Phyl Clarke sorts the men from the boys
I put the call out for volunteers, as the task in hand this week couldn't be tackled by a woman. When asking someone to test a product, I usually get a positive response. But this time, some mumbled, some shuffled their feet, or found something incredibly interesting to look at on the floor. The words "male skincare" seemed to have a room-clearing effect, so I was lucky to end up with six testers. Thanks lads. Names have been changed to protect the innocent, and those in denial.
MR WHITE is not new to the game, and informed me that he had tried most brands. With this level of experience in the field, he was the one to try the Cellman range. He told me "the Cellman Face is really great - will definitely buy it." (He was unaware of the cost at time of testing.) He felt his skin was better and brighter, with a noticeable improvement. The Dark Circle XT, at €135, was also a hit, used at night. This is a top-of-the-range product, with prices to match. It is exclusive to Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa.
Although MR ORANGE is a mere youngster, I ventured to guess that this was not his first encounter with skin awareness, so I gave him a selection from the 4men collection. He was not impressed with the Zirh Clean Face Wash at €23. The next product cheered him up no end, though. Men-u Healthy Facial Wash, €12, left him feeling fresh and clean. It is also very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Jack Beard Lube Conditioning Shave, €25.50, is a preparation/shave/moisturiser, and although it felt strange to have a clear shave instead of a lathering experience at first, Mr O was pleased with the result. However, he did long for an aftershave balm. Available, free of postal charges, from 4men.ie
MR PINK is a dark horse, but not as much of a stranger to skincare as he would like me to think. I chose the Origins range for him to try. The Shave Oil, €23, worried him initially, as it had a floral, even feminine fragrance. But would you believe, it grew on him, and he would buy it again if he wasn't spotted by anyone he knew during the purchase. He followed up with the Firefighter Aftershave Balm, €21, which, as Mr P rightly observed, is the term manufacturers have come up with to avoid the dreaded word "moisturiser", with all its girly concoctions. Origins is available at Arnotts, Henry Street, Dublin 1 and House of Fraser, Dundrum Town centre, Dublin 14.
Fancy a bit of organic horsetail? I asked MR BLONDE. I'll even throw in some natural minerals, as the Lavera Naturalkosmetik range contains all the above. The reaction was mixed: The shaving cream is a thick paste that offers glide for the razor blade, no irritation, and a smooth shave, particularly against the grain. It has quite a sweet aroma, as does all the Naturalkosmetik range. If you're used to foam from a can, this is highly recommended, but if you use shaving oils, it doesn't offer an appreciably better shave. The sickly, sweet smell detectable in the shaving cream is quite overwhelming in the balm, moisturiser and after-shave lotion. Prices start at €14. Available from Down to Earth, South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2.
MR BROWN - a self confessed skincare virgin at 30 years of age, was asked to test the Clarins range. When I finally got a response, it was a litany of superlatives. His confidence was boosted, his skin had a "healthy glow" - he even praised the packaging. I think we have a convert here. No doubt about it - he's in for the long haul. Must be something to do with the bison grass, a key ingredient in this range. Prices start at €17.50 and the range is available from Clarins outlets nationwide.
With a double promise of pure, clear skin and a smooth, rash-free post-shave experience, MR BLUE did not need much persuading to test the Vichy Homme range. Soothing Balm for sensitive skin, €14.50 was soothing, and it seemed to be absorbed fairly quickly without leaving a sticky feeling. Purifying Moisturising Gel, €13.95 has a fresh, blue-green hue, and definitely wakes up the old fizzog. Available from Vichy stockists nationwide.