Grooming Falsely

There ’s something not quite right about a cheap suit. At first glance, it looks almost as good as its more expensive cousin. But give it an hour or two and the differences become uncomfortably obvious. It feels too tight in some spots. too baggy in others. The back of the jacket becomes rumpled and, as the temperature rises, you ’re all sweaty while those around you keep their cool.

Like cheap suits, cheap skincare products are a false economy. They look similar, often boasting some of the same ingredients, but, like a suit ’s wool content, the difference is in the quantity and the quality. Tony Sosnick, creator of Anthony Logistics for Men, uses shaving cream as an example. He says mass-produced shave foams are literally filled with air, whereas his Shave Cream ($32) is all thick, dense cream, filled with vitamins, eucalyptus oil and aloe vera. It may cost more but it offers a closer, more nourishing shave.

Dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross, creator of MD Skincare, agrees. "There are certain groups of ingredients that you should look for. Premium products contain better-quality versions and more of the best ingredients." Ingredients like anti-oxidants and collagen boosters that will make a real ditference if formulated intelligently. "If we know 10 ingredients that can help treat lines," says Gross. "I want all 10 in one bottle." Matthew Maim, co-creator of Maim + Goetz, says it also comes down to how those ingredients are used. He points to "CLEANSING AND PURIFYING THE SKIN IS CRITICAL IN REMOVING DIRT AND SEBUM." BOY ’S OWN We ’re all human, but men and women have different skincare needs, so opt for a product created specifically for male skin Lab Series ’ Matt Ten says, "Men ’s skin is 20 to 30 per cent thicker than women ’s, as men have more collagen and elastin. As a result, men ’s skin ages differently, and at a different rate, to women s Men ’s skin produces more oil due to an increase in sebaceous glands and hair follicles Because of increased sebum production, oil can block pores, causing them to enlarge and stretch, and oxidized sebum has proven to damage skin in a variety of ways." Dr Gross agrees, adding, "Although men naturally have more collagen than women, the wrinkles men get appear more pronounced than women ’s" the much-maligned sodium laureth sulphatE as an example. "This foaming agent often receives a bad rap because, in a mass product. it is over-used to create a greater or more immediate sense of clean," he says "But used at lower levels and strategically as part of a formula, a thorough cleanse can be achieved without drying or irritation. ’ For instance, MaIm + Goetz Grapefruit Faci Cleanser ($54) combines the ingredient with plant-based protein amino acids.

Because makers of premium skincare products invest in cutting-edge research, they are usually first with skincare innovations. "Sometimes it ’s an ingredient discovery, such as a new repair molecule, a transport system or understanding the longevity gene." says Matt Ten, vice president of corporate product development for men-only brand Lab Series. "At other times it can be a new breakthrough or a new way of creating a solution to a problem to yield faster, easier results." While they focus on what ’s inside the bottle, prestige product makers are unashamedly proud of the outside too.

No cheap and nasty packaging here. Just ask Rob Calcraft the man behind the elegantly designed Ren skincare range if presentation is important: "Increasingly the look of a product is a lifestyle choice too, looking good in the modern Volatapped bathroom, next to the plunge pool and Egyptian cotton towels, and it might even impress the modern lady-about-town.

Modern man workshop

Watsons, a name synonymous with health, beauty and personal care, kicked off its very first Watsons Modern Man Workshop on March 15 at the Sepang International Karting Circuit.
The one-day event was aimed at inspiring 50 males between the ages of 20 and 30 with a workshop that touched on a wide range of topics such as health, personal grooming, facial and hair care. Image Power director Dolly Kee spoke on personal grooming and fashion sense.

According to Jessica Ng, director of marketing and development, Watsons Malaysia, "this workshop is useful for men of this age group. This particular group of men are at the right age to either join the workforce or at the beginning of their career.

"As such, talks on power dressing, creating the right image, hygiene and health are essential to build confidence and enhance the wellbeing of the participants".

In addition to providing interactive and entertaining talks on personal grooming and health, the modern male workshop also provided an avenue for these young men to enjoy an adrenaline high.

They also tested their racing skills in a go-kart race for a chance to win up to RM2,500 per team. Each team consisted of five participants.

In the end, the winning team comprised You Hong Leong, Lee Fook Lim, Foo Sze Keat, Yap Kim Chor and Mahesh Khanna.

Ng said they had received encouraging response from their customers but only 30 participants were shortlisted for the event.

Watsons had also invited 10 lucky Autocar Asean readers and 10 members of the media for the workshop as well as compete in the race.

In addition to cash prizes worth RM4,500, Watsons also gave participants goodie bags worth RM50 each and products on personal grooming during the workshop participation.

The participants were treated to free flow of food and beverages throughout the fun, interactive, entertaining and educational event.

As the official media for the event, the Autocar Asean provided free copies of the latest magazine for all participants. The main sponsors for the event were Gatsby, Horleys, Loreal and Nivea.

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