Picking the perfect present for the special man in your life is never easy. A lot of skincare and haircare products are geared towards women, which makes navigating the world of male grooming products a little bit alien and daunting.
Don’t panic, because we’ve done the hard work for you! Trust us when we say you’ll score major points with your other half when he unwraps any item on this list. From tattoo healing balms to rinse-free hand wash and hairstyling gems, you’re bound to find something that’s perfect for your Valentine.
Face
1. Bulldog Skincare Kit for Men
The Bulldog Skincare brand is for the low-maintenance dude who likes to keep things uncomplicated. Their bright packaging stands out in the men’s skincare aisle, which tends to be a sombre sea of greys and blues.
This handy kit contains three essential items with straightforward labels: the Original Face Wash, Original Face Scrub, and Original Moisturiser. Infused with natural ingredients such as green tea, aloe vera and camelina oil, they’ll leave his skin healthy and smooth.
Retails for S$28 on Lookfantastic.
2. Aesop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Duet
Transform shaving from a tiresome chore to a satisfying self-care ritual for him! Formulated with hydrating botanicals, this kit contains two stellar Aesop products: the Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum, which provides maximum slip for a smooth shave without greasiness, and the Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion, which calms any irritated or sensitive areas.
Best of all, the hint of sandalwood and neroli blossom lingers on his skin, leaving him smelling irresistible throughout the day.
Retails for S$110 at Aesop stores and online.
3. Bulk Homme THE TONER
Japanese brand Bulk Homme is minimalist and ‘basic’ but in the best way possible. Their products are developed through an extensive R&D process and use scientifically-proven ingredients specifically targeted to improve and strengthen male skin.
According to their research, male skin tends to have too much sebum, which gives the appearance of moisture while actually being dehydrated. Formulated with Japanese spring water, willow bark extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, and hydrolyzed silk, THE TONER boosts moisture levels without stickiness.
Retails for S$48 on Tangs.
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dry Touch Gel-Cream SPF50+
Men will appreciate the mattifying formula of this broad-spectrum sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast. It’s water-resistant and employs AIRLICIUM™ Technology, containing mattifying micro-particles that immediately melt and control all sources of shine (sebum, sweat and humidity). An ideal present for the sporty, outdoorsy types.
Retails for S$49.90 at Watsons stores and online.
5. IDS Skincare Spot Control
IDS Skincare, which stands for Innovative Dermatological Solutions, is the brainchild of Dr SK Tan, a pioneer in the aesthetic field in Singapore. This spot treatment boasts a potent formula that helps to rapidly reduce the inflammation and swelling of breakouts while soothing and repairing skin.
Trust us, we know this isn’t the sexiest product to give to your significant other, but once you see the effect of Spot Control on pesky blemishes, you just might find yourself swiping this from his stash! Its active ingredient is Salicylic Acid, which tends to be well-tolerated for sensitive skin.
Retails for $30.50 on JYX. Enjoy 15% off IDS Skincare products with the promo code DVJYX15! Remember to register an account with JYX.shop before using the promo code!
6. Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector SPF 50+ PA++++
For some reason, some men are just averse to applying sunblock, but this stick form just might change their minds. Shaped like a miniature deodorant, it hugs the contours of the place and makes application fun and fuss-free.
Simply twist the dial to reveal about 1cm of the Clear Stick and apply directly on the face in a zigzag pattern. Best of all, he can easily reapply whenever necessary without ever having to touch his face with grimy hands!
Retails for S$39 on Sephora.
7. Kiehl’s Eye Fuel
How do you get your man to apply eye cream? That’s easy – call it ‘eye fuel’ of course. A shot of caffeine for the under eyes that reduces puffiness within minutes, this is another product you would want to share. Infused with niacinamide (Vitamin B3), the weightless formula brightens and refreshes tired eyes after hours of staring at the screen.
Available for S$35 at Kiehl’s stores and online.
8. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
The 2% BHA from Paula’s Choice is one of our all-time favourites for good reason, and it isn’t the functional packaging. Its gentle, fragrance-free formula unclogs pores, evens skin tone, and lightens dark spots while helping skin shed and renew itself. Get this award-winning exfoliant for your guy if he struggles with blemish-prone skin or large pores – he’s sure to thank you later!
Retails for S$48 on Paula’s Choice.
Makeup
9. Boy De Chanel Foundation
Makeup for men? Why not? Boy De Chanel is a revolutionary luxury makeup line that was created specifically for our male counterparts, and it’s evident that careful thought has been put into making the products quick and easy to use while doubling as a stylish addition to the bathroom countertop.
The Boy De Chanel Foundation is described as a ‘subtle and long-wearing complexion enhancer’ and comes in a beautiful matte black glass bottle. Its soft micro-particles give an imperceptible, soft-focus coverage that evens out the skin tone.
A few dabs blended out with fingers can give him a more polished appearance and an extra boost of confidence to face the day.
Available at S$114 on Chanel’s e-shop.
Related read: 8 foundations male celebrities wear that are perfect for a “no makeup” makeup look
Hair
10. Triumph & Disaster Ponsonby Pomade
Kiwi brand Triumph & Disaster has gained a global following for its incredible vintage aesthetic and unique ingredients. Named after Auckland’s Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby Pomade contains Sangre de Cargo, or ‘Dragon’s Blood”, which is a natural tree resin, along with Harakeke, or New Zealand flax oil.
This pomade styles hair while treating and balancing the scalp and promoting healthy hair growth. Its non-greasy formula is a step up from the traditional oily ointments of the past, which means it’s safe for acne-prone, reactive skin as well.
Retails for S$43 online.
11. Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer 23.75 karat gold
The Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer needs no introduction, and the latest hand-gilded version has literally blown us away. Nestled in a sumptuous red leather case, the real gold leaf on the hair dryer’s head is a striking contrast to the vivid ‘Dyson Blue’ of the body. The gold is applied using traditional techniques, which makes each hair dryer unique to its owner.
Make it extra special by personalising the case with your boyfriend or husband’s initials at the Dyson Service Centre & Demo Store at Capitol Singapore or Demo Zone Nex.
Retails for S$749 at Dyson stores and online.
12. Slick Gorilla Hair Styling Powder
Whatever his hair length and texture, this is the secret weapon for full, luscious, volumised styles. The Hair Styling Powder from Slick Gorilla comes in a bottle that works like a salt shaker, and a little bit goes a long way. Just tap a small amount directly onto the hair and distribute evenly for an uber-suave look.
Available for S$25.22 on SGpomades.
13. Osis+ Session 3 Hair Spray Strong Control
The Osis line from Schwarzkopf is synonymous with volumised, weatherproof hairstyles that defy gravity. Enhanced with a protective formula, this hairspray also shields hair against UV rays whilst film-forming resin buffers and protects against humidity, so no more frizz!
Retails for S$14.90 at Watsons stores and online.
Body
14. Fisticuffs Tattoo Aftercare Balm
If your beau loves getting works of art permanently inked on his skin, this is a thoughtful gift he’s sure to appreciate. Aftercare is actually crucial to the vibrancy and longevity of a tattoo.
Although the surface of the skin can look fully healed after a few weeks, it can actually take as long as six months for the deeper layers of skin below a tattoo to fully heal. This soothing aftercare balm contains quality ingredients that protect tattoos during the healing process and reduce swelling, cracking, and skin damage.
Available online at sgpomades.
15. Byredo Vetyver Rinse-Free Hand Wash
With notes of Angelia Seeds, Pomelo, Violet, and a base of Cashmeran and Vetyver, the Rinse-Free Hand Wash from cult fragrance label Byredo is a cleansing product that comes in handy when he’s out and about. Its non-drying formula is an elegant alternative to harsher gel sanitiser formulas, leaves hands clean, soft, and smelling gorgeous.
Retails at S$41.50 on Selfridges.
16. Jo Malone London Men’s Fragrance & Body Care Kit (Limited Edition)
Pamper him with this collection of favourites from Jo Malone London, which contains an exfoliating shower gel, a body and hand wash and two miniature colognes. After cleansing and exfoliating with their Lime & Basil scented bath products, layer on the fragrance with Wood Sage & Sea Salt for the daytime, or a spritz of the sexy Myrhh & Tonka for a romantic evening.
Retails for S$105 on Sephora.
Fragrance
17. Paco Rabanne Phantom EDT
Created to be bold, cutting-edge, and creative, Paco Rabanne’s Phantom is a ‘fragrance for today, created for tomorrow’. It’s a masculine scent that will make you swoon, with notes of addictive creamy lavender, energising fusing lemon and sexy woody vanilla. Get him to unlock his phone and tap the bottle’s top for a fun high-tech surprise!
Retails for S$111 on Sephora.
18. Penhaligon’s Endymion Concentré Eau de Parfum
Named after Zeus’s handsome and perpetually sleeping son, Endymion is definitely a head-turner (fun fact: legend says that goddess of the moon Selene was so in love with Endymion that she bore him 50 daughters).
A full-bodied coffee scent with hues of geranium, lavender and mandarin, nutmeg, resins and suede, this stunning fragrance is a perfect match for the sophisticated and easy-going gentleman.
Available for S$300 at Penhaligon’s stores and on Sephora.
19. Zara Tobacco Intense Dark Exclusive + Rich Warm Addictive Set
If your man is the tall, dark, and mysterious type, this addictive Eau de Toilette duo from Zara is gonna be right up his alley. The first fragrance features notes of apple, black pepper, and tonka bean, while the second has elements of rum, white peony and vanilla. They can be worn either individually or layered for an intoxicating fragrance.
Available at S$45.90 at Zara stores and online.
Gadgets
20. Braun HAIR 7 IONTEC Brush
You might be wondering – what’s the point of an ionic hair brush, and why does my boyfriend need one? The Hair 7 Iontec Brush from Braun releases millions of active ions that envelope each strand and tame frizz and static, leaving hair impossibly shiny and healthy-looking! The extra soft cushion also enables gentle brushing, encouraging circulation and hair growth.
Available for S$58 (now 27% off) on Harvey Norman.
21. PHILIPS MG7735 Multigroom series 7000 12-in-1, Face, Hair and Body
This is probably the only all-in-one hair shaving tool he will ever need. Its multiple attachments can be used to style facial hair, trim sideburns and groom the body. Use the different shaver and trimmer heads to get clean, sharp lines, or shorten hair length.
It even includes a nose trimmer to gently remove nose and ear hair! The high-performance Lithium-Ion battery delivers up to 120 minutes of run-time per every 1-hour full charge, while a five-minute quick charge delivers one full trim.
Retails for S$79.90 on Lazada.
