7 Gateway Products to Get Your Guy into Grooming

Photo: Chris Craymer/Trunk Archive

The dude in your life may insist on using an old bar of soap, but would a little cologne or moisturizer kill him? No need to push him toward La Mer, but he deserves more than 2-in-1 shampoo! With the right suggestions you can turn your guy into a product junkie in no time. Stash these items in the bathroom and watch in wonder as he makes the switch.

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Body Exfoliating Soap ($7.50)

Just like us, guys love when they can really tell their product is working. This soap infused with energizing peppermint oil will get him moving in the morning thanks to its tingly feel, while naturally exfoliating crushed walnut shells will scrub off grime way better than your average bar.

Related: Ask A Dude: What’s the Minimum Men’s Routine?

Brylcreem Original Hair Groom ($7)

Made in 1928, one of the original men’s hair products remains one of the best. It’s no frills, but it isn’t greasy, sticky, or runny. If your man scoffs at using a hair product, remind him that odds are his dad used it or his grandpa used it. A dime-sized amount combed through the hair will recreate the slicked back look that guys like Ryan Gosling and Jon Hamm wear so well. With an old school, slightly powdery scent, this affordable tube is ideal for formal events or a more polished work look.

Kiehl’s Musk ($42.50)

This rich warm scent is unisex, and it’s irresistible to even the most cologne-phobic dudes since it has an after-shave kind of vibe. Suggest one quick spritz post-shower to mix with his natural scent. He’ll go through the bottle before you have time to sneak a use yourself.

Related: 7 New Scents for Fall (No Pumpkin Spice)

Mr. Natty Mr. Willie Mack’s All Over Wax ($45)

Does your guy use the same bar of Lever 2000 to wash his body and face? Dudes like to keep things simple. This salve comes in a utilitarian tin and smells faintly like citrus and wood. You just rub it into your hands and put it anywhere. It banishes dry skin, chapped lips, and razor burn without feeling greasy. If you have closely cropped hair, you can massage it into your scalp, but it also works as a styling wax for longer hair.

Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser ($12)

“Don’t use bar soap on your face.” Instead of repeating this mantra over and over, buy your dude a tube of this can’t-go-wrong-cleanser, which penetrates skin to get rid of dirt and oil, but leaves it soft and smooth. With natural and organic ingredients, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skinned fellas but heavy duty enough for those prone to blemishes.

Bumble and bumble Seaweed Shampoo ($23)

Ideal for an oily scalp but soft and nourishing for dry hair, this shampoo feels invigorating for a squeaky clean feel. The beachy scent is more salt air than coconut sunscreen.

Related: Ask A Dude: Cologne & Haircuts

MCMC Dude No. 1 Beard Oil ($65)

Whether you love his scruff or not one thing is for sure: you’ll love snuggling up a lot more once his facial hair is softer and nicely scented. The spicy, rugged fragrance is undeniably masculine, so he can finetune his prized beard for the benefit of you both.