Bravura Coaching & Image

By Mandy Lehto

There’s a new website in town.

‘Male Origin’ sets the new gold standard for men’s grooming online.  Jason Bramhall, Male Origin’s Sales Director – and no stranger to good grooming – talks us through the ‘new’ shaving, concealer and why it’s cool for blokes to look hot.

Some middle-aged celebs, like Tom Ford and George Clooney, have made palpable the effects of a little good grooming.  Is this trend catching on with the average British male?

“Definitely! Men are seeing the benefits of taking care of their skin and hair.  It’s not only the domain of metro-sexual men anymore.  Even in this economy, the male grooming market is showing robust growth in the UK.  Men see results when they make an effort.  And when looking better gives you confidence, it’s another way of giving yourself an edge.  What’s cool or masculine about dull-looking skin?”

What routine would you suggest for a man who has never used skin care?

“Three things: Cleanse to open pores and deep-clean the skin. Exfoliate twice a week, preferably in the evening – so not right after shaving.  Exfoliation sloughs off the dead cells and brightens the skin.  Then moisturize, preferably with a product containing SPF to protect against sun damage.  He’d start noticing improvement in his skin quite quickly, but the key is doing it daily – not once on a Sunday and then forgetting till Thursday.”

Any products you’d really recommend?

“For the skin care novice, I’d suggest the 4VOO Starter Set (£28) to get a feel for how the products work and what effect they’re having on your skin.  NICKEL Silicon Valley Moisturizer (£42) and 4VOO Maximum Renewal Moisturizer (£49) are currently on my bathroom shelf.  Both are no-fuss and give noticeable results.”

As a men’s grooming expert, is there anything you do differently now?

“I’ve changed my shaving routine.  I have sensitive skin and used to suffer from irritation and skin rashes.  Now I use a mild shaving soap and a badger brush. Not only is my skin irritation-free, my razor blades last three times as long than when I was shaving with foam.  After shaving, I use a moisturizing balm, not an alcohol-based aftershave anymore.  The pores are still open and applying a harsh astringent product can be really irritating to the skin.”

What’s hot in men’s grooming right now?

“We’re seeing softer hair now.  Men are generally comfortable using hair products these days, but I’d challenge them to update their existing routines.  Try a softer product this spring.  The Lock, Stock & Barrel range of gels, pomades and styling clay is simply awesome.  It’s worth trying for the smell alone!

For skin, men’s self-tan is popular as winter drags on. Don’t worry about looking like a chest of drawers.  You won’t.  It’s a no-brainer to apply and looks subtle, evening out the skin tone and making you look rested and healthy. Like you’ve spent an afternoon relaxing in the sun. Task Essentials Happy Face (£18) is a good one.”

Any tips for faking great skin?

“Even with good skin care, we can still get the occasional blemish. Sometimes we have late nights, too much stress or a hangover from hell.  Enter the Menaji Camo Concealer Stick (£14.90).  This quick-fix covers a host of skin sins, like spots and panda eyes, and best of all, is undetectable!

7 out of 10 men say they use concealer when they need it.  We men are getting increasingly comfortable using products that enhance our looks – and why not?  At Male Origin, anti-shine and blemish-covering products are amongst our best-sellers.”

Parting words?

“Grooming for guys has really evolved.  It’s for everyone nowadays.  I’d encourage all men to step back and reevaluate their grooming routines – they’ve probably been using the same products and techniques for years.  Things have moved on.  There are easy, straightforward things you can do to look better right now.  To boot, the right products can actually be pleasant to use, making things like shaving an enjoyment rather than an inevitable chore.”

It’s early February, but it’s still not too late for a grooming resolution.  Visit MaleOrigin.