Hey guys—this one’s for you!
It’s about time we let you in on a few of our best-kept beauty secrets. Because let’s be honest—women aren’t the only ones who care about looking good. In fact, some of my male friends spend more time getting ready than I do. (You know who you are! 😉)
For far too long, there’s been this weird stigma around men and beauty. As if caring about your skin, grooming, or even dabbling in a little makeup somehow made you less masculine. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Being intentional about your appearance doesn’t mean you’re vain—it means you care. And that’s a good thing.
Luckily, times are changing. More and more men are embracing simple skincare routines, keeping their brows and facial hair in check, and paying attention to how they present themselves. But there are still a few of you out there who haven’t quite taken the plunge. (Yes, I see you hiding behind that bar of soap and 3-in-1 shampoo.)
Personally, I love when a man’s skin is smooth and healthy, his grooming is on point, and he just has that effortless glow. So why shouldn’t you have access to the same tried-and-true tricks and must-have products women have been using for years?
Keep reading for super simple, seriously effective grooming tips and product recs to elevate your look, without losing your edge.
To make things even easier, I’ve taken the guesswork out of it by recommending just one tried-and-true favorite per category. Whether you’re fine-tuning your current routine or starting from scratch, these easy upgrades will have you looking sharp—from the boardroom to the basketball court… and yes, even the bedroom.
SOOTHE YOUR SKIN
Working hard, playing hard, and the constant swipe of a razor can really take a toll on sensitive skin. Add in sweating, stress, and time spent outdoors in extreme heat or cold, and your skin can quickly become dehydrated and reactive. That’s why it’s so important to begin and end the day with a product that hydrates, replenishes, and soothes—giving your skin the reset it deserves. Check out my pic below for a quick skin recharge…
Ranavat Brightening Saffron Toner Essence
This exceptional, saffron-enriched milky toner multitasks like a pro — calming, hydrating, and brightening all at once. Thanks to its powerful Ayurvedic, fermentation-based formula, your skin drinks it in instantly and looks noticeably refreshed and more radiant within minutes.
CHECK YOUR LIPS
Dry, cracked, peeling lips? Not cute.
The good news? It’s an easy fix—with the right product. The problem is, a lot of lip balms out there actually make things worse. You swipe them on, and minutes later your lips feel even more dehydrated. That’s usually because they’re loaded with cheap or drying ingredients like wax, silicone, or petroleum.
Trust me, I’ve tried them all. And my all-time favorite is… drumroll please…
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C
I was introduced to this gem years ago by a model I worked with, and it’s been a staple in my kit ever since. One swipe is all it takes — it deeply moisturizes and soothes the lips without that constant need to reapply. The light vanilla-scented formula is packed with healing ingredients like Vitamin C and shea butter, which help repair dry, cracked lips within minutes. And while it’s technically a sleeping mask, I use it on clients (and myself!) during the day too…it keeps lips soft, smooth, and perfectly prepped.
EVEN OUT SKIN TONE
This ultra-lightweight, unscented tint is so natural and undetectable, your buddies won’t even know you’re wearing it. If your tan’s uneven or your face is noticeably lighter than the rest of you, just blend a small amount over your face (and don’t forget the ears if they’re looking a little pale 😉), your neck, or anywhere you want a more even, healthy-looking glow.
FILL IN FACIAL HAIR
Sparse brows, patchy stache, or a beard that’s a little…incomplete? No worries, I’ve got you.
Believe it or not, there are products that let you mimic individual hairs so seamlessly, no one will ever know they’re not the real deal. Enter the brow blade pen, your new grooming BFF. Whether you need to fill in a few spots or create the illusion of fuller facial hair, this little tool delivers natural-looking definition in seconds.
Check out my top pick here…
Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen + Waterproof Pencil
I’ve raved about this before, and for good reason… it’s my go-to for filling in brows and facial hair. One end is a precision ink liner, the other a pencil, so you get the best of both worlds. Just pick a shade that matches the hair you want to fill in. Then, using a light hand and quick, sketchy strokes, add individual hairs where needed. That’s it. The results look completely natural, and since the ink is waterproof, you can even go for a swim after work.
HIDE DISCOLORATIONS
Lisa Eldridge Pinpont® Concealer Micro Correcting Pencil
This cover-up pencil is basically a magic wand for your skin.
It hides everything — blemishes, redness, broken capillaries, under-eye circles, nicks, even razor burn. I love that the pencil has a precise tip, so you can zero in on small spots without overdoing it. Most men I know only have a nick here or a blemish there, and this is the perfect product for exactly that.
Just touch or draw over the areas you want to neutralize and blend using a light tapping motion and the warmth of your fingertips. For slightly larger areas, scribble the pencil a few times and blend. In seconds, your skin looks more even, polished, and, let’s be honest, kind of irresistible.
SEAL THE DEAL
Think of a finishing spray as the final clear coat on a freshly painted sports car…it’s what makes everything look next-level.
The best formulas are packed with smart ingredients that lock in moisture, calm and refresh your skin, and even shield it from the elements. It’s the easiest way to elevate your routine. Just a few spritzes before you head out the door, and you’re good to go. Check out my go-to pick below…
Cosmedix Benefit Balance Antioxidant Toning Mist
Another favorite of mine — this one is incredibly nourishing for the skin.
It blends calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, green tea, and witch hazel with L-lactic acid for maximum hydration. Perfect for use pre or post-grooming, it leaves your skin looking smooth, refreshed, and feeling fantastic.
Makeup Artist & Beauty Expert @robinschoenmakeup
Learn more about Robin’s talented work at RobinSchoenMakeup.com
