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The Manual Grooming Awards 2024: The Absolute Best Grooming Products for Men
Every year, the men’s grooming industry gets bigger and bigger. While the big dogs try to innovate and change the market with new releases, scrappy up-and-comers like to come in and break it down for us simple guys. Of, course, there are always those brands (both big and small) that go above and beyond the rest to bring us the best of the best the men’s grooming space has to offer. It can be overwhelming, but as you know, we at The Manual never leave anything to chance and have done the work this year to bring you the best of the best.
Now, you know us, we don’t just scour the internet and read reviews to find what other people are saying. Sure, that is part of it. But it goes beyond that. We talk to CEOs of these companies to find out what the company is about. We test them ourselves, sometimes to the detriment of our own skin, hair, and body. And we talk to experts to get industry insider opinions on what they look for, what is good, bad, and beneficial for you. In short, this is a long process that gives us what we feel is the perfect insight into what makes something truly the best of the best.
We focus on the hair (or lack of hair) on top of your head and bring you the best shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments. We give your face the attention it deserves with scrubs, moisturizers, toners, and beard products like oils, and washes. Then trimmers to make sure all the hair is completely groomed and cared for. Below the neck, we went all out to find you the best body wash, soaps, groomers, nail kits, and more. Dental care is important so it gets a great place to shine. Finally, no grooming list is complete without the perfect cologne. Suffice it to say, everything you need that isn’t clothing is on this list. Without further ado, we present to you The Manual’s 2024 Grooming Awards.
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Best Aftershave
Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel
Everyone loves a good shave, but nobody likes the razor burn and irritation that can come with it. This fragrance-free and alcohol-free option will keep you smooth and healthy without competing with your cologne.
Best Beard Balm
Honest Amish Beard Balm
The Amish are known for their high-quality products with no artificial ingredients. This beard balm keeps your face mane looking amazing while prioritizing its health.
Best Beard Brushes
Zeus Pocket Beard Brush
The boar bristles on this brush do the job better than most. They easily penetrate your beard, keeping it controlled while leaving behind natural oils that keep it looking strong.
Best Beard Trimmer
PT45 Beard and Hair Trimmer
Sometimes you go to the barber, other times you tame the mane at home. If you want a professional-grade beard or hair trim at home, this industry-grade trimmer tops them all. With instructions on how to trim everything yourself, this set makes it dummy-proof.
Best Beard Wash
Duke Cannon Beard Wash
You know what the difference is between an attractive man with a beard and a homeless guy you cross the street to avoid? Cleanliness and order. Duke Cannon’s Best Damn Beard Wash is called that for a reason, it keeps people on the same side of the street.
Best Bump Treatment
Kiehl’s Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief
Despite our best efforts, sometimes our skin just isn’t having it, and bumps and irritation happen. Aloe Vera, Lipo Hydroxy Acid, Willow Herb Extract, and Vitamin E help this bump treatment return your skin back to the way it should be.
Best Electric Razor
Philips Norelco Shaver S9000 Prestige
If you are one of those guys who believes an electric shaver can’t handle heavy stubble or even a 7-day beard, then you haven’t met this bad boy yet. Using lift and cut technology, this shaver is the only one you need.
Best Pre Shave Oil
The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Pre Shave Oil
The best way to treat skin irritation and bumps is to avoid them altogether. This pre-shave oil is the first step to getting the absolute perfect shave.
Best Razor & Shaving Kit
Viking Revolution Luxury Safety Razor Shaving Kit
Everything you need for the perfect shave all in one place for a criminally low price. Viking is known for high-quality manliness without breaking the bank.
Best Shaving Gel
Harry’s Shave Gel
If you are going to shave, do it right with an aloe-enriched formula that protects and hydrates the skin, all while accomplishing the goal it sets out for, leaving you touchably smooth.
Best Acne Spray
Frontman Zit Spray
Your biggest nightmare in high school doesn’t go away as you get older. Get rid of tough breakouts with a simple spray of salicylic acid, tea tree extract, and Hinoki Cypress.
Best Aloe Vera Gel
Vacation After Sun Gel
We’re all guilty of not putting on enough sunscreen or getting lost in the beach day. This after-sun gel is a new twist on the run-of-the-mill aloe vera.
Best Antiperspirant
Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Antiperspirant Stick
Whether you work in an office or out in the world, you can’t be offensive with your out of control sweating. The best of the best in antiperspirant is this 72-hour best friend under your arms.
Best Bar Soap
Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar
Removing dirt and harmful oils while leaving the natural moisturizing oils in your skin is a tough job for soaps. This one defends against the five signs of skin irritation while somehow still being hypoallergenic.
Best Body Exfoliator
Oars + Alps Superfoliant Body Scrub
You may not think about exfoliating because men are supposed to have rough skin, right? Well, we can discuss that another time — just think that this cleansing bar uses volcanic rock and smells like eucalyptus…you’re welcome.
Best Body Groomer
Manscaped The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra
Year in and year out, the best way to manscape is by utilizing the brand that coined the phrase. The Lawn Mower 5.0 is, you guessed it, the fifth iteration of the best on the market and they haven’t lost a step.
Best Body Grooming Kit
Braun All-in-One Series 9 Trimmer
If you are one of those guys who doesn’t want a hair trimmer, a beard trimmer, and a body trimmer, then this 13-1 kit will keep you expertly groomed from head to…well…you get the idea.
Best Body Lotion
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Cleaning and exfoliating are only the beginning. Moisturizing your skin is essential. CeraVe looks like you got it at a doctor’s office because they have an MD in keeping you from looking like The Man with No Name at 35.
Best Body Peel
Necessaire Body Peel
If you have never used a body peel, start here. This one completely resurfaces the skin to give you a clean slate. Don’t worry about the sticky feeling when it goes on; that dries and feels great after.
Best Body Wash
Geologie Superclean Body Wash
Some guys just aren’t bar soap guys. They need a good lather and something with a little more punch. This body wash has a long-lasting lather, saving you money by going further, and some great fragrances to turn heads.
Best Deodorant
Tom’s of Maine Deodorant
Don’t worry about smelling bad or sweating throughout the day. Not only will this deodorant keep you get-close-able all day long, but you’ll also smell like the coast. Bonus!
Best Detailer
Dollar Shave Club Style Detailer Precision Trimmer
We don’t have to tell you that stray nose and ear hair are unsightly struggles. And if you are looking to stay put together all over, then you have to invest in this one from DSC. It’s sleek, easy to use, and will keep you trimmed.
Best Foot Treatment
Aveda Foot Relief Moisturizing Crème
Everyone loves Frodo Baggins…but that doesn’t mean your feet should look like his. Exfoliating fruit acids and jojoba and castor oils soften and smooth dry feet to keep them attractive and rubbable.
Best Groin Deodorant
Fresh Body Fresh Balls Lotion for Men
Look, we’re guys, we can talk about this, right? Groin odor is the fastest way to ruin any mood. Freshen up with this stellar product that goes on as a cooling lotion and dries as an absorbent powder. Keeping your buddies fresh as can be.
Best Hand Cream
L’Occitane Nourishing Shea Butter Hand Cream
Being a hardworking man is sexy, and your hands pay the price. Pay them back by using the shea butter hand cream to take them from hard, dry, and cracked, to soft and holdable. Your hands will thank you, and so will your partner.
Best Manicure Set
Scully & Scully Coxorange Leather and Lambswool Manicure Set
Your nails are one of the most neglected parts of a man’s body. Hardworking men may be attractive, but haggard nails with dirt and grime under them are not. Pick up this nail set to give yourself one of the best at-home manicures around.
Best Men’s Cologne
Citizen Jack Absolute
Colognes are very specific scents…some are great for the office. Some are great for date night. Some sit perfectly for your everyday scent. And then…there is Citizen Jack Absolute, it covers every one of those boxes better than the rest.
Best Men’s Cologne Set
Fulton & Roark Calle Ocho Premier Set
How do you mix the fragrance of your cologne with your shampoo, your deodorant, your body wash, your hair product, and so on and so on? You don’t…you buy a fragrance set from Fulton and Roark and let them do the hard work for you.
Best Spray Deodorant
Ursa Major Sublime Sage Spray Deodorant
When you need a mid-day pick-me-up, this is the best on-the-go choice to keep around in an underarm emergency. Smells great, lightweight, and serious protection from odor and wetness…this should be with you at all times.
Best Sunscreen
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Nobody understands the damage the sun can cause like dermatologists in Australia. That is why they created Blue Lizard Sunscreen. Wherever you are in the world, this can handle the UV you are exposed to.
Best Sunscreen Body Spray
EltaMD UV AOX Mist
You need to wear sunscreen every day. We know…you only wear it at the beach on vacation, but the sun does damage whether you are on vacation or not; it is always on the clock. This spray sunscreen is the easiest applied and most convenient way to stay looking young forever.
Best Acne Product
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment
We still get breakouts, and acne feels like the most inconvenient visitor who always shows up at the wrong time. This acne spot treatment will reduce the spots and the severity of breakouts in as quick as 72 hours.
Best Anti Aging
SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst
Cowboys may be a classic male archetype, but the leathery skin that goes with it isn’t as attractive as it used to be. Use this anti-aging product to gently peel and enhance cellular turnover at the skin’s surface to smooth texture, improve the appearance of discoloration, and the look of visible lines.
Best Cleanser
The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Some cleansers strip away everything, leaving your skin robbed of essential oils. This one removes dirt and harmful impurities while holding onto the skin’s moisture barrier and improving the look of skin clarity and texture.
Best Eye Cream
Atwater Eye Armor Men’s Eye Cream
Whether you are working the late shift or obsessed with a new PlayStation game and up all hours of the night, use Atwater Eye Armor to remove those unsightly bags under your eyes.
Best Face Exfoliator
Blu Atlas Exfoliating Scrub
Face wash should be part of your skincare routine. Not every face wash is created the same, but you can trust this beast from Blue Atlas, which removes the worst the world throws at your face while maintaining the essential parts of your skin.
Best Face Mask
Blue Lagoon Silica Mud Mask
Make your skincare routine easier by applying this face mask while watching Stranger Things or playing Call of Duty. This is the best of the best using mineral salts and silica to tighten visible pores for a fresh and improved complexion.
Best Face SPF
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide and 100% Mineral Sunscreen
If you are like us, we have never been great at wearing SPF every day to fight the sun’s damage. This sunscreen is not only great for guarding against damage, but it will help repair the damage already done.
Best Hydrating Serum
Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum
Before you put on your SPF and after cleansing, fight the effects of aging with this hydrating replenishing serum. It is the number one pick for creating a hydrating glow and guarding against pollution and toxins.
Best Ingrown Hair Treatment
EWC Brightening Ingrown Hair Wipes
Ingrown hairs are unsightly and painful, so prevent them with the most effective and easily used product out there. Just wipe over the skin and move on with your day.
Best Lip Balm
Aquaphor Lip Repair
Your lips are one of the most irritating problem areas as the seasons change and the winds pick up. Aquaphor steps in to provide quick and easy relief to your dry and cracked lips. This should be on you at all times.
Best Moisturizer
Jackfir The Classic Daily Facial Moisturizer
You may want to save the environment, but your face is constantly fighting against it. This moisturizer uses natural ingredients to guard against environmental stresses and retain your skin’s natural moisture.
Best Night Cream
Doctor Rogers Night Repair Treatment
This stellar product reverses signs of aging, builds collagen, evens skin tone, and improves skin texture, all while you sleep. Let it do the work while you catch some Z’s.
Best Retinol Product
Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0
Just a few pumps at night before you sleep brightens your skin, provides a smooth texture, and fights lines and aging. If you haven’t discovered the benefits of retinol, this is the product to make you fall in love.
Best Toner
innisfree Green Tea Enzyme PHA Toner with Hyaluronic Acid
Cleansing is a must for your skin, but even the best cleanser doesn’t get it all. Toner picks up the left behind and preps your skin for the rest of the routine, and there is no
Best Travel Kit
Anthony Starter Kit
We talk a lot about skincare, but if you are still new, then dip your toes in with this starter kit. From hair and face to shave cream, it has all you need to get started. Best part? They are TSA approved, so you can take them with you.
Best Vitamin C Serum
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Vitamin C is vital to having healthy skin with a bright glow. This Vitamin C serum stands above the rest because it comes unmixed, so you are guaranteed to get the freshest product on the market.
Best Anti Thinning Product
Patricks Plus Range Ultra Thickening Hair Loss Set
Hair loss is one of the more problematic phases of a man’s life. But instead of accepting it, you can fight it with this dual-fighting product that thickens existing hair mass and ignites new hair growth.
Best Conditioner
Act+Acre Cold Processed Hair Conditioner
The key to having a great mane is looking like you don’t have any product in it, without it going wild. A great conditioner can do that, and this is the one. Fighting frizz and keeping your hair healthy and happy makes your hair perfect for your partner’s fingers to run through it.
Best Curly Hair Shampoo
Curlsmith Curl Quenching Wash
Curls are a great look, but they need some more care than straight hair. This product protects them perfectly with a system that turns the industry on its head. Instead of a usual cleanser with a little conditioner, this is a conditioner with cleansing properties.
Best Curly Hair Styler
Kevin Murphy KILLER.CURLS
No matter what you try, curly hair usually gets unruly throughout the day. This styler finds the perfect balance between strong hold and elasticity to keep your curls looking natural.
Best Dandruff Shampoo
Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dandruff is embarrassing, sure, but on top of the unsightly flaking look is the itchy irritation. This dandruff shampoo is gentle and effective by not only addressing the flakes but also relieving the dry scalp and irritation.
Best Hair Clay
American Crew Matte Clay
Putting product in your hair can leave your hair feeling and looking greasy. American Crew is the best at creating a solid hold while keeping your hair looking dry and healthy.
Best Hair Clippers
Andis ReVite Clipper
It’s the fade blade that sets this clipper apart from the competition. Instead of working harder or paying premium prices for that movie set look, take out the guesswork with this professional-grade clipper.
Best Hair Dryer
GHD Helios 1875W Advanced Professional Hair Dryer
If you are the kind of guy who uses a hair dryer, your hair is a big deal. The right hair dryer can be the difference between a good day and a bad day. This one has won 10 awards in the industry…and we chose it as the best thanks to its professional-level bespoke features…I guess this makes it 11…
Best Hair Gel
STMNT Grooming Goods Gel
Gel was all the rage at the turn of the century, but this isn’t your 2004 sticky firm hold. This uses charcoal for a satin matte finish and comes with an award-winning hold.
Best Hair Wax
Church California Sun Wax Pomade
If you want to style your hair, this water-based, clay, and wax hybrid formula does the trick. Made with organic ingredients, add volume, texture and a hint of shine to your mane.
Best Hairspray
Verb Ghost Hairspray
It is easy to go overboard on hairspray. Sometimes you just don’t trust that it will hold. Lucky for you, you can trust this one. It is lightweight and provides a medium hold on heat-styled hair.
Best Head Shaver
Remington Balder Pro Head Rotary Shaver
In under two minutes, you can look like Jason Statham. At least, your head can be just as bald. This shaver uses five heads, giving it 66% more shave area. Fast and effective, just like Statham.
Best Pomade
Daimon Barber Classic Pomade
Beeswax and Micro Wax create an effective hold, but that is only the beginning. Avacado and Coconut oil combine to create a hair and scalp health that makes this the number one pomade choice.
Best Scalp Treatment
Briogeo Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Drops
Most problems with your hair come down to hydration. This scalp treatment fights that problem by being clinically proven to increase hydration by 2X. That makes dandruff a distant memory.
Living Proof Full Shampoo
This shampoo does what any
Best Volumizer
Sachajuan Volume Cream
Ocean silk technology protects hair from the heat and the damaging effects of the sun. It also works overtime to give the hair volume and shine while finding a moisture balance that is perfect for everyone.
Best Electric Toothbrush
Oral-B iO Series 10 Toothbrush
If you want the Megawatt smile of Glenn Powell you need the tools to do it. This electric toothbrush doesn’t just clean; it teaches you how to brush with a pressure sensor that tells you when you’re brushing with too much or too little pressure.
Best Flossing Tool
Flaus Electric Flosser
All jokes aside, you need to floss. We know it is a pain in the butt; that is why this flosser, designed and backed by dentists, makes the entire process as easy as brushing.
Best Mouthwash
Marvis Mouthwash
Dozens of mouthwashes claim to be the best, but this is the only one that looks like a magic elixir.…and you treat it like one. You mix the solution with water before using it, making it fresh and strong.
Best Toothpaste
Hello Vitamin C Whitening Toothpaste With Fluoride
A toothbrush is only as good as the toothpaste it is paired with. This whitening toothpaste boasts a smile that is two shades whiter in only six weeks with twice-a-day use.
Best Water Flosser
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 7000 System
Power flossers may seem like they are more mess than they are worth sometimes. But this 7000 system is like using a power washer on your teeth. Do your teeth and gums a favor and use this to get rid of everything left behind.