Style -- 19 hours ago
The very best grooming products to gift this Christmas
From time-tested classics to new-wave formulas, here are the first-rate bathroom essentials to wrap up…
- Words: Dan Scothern
Christmas, at its best, should be a soft-focus affair: fires crackling, glasses clinking, wrapping paper drifting like confetti. But for the modern man, permanently on the move, slightly sleep-deprived, and juggling a dozen demands, it’s also an irresistible moment to reset. And what better way to restore one’s edge than with grooming gifts that promise polish, poise and a fresh start for the new year? Below, a curated guide to the finest skincare, shaving, hair care and fragrance upgrades, each one a quiet, considered luxury for the man who already has everything…except perhaps a little time for himself.
Skincare
We begin with Dr Sebagh’s Exo C Booster, a brightening, tightening jolt of winter revitalisation that brings tired complexions back to life. Potent, silky and scientifically sharp, it shakes off dullness and adds luminosity to even the most season-worn skin. Or perhaps look to Bioeffect’s EGF Power Serum, the Icelandic powerhouse that has earned cult status for its ability to firm, smooth and rejuvenate using its legendary Epidermal Growth Factor. Serious skincare, subtly transformative, the kind that makes you feel you’re investing in the future of your face.
And for those who prefer their skincare light, quick and quietly effective, Horace’s Face Firming Gel from John Bell & Croyden steps in with its Parisian charm. Cooling, easily absorbed and effortlessly energetic, it bestows a rested tightness usually found only after a week on the slopes. A refreshing finale to the skincare suite, and a smart transition to the next essential ritual.
Shaving
Shaving, when done well, should feel less like a chore and more like a moment of gentlemanly ritual. Cellmen’s Wash N’ Shave gets you there by distilling multiple steps into one refined formula: a cleanser, a softening agent and a soothing shave solution all in one. Minimalist, efficient and quietly luxurious.
But for the man whose beard is a statement rather than an obstacle, Tom Ford’s Beard Conditioning Oil delivers control and sophistication in equal measure. Rich, fragrant and remarkably softening, this beard oil tames and nourishes even the unruliest whiskers. Follow it (clean-shaven or simply tidying the edges) with the Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion from Aesop, an herbaceous, aromatic finishing touch that calms the complexion and leaves the skin in a state of botanical serenity.
Hair Care
From face to follicles, the hair care category, where small tweaks can spark surprisingly big transformations. Grown Alchemist’s Hydra Restore Shampoo leads the charge with a naturalist’s approach to nourishment; aromatic, gentle and hydrating without heaviness. Hair emerges softer, healthier and decidedly more groomed.
To style it, Malin & Goetz’s Hair Pomade offers texture, pliability and a subtle, modern sheen - never greasy, never overbearing. And for those who favour volume, movement and that artfully undone, barbershop-fresh feel, Murdock’s Sea Salt Hair Styling Spray brings lift, grain and an instant upgrade in attitude.
Fragrance
No gentleman’s grooming ensemble is complete without a signature scent – it’s the final brushstroke, the finishing signature on the canvas. Jo Malone’s Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense is deep, woody and statuesque, evoking the cool elegance of a winter garden at dawn. For something fresher and more pastoral, Green Irish Tweed from Creed remains an enduring icon: crisp, clean and aristocratic in that uniquely Creed way.
And then there’s Dior Sauvage. Bold, magnetic, and engineered for the man who leaves a strong impression without trying to. A modern classic, and a gift that feels both generous and unmistakably personal.
Christmas, after all, is about intention, and the small gestures that speak volumes. Whether you’re shopping for the impeccably groomed or subtly nudging someone toward their next great ritual, each of these gifts brings with it a promise: a little confidence, a little calm, and a touch of luxury woven into the everyday. And that, surely, is the most thoughtful gift of all.
Want more grooming suggestions? These are the best spa treatments for a reset…
