patrick Grant
Best Shaving Preparation Product
Skin Difference £29.50 for 30ml by CLARINSMEN; clarins.co.uk
“The packaging is excellent — masculine and premium-looking. Smells fresh and softened my beard for a more comfortable shave,” Dan Gregory
(Photo: Aisling Connaughton)
Best Men’s Moisturiser/ Serum
Sensitive Hydro Gel £8.77 for 50ml by NIVEA FOR MEN; available nationwide
“Light in texture and smooth to apply, this daily moisturiser ticked all of the boxes for me. I also liked its practical container,” Tara Ferry
(Photo: Ann-Louise Holland)
The ‘Every Man Should Have One’ Award
Aramis eau de toilette £55 for 110ml by ARAMIS; 0870-034 2566
“First formulated in 1964, Aramis is recognised as the groundbreaking protagonist from which the idea of fragrances devised exclusively for men originates. Just shy of its 50- year anniversary, it not only continues to be a leading player in the men’s market, but it also stays forever young by reinventing itself to new generations, now with a new figurehead in the form of model Paul Sculfor.” Adrian Clark
(Photo: Quita Davis)
Best Classic Men’s Fragrance
Terre d’Hermès eau de toilette £72 for 100ml by HERMES; 0844-800 3752
“A vibrant medley of pink and black pepper, which gives a dynamic liveliness to this blend of geranium, cedarwood, patchouli and ultra-dry vetiver, sitting on a base of soft balsamic benzoin: 10 out of 10.” Roja Dove
(Photo: Fabien Callens)
Best New Men’s Hairstyling/Grooming
Creative Texturising Glue £7.19 for 150ml by TONI & GUY; Boots nationwide
“This product is great for extra hold and control. It has amazing resistance and an adaptable purpose suited to any style or hair type,” Adam Reed
(Photo: Giles Tongue)
Best New Razor/ Shaver
Fusion ProGlide Power Razor £15.49 by GILLETTE; 0800-4455 3883
“Upgrading is a given for Gillette loyalists – and with good reason. The latest reinvention of the humble razor raises the bar once again with ultra-thin blades, optimum glide and refined ergonomics that have rendered previous Gillette models completely obsolete.” Ahmed Zambarakji
(Photo: James Williams)
Honorary award - Best New Men’s Grooming Range
27 By TOPMAN from £4 to £15; topman.com
“The level of commitment Topman has shown to its debut into men’s grooming – using the same perfumer as the award-winning Agent Provocateur signature fragrance with premium ingredients and luxurious textures, while maintaining a very competitive price point – has set pioneering standards in what we should expect from high-street branded ranges.” Adrian Clark
(Photo: Jason Griffiths )
Best Men’s Body Wash/Scrub
Sensitive Clean Body & Face Wash £2.75 for 250ml by DOVE MEN+CARE; dovemencare.co.uk
“This dual-purpose, practical, light-textured cleanser was refreshing and left my skin feeling smooth and energised,” Tara Ferry
(Photo: Lauren Brooking)
Best Eye-Care Product
Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel £20 for 15ml by CLINIQUE SKIN SUPPLIES FOR MEN; 0870-034 2566
“With a cooling roller-ball to help combat puffiness around the eye area, the gel formula — when it has been left to dry — promotes an instantly noticeable tightening effect,” Annalise Quest
(Photo: Mary-Kate Trevaskis)
Best Niche Fragrance
Neroli Portofino (Private Blend) eau de parfum £125 for 50ml by TOM FORD; 0870-034 2566
“I love the kick of herbal citrus in this fragrance.” Patrick Grant
(Photo: Melissa McCarthy)
Best New Grooming Gadget
PC Triumph 5000 electric toothbrush with Smart Guide £179.99 by ORAL-B; amazon.co.uk
“This provides the most thorough clean I’ve ever had from an electric toothbrush. The Smart Guide technology is also a nice touch,” Ahmed Zambarakj
(Photo: Sally Henderson)
Best New Men’s Hair Care
Capital Force Anti Hair Loss Roller £21.90 for 30ml by KERASTASE HOMME; 0800-316 4400
“This is a genius idea, and I am very surprised that nobody has thought about doing this before.” Adam Reed]
(Photo: Ping Wong)
Best New Men’s Fragrance
Armani Code Sport eau de toilette £45 for 50ml by GIORGIO ARMANI; 0845-070 8090
“A cool note of mint dominates the fresh blend of lemon, mandarin and lavender in this fragrance, enlivened by ginger. The base of vetiver, amber and tonker bean complement its freshness,” Roja Dove
(Photo: Rajinder Kaur)
Best Men’s Body Maintenance Product
Invincible 96-Hour Non-Stop roll-on deodorant £2.54 for 50ml by L’OREAL PARIS MEN EXPERT; 0800-030 4032
“The perfect travel deodorant — easy to use, long-lasting and a very light fragrance. It also didn’t result in unsightly white marks,” James Read
(Photo: Rebecca Knowles)
Best New Men’s Anti-Ageing Product
Facial Fuel Transformer Age Correcting Moisture Gel £27 for 75ml by KIEHL’S; kiehls.co.uk
“It’s light, easy to use and contains good ingredients,” Marigay McKee
(Photo: Richard Clarke)
Best Sun-Care Product
Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ £119 for 50ml by SISLEY; 020-7591 6380
“I recommend this to all my celebrity clients, as it is great for anti-ageing — mattifying, non-greasy, but still very hydrating. It also doesn’t block the pores like many daily-use sunscreens,” James Read
(Photo: Sarah Duguid)
Best Men’s Facial Cleanser/ exfoliator
Original Face Wash £4.99 for 175ml by BULLDOG NATURAL SKINCARE; available nationwide
“Its invigorating green tea fragrance leaves skin feeling fresh, so it’s perfect for daily use.” Annalise Quest
(Photo: Simon Duffy)
Grooming Innovation Award 2012
Root Power Restorative Style Wax £19 for 50ml by LAB SERIES SKINCARE FOR MEN; 0870-034 2566
“Hair-loss solutions have become a major concern for research and development in the men’s market. This product is an industry first, combining a styling product with hair-loss technology.” Adrian Clark
(Photo: Trudi Collister)
Best New Shaving Product
Hydro 5 razor £8.19 by WILKINSON SWORD; available nationwide
“The razor’s adjustable head is great for navigating the contours of the face, especially the jaw line.” Dan Gregory
(Photo: Yvonne Leischker)
