5 Skincare Products My Partner Stole From Me That He Actually Uses Every Day
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
After more than six years together, my partner is finally committed to a daily skincare routine.
Sure, dating a beauty editor means Sam has access to plenty of shiny, fancy beauty products, but make no mistake, this is a win for anyone who has ever tried to convince their dad, brother, son, partner or neighbour not to wash their face with anti-bacterial hand wash.
If you wash your face with the same soap you use on your hands, no judgment, but please keep reading.
In the name of great skincare, here are five products my partner decided to steal from my beauty stash that are now part of his simple but effective routine.
I’m not even mad because he uses them every day and, just quietly, he reckons they’re working.
As a side note, you can also learn more about how to treat blackheads in our YouTube video below.
Skincare Routine for Men.
Fact: Skincare for men can be the same skincare marketed towards women.
Anecdotally, products packaged in darker colours with easy-to-use applicators like sticks and pumps are winners for those of us who aren't used to being served ads for serums and peels we didn't know we needed to fix problems we didn't know we had.
But never mind, because together, these five products below make up a pretty great skincare routine for anyone, including men with skin concerns like enlarged pores, excess oil production, dehydration and visible signs of ageing.
And before you ask: Yes, I 100 per cent asked Sam to sit in the sun and take influencer product shots for this article. Enjoy.
1. Best Cleanser for Men: Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energising Face Wash.
What: Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energising Face Wash 250ml- The only 'men's skincare product' on this list!
Why he likes it:
"Very refreshing to use in the morning. Makes my face feel and look clean, but not dry or too tight. Smells citrusy."
Why I like that he likes it:
- Legit, this is the first cleanser Sam has tried that he still consistently uses - and he's tried a lot.
- Effectively cleanses the skin to remove sunscreen, dirt, oil and impurities.
- Contains the humectant hydrating ingredient glycerin to keep skin feeling hydrated, not stripped.
2. Best Serum for Men: Société Triple C Vitamin Therapy.
Why he likes it:
"Makes my skin look bright and fresh. No real overpowering scent. Goes on thin and a little goes a long way."
Why I like that he likes it:
- Yes, this serum is expensive, but it's the one that got my partner into using a vitamin C serum.
- The potent formula contains three different forms of stable vitamin C for all the brightening and antioxidant benefits, without the funny colour, smell or stickiness of some vitamin C serums.
- A vitamin C serum is great bang-for-buck as it reduces the appearance of pigmentation, skin tone and fine lines and wrinkles, and protects against environmental damage.
- More affordable option: Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 25ml
3. Best Moisturiser for Men: Hunter Lab Daily Face Fuel.
Why he likes it:
"Smells nice. Makes my face feel fresh and hydrated. Gives skin a matte finish. Cool matte black packaging."
Why I like that he likes it:
- This is just a really great moisturiser, bonus points for the chic, minimalist packaging.
- Can be used morning or night to keep the skin supple and hydrated.
- Using a moisturiser regularly helps to keep the skin hydrated, which in turn can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles enhanced by skin dehydration.
4. Best Mask for Men: innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X.
Why he likes it:
"Easy to use in the tub container. Feel like the pores around my nose and cheeks look tighter and less shiny/greasy the next day. I'm all about that fresh feeling, and this delivers."
Why I like that he likes it:
- This clay mask reduces the appearance of pores and shine common with oilier skin types.
- Contains kaolin clay to absorb oil and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) to gently exfoliate the skin, without drying it out.
- Mostly, I like how using this mask regularly makes Sam feel good about his skin.
5. The Last Step: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen.
Why I like that he likes it:
- Around 80 per cent of the visible signs of ageing can be attributed to sun damage = if you can only get your dad/husband/friend into one skincare product, make it a sunscreen.
- This chemical sunscreen delivers SPF50+ broad spectrum protection, is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (which means it doesn't clog your pores) and dermatologically tested to be suitable for sensitive skin.
- It has a light, watery fluid texture and the finish is neither matte nor dewy, but it isn’t shiny or greasy.
- SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label. You know the drill.
Browse more skin care for men here. Want more articles on beauty for men? Check out these stories below:
