Meet the winners of the Shortlist Men's Grooming Awards 2016

It’s not easy finding out which grooming investments are worth making – fortunately for you, we’ve done the dirty work, dedicating our time (a year) and our bodies (face and hair) into test-driving and judging the best products out there.

Whether it’s direction on a new fragrance to invest in or an affirmation of your favourite moisturiser – we're bringing you the ultimate guide to help men look their best. As ShortList enters the 8th year of its Men’s Grooming Awards, we celebrate the best that’s out there in the ever-changing market and innovations of men’s grooming. During a gruelling year-long process, we start by whittling through the thousands of bottles, labels, tubs, jars and gadgets and bring together a team of industry experts, our in-house grooming team as well as you – our readers and the public – to trial, test and vote for their favourite products and services. It’s never easy, but after many empty jars, bottles and sometimes dodgy haircuts, we are pleased to announce that the winners of the ShortList Men’s Grooming Awards 2016 are…

The Deciding Factors

Our expert judging panel is not an easy group of people to pin down or get access to. Their words are worth more than gold – literally – and their input and contribution in helping us to arrive at our decisions (alongside your votes, of course) has upheld the integrity of our awards.

Adrian Clark – Style Director, ShortList

Chairing the panel, multi award-winning journalist Adrian is Style Director of ShortList with more than 20 years’ experience in grooming.

Mandy Pang– Grooming Editor, ShortList

Heading up the entire grooming awards project, Mandy bridges the gap between the voice of ShortList readers, grooming brands and industry experts.

Ruth Newman – Director of Beauty, House of Fraser

Building on the expansive portfolio and success of the beauty and grooming department of House of Fraser, Ruth’s merchandising background enables consumers to access the best edit of brands and new products in the grooming market.

Mark Tranter – Buyer, House of Fraser

With specialist knowledge in the beauty and grooming department, Mark understands what makes a sell-out success, whether it's the most popular fragrance of the year, or the most sought-after innovative grooming gadget.

Roja Dove – Master Perfumer

World-renowned and industry respected, Roja communicates his knowledge and expertise in perfumery across several platforms – through lectures at venues such London’s V&A, his work as the author of The Essence of Perfume and his creations, Roja Parfums fragrances.

Dr. Stefanie Williams – Specialist Dermatologist

With expertise in aesthetic dermatology and a passion for healthy skin, Stefanie is the founder and Medical Director of European Dermatology London, a private dermatology clinic called Eudelo in Harley Street and Chelsea Bridge.

James Read – Tanning Ex

Professional spray tan artist and self-tanning expert Jampertes has more than 12 years’ experience and a long list of A-list celebrity clients. From working at catwalk shows to red carpet events and TV shows, he is the authority on body care and skin-finishing techniques.

Adam Reed – Hairstylist

Co-owner and founder of hairdressing salon Percy & Reed, Adam’s work ranges from styling Hollywood A-listers to working at fashion shows and shoots around the world.

Dan Gregory – Expert Barber

Industry consultant and authority on shaving – from working with celebrities and designers such as Kim Jones to Chanel to Daniel Radcliffe, Dan is also founder and Creative Director of the Marylebone-based men’s salon, ManMade London.

Best New Men's Fregrance - Tom Ford, Noir Extreme EDP

“Tom Ford is always a fabulous gift for men – the fragrance is exotic, spicy and sexy. The opening and heart notes are a mix of berries, spice and floral that when projected together over the base, conjures memories of your most romantic date night” Ruth Newman

£70 for 50ml Click to buy

Best Niche Fragrance - Jo Malone London, Incense & Cedrat Cologne Intense

“This fragrance has a very interesting story, using ancient ingredients that are of a pleasing and considerable quality. It is a well-researched scent and this is apparent in the very leathery, resinous aspects of its fine Oriental composition” Roja Dove

£105 for 100ml Click to buy

Best Everyday Fragrance - Dior, Sauvage EDT

“This is a timeless fragrance – strong and fresh at the same time which suits a nice and energetic morning as well as a good night out with friends. The packaging looks and feels very premium and this perfume makes you feel chic and groomed at the same time” Mark Trantham

£68 for 100ml Click to buy

Best Evening Fragrance - Bottega Veneta, Pour Homme Extreme

“The warm spiciness comes across as very suave and chic. A self-assured, masculine composition is delivered to the skin without being overtly and distastefully macho. It doesn’t follow the obvious path of a fragrance of its sort – it is more sophisticated than one might think, with a leathery aspect that makes it ideal for the evening” Roja Dove

£52 for 50ml Click to buy

Best Moisturiser - L'Oreal Paris Men Expert, Hydra Energetic Skin & Stubble Moisturising Gel

“One of the first, this product was created in recognition and acknowledgment of the rising trend in facial care for men and to address the need for a moisturiser which hydrates the skin but doesn’t clog or weigh down stubble or beards – until this product was released, there was a real gap in the market” Adrian Clark

£12.99 for 50ml Click to buy

Best Anti Ageing Product - Lab Series Skincare for Men, Future Rescue Repair Serum

“This is a fragranced serum containing anti-ageing ingredients including peptides and antioxidants such as green tea extract. The serum also contains Ergothioneine, a substance with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties” Dr Stefanie Williams

£48 for 50ml Click to buy

Best Facial Cleanser or Exfoliator - Clinique for Men, Charcoal Face Wash

“This is a good cleanser for oily skin. Despite its muddy colouring, it will leave your skin feeling thoroughly cleansed. It also contains a low concentration of charcoal, which may help regulate excess oil production” Dr Stefanie Williams

£18 for 200ml Click to buy

Best Eye Care Product - Clarinsmen, Anti Fatigue Eye Serum

“Following the re-formulation of their men’s line last year, this eye serum is the standout product from the CLARINSMEN range from day one and combats dark circles, puffiness and fine lines – an all-in-one” Mandy Pang

£29.50 for 20ml Click to buy

Best Hairstyling Product - Label.men, Deconstructor

“This is a great finishing texturiser, it gave great hold and movement to the hair with a near weightless finish” Adam Reed

£11.95 for 50ml Click to buy

Best Haircare - Murdock London, Therapeutic Scalp Shampoo

“Loved everything about this shampoo – the smell, the cleansing and the finish all lent themselves to being a great product” Adam Reed

£20 for 250ml Click to buy

Best Razor / Shaver - Gillette, Fusion Proglide Manual Razor with Flexball Technology

“Felt great while shaving, especially the hard-to-reach areas. Super-close shave too” Dan Gregory

£12 Click to buy

Best Shaving Preparation Product - Acqua Di Parma, Collezione Barbiere Shaving Gel

“The gel formula enables good visibility for a precise shave while at the same time the brand has also considered the quality of ingredients and importance of offering a luxury experience at home with this iconic scent” Adrian Clark

£24 for 150ml Click to buy 

Best Post Shaving Product - L'Occitane, Cedrat After Shave Cream Gel

“Refreshing on my skin, great fragrance and non-greasy finish” Dan Gregory

£22 for 75ml Click to buy

Best Body Wash / Scrub - Kiehls Since 1851, Body Fuel Wash

“One of my favourite brands for men. This product ticks every box – refreshing, hydrating, moisturising, perfect fragrance – and it left my skin feeling amazing” James Read

£18.50 for 250ml Click to buy

Best Body Maintenance Product - Philips, Bodygroom Series 1000

“Loved this the moment I used it. Super easy to use and achieved the best results. A clear winner” James Read

£19.99 Click to buy

Best Sun Care Product - Sisley, Milky Body Mist Sun Care SPF 30

“The King and Queen of sun care, this is my ultimate travel companion. It stops me from burning, leaves my skin feeling super-hydrated, never marks my clothes and smells so good” James Read

£83 for 150ml Click to buy

Best Grooming Gadget - Slendertone, Connect Abs

“The evolution of Slendertone over the years has been huge and this is no more evident than ever with the Connect Abs. This Smart device tracks your progress, allowing you to set goals and intensity from an app on your smartphone” Mark Tranter

£179.99 Click to buy

Best Treatment Product - Malin & Goetz, Clarifying Clay Mask

“Fast becoming a cult product, this relatively unknown multi-tasking mask is the answer to everyone’s prayers. The clay draws out all impurities, grainy powder-like pumice gently exfoliates while the witch hazel soothes inflamed skin with its anti-bacterial properties. Within ten minutes you’re detoxed and your purified skin looks more radiant and healthier than ever” Ruth Newman

£38 for 100ml Click to buy

Best Grooming Destination - Gentleman's Tonic, Mayfair

“Grooming doesn’t just lie in finished products that can be bought off the shelf – more men are turning to services to become better groomed. This can be in the form of salon treatments, spa services or even going to an online space or website to seek advice and tips, and this award recognises the importance of this service approach in the industry. Our first winner in this new category is Gentleman’s Tonic Mayfair for their unrivalled service in face, body and men’s barbering. With salons and spas worldwide, we felt their flagship location in Mayfair embodied the essence and ideal location for the city businessman’s grooming needs” Mandy Pang

Treatments from £25; 020 7034 2490

House of Fraser's Every Man Should Have One Award - Giorgio Armani, Acqua di Gio Profumo EDP

“An excellent leathery, spicy, and slightly sweet scent that embodies a classy, mysterious man who is different from the rest of the crowd. Instantly the more popular relation of the original” Ruth Newman

£71 for 75ml Click to buy

Shortlist Readers' Award - Gillette, Fusion Proglide Manual Razor with Flexball Technology

“This award celebrates the true voice of the public – our readers. This is the only award which is exempt from any influence from our in-house judging panel or industry experts, and the winner is decided purely on reader votes. This product was by the far the most popular across any category or award – revealing the true significance manual shaving still holds for many men today” Adrian Clark

£12 Click to buy