By Stephen J. Praetorius for GQ.
If you're the type of guy that grooms by the book -- no stranger to a face mask, and following up every shave with a skin type-specific moisturizer, plus a layer of sunscreen -- then you know exactly how difficult keeping it all up can be. From the high cost of supplies, to the time spent applying each according to its own instructions, to the space required in your medicine cabinet to fit the whole kit and caboodle, proper bodily maintenance ain't exactly a walk in the park. That a lot of guys throw in the towel, forgoing necessary steps and choosing cheap drugstore options over their hyper-specific counterparts, should come as no surprise.
But there are ways to streamline your routine and still manage to look your best. It all comes down to multi-tasking. By choosing creams, pomades and serums that pull double duty, you'll cut back on expenses -- and save precious moments every morning. Here, a few multi-purpose alternatives for the man who's looking to simplify his life.
But there are ways to streamline your routine and still manage to look your best. It all comes down to multi-tasking. By choosing creams, pomades and serums that pull double duty, you'll cut back on expenses -- and save precious moments every morning. Here, a few multi-purpose alternatives for the man who's looking to simplify his life.
The Real Deal Shampoo-Conditioner Combo
Sure, a combination will never work as well as shampoo and conditioner separately. But if you're looking to downsize, then this one's your best bet.
Jack Black Double Header Shampoo + Conditioner, $32, available at amazon.com.
The All-For-One, One-For-All Face Treatment
Formulated to a) cleanse, b) exfoliate, c) heal, and d) hydrate, Ursa Major's all-in-one face solution is the total package.
Ursa Major Essential Face Tonic, $26, available at ursamajorvt.com.
The Lotion That's Also A Sunscreen
Want to never forget SPF? Then put it in your moisturizer, like Clinique's done here.
Clinique For Men Broad Spectrum SPF 21 Moisturizer, $26, available at nordstrom.com.
The Burn-Free Shave Cream
Razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs blow. So cut them off at the pass with a cream that soothes while you shave.
Arithmetic Aloe + Zinc Shave Cream, $30, available at arithmeticproducts.com.
The All-Purpose Pomade
Some occasions call for structured style. Others, a more messy 'do. Your best bet? A styling product that can handle both with ease.
Imperial Gel Pomade, $24, available at imperialbarberproducts.com.
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