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Curly hair…everyone wants it, unless they already have it. If you have curls naturally you know…curly hair comes with issues. Sure, it can hold style like nobody's business, but it's fragile in its own way. There's the obvious problems, such as curls tend to be on the dryer side and are prone to breakage. But some problems you wouldn’t know unless you were born with curls, like the fact that brushes are the enemy. Brushes will only ruin your bounce. 

So let me fill you in on the secrets behind styling your curls and help put those issues to bed. The basics of styling curly hair with minimal heat damage, involves three main styles: wet, natural and dry and roughly pulled back. Allow me to guide you through each style

Style 1: Wet

Not really a style, mainly just a starting point. This is when product plays a key role to give you the foundation you need. For finer curls opt for a product that will give you some grip and hold, such as a mousse. I always recommend Kérastase Resistance Volumifique Mousse 150ml. If you find your curls are a little more coarse, you’ll need to layer a mousse over a moisturising cream when your hair is still holding water. Try Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream 300ml. It will control your curl and stop any frizz in one step.

Style 2: Diffused

To dry your curls naturally, without too much styling, you need a low-heat, low-fan setting along with a diffuser attachment for your hairdryer. As you dry your curls with the diffuser twist your hair between your forefinger and thumb. By using this action on your hair cuticle you ensure your hair is fully dry. If your curls aren’t completely dry, they will change shape and change style throughout the day.

Style 3: Roughly Pulled Back

The other great thing about curly hair is that buns are easy and all you really need a hairband. Something about roughly pulled back curls makes it look like you’ve made an effort. Winner. Just make sure that when you pull your hair back, to keep it from feeling too ‘ready for the gym’, pull some strands out in the front for some curls to frame your face. In many cases, the best way to show off the amazing texture of curly hair is a simple ponytail with lots of volume in the back. Don’t be too precious about it though. Curly hair rarely stays where you put it for long. Sometimes it's best to just let it do it’s own thing. Afterall…you have the hair everyone wants.

xoxo

Indulge me for a second. You and I both know that the chances of you being on this site if you don’t already have skincare routine sorted are pretty slim. I’m not trying to teach you to suck eggs here, but sometimes it never hurts to check your facts and get back to basics. Remember, skincare doesn't need to be complicated to get results. It just needs to be well thought out.

1. Cleanser

Be wary of cleansers that promise you the world. If we’re honest, there's really only so much it can do. Most cleansers are only on the skin for a few minutes and frankly, that's not enough time to brighten, hydrate, tone, clear, and exfoliate your skin all at once. So, when you're looking for a cleanser, simple is best. Decléor Aroma Cleanse Micellar Oil 150ml is a favourite of mine. Simple, feels great on the skin and gets rid of makeup and dirt from the day. Winner.

2. Exfoliator

This is where moderation is key. Over-exfoliation, especially after you’ve discovered its skin brightening benefits, is a real problem people. Less is more. I know it’s tempting but trust me, you have that many layers of skin for a reason. Once a week with most exfoliators is more than enough. Acids are the best way to exfoliate in my book as they do the job without scrubbing away at your skin. Try Thalgo Clear Expert Exfoliating Lotion 125ml.

3. Serum

Now this is where the thought comes in. Think about what your skin really needs. Tackle the most pressing concern you have for your skin first. Serums work best when they are kept in rotation to keep your skin from adapting to them too much. Six months is the maximum amount of time to stick to one serum…then change it up. For hydration, try for a hyaluronic acid or for acne reduction and prevention, try a vitamin C alternative. You get the idea.

4. Moisturiser

Don’t skip the moisturiser. No excuses. No matter what your skin type. Even those of you with an oily skins. Trust me, your moisturiser isn’t what’s breaking you out. In fact, the less you moisturise, the more oil your skin will produce. Try a lighter formula for day time such as Decléor Hydra Floral 24hr Hydrating Light Cream 30ml, then step it up to a richer formula overnight. I reach for Decléor Aromessence Neroli Hydrating Night Balm 15ml.

5. SPF

All day. Every day. No excuses. In my eyes it should be the last step in all complete skincare routines. If you only do one thing…SPF. My favourite is Thalgo SPF50+ Age Defence Sunscreen 50ml. Just layer over your moisturiser for all day protection.

As I said, this is a back to basics guide to skincare. I’m always an advocate for simple routines but to each their own. You can add on as many extras as you feel necessary at this stage, but these are my ride or die products that are non negotiable in every routine. A five step routine is all you really need to see results.

xoxo

Gone are the days when men would use just one product to cover their hair, face and body. Men are more and more interested in taking care of their skin, but often have little idea how to do so. Our industry is frustratingly catering mostly to women, and can sometimes make the process a little complicated. We’re all about keeping things simple, so here’s an easy and effective skin care routine just for men.

Step 1: Cleanse

The key to a good skin care routine is to thoroughly, yet gently cleansing your skin with a face wash such as L'Oréal Men Expert Hydra Power Refreshing Face Wash 150ml. Cleansing your skin in the morning and before bed will help remove oil, bacteria, and impurities from your pores that can cause acne and dull your overall complexion. It can lead to a better shave by removing bacteria and oil that can seep into your pores as you glide your blade across the skin.

Before cleansing your face, make sure to open up the pores by hopping in the shower or splashing some warm water over the skin. This will help open up the pores for a better cleanse. Apply the wash all over, gently rubbing in circles. When done, rinse your face with cool water to close the pores and gently pat your face dry. Remember, your skin should feel clean, but not too clean or dried out. An excessively cleansed face will cause irritation, excess oil production and premature wrinkles. Nobody wants that right?

Step 2: Exfoliate

This next step is crucial to any skin care routine, not only for your skin, but for a better shave. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and other impurities on the face, but also softens the hairs on your face, lifting them up for a closer, smoother shave. Plus, men tend to have oilier skin than women, so that means you’ll be more prone to dead skin cell build up and other impurities sitting on your face. Exfoliating removes these from the face, allowing newer, healthier looking skin cells to appear. Post shave, a face scrub can also help those prone to ingrown hairs.

After cleansing your face, gently rub a facial scrub (we love Thalgo Refreshing Exfoliator 50ml) over your skin. Once your skin feels polished, rinse the scrub off with cool water to close your pores and pat your face dry. We recommend only using a face scrub two to three times a week to not irritate your skin.

Step 3: Moisturise

If you’re looking for visible results with your skin, hydration is key. Using moisturiser daily helps keep the skin cells hydrated, while preventing oil and other impurities from entering into the pores. It also helps fight skin ageing as it stimulates collagen production.

After steps 1 and 2, apply a thin layer of moisturiser all over, especially targeting your forehead, around the eyes and your cheeks. Try not to apply too much, less is more. Go for a product like L'Oréal Men Expert Hydra Power Refreshing Moisturiser 50ml

A few added extras…

Sun Cream:

All skin care routines should include a step to prevent the sun’s ultraviolet rays from damaging your skin. Make sure to use a sun cream with at least SPF15

Eye Cream:

Eye cream might be a step too far for most men, but it does make such a difference. As you sleep, fluid builds up underneath your eyes, causing dark circles and bags. Most eye creams contain some form of caffeine that will help stimulate the blood, dissipating the puffiness and dark circles. Try ThalgoMen Anti-Fatigue Serum For Eyes 15ml