Grooming for Grooms: The Checklist

The first step: cleansing. Men’s skin tends to be more prone to oiliness and acne, so our skincare needs to focus on deep cleaning. Dr Costas Papageorgiou’s therapist Abigail King recommends products containing salicylic acid, like Aesop’s In Two Minds Facial Cleanser, an ingredient that penetrates deep into pores to clear dead skin cells and dissolve excess oil. This will also help other products work more effectively.

“I’m not saying this because it’s our brand,” says Adam Grooming Atelier’s store manager, “but this is the best on the market.” Enriched with natural botanicals like coconut oil and eucalyptus, the Classic Shaving Cream works to soften the hair and soothe the skin. “It’s only £25 and can go on for a year,” he continues. “Using a shaving brush makes your skin and hair much softer. It also means you’re cleansing your face at the same time.”

There’s something about a sharp spritz of aftershave that makes you ready for the day. The purpose is two-fold. First, it protects skin and soothes irritation. Santa Maria Novella’s Colonia Russa After Shave Lotion does this naturally with witch hazel and maritime pine bark. Second, it makes you smell great. Known for its bouquet of citrus and aromatic notes, the Colonia Russa scent embodies the elegance and freshness of the early 19th century.

“Exfoliating helps prevent clogged pores and ingrown hairs,” says Abigail King, which can both lead to acne, while also “promoting cellular turnover, improving skin texture and reducing dullness”. While most exfoliators are designed to be used only two or three times a week, Dermalogica’s is gentle enough to be used every day. It releases papain, rice enzymes and salicylic acid to polish the skin, while rice bran and white tea help balance uneven skin tone. You’ll instantly notice the difference.

The key to skin that’s healthy, smooth and elastic? Moisture. We recommend a lightweight serum first, followed by a well-formulated moisturiser – the latter serving as a gatekeeper to lock in hydration. Dr. Barbra Sturm’s Face Cream is a fast-absorbing, lightweight option formulated with active ingredients like purslane and skullcap to boost moisture, reduce irritation and give your face a healthy-looking glow.

Ideal for a last-minute boost in the morning, 111Skin’s Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask is as wondrous as it sounds. With moisturising hyaluronic acid, retinol and a strong peptide complex, it quickly firms and tightens tired eyes, plumps fine lines and brightens your under-eye area. Just be warned – you might see some go missing at the hand of your soon-to-be spouse.

We’ll never stop beating the drum of SPF. “Sunscreen acts as a barrier to safeguard the skin from harmful environmental factors, helping to maintain its health and appearance,” says King. Augustinus Bader’s The Sunscreen SPF 50 has a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that not only protects against the sun, but also reduces the appearance of wrinkles while evening skin tone and delivering a healthy glow.

If you’ve got a beard, no doubt it’s one of the things they love about you. As you’ll know though, a beard needs care – especially on your wedding day. TOM FORD’s Conditioning Beard Oil is made with vitamin E and a blend of almond, jojoba and grapeseed to keep your beard soft and well-nourished. Then, of course, there’s the Tobacco Vanille scent, one of the brand’s most classic, opulent aromas.

Have your hair looking its best with this Patricks’ S2 Shine Medium Hold Pomade. Ideal for all hair types, this styling paste creates a polished, silky look that never feels greasy, wet or crunchy. It’s also formulated with Capixyl to block DHT (the hormone that causes hair loss), sage and rosemary extract to maintain the scalp, and finally caffeine to stimulate microcirculation and growth.

Back in 1971, Hubert de Givenchy cemented his love for British culture by opening his first London boutique – not just anywhere, but in Harrods. Inspired by this singular space, the maison has created a scent exclusive to us: London Confidential. Opening with vibrant blackcurrant buds absolute, it develops into a heart of Damascena rose, warm oud and Chesterfield accord – evoking the boutique’s rich leather sofas.