From The Straits Times    |

Buying gifts for men is never a walk in the park because said gift has to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. To simplify things, we scour the stores for this edit of fuss-free products that the men in your life could easily fit into their everyday grooming routines. From high-performance skincare to fresh fragrances, here’s 12 gift ideas to suit every budget:

#1 Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum, $175 for 100ml
Fronted by none other than the perennially cool Johnny Depp, Dior’s Sauvage has been synonymous with freshness that’s at once sporty and masculine. Already available in an Eau de Toilette version, the new Eau de Parfum concentration takes the notion of sensuality and mystery to another level. At the heart of this energetic scent is a burst of citrus, all thanks to Calabrian bergamot, which injects a dose of vivacity and freshness that draws you in at first whiff. As the scent settles, woody-spicy-ambery notes of Ambroxan and vanilla start to surface, which intensifies the silage of the fragrance for an enigmatic trail.

 

 

#2 Aesop Protective Facial Lotion SPF 30, $80
The last thing men (or anyone) want to do is apply something on the skin, only to feel a sticky or greasy residue. Which is why Aesop’s latest sunscreen makes for such a great incentive for men to start applying sunscreen. Not only does this lightweight lotion disappear into skin upon application, it feels like absolutely nothing while promising a robust SPF 30 protection. More than just shielding skin against harmful rays, this sunscreen is also fortified with powerful antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to keep skin moisturised throughout the day.

 

#3 Acqua di Parma Colonia Oud Shower Gel, $75 for 200ml, at escentials 
An ideal gift for the discerning man, this luxurious shower gel has a light texture that gives a rich and dense lather when it comes in contact with water to gently cleanse and cocoon the skin. Its blend of invigorating citrus notes and warm, enveloping oud accents also leaves a refined and masculine scent on the skin—making it the perfect pick-me-up in the morning.

 

#4 Sephora Collection Smoothing Beard Fluid, $29
Packed with moisturising and skin-conditioning ingredients, this non-stick, non-greasy fluid is quickly absorbed without any residue to instantly soften rough beard. This formula is also paraben free and dermatologically tested so you can be sure that your man is getting all the TLC he needs. Moreover, this is really a gift for yourself, since you’ll no longer be put off by his prickly beard!

 

#5 Sulwhasoo Men Relaxing UV Protector, $58 for 50ml 
Induct your man onto the K-beauty bandwagon with this protective sunscreen from luxury Korean skincare brand, Sulwhasoo. Formulated with traditional Korean herbs, it contains powerhouse antioxidant Purslane to mop up free radical damage and calm skin inflammation while providing a UV protection of SPF 50 PA +++. The ultra-lightweight fluid spreads onto skin evenly without leaving any traces and even has a warm and woody scent that is soothing to the senses.

 

#6 AVEDA Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo, $54 for 200ml
Just like why most men tend to have oilier skin than women, they also tend to have oilier scalp. Which means there is a higher chance for men to develop clogged hair follicles and in turn lead to thinning hair. With an exfoliating shampoo like this, it contains salicylic acid to gently slough away dead skin cells, loosen comedones and kickstart cellular renewal for healthier scalp. And unlike many deep-cleansing shampoo that can strip hair and scalp of their moisture, this nourishing formula is also colour-safe and protects brittle hair from breakage. It also leaves scalp feeling refreshed and supports healthier, fuller hair growth.

 

#7 Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Blemish Facial, $159 for 50ml
An absolute heaven-sent for blemish-prone skin, this overnight mask is fortified with skin-clearing ingredients to minimise the appearance of skin imperfections (like pimples, enlarged pores, scars etc). Not only is it formulated without potentially harmful chemicals like phthlates, parabens and synthetic dyes, it is lightweight and doesn’t leave an occlusive film over the skin, making it a hit among male and female users alike. Best part: the self-adapting formula remains gentle on the skin while tough on breakouts for a clean and clear complexion.

See also: 12 GREAT FATHER’S DAY CAKES TO ORDER FROM SINGAPORE INSTAGRAM BAKERS

 

#8 JS Sloane Lightweight Pomade, $27, at Tangs 
There’s nothing more suitable for men than an all-in-one grooming product. Suitable for use on the hair as well as the beard, this grooming product softens and tames hair for a healthy, glossy effect. Thanks to its unique formula, it promises medium hold so users can easily restyle their hair throughout the day with ease and even rinses out easily with warm water. It is also designed to be used on both dry and damp hair, making it perfect for at-home use or on-the-go touch-ups.

 

#9 Clinique For Men Aloe Shave Gel, $32 for 125ml
If our experience tells us anything, regular shaving can cause many potential problems for our skin, i.e. increased sensitivity, ingrown hair and rough bumps. Imagine doing that on a daily basis on your skin, which is much thinner than the skin on, say your legs. Give your man some much needed TLC with a soothing shaving gel like this. Enriched with aloe vera to soothe razor burns and hydrate the skin, its bouncy texture also forms a protective cushion over the skin, thereby making the shaving process a lot easier and gentler.

 

#10 Penhaligon’s Nickel Shaving Set, $357, penhaligons.com
For the classic gentleman, there’s nothing more fitting than a styling shaving set from the esteemed English brand. Sophisticated and timeless, the nickel-plated set exemplifies the heritage brand’s pursuit for unparalleled quality. Made with the finest materials and hand-assembled, this three-piece elegant shaving set comprises of a shaving brush made of ethically-sourced badger hair and a streamlined razor with a Gilette Mach 3 blade— everything a man needs for a professional shave right in the comfort of his own home.

See also: A GUIDE TO WEDDING ATTIRE FOR GROOMS

#11 Chanel Bleu de Chanel Parfum, $217 for 100ml
The perfect balance of fresh fruity notes and sexy woody accents, the latest addition to the Bleu de Chanel range comes in a unique parfum concentration. While lavender and geranium still lie in its olfactory heart, this scent now features cedar and sandalwood sourced from New Caledonia for a sexier, more intense edge. More concentrated than ever, it embodies the spirit of determination and makes for a great gift for the self-assured man.

#12 Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Deodorant, $78
Fans of Tom Ford would be familiar with the scent of Neroli Portofino, one of the brand’s most iconic fragrances. Encapsulating the essence of Italian summers (read: frolicking in sparkling clear waters while surrounded by lush foliage and feeling the gentle caress of the Mediterranean breeze on your skin), it instantly uplifts the spirit, transporting its wearer to a happy place. Available in a quick-drying and long-lasting deodorant stick, its handy size makes it ideal for on-the-go freshness—all in one swipe of this divinely scented deodorant stick.

See also: THESE 10 TOUCHING WAYS TO INCLUDE DAD IN YOUR WEDDING WILL BE THE BEST FATHER’S DAY GIFTS