We can all use a helping hand when it comes to grooming. Whether it’s picking up tips from friends or consulting with professionals, men’s grooming is a team effort. With this in mind, Groom Guy’s Justin Lamarr shares a helpful list of everyday go-to’s. Whether its gearing up for work, hitting up downtown Los Angeles or joining the homies at a house party, below is some gems that’ll even assist you on your next trip to the market, local Target, or the barbershop.
1. Raw Shea Butter
I don’t quite remember who put me on to raw shea butter but I definitely owe them. I’m a pretty minimalist guy so when I finally began using shea butter I instantly fell in love. I use it as a lotion, lip balm, skin moisturizer and even on my tattoos when I want them to look a little more vibrant. Raw shea butter can be a little off putting for those not use to its gritty texture, but once you warm it up a bit in your hands, it melts down and becomes a perfect all around moisturizer.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been a lifesaver for me. Growing up I used all kinds of greases and pomades on my hair to get the waves I wanted. Those products always left my hair sticky and harder to manage than before. Natural coconut oil is perfect for conditioning your hair without leaving a mess. Whether I’m keeping a fresh fade or growing out the curls, coconut oil always keeps my hair well moisturized and conditioned.
3. Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap
As you can tell from my first two essentials I’m pretty big on natural, organic products. My hygienic routine is no different. Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap is a certified fair trade product made with organic oils and no GMO’s. Because there’s little dilution in the soap, it can be extremely strong. Some dilute their soap with water before using, though personally I enjoy the strength of its cleansing properties when used raw, along with the fresh scent.
4. Beard Oil
I consider my facial hair to be a huge part of my personal style. I’m always rocking a beard, though the length tends to vary at times. Whether I’m going with the 5 o’clock shadow look or the Rick Ross beard I always make sure to apply beard oil. Beard oil is essential to keeping your facial hair conditioned while also moisturizing the skin beneath it. One of the coolest things about beard oil is the ability to mix and match scents. My personal favorite right now is “Opium Den” by The Bearded Bastard. It’s a manly scent with a hint of sweetness, perfect for a night out at a fair price of $30.00.
5. Straight Razor
Since my beard is such a large part of my style it was important for me to learn how to properly groom it myself. Working in the corporate world people notice right away when you’ve gone a while without a line up. Learning how to use a straight razor has been a thrilling and intimidating process, but there’s something unique about doing things the old school way. There aren’t too many things I enjoy more than grabbing my razor, turning on some music and getting my beard tight for the week ahead. (Groom Guy tip: Consult your local barber first for razor recommendations that best fit for your skin)
6. Altoids
So this one isn’t that big of a secret, everybody uses Altoids right? I was actually a pretty big gum person for most of my life until I took a liking to cigars. Smoking cigars is one of my favorite hobbies, though one of the drawbacks is the toll it takes on your breath when you’re done. After doing some research I found that Altoids were the PERFECT solution to cigar mouth. They eliminate the smokey feel and give you a minty taste in no time. I keep a pack of Altoids on me at all times.
7. Dior Sauvage Cologne
I really shouldn’t be giving this one away but hey, each one teach one J. Colognes can be tricky for the simple fact that everyone’s natural chemicals react differently to various scents. What smells great on one guy might smell terrible on another. Thankfully I found my go-to cologne a few years ago and haven’t looked back since. Dior Sauvage is understated yet commanding all at once. I always recommend guys take the time out to find the cologne that’s right for them, maybe Dior Sauvage might be the one for you as well.
To follow more of Justin Lamarr visit his official site.