To the men out there that take care of their skin/body/hair, I applaud you. It seems to be something a lot of men shy away from, because it's not (as they'd describe) "manly". Sigh...
Anyway, although all of the products I review can be used by males or females, I thought a post tailored specifically to men would be helpful. Think shaving products, beard wash, hair wax... You get the idea.
Shaving
Still using that cheap foam from the supermarket to shave? Really? It's hard to find shaving products that are cruelty free, but luckily I've rounded up some of the best here. I think that men need thicker gels and creams for shaving, as they tend to have thicker and coarser hair, so that's what I've focused on.
Arran Aromatics do a great range of shaving products. It's tailored towards men, but I've tried some stuff and loved it. They do shaving cream, shaving gel, shaving soap and even a brush and soap bowl. Definitely better than supermarket brand foam! I'd recommend the cream for men, as I don't think gel would be best for facial hair.
Lush also have several options for shaving, including D'Fluff - a pink, strawberry scented shaving cream! If you're going to shave with anything, why not with strawberries?
For the less adventurous they also have Dirty Shaving Cream, part of their well loved "Dirty" range. This is good option for skin that is sensitive easily irritated,
Another good option from Lush for men would be Five O'Clock Whistle. It's another thick formula that's good for facial hair.
Hair
So we've took care of shaving, what about the hair that's still left?
If you're the type that jumps in and out the shower for a quick wash, try a Hair and Body Wash from Arran Aromatics. They currently have seven scents: After the Rain, Bay Citrus, Citrus Shores, Driftwood, Eydis, Island Spa and Velvet Isle.
If you're not that type and really want to treat your hair, try some solid shampoo bars from Lush. These things are great; inexpensive, long-lasting and there's so many choices. Try something like Honey I Washed My Hair or Jason and the Argon Oil if you're looking for moisture and softness. Seanik is great for volume. Soak and Float is a good choice for problem scalps with dandruff, psoriasis and eczema. If you're just looking for a good all rounder, try New. I'm pretty sure that's their best seller. Lush shampoo bars are better for hair because of the way they are used. Read more about them here.
If you're picky and want something free of SLS, try Nettle Shampoo and Nettle Conditioner from The Caurnie Soaperie. The shampoo is my absolute favourite. After using it for a while my hair became so healthy and started to change back to it's natural texture - it doesn't happen overnight but it helps you get there. If you don't know what shampoo to pick from what I've listed, pick this.
Styling
I know I keep going on about Lush - that's how good their stuff is - and they have a great selection of styling products. Dirty Styling Cream, another product from the beloved "Dirty" range, is probably the closest you'll get to a generic styling cream. Jojo and Queen Bee styling wax are also options for those of you who need a little more hold.
Veerappan Moustache Wax is also another great product. It can be used, obviously, as a moustache wax, but also to condition and scent the ends of your hair.
Although you can use it dry, Mr Dandy's Hair Candy is a better choice for those who like to style with wet hair.
For those of you who may not share my love of Lush. Green People also do a styling gel.
Cleansing
Now, the best thing to help is a good skin care routine. It doesn't have to be intricate or time consuming, just make sure you cleanse your skin morning and night to get rid of any dirt or bacteria. Lush Facial Soaps Coalface and Fresh Farmacy are both easy to use and last a long time. Coalface is better for oily skin and Fresh Farmacy is good for sensitive skin.
If you want a little exfoliation, Angels on Bare Skin is a good all rounder. It comes in a paste formula, so just pinch a little out the tub, mix with warm water in your palm and then massage into your face. Lush have a few paste cleansers - try Dark Angels for oily skin or Let The Good Times Roll for dry skin.
If none of the above is what you're looking for, check out my post on cleansing here.
Also, pay attention to what you sleep on! Bacteria gathers on cotton pillowcases, so make sure to wash and change them regularly.
If face masks are your thing, try Mask of Magnaminty Self Preserving from Lush or Sea Mud Mask from Arran Aromatics. Both are good all rounders. I reccomend the self preserving version of the Lush mask as it's loaded with honey which is great for the skin. It also doesn't have to be kept in the fridge like most of their masks.
When you first start using masks you may feel like they are counter-productive by drawings spots from your skin. Stick with it, as it helps keep skin clean and clear in the long run.
Moisturiser
So you've shaved, you've cleansed, what's next? No, you're not finished yet. It's time to moisturise.
If you just want something simple, try some Jojoba Oil. This stuff is great for the skin. I buy mine local from Woodland Herbs. Add in a little essential oil and you can personalise it to your own needs. For example, a little lavender or tea tree oil is great for fighting acne.
If messing about making oils isn't your thing, Neal's Yard Remedies do several of their own facial oil formulas.
If you'd rather stick with a cream, Lush have a great selection. Cosmetic Lad is aimed at men as it's for "calming razor-sore skin".
Magical Moringa is another favourite of mine. It is more of a balm than a cream, but is wonderfully soft on skin and makes it look great.
Million Dollar Moisturiser is another one I'd recommend to men. I find that men (in my experience) care less about sun care, whereas women tend to protect their skin with products and make-up with SPF. This cream has an SPF of 30, so keeps skin protected from those harmful rays.
Vaseline is a product I see a lot of guys using - for nails, lips, dry skin... I'm not a fan of Vaseline, it's not cruelty free and I don't think it's very good for skin. Instead, try Ultrabalm from lush - a natural, cruelty free alternative and it only has three ingredients!
If you're looking for even more moisture, try Elbow Grease. I've heard it's great for everything from dry skin to brightening tattoos.
I hope this post has helped any men (or women) out there with their search for cruelty free beauty products. I've tried to think or and cover the problems men may have here, but if any of my readers out there have a question that's not covered please let me know.
* Photos sourced from brand websites and pixabay.com
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