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The Manual Selects: Our Favorite Grooming Products This 2021

Great grooming takes work. That’s why The Manual team tests and vets countless soaps, moisturizers, colognes, and more to find the best personal care products for men, so you don’t have to. Every month, our writers highlight some of their favorites. Read on to learn more.

Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator

Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator
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“As someone who has sensitive skin, I love using Aesop’s gentle moisturizer, which is low on irritating ingredients, reduces redness, and leaves my skin feeling refreshed.” — Ty Gaskins

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The Ordinary AHA and BHA Peeling Solution

The Ordinary AHA and BHA Peeling Solution
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“Since we can’t see our aestheticians, this is the perfect 10-minute exfoliating facial for my at-home treatments.” — James Love II

John Masters Organics Calendula Hydrating and Toning Mask

John Masters Organics Calendula Hydrating and Toning Mask
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“The first product to ever make my husband say, unprompted, ‘Your skin looks amazing. What did you just do?'” — Chelsea Batten

RE:P Organic Cotton Treatment Toning Pad

REP Organic Toning Pad
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“After cleansing, I use these toner pads from Korean skincare brand Re:p, and they leave my skin feeling very refreshed; almost like I’ve just had a facial.” — John Jones

Osea Malibu Blemish Balm

Osea Malibu Blemish Balm
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“Banish all thoughts of nostril-burning, tacky-feeling, dermis-drying blemish cream. Osea’s version is like an acne stealth operative, blending unnoticed into your skin and making pimples subtly disappear.” — Chelsea Batten

Oribe Signature Conditioner

Oribe Signature Conditioner
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“Pre-quarantine, one of the many reasons I loved going to Barry’s Bootcamp classes was so I could use their Oribe products. This conditioner is one of my favorites.” — Vanessa Powell

Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum

Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum
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“Kiehl’s just launched a serum that lives up its name. I’ve been using it for the past few weeks, and I’ve already noticed my skin’s texture improve.” — Christian Gollayan

Hellen NYC Bath Brew

Hellen NYC Bath Brew
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“Each of these bath formulas uses a proprietary combination of premium-grade salts, oils, flowers, and even semiprecious stones to help clear energy blocks and strengthen your inner being. If you like your grooming rituals with a side of woo-woo, you need this right now.” — Chelsea Batten

Dior Homme Eau de Toilette

Dior Homme Eau de Toilette
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“I’m obsessed with Dior Homme’s latest fragrance, which smells like a luxurious cabin. A great father’s day gift.” — Christian Gollayan

Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash

Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash
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This cleanser is perfect for oil-prone skin like mine. The foam also adds some fun to my skincare routine.” — James Love II

Seen Shampoo

SEEN Shampoo
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Shampoos and conditioners can be really irritating for guys with sensitive skin, which is why I’ve been really loving this haircare line by Seen, which was developed by dermatologists. This shampoo doesn’t clog your pores, and is made with natural ingredients.” — Christian Gollayan

The Manual
The Manual is simple — we show men how to live a life that is more engaged. Whether it be fashion, food, drink, travel…
The surfer curtains haircut is the latest 90s style comeback
The haircut that is giving us all the nostalgic feels
Man with long hair and glasses

Celebrities tend to play a huge part in pushing style trends on a yearly basis. In the early 2000s, the rise of the pop star launched the low-rise jeans. The hip-hop culture drove the explosion of sneakers and baggy clothing. And James Bond continues to influence the elevated looks worn by men everywhere.

When it comes to hair, Bruce Willis and Jason Statham made the bald look sexy, while the likes of Jason Mamoa and Chris Hemsworth brought the long hair vibe to the forefront. But there is a new hair trend returning to prominence, and it will bring back the nostalgic vision of the 90s: The surfer curtains.

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Electric shaver vs. razor: Which is better for your face?
An answer to the age old question of which shave method is better
Bald man shaving face over sink

Whether you are the kind of guy who likes to rock the clean shaven look while you conquer Wall Street in a suit, or you are the kind of guy that likes to sport the long and thick mane of a beard while you work outdoors, you have to shave your face. Shaving all over or simply shaping your beard means you are involved in the age-old question of electric shaver vs razor. Of course, which you choose has a lot to do with your lifestyle.

Just like trying to decide what the best shoes are for you, or electing to dive into what the best suits are for you, it all comes down to the kind of lifestyle you lead. If you are an outdoorsman, you have very specific needs for your shave routine. It needs to be fast and portable. If you are a man with a love of luxury, then you may love to take your time with a solid routine. That may even be the kind of self-care you need to center yourself in the morning.

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Dr. Squatch just launched their first-ever body wash — here’s what it’s like
Dr. Squatch might be famous for their bar soaps, but their new shower gel is perfect for anyone who prefers a body wash.
A collection of Dr. Squatch shower gels

Most guys probably already know the brand Dr. Squatch. If you go to the men’s aisle you’ll see their deodorants, face washes, and most notably, their bar soaps, which are famous for having tie-ins with big franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the MCU. Surprisingly, one thing Dr. Squatch didn’t have until now is a shower gel. Their new body wash collection launched on September 13 and comes in four scents: Coconut Castaway, Fresh Falls, Pine Tar, and Wood Barrel Bourbon.

The Manual was able to try out one of their shower gels before its launch, and after showering with their wood barrel bourbon body wash for over a week now, here are my thoughts.

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