Grooming Archives - Men's Health Magazine Australia

The 8 best electric toothbrushes for men

Nikolina Ilic — Fri, 03 May 2024 04:57:00 +0000

When it comes to grooming, one of the most important things you can do is take proper care of your teeth. And look, we know we have to do it, but it’s also pretty important to have the right tool to achieve a deep, effective clean. And that’s where the electric toothbrush comes in.

According to a study by Dentalhealth.org, people who opt for an electric toothbrush have healthier gums, less tooth decay and also keep their teeth for longer, compared with those who use a manual toothbrush.

“Health experts have been speaking about the benefits of electric toothbrushes for many years. This latest piece of evidence is one of the strongest and clearest yet – electric toothbrushes are better for our oral health,” explains Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE. “Electric toothbrushes, especially those with heads that rotate in both directions, or ‘oscillating’ heads, are really effective at removing plaque. This helps keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. As the science behind the advantages of electric toothbrushes is mounting, the decision whether to invest in one becomes much easier.”

Unlike their manual counterparts, electric toothbrushes use strong vibrations and automated head movement to more effectively remove plaque and debris from your teeth. These days, many electric toothbrushes go beyond just a powerful clean and offer a bunch of fancy options: think interchangeable heads for sensitive teeth or deeper cleans, a 2-minute timer to let you know when you’ve finished brushing, and even built-in artificial intelligence to help track your brushing progress and offer suggestions on how to improve.

The good news is that you don’t have to shell out a ton of money to find a good, effective electric toothbrush. These are the best electric toothbrushes out there, no matter your budget or brushing acumen.

Best overall

Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige

If you’re after something that looks good and is a really good investment, this is for you. While it’s definitely on the pricier end ($399 at The Shaver Shop), you really do get what you pay for. Think 62,000 bristle movements (that get your teeth and gums way cleaner than you ever thought possible), a sensitive gum mode, and SenseIQ technology, which automatically adjusts to your brushing style and pressure to give you the best clean possible.

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Best affordable electric toothbrush

Oral-B iO Series 5

This electric toothbrush has all the same bells and whistles as some models three times the price, all in an easy to use and understand package. It features a pressure sensor which uses coloured light on the base to alert you if you’re pressing too hard, and the same rotary style head that your dentist uses, which may take some getting used to, but is great at cleaning all the nooks and crannies of your mouth.

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Best for travel

Ordo Soinc Lite Electric Toothbrush

This toothbrush is like the best of both worlds. It’s the size and shape of a manual brush, but features the sonic technology and brushing modes you want from an electric brush. It charges via USB-C, which makes it ideal for traveling. The bristles deliver a good, effective clean and the Smart LED indicator remind you when it’s nearly time to charge.

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Best splurge electric toothbrush

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 Electric Toothbrush

If you’re going to invest in an electric toothbrush, this is one of the best out there (with a sky-high price tag to match). At roughly $500 in white or black, it’s one of the most expensive premium electric toothbrushes we’ve seen. But that admission price gets you five interchangeable modes and three intensity settings to fully customise your brushing experience. Interchangeable brush heads specifically designed for things like whitening or tongue cleaning also allow you to get optimal results with minimal effort. Plus the charging travel case allows you to take it with you wherever you go, and know your investment is protected along the way.

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Best flossing electric toothbrush

Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush

As far as electric toothbrush features go, this one has something none of the others have: A built-in water flossing feature. The all-in-one design allows you to floss (with water) while you brush, saving you time and effort while giving your teeth an unparalleled, fresh-from-the-dentist clean feeling. The brush itself has basic features like two intensity modes and a timer, but the biggest draw is the integrated waterpik. You can brush with or without the floss feature, but why would you ever go without?

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Best for long-lasting battery life

FOREO ISSA 3

Not your average-looking toothbrush, this one is made from silicone, which is known for being more hygienic as well as hypoallergenic. The brush head combines polymer and silicone bristles too, making it tough on stains and bacteria but soft on gums. Its best feature, however, is that it only needs recharging once a year, so there’ll be no clutter around your bathroom sink.

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Best smart electric toothbrush for beginners

Oral B Genius

If a manual toothbrush has always been your go-to, this smart electric brush may be just what you need to make the switch. It isn’t overwhelming for first-timers, as testers found the vibrations weren’t too overpowering, but it still left everyone with a whiter smile. The pressure sensor was appreciated too, helping to remove plaque without causing discomfort.

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Best electric toothbrush for braces

Curaprox Hydrosonic Pro

This sonic toothbrush features just one button, which switches between seven different cleaning modes – ideal for those who like to keep it simply. The three different-shaped brush heads ensure you’re getting a deep clean, especially if you have braces, bridges or implants.

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Niacinamide is a skin-care multitasker – here’s why you need to try it out

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How to eradicate bags under your eyes, once and for all

Paul Ewart — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:48:14 +0000

EARLY MORNINGS ARE TOUGH ENOUGH AS IT IS, so the last thing you need is to look in the mirror and see two tired, puffy eyes staring back at you.

At just 0.5mm thick, the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body, which means that it’s the first area where tell-tale signs of ageing appear. And while we’re all susceptible to pesky shadows and lines, some of us are genetically more predisposed to eye nasties than others.

Whether your problem is raccoon-like dark circles, wrinkles, bags, or all three, one thing’s for sure: it takes more than a quick dab of eye cream to remedy the issue. However, with the right combination of products and treatments, anyone can lift their eye grooming game. Here’s how.

Upgrade your tools

Tell tale dark shadows and bags mean that a quality eye product is a necessity. And though every skincare brand and their dog has an eye cream, not all of them are made equal – far from it, in fact. You can save on moisturiser and SPF, but when it comes to serums and products targeting the eye area, it pays to splurge.

Australian-owned and made premium cosmeceuticals brand, Mx Skincare, specialise in scientifically formulated products, which are created to target specific skin concerns, including the delicate under-eye area. The Dark Circles & Puffy Eyes Solution is a triple whammy collection of products containing powerful peptides and potent active ingredients, including Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, all designed to stimulate collagen production, facilitates cell repair and improves skin firmness.

Touted as the ‘world’s first’ clinical strength retinal for the eye area, Medik8’s Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream features a twin-encapsulation retinal delivery system to allow a gentle release of Vitamin A, which helps smooth crow’s feet and to visibly brighten dark circles. Use at night (skin regeneration is faster at night than during the day) and wake up looking sharp.

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For a fast-acting fix, Sunday Riley’s 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum is a winner. An hydrating gel serum works to plump the look of lines and prevent the signs of premature skin ageing, counteracting dark circles and creating the appearance of youthful-looking eyes.

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Patch repair

Just as there’s a bevy of targeted facial masks available a cluster of brands have developed single-use masks specifically designed for the eye area, which makes complete sense given its aforementioned thinness.

Self-Dissolving Microneedle Patches from Wrinkles Schminkles delivers active ingredients – ingredients including collagen, hyaluronic acid, caffeine and peptides – deep into the skin through 1,800 micro needles for increased absorption. These powerful patches are designed to hydrate, de-puff, tone and smooth the delicate under-eye area, taking you from raccoon to bright-eyed in no time.

The Derminfusion Eye Mask by Dr. Dennis Gross, meanwhile, helps improve age-related volume loss and fill the appearance of fine lines via a vitamin infusion combined with stimulating ceramides.

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Lighten your load

An absolute game-changer in the skincare world was the invention of the LED facial mask. Originally developed by Nasa for plant growth experiments, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have since been found to have healing, rejuvenating, and stimulating properties for skin. And while you’ve likely seen a swag of facial masks on your Insta feeds, there’s only a handful of brands that have created masks designed specifically for the eye area.

CurrentBody LED Eye Perfector uses proven technology to help ramp up collagen production and kickstart your skin’s healing process, which means a significant reduction in fine lines, wrinkles eye bags and dark circles.

Using four powerful LED wavelengths and 80 professional-strength LEDs, results can be seen in as little as two months with dark circles, firmness, under-eye bags, pigmentation, and overall skin tone all tackled in an easy three-minute session daily.

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Pay the pros

When the passage of time truly begins to take its toll (aka hitting 40) even the most fastidious of groomers will find that their regime is no longer cutting it. So, to really counter stubborn hollowness and dark circles, you’ll likely need to turn to injectables.

“The reason the eye area is so susceptible to ageing is because the natural facial fat that sits immediately under the skin of the eye tends to descend with age, causing an exposure of the orbital bone, resulting in an aged, hollow, tired appearance,” explains founder of Contour Clinics, Dr Josh Wall. “Also, because the skin is so thin, you can see the underlying muscles with age resulting in unpleasant dark circles, which causes the individual to appear tired, and in some cases unwell.”

One of the most popular treatments with Wall’s male clients is filler in the tear trough (under the eyes) area. Made up of hyaluronic acid – which is a natural substance found normally in the body’s skin, joints, and fluid within the eye – filler works to re-volumise the area and plump out the skin, eradicating the hollowing that’s been causing your under-eye bags and dark circles. The result is a more youthful, healthy, rested and wide awake appearance.

“That’s where tear filler is the most effective treatment for the under-eye area as it causes a smoothing of the under eye region, a reduction in dark circles and a reduction in fine lines.”

Brow benefits

Outside of anti-ageing products and treatments, there is an optical illusion hack that can instantly add some eye area pep: a brow shape.

As men age, our eyebrows often become overgrown. So, if you’ve got bushy eyebrows that would make even Noel Gallagher blush, then just cleaning up some of the excess hair can really help shave off the years. And while you may think that a sneaky swipe of your razor is a solution, a stubbly unibrow is never a good look. Instead, play it safe and pay a professional.

Face of Man have been a staple in Sydney’s male grooming scene for more than 40 years and their premium new HQ is the place to go for some serious TLC. Amidst the offering of in-house barber, swanky Elemis facials and massage, punters can also get their brows expertly shaped.

Working with the brow’s natural lines to ensure a perfect contour, therapists can tame unruly facial follicles into an eye-area masterpiece making your eyes look more open and your face more youthful.

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These are the best skincare brands for men in 2024

Nikolina Ilic — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 21:12:28 +0000

We at Men’s Health take skin care very seriously. Yep, our passion for our pores comes as we realise that health is more universal than a six pack and the whitest teeth.

But with promises such as tighter, firmer and brighter looking skin in just days, the skincare aisle can seem complicated and overwhelming – especially for men.
The good news? The men’s grooming industry is exploding. There are now plenty of brands out there for every guy, but cutting through the noise to find what actually works can be a hassle.

When in doubt, try home-grown brands that put a focus on sustainable ingredients and practices. Less is more when it comes to skincare, and it’s always best to opt for expertly formulated products that have some street cred to them.

To get you started on a path to clearer, brighter skin, check out one of these awesome skincare brands, all offering up simple yet realistic solutions for the biggest organ on your body.

Bulldog Skincare

Named after a man’s best friend, Bulldog Skincare focuses on using natural origin ingredients (like the aloe vera), and combining them with carefully selected, man-made ingredients to offer superb performance at an affordable price. They do awesome starter bundles so are a great for getting started in skincare.

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Hunter Lab Co.

Since 2015, Hunter Lab has redefined gender-inclusive skincare right out of Melbourne. Their range is formulated naturally and transparently without any synthetic or chemical ingredients, and offer a slew of products that feature essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

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SKiN by Gillette

Even if you know nothing about men’s skincare products, you probably already know the name Gillette. SKin by Gillette is the brand’s more curated men’s skincare line that leverages Korean skincare technology (that’s a great thing, trust us) to created some pretty badass formulas. On offer are a range of cleaners, facemasks, shaving essentials and more.

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Appelles Apothecary & Lab

Name ring a bell? Well, if you’ve stayed in just about any luxury hotel in Australia before you’d be well aware of Appelles. The premium Australian skincare based out of Sydney combines native botanical extracts, pure essential oils and powerful vitamins. They mainly focus on hand and body creams so you can care for the skin beyond your face.

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Antipodes

An award-winning plant-powered beauty and certified-organic skincare brand with products made in New Zealand, Antipodes formulations are good for your skin and for the planet. The clean beauty brand (meaning they only sustainable ingredients from renewable sources) have everything from toners to exfoliators and eye creams. Their website is also super helpful for finding the best product for your skin issues.

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Aesop

Vegan and cruelty-free, Australian label Aesop is loved by men the world over thanks to its impressively broad range of unisex products that cover everything from skincare and hair care to fragrance and home. We love their beard oils and cleansers.

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Patricks

Knowing he could do better than the calibre of products he was selling in his Sydney salon, founder Patrick “called a formulations lab, then his mum for a $5k loan, and started Patricks products.” With a simple and relatable motto that reads “fuck ups, failures and fortune”, it’s no wonder the local label has seen such success. They have an awesome diamonds scrub, and their anti-ageing products are some of the best on the market.

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Triumph & Disaster

If you love a rich, earthy aroma- this is for you. Triumph & Disaster is a cruelty-free skincare brand that has a bit of old-fashioned charm about itself. The brand aims to take you back to simpler times with its portfolio of must-have products including an awesome cult eye serum.

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Biology

Biology is an Aussie brand that is all about a laid-back lifestyle and passion for the ocean. Their great quality products are designed to complement your routine with uncomplicated yet effective clean formulations like their super light body lotion.

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Baxter Of California

Since it was first established in 1965, this celebrated California-based grooming brand has cemented itself as one of the more popular and accessible names when it comes to men’s grooming products. Standout products include their Super Shape Anti-Ageing cream (a unique gel-cream texture ft. vigna extract and apricot oil) and their Skin Concentrate BHA (a powerful and concentrated serum that visibly reduces acne-causing bacteria and blemishes).

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Grown Alchemist

Founded by brothers Keston and Jeremy Mujis, this ethical Australian skincare brand is certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic. Not only is the packaging elite, but products such as the Regenerating Night Cream and Age-Spot Corrector consistently get five-star reviews.

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Kiehl’s

Another super well-known brand in the skincare space, Kiehl’s was launched in 1921 by pharmacist John Kiehl and since then has been formulating a range of Uber-popular products. Their men’s-specific range is all about keeping your complexion clean, clear and firm in just a few basic steps. We love their eye cream and face wash.

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Mr.

Aussie Hugh Jackman might be a fan of the brand, but don’t let his debonair ways fool you. With natural ingredients derived from indigenous Australian plants these products are for the everyman. Try the chamomile cleanser, which reduces inflammation and removes any pore-clogging impurities that accumulated throughout your day.

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Charles + Lee

Australian-made and surprisingly affordable, Charles + Lee is a cruelty-free skincare brand that creates no-nonsense, easily accessible, vegan products that ease each and every one of your skin concerns.

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Menshealth.com.au provides reviews and recommendations to help you find the right product. Products you purchase through links on this page may earn us a small commission.

Niacinamide is a skin-care multitasker – here’s why you need to try it out

The post These are the best skincare brands for men in 2024 appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

7 of the best head shavers for men in 2024

Nikolina Ilic — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:51 +0000

Whether you’re already bald, thinning out, or painfully watching your hairline recede, investing in one of these quality head shavers is the difference between getting the chrome dome of your dreams, or not.

High-tech hair removers are often specifically designed to make shaving your head easier, whether it’s through an ergonomic grip design (your hands will thank you) or close-cutting technology (or both).

So if you’re opting for the at-home shaving route (which is far easier than heading to the barbershop every few days, in our opinion), these electric shavers are meant to be used at home in the comfort of your own bathroom, and are damn good at their job.

So without further adieu, whether you choose to don going full bald, a buzz cut, skin fade, or to shape-up what’s left—these are our pick of the best head shavers available right now.

What do I need to consider when choosing a head shaver?

When it comes to picking a head shaver that works beast for you, there are three things you need to consider:

1. The number of shaving heads: While a higher number of razor heads will help hug the curves of your head, they can also help limit cuts.

2. Wet/dry design: Pretty much all head shavers can be used dry, which means as long as your hair is already short enough you can shave with no moisture or product. Waterproof options will allow you to shave in the shower, which is super easy to clean up. Plus, you can use most wet/dry shavers with shaving products, so if you prefer begin with a pre-shave oil to protect your scalp and then add a shaving cream or lotion to help with glide.

3. A cordless design: A good cordless head shaver can last up as long as 90 minutes. They also unlock the ability to shave in the shower or on the go without having to be plugged in.

Best overall head shaver

Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver

The pivoting shaver heads on the Remington Balder Pro will hug each curve of your head, and according to the brand, shave your entire head in just two minutes. There’s also a hair capture chamber, which collects hair for an easy cleanup, and a nonslip grip which gives you extra control when you’re mowing through your head.

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Best waterproof head shaver

Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver

Braun’s Series 9 shaver ensures a super close shave and is super fast-offering up to 40,000 cuts per minute. Thanks to its waterproof capability, you can use it in the shower for a refreshing shaving experience, and the portable charging case makes it super easy to throw in a bag and get quite a few weeks of shaves without plugging it in, too.

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Best head shaver for buzz cuts

Remington Shortcut Pro Self-Haircut Kit

If you don’t want a smooth shave, and prefer a close buzz without heading to the barber, the Shortcut Pro delivers. With multiple length options via interchangeable combs, this shaver allows you to try different buzz looks on your own. It’s also super compact, so great for taking on trips.

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Best head shaver for skin fades

Andis Pro Foil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver

A go-to for plenty barbers, this foil shaver runs super quiet and won’t irritate your skin. It runs well on battery too, delivering up to 80 minutes of run time on a single charge—a duration that’s twice as long as others.

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Best corded clipper

Wahl Professional 5-Star Balding Clipper

The Wahl Professional 5-Star Balding Clipper promises an impressive 14,400 strokes per minute, which is something a cordless clippers might struggle to achieve. It’s designed specifically for balding and skin fades with even cuts, and is ideal for outlining and shape-ups.

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Best ergonomic design for bald heads

BaBylissPRO Double Foil Shaver

The electric shaver has an extremely powerful rotary motor that delivers an impressive 20,000 strokes per minute. Somehow, the battery also lasts 3 hours per charge. It’s also great for all of the areas around your hairline —neck, face, and sideburns, and the hypoallergenic gold double foil system is gentle on skin while still providing an ultra close shave.

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Best corded shaver

Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO

This head shaver fits perfectly in between your fingers with four rotary shaving heads resting in the palm of your hand. The shape and weight allow for easy gliding across your head in especially hard-to-reach and see areas, while pivoting and contouring to the shape of your head meaning an extra close shave.

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Menshealth.com.au provides reviews and recommendations to help you find the right product. Products you purchase through links on this page may earn us a small commission.

Niacinamide is a skin-care multitasker – here’s why you need to try it out

The post 7 of the best head shavers for men in 2024 appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.

Yes, you need an eye cream: these are the 10 best for men in 2024

Nikolina Ilic — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 23:36:50 +0000

If you’ve clicked on this article we’re going to assume you’ve already got a decent face cream (or are at least pinching one from the other side of the sink), and are looking to step up your game with an eye cream.

Do you really need one, you ask? Well, it definitely couldn’t hurt.

The reality is that the skin on top of your orbital bone requires special treatment: it’s especially thin — this makes it more susceptible to becoming looser and thinner, and developing fine lines and wrinkles. A good eye cream can help you improve your skin texture, enhance clarity and boost your collagen production (that’s a good thing, trust us).

Another reason you might need an eye cream is to brighten up those dark circles after that all-nighter you pulled for work last night, or reduce the puffiness after you partied a little too hard over the weekend. Or maybe it’s nothing that specific, just that you noticed the skin around your eyes looks a little sallow or dry or dark.

Either way, a good eye cream will contain ingredients that target the issues specific to this fragile, easily damaged area of skin.
Here are our pick of the best for 2024.

Best affordable eye cream

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

This multi-purpose eye cream contains all the ingredients you want in an eye cream like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides to help reduce puffiness and dark circles and keep the skin around your eyes hydrated and happy – all for for under $20.

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Best overall cream

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye

This retinal eye cram visibly lifts and firms delicate eye contours, all while smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet. Pop it on at night and it will brighten the look of dark circles for awakened eyes by the morning.

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Best eye cream with SPF

Coola Day SPF 30 & Night Organic Eye Cream Duo

Coola Day SPF 30 & Night Organic Eye Cream Duo
This organic eye cream helps mitigate free radical damage from blue light, pollution, and fatigue. It’s Vitamin C-infused, SPF 30 and helps reduce the look of dark circles and fine lines.

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Best cooling eye gel

Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Depuffing Eye Gel

For those who’d like to put a little more pepper into their salt and pepper, there’s the Mr. Smith Pigment Charcoal. This colour treatment is extremely easy to use, and offers a cool-toned, ashy effect on grey hair. It’s a very temporary colour, meaning you can either try a little something new or maintain your existing tones. Hydrating, softening and caring as well bringing colour and gloss to the hair. Too good.

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Best vitamin c eye cream

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Eye Serum

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Eye Serum
This lightweight eye cream packs a powerful punch of vitamin C to dramatically brighten the under eye. Perfect if you’re looking to reduce dark circles, puffiness and fine lines around the eye area.

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Best eye cream for dark circles

Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel

This ultra-hydrating yet still lightweight gel formula is packed with niacinamide to help reduce discolouration under your eyes, caffeine to increase circulation and perk up tired eyes, and peptides to help reduce puffiness.

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Best eye cream for sensitive skin

Burt’s Bees Calming Eye Cream

This lightweight, hypoallergenic eye cream is infused with softening Cotton Extract and soothing Aloe to naturally hydrate the delicate eye area reviving tired eyes without causing redness or irritation.

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Best eye cream for puffiness

Kiehl’s Eye Fuel Cream

Just like your morning cup of coffee, this easy-to-apply gel contains caffeine to wake up your eyes after a long night. It quickly de-puffs the under-eye area to make them look more alert and uses the power of Vitamin B3 to reduce dark circles.

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Best retinol eye cream

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream

When it comes to eye cream, the last thing you want is something that makes your eyes feel heavy and greasy. This rich cream is surprisingly lightweight and sinks in quickly with hardly any residue. Plus, it’s fragrance-free to minimise potential irritation on the sensitive eye area and it still contains retinol to help with anti-ageing.

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Best eye cream for wrinkles

Clarins Total Eye Lift

Total Eye Lift was specifically created to enhance the entire eye area from temple to temple by smoothing uneven texture. It’s suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, too.

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What ingredients should I look for in eye cream?

To alleviate dark circles, head straight for anything touting vitamin C, and for those creeping crow’s feet, up the ante with retinol (the only active ingredient proven to plump fine lines). Soothe easily irritated skin with a simple plant-oil formula and banish puffiness with caffeine.

How do I apply eye cream?

The best way to apply eye cream is by using your ring finger and using a gentle tapping motion (you want to be very gentle because the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate). Follow under your eye, then work up to the corner and finally up to just under your brow bone (think of it as a big circle around your eye).

What age should I start using eye cream?

It’s never too late to start, so if you’re just starting to notice crow’s feet or dark circles, it is fine to start at any age.

Menshealth.com.au provides reviews and recommendations to help you find the right product. Products you purchase through links on this page may earn us a small commission.

Niacinamide is a skin-care multitasker – here’s why you need to try it out

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Peter Bol on Formula 1, Olympic prep and why you’ve got to believe it to achieve it

Ben Jhoty — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 22:06:58 +0000

PETER BOL KNOWS every step of his perfect race. He’s seen it often enough in his mind’s eye. The gun goes off and the 800m star is feeling confident as he strides to a position near the front of the pack, perhaps second or third place. He lets someone else set the pace, hitting the 400m mark at 50 seconds. Bol will pass the halfway mark a half second later at 50.5 seconds, still feeling relaxed. Then, with 300m to go, Bol makes his move, taking the lead around 250m out from the line. “With 100 to go, I’m way ahead,” he says. And with about 20 meters to go, he allows himself to look back, sees that no one can catch him and switches off as he crosses the line, jubilant, relieved, and yes, vindicated.

Why does he switch off over that last little stretch? It’s simple. Bol wants to enjoy this moment. He’s certainly earned it.

Bol is here in Melbourne for a different kind of race, the Australian F1 GP, though it’s one the 800m runner believes does have parallels with his sport of athletics. “The pressure, number one,” says Bol, who is chatting to MH here in the paddock today in his capacity as a Ralph Lauren Fragrances campaign face, alongside the likes of AFL star Bailey Smith, boxer Harry Garside, NBL trailblazer Isaac Humphries, actor Cameron Robbie and model Lucas White-Smith. “The pressure to compete in front of so many people and there’s so much on the line. And also athletics and the GP seem like individual sports, but there’s a massive team behind it, and every single team member has to do their part for success, whether that’s the mechanics and for us, our physios and the coaches. You’ve got to get guidance from everywhere to succeed on the track, and so do they.”

Another similarity, Bol points out, is that like F1 drivers, middle distance runners need to put it all together on the big day. That’s when you need to run that perfect race. “[That’s] the hardest part, because you can do all the training, all the preparation, everyone can be on, but it’s on the day that you need to be on.”

As we chat to Bol today, he appears confident and relaxed, qualities, he says, he looks for a fragrance to lend him and one of the reasons he was drawn to Ralph Lauren Fragrances. “It’s such an iconic brand that reflects style and confidence, which is something that I try to achieve in my day-to-day lifestyle,” says the 30-year-old, who recently got engaged. “I actually like the Polo Red. I think it ticks all my boxes and the confidence that I feel while wearing it; it’s definitely the one for me.”

Ralph Lauren Fragrances campaign faces Peter Bol and Harry Garside.

Relaxed, confident and free also happens to be the state of mind in which Bol runs at his best and one he’ll seek to inhabit as prepares for Paris 2024 in July. “I feel pretty free at the moment, so it’s a good sign, and I think the goal is to try and maintain that on the day when it actually does matter.”

If the runner had an edge to him going into the Games, you could hardly blame him. Last year was a horrible one for Bol, who last January was provisionally suspended by Athletics Australia after a failed out-of-competition doping test, which showed signs of synthetic EPO. This was later found to be a false positive, as Bol had argued all along. His suspension was lifted in February last year, though Sport Integrity Australia continued its investigation, eventually clearing Bol of any wrongdoing in August.

The investigation hung over Bol’s head for much of the year and effectively ruined his season. He had a disappointing return to athletics at the world championships in Budapest in August, finishing fifth in his heat. He did, however, manage to run two Olympic qualifying times and now needs to finish in the top three at the national titles in Adelaide next month to book his ticket on the plane to Paris.

Looking ahead, he feels that more people are pulling for him these days. And he’s certainly a bigger name than he was three years ago when he burst onto the national spotlight with a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Games. Then Australia learned a little of his story. How he and his family fled from their homeland due to the Sudanese civil war when Bol was four years old. How they lived in Egypt for four years before eventually arriving in Toowoomba when Bol was eight years old.

The family would later move to Perth, where Bol started at St Norbert College on a basketball scholarship. Through his teens he nurtured dreams of playing in the NBA and it wasn’t until he was 17 – an astonishingly late start for a pro athlete – that a teacher persuaded him to focus on athletics instead.

Image l @pbol800

He would compete at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where he bowed out in the heats, but by the time Bol made it to Tokyo in 2021, he was a far more seasoned and tactically astute runner. After his fourth place in Tokyo, he won the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

These days Bol is a deserving household name, something that’s evident here at the track this week. “You get recognised so much now, even funnily enough, when you go for a run and you’re mid-session and someone asks you for a photo, which didn’t happen really before,” he says. “So it’s going to be really cool. Not just representing yourself and your country and your community, but now you’ve got all these extra people behind you.”

Right now Bol is in the midst of a heavy training schedule. A hamstring injury hampered the beginning of his season but now appears to be behind him. Bol’s currently running around 70km a week, which includes one speed session. He’s also doing two gym sessions that are heavy on Olympic lifting, along with one “party session” and two easy runs, which comprise 30 to 50 minutes at 4-minute to 4.30 per kilometre pace. Finally, there are three more running sessions that include an 800m session, a treadmill session, and another session “just to kind of feel it up for endurance”. It is, he agrees, “hectic”.

Rounding it out are what Bol calls the one per centers: “Getting the right sleep, seeing a physio once a week, getting a massage once a week and eating and sleeping a lot.”

So, how does he rate his chances of medalling in Paris? “Well, I’m a bit biased,” he says smiling. “I rate it pretty high, but that just reflects, I guess, my confidence heading to into it because I know I’ll do everything in my power to get there and I believe I will. You’ve got to believe it to achieve it, right?”

Peter Bol is a campaign face of Ralph Lauren Fragrances

Running man: Peter Bol’s journey from Sudan to the 800m final

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On your marks! The top men’s grooming products to shop this Afterpay Day

Nikolina Ilic — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:50:10 +0000

Whether your trimmer is on the blink, you’re down to your last few squirts of your favourite fragrance or you’ve wised up to the fact that you need to wear SPF all-year-round, right now is your best opportunity to save heaps of money on grooming essentials with the Afterpay Day sale.

From 8am AEDT on Thursday March 14 until Sunday March 17, some of our favourite grooming brands and retailers will be slashing prices all the essentials. Think Myer, Shaver Shop, Oz Hair and Beauty, and more, all offering deals that couldn’t come at a better time.

Indeed, there’s plenty of discounted stuff to be copped, but endlessly scrolling through the web on the hunt for a bargain is nothing short of exhausting. It’s an experience akin to spending a day at your local outlet centre with hope that you’ll unearth a treasure or two. Both often end in disappointment, even if the process is stirring. So to narrow down your search, we rallied the best of the best onto one page—and some of our favourite retailers are already rolling out major discounts.

Take a look at the exceptional savings on offer, and shop them all weekend long until the sale ends on Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know in order to grab yourself some grooming steals on Afterpay Day 2024.

What is Afterpay Day?

It may only be a few years old, but Afterpay Day has become a much-anticipated event in the savvy bargain hunter’s calendar. The sale, which happens twice a year, is run by Afterpay, the online service that allows customers to pay for purchases in instalments over six or eight weeks. During the sale period, retailers that use Afterpay offer discounts to customers to celebrate the period.

While Afterpay Day is a sale event directly affiliated with Afterpay, you don’t have to use their services to access the sales.

When does Afterpay Day 2024 begin?

Despite what its name suggests, Afterpay Day actually takes place over four days, beginning from 8am AEDT on Thursday March 14^th and running until Sunday March 17^th.

The best grooming deals to nab from Afterpay Day 2024

Afterpay Day will see hundreds of grooming must-haves available for a fraction of their recommended retail price, so we decided to round up the best of the best. Below, we’ve listed the best bits on sale this weekend, and the pieces our editors plan to cop.

Charles and Lee Beard Mask

A hydrating wash-out beard mask packed with Australian oils to condition, soften repair coarse beards. Shea butter, argan oil, olive oil, native Australian kakadu plum extract sandalwood oil condition facial hair, improving the texture of the beard.

$26.25 at Myer

SHAKEUP Skin Stix Duo Set

ShakeUps Skin Stix Duo is the perfect travel-friendly gift set, for men who require a fuss-free, mess-free skincare routine on the go.

$346 at The Good Guys

KLAIRS Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask

A calming sheet mask made from bamboo charcoal, the Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask is a gentle mask that can deeply soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive skin.

$4.40 at Adore Beauty

CeraVe Moisturising Cream

This rich and ultra-hydrating moisturiser that provides 24-hour long hydration.

$18.39 at Adore Beauty

Dermalogica special cleansing gel

You can’t go wrong with Dermalogica’s most popular cleanser, Special Cleansing Gel. Every skin can use this soap free foaming cleanser – it leaves skin clean, without feeling stripped or sensitised. It loves water, making it easy to use in the shower and it’s fluffy, light consistency means it can double up as a shaving foam. Be sure to only use a small amount of gel and plenty of water, to create the perfect foam.

$72 at Dermalogica

Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer

If you have long locks and you want a REALLY good hair dryer, this is your go-to. The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer makes styling men’s hair so easy, whatever their hair type – minimal effort required.

$484 at Dyson

Nak Tough.n Up

This putty is sulphate and paraben-free, making it suitable for fine to medium textured hair. It pumps up thickness, strength, and structure to fine, flat, and limp hair, delivering all-day hold.

$19.46 at Oz Hair & Beauty

American Crew 3-in-1 Energizing Ginger + Tea

The entire Apple watch range has long been the subject of admiration for tech and fitness enthusiasts, and the innovations just keep on coming. The SE GPS edition of the watch is made for the great outdoors, with a number of enhanced workout metrics, heart monitoring, water resistance up to an impressive 50 metres, and unrivalled durability.

$346 at The Good Guys

Remington R2 Power Series Rotary Shaver

Featuring three independent heads that flex and adjust to facial contours this shaver lets you reach more difficult areas like the neck, chin and jaw line for an effortless, comfortable shave.

$31.99 at Priceline

NIVEA Men Everyday Active Anti-Perspirant

NIVEA Men Everyday Active combines 48 hours reliable protection against sweat and body odour with care for your underarm skin.

$5.09 at Priceline

SUN SKILLS Sunscreen For All SPF 50+

This lightweight and fast-absorbing sunscreen leaves skin feeling soft and smooth, drying without a white cast for a natural finish that makes it perfect for daily use.

$39 at Sephora

STUFF Skin And Body Pro Kit

A kit of 5 awesome products that’ll cover all his skin care, body and personal care needs so he’ll be cleansed, buffed and polished before he knows it.

$100 at Sephora

Oral B iO5 Electric Toothbrush

With a round head and gentle micro-vibrations, the magnetic interaction delivers smooth, harmonious motion through a synchronised cleaning action (micro-vibrations synced with oscillations).

$399 at Shaver Shop

Braun Series 9 PRO+ Wet & Dry Electric Shaver

No matter if it’s a 1, 3, or 7 day beard, this shaver delivers exceptional efficiency and skin comfort, even on the longest & trickiest hair in every stroke.

$549 at Shaver Shop

Menshealth.com.au provides reviews and recommendations to help you find the right product. Products you purchase through links on this page may earn us a small commission.

Niacinamide is a skin-care multitasker – here’s why you need to try it out

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The secret to a good hair day? It lies in your scalp

Riley Warner — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 01:09:14 +0000

WHEN IT COMES TO HAIR CARE, men often focus on maintaining their hairstyle rather than caring for their scalp. Let’s face it, how often are you really taking a deep dive down to the roots of your follicles?

The scalp is the foundation of a healthy head of hair and without proper care, it can lead to hair loss, dandruff and other scalp-related issues. Good hair days are hard to explain; it’s that feeling of perfection when you look in the mirror and slowly back away, trying not to mess up your rare but magical look. With the right scalp and hair care routine, you can tame that mane and make those good hair days a more common trend.

This is where scalp care for men comes in, and it’s something every man should consider adding to their grooming routine.

Why is scalp care so important for men?

Guys, you’re gonna want to listen to this. Firstly, scalp care helps to prevent hair loss. Yes, the dreaded follicle exodus is often caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), produced in the scalp. By caring for your scalp, you can reduce the production of DHT and prevent further hair loss.

Secondly, scalp care can help to prevent dandruff and other scalp-related issues. Dandruff is a common problem for men, and it’s caused by a fungus that grows on the scalp. By using scalp-specific products, you can help to control the growth of this fungus and prevent dandruff from forming.

Thirdly, scalp care can help to improve the overall health of your hair. A healthy scalp means healthy hair, and by using scalp-specific products, you can improve the quality and texture of your hair. This is because the scalp provides the nutrients and moisture that your hair needs to grow and stay healthy.

Keen to start nourishing your scalp and reclaiming control of your locks? The following products support the scalp’s microbiome by treating and soothing common skin/scalp conditions from root to tip, including environmental damage caused by sun, humidity, sweat, and pollution.

How to lose the dry scalp

Fellas, 2024 is the time to say a swift goodbye to bad hair days. The good news is that you can get significant relief from dryness, flakey dandruff and all the nasties associated with a dry scalp with a few simple changes to your hair routine. Like any thoughtful skin care journey, there will likely be some trial and error when working out your scalp’s go-to products. Below are some of the key players in the scalp-care game.

STRAAND Halo Hydrator Scalp Mask

The Halo Hydrator scalp mask by STRAAND is a pre-wash gel mask suitable for every scalp, that soothes and nourishes, hydrates and protects, and aids in healing irritation caused by colouring, the environment, and heated hair tools.

The mask is jam-packed with scalp-friendly ingredients such as aloe vera, Niacinamide, Pentavitin, Wastar Pink Berry, and DefenscalpTM (STRAAND’s chief prebiotic ingredient). It is skincare for your scalp, and a healthy scalp is key for healthy hair.

Directions for use: Segment dry hair and apply the formula to the scalp and hair roots. Experience the cooling sensation and leave the mask on for 10 minutes. Rinse, and continue with your usual haircare routine. Use 1-2 times a week. For a more refreshing experience, refrigerate the mask for 20 minutes before use.

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Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask

The Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask is a nourishing and refreshing colour-reviving mask that enhances the natural shade of hair or refreshes colour-treated and highlighted hair between treatments. This velvety mask contains a unique blend of iridescent pigments and Florentina Iris that neutralise brassiness and yellow tones, revitalising the brightness of fresh blonde hair. To top it off, it’s enriched with Almond Butter and burrito oil to leave your hair feeling nurtured, soft, and glossy. This mask is perfect for those with coloured, bleached, or highlighted hair who want to refresh their look between treatments. Additionally, the nutritional properties of Buriti Oil leave the hair feeling nurtured without weighing it down.

Directions for use: After shampooing, apply onto towel-dried hair from root to tip and allow to sit for 5 to 20 min, depending on the desired intensity, then rinse thoroughly.

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Mr. Smith Balancing Shampoo

Keen to grow your scalp care range? Mr. Smith Balancing Shampoo is a premium Aussie-made hair care product specially formulated to cleanse and nourish the hair and scalp. This plant-based shampoo is made with a blend of natural ingredients such as mandarin, geranium, and lavender oils, which work together to gently remove impurities and restore balance to the hair and scalp. The shampoo is free from harsh chemicals and sulphates, which makes it safe for all hair types, including colour-treated hair.

Mr. Smith Balancing Shampoo has a luxurious texture that lathers easily, leaving the hair feeling soft and silky. Its delicate fragrance of essential oils provides a refreshing and calming experience as you enter your morning routine. Directions for use: apply the shampoo to wet hair. Gently massage to lather and rinse and repeat.

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STRAAND The Crown Cleanse Shampoo

If you’re fed up with dealing with a dry, itchy, and flaky scalp, it’s time to show it some love. Adding The Crown Cleanse Shampoo to your scalp care routine is essential. Powered by prebiotics, the product cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates your scalp while targeting the root cause of these pesky issues. A strong skin barrier and a balanced skin microbiome are essential for a healthy scalp. The Crown Cleanse Shampoo formula instantly hydrates and cleanses the scalp’s surface, allowing you and your scalp microbiome to thrive.

This shampoo contains DEFENSCALP™, a potent rosebay extract that naturally regulates the malassezia fungi that lead to dandruff by reducing sebum production. Panthenol (Vitamin B5) also strengthens hair against breakages, reduces hair loss, and boosts volume. Hydrolysed Wheat Protein eliminates frizz and tangles while strengthening hair to make it shinier. Polquaternium-10, which improves hair texture by increasing body, suppleness, sheen, and texture.

Directions for use: Squeeze a generous amount into your palm and go to work into a lather. Scrub away, covering the scalp and roots, then rinse.

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American Crew Anti Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo

The American Crew Anti Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo is an excellent solution for those who struggle with embarrassing dandruff and dry scalp issues. This shampoo contains active ingredients such as Zinc Pyrithione, which is proven to control dandruff and maintain a healthy scalp. It also has tea tree oil, which has antiseptic properties that help soothe and heal an itchy scalp. Furthermore, the shampoo is infused with peppermint oil, which provides a refreshing and invigorating sensation while washing your hair.

The American Crew Shampoo is specially formulated to work on all hair types, leaving your hair looking and feeling clean and healthy. It is also free from sulphates and parabens, making it a safe and gentle option for everyday use.

Directions for use: Apply to wet hair and massage into scalp with fingers. Massage for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly.

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The Ordinary Multi-peptide Serum for Hair Density

The Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is a hair growth serum designed to improve hair thickness and density by stimulating hair follicles. The serum contains a blend of peptides, vitamins, and minerals that work together to nourish and strengthen hair. The serum’s peptides help increase blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. The good news is that the serum is easy to use and can be applied directly to the scalp using the dropper provided.

Directions for use: Massage a few drops thoroughly into clean, dry scalp once daily, ideally at bedtime. This formula is also a leave-in treatment.

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Briogeo Scalp Revival spray

This spray is easy to use and can be applied directly to the scalp before or after washing your hair. The product is suitable for all hair types and free from sulphates, parabens, and silicones, making it a safe and gentle option for sensitive or irritated scalps. This pre-wash spray is like an exfoliating toner for your scalp. The first course of action to create the perfect runway strip for a scalp care shampoo, with a unique triple-acid complex of BHAs, AHAs, and PHAs that gently lift product buildup + flakes from the scalp to unclog congested hair follicles.

Directions for use: Prior to washing, part hair and spray directly onto the scalp, coating areas with the most buildup. Gently massage in to evenly distribute. Leave on for up to 15 minutes, rinse out, and proceed to wash hair.

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MUVO silicon scalp brush

If you are yet to become accustomed to using a scalp brush in your hair care routine, get ready for the deepest possible cleanse when you try this little guy out. This silicon scalp brush is a hair accessory tool that stimulates blood flow for healthy hair growth by exfoliating away build-up from styling products and excess scalp oil, giving your hair and scalp the deepest cleanse. This soft, flexible, and mould-resistant brush has a handy grip for non-slip usage in the shower.

Directions for use: Once shampoo is applied to the scalp, gently massage scalp with the brush in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Then rinse.

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The post The secret to a good hair day? It lies in your scalp appeared first on Men's Health Magazine Australia.