The groom's guide to grooming: A roundup to get you wedding photo ready
We're here to help you avoid pimples — and well, pit stains — on your big day.
Wedding day is right around the corner. Whether you're the man getting married, or doing the heavy lifting as a groomsman, you've surely got a lot on your mind: bachelor parties, fitting into your tux, having a preemptive chat with that friend who can't handle an open bar, and most importantly, worrying over the wedding photos. These pictures don't just come and go. No sir, they will stay with you forever. So you need to look your best. And since you're clearly busy worrying about those aforementioned stresses, I'm stepping in to help. I may not know how to cut off drunk people, but I do know a lot about skincare. So here's my gift to you, something you can't find on a registry, a list of my favourite wedding-worthy products to have you glowing on the big day.
The secret to a fresher face is no secret, it's hydration. Start with a good moisturizer. David Beckham's new men's grooming brand, House 99, is getting great reviews. The product I've tried, tested and truly stand behind is the Greater Look Face Moisturiser. It's a gel (vs cream) which is perfect for summer and safe for all skin types. If you're like me and need to cake on as much moisturizer as possible, this one is great because it dries quickly, with no shine. Plus, the price is so fair, you don't need to worry about rationing your usage.
Greater Look Face Moisturizer, $30, house99.ca
Next to good skin, is good hair. You want to be the Uncle Jesse of the wedding party (is that still a reference?). Weddings are long, so you're going to want something that holds, but can be re-worked throughout the day. Baxter of California's Clay Pomade is perfect for this. (It's literally won awards for it.) I like the Clay Pomade because it has a firm hold, but a matte finish. I'm not really into shiny hair, especially in the summer. But if you are, shine on! There's a wide range of holds and finishes available, just for you!
Baxter of California Clay Pomade, $30, nordstrom.ca
Weddings are a celebration, and let's be real — you're going to be celebrating. A LOT. I say the key to a celebration is celebrating without looking like you've been celebrating. Still with me? Our eyes are the first to show signs of stress and fatigue, so combat it head on with Kiehl's Age Defender Eye Repair. It's a thick cream that works wonders to reduce bags, fine lines and dark circles. That's something to celebrate.
Age Defender Eye Repair, $45, kiehls.ca
Deodorant shouldn't be expensive, so I'm not going to tell you to buy something invented by Nasa to use on your underarm. I'm all about the classics. That being said, I do enforce finding an aluminum-free deodorant. Why? Do a quick search on the dangers of aluminum in deodorant and you'll see for yourself. It's also what causes those yellow stains on your white shirts — not cute. Maybe one day we can all form a super group to take down the aluminum industry, who knows. Until then, know that Old Spice offers affordable aluminum-free deodorants. Try BearGlove, if you're turned on by scents like apple, citrus and spices.
Bearglove Wild Collection Deodorant, $6.99, oldspice.ca
The night before the big day, you might want a last minute facial refresher, so try the brand new Dr. Jart+ Shake & Shot face mask. I've been a fan of Dr. Jart's masks for a long time, and their latest doesn't disappoint. Release your inner Bill Nye by shaking the two provided ingredients together to create a rubbery concoction (everyone loves a DIY). You can't move much while it dries, so use that 25 minutes to mentally prepare for the day that is about to change the rest of your life. Or scroll through Instagram... whichever. There's a range of different masks, for different needs — I recommend the brightening mask. It'll even out your skin tone, give you healthy glow and revitalize dull-looking skin.
Dr. Jart+ Shake & Shot Rubber Brightening Mask, $15, sephora.ca
Now that we have you looking great, we need you smelling great. Weddings are special, so try something new, like a fragrance from Le Labo. Their unisex scents are seriously addictive and there's something for everyone. Upon purchase, the fragrance is mixed right in front of you, to maximize shelf life, and each label is customized with the purchaser's name. My current favourite is called Thé Noir 29. It's perfect for summer, with notes of fig, bay leaves, cedar wood and vetiver.
Thé Noir 29, $89, lelabofragrances.ca
Alright, it's a day or two before the wedding and your biggest nightmare comes true. A big red pimple. Calm down. If you're a victim of adult acne, you don't have a suffer in silence. There are others like you out there, and we can help. Try Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion. This product is internet famous — look it up and you'll see. I can personally confirm that it does work. Dab a bit of the lotion onto the nightmare pimple in question and let it dry. Sleep with it overnight and when you wake up, the pimple will be noticeably reduced, if not gone. I challenge you to find me a better pimple remover... I'll wait.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $22.75, nordstrom.ca
Well well well… it's wedding day, and you didn't take any of my advice. You woke up with a pimple and your eyes say you've been out all night. I can't hide my disappointment, but what I can hide are those dark circles and blemishes. If you only choose one thing from this list, pick up the Mineralize Concealer by MAC. If you don't know makeup, then all you need to know is that it has a medium coverage and melts into the skin while moisturizing at the same time, so you will look very natural. It also blurs fine lines and wrinkles, so don't be afraid to get carried away with it. Now you're ready to go. Happy Wedding Day!
Mineralize Concealer, $28, maccosmetics.ca