Billy’s Top 10 Essentials for Male Skincare

Billy’s Top 10 Essentials for Male Skincare

'For many people, skincare can be a vast minefield, there are so many products and brands out there, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Everyone’s skincare needs are different, but below are some of the products that have worked well for me.

From cleaners, exfoliators, facemasks and serums, there are many ways I try to make my skin as healthy as possible. Every product I have listed is something I’ve benefitted from using, and seen great results from implementing into my skincare routine.'


As Billy said, starting a skincare regime can be hard and you may often find yourself asking what skincare is good for men? Honestly, there are no right or wrong answers, especially as skincare formulas are ever improving and becoming more inclusive than they used to be marketed. 

Thanks to sites like Amazon and eBay, you can easily pick up a few things to keep your skin fresh, clear and revived. Skincare is there to be enjoyed, so we are happy to bring you this great curation from Billy, where you will certainly find something that piques your interest.
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Billy Brayshaw
Fashion Blogger, Model & Actor

Having modelled from a young age, I quickly grew a passion for fashion which lead me down the path of Instagram. More recently I've delved into the acting wo... See More

  • Poppy Austin Retinol Cream for Day & Night Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Poppy Austin
    Retinol Cream for Day & Night

    Billy Brayshaw

    When I decided to take anti-ageing creams seriously by trying out different products and doing some research, time and time again retinol based products were mentioned. As far as I know from my own research, retinol is the only active ingredient that is scientifically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This Poppy Austin moisturiser is great. 

    Although it says you can use it for both day and night, I only use it at night. The drawback to using retinol-based products is that it does make your skin slightly more sensitive to UV rays, so by using it at night-time and then applying sunscreen during the day, I avoid any of those pesky UV rays.
     

    I’ve used a few retinol moisturisers but always go back to this one, the cream is a nice consistency that hydrates the skin and doesn’t leave it feeling too oily or too dry.
    £21.49
  • Eclat Advanced Vitamin C Serum Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Eclat
    Advanced Vitamin C Serum

    Billy Brayshaw

    I only ever recommend products that I’ve seen noticeable results from, and from the first night of usage, this vitamin c serum is certainly one of them. The scent isn’t too strong and smells rather nice. Just a couple of drops onto the face from the dropper pipet per night and in the morning you will notice brighter, more radiant skin. 

    After a month or so of usage, I started to notice it wasn’t as effective as it used to be, compared to when I first started applying it. I’m not sure whether this is because once you open the bottle and expose the serum to air, it starts to expire quicker, or if my skin just became more used to it. A few people have said the same, but after a short break of usage (usually 2-4 weeks), I always find it works just as good again.
    £7.87
  • Procoal Australian Pink Clay Face Mask Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Procoal
    Australian Pink Clay Face Mask

    Billy Brayshaw

    This is a great facemask to brighten, cleanse and reduce the appearance of large pores. I use this mask after I’ve had a wet shave and I’ve found it even helps reduce any aftershave redness or sensitivity. All it takes is a thin layer applied to the face, avoiding the eye area, give it 10-15 minutes whilst you feel the clay hardening and then wipe away with a wet towel or warm water. 

    Usually, I shower it away and use it 2-3 times per week. It's one of those products where after one week of usage you can see real results. The only downside is the bottle design. It is hard to use the entire volume of the product - when you think the bottle is empty it isn't. I end up cutting the bottle in half with a pair of scissors and get at least another two weeks worth of use out of the remaining product.
    £6.99
  • Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Cetaphil
    Moisturising Lotion

    Billy Brayshaw

    This is the moisturiser I use every day, I use it for both my face and body. I love it because it isn’t packed full of unnecessary chemicals and fragrance. I apply it every morning and it gives me all day hydration. You also get a lot for your money with the bottle size being 236ml, and because a little goes a long way I find the bottle lasts me 8-12 weeks. 

    I also really like the bottle design with it being a pump application, it's easier and less messy than a standard round tub. It’s especially good for anyone who has dry or sensitive skin given the lack of irritating chemicals. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it's perfect for everyday use without the risk of causing irritation.
    £6.89
  • L'Oreal Deep Exfoliating Face Scrub Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    L'Oreal
    Deep Exfoliating Face Scrub

    Billy Brayshaw

    I’ve used a few exfoliators before, but this is by far my favourite. It’s a reasonable price and is great to use before shaving, giving you a closer, smoother shave. There is a reason this exfoliator has so many great reviews, it helps to unblock pores and remove impurities.

    It contains natural exfoliating particles that I find work well to prime the skin before shaving. A pea sized amount goes a long way, massage into the skin and then rinse. On the bottle, it says you can use this every day, but usually, I keep it for when I’m about to wet shave which is typically 2-3 times per week.
    £5.00
  • Kanzy Safety Razor Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Kanzy
    Safety Razor

    Billy Brayshaw

    As we get older our skin changes and personally I found that the close shave I used to get with my standard Gillete razor was no longer as good as it used to be. After a little research, I came across this safety razor. To be honest it took some getting used to but by two weeks of usage, I was finally achieving a much closer shave with minimal razor cuts.

    It’s certainly not as easy to avoid nicks and cuts but after a while, it does give you a great close shave. I would also recommend purchasing a shaving brush in order to apply your shave or gel, and advise you to take your time – especially if going against the natural grain of your stubble (shaving upwards). 

    I love that it’s much more environmentally friendly because there’s less plastic waste, and it’s also a lot cheaper in the long run, given that the replacement safety blades are much cheaper when compared with razors for the latest Gillete. It's all about finding your own technique with this razor, don't give up - eventually, you will achieve a great close shave.
    £8.45
  • Shakeup Cosmetics Let's Face It, BB Cream Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Shakeup Cosmetics
    Let's Face It, BB Cream

    Billy Brayshaw

    When it comes to men’s makeup, I still consider myself a bit of a newbie in this field. Over the years there has been a surge of cosmetic products come onto the market aimed at guys, and I think this trend will continue to grow. Having tried a few products, the ‘Let's Face It’ tinted moisturiser is by far my favourite. It evens out the skin tone and gives the skin a nice glow. 

    It's not too heavy so doesn’t come across like you’re wearing a super thick foundation. I opt to use the light shade and find that it blends really well with my skin tone. I also like the fact that it contains SPF which is super important to wear every day.

    The only drawback for me is that on a hot day I have noticed it comes away with sweat, and I’ve also noticed some transfer onto my clothes which isn’t the best look if you’re wearing white.
    £25.00
  • Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 50 Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Altruist
    Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 50

    Billy Brayshaw

    If you have ever read any skincare articles or spoken to any dermatologist you will know how important it is to wear SPF every day, even on cloudy days. UVA rays are the number one cause when it comes to signs of ageing on the skin. It took me a while to find a high factor sunscreen that absorbed onto my skin nicely and didn’t leave me with spots or blemishes after I’d used it.

    This is a great cream that feels lighter than others I’ve used but offers great protection from the sun. I use a small amount all over my face and neck every morning 20 to 30 minutes after moisturising. It really is a must have if you want to protect your skin.
    £8.00
  • Elemis Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Elemis
    Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel

    Billy Brayshaw

    Of all the shave gels I’ve used before, this one works best for me. The fact that it contains aloe vera and witch hazel means it helps calm the skin and soften the facial hair as you shave. I’ve had problems before with aftershave redness and rashes, but this shave gel has certainly helped me combat that. 

    The downside is the price but saying that it lasts so much longer than other shave gels because you don’t need to use it as much. I usually apply a small amount to each side of my face and neck and then rub it in with circular motions or using my shave brush.
    £25.00
  • Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser Translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Jack Black
    Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser

    Billy Brayshaw

    Whenever I’m lucky enough to go and get a facial, I always opt for something that uses glycolic acid. It’s an amazing ingredient that helps to resurface the skin and remove dead skin cells.

    I use this cleanser as a facemask twice a week by applying a small amount to the face and massaging it into the skin in circular motions, I leave it on for five minutes and then wash it away with warm water. I find it helps brighten the skin and soften my complexion. It’s a great cleanser that leaves the skin feeling softer, firmer and fresh.
    £19.50

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