HE MEN’s grooming and skin care industry, according to retail and marketing experts, is the fastest-growing sector of the personal care market. Women are no longer willing to accept morbid obesity, poor hygiene and grooming from their men folk; and conversely, the job market is such that unless a man is willing to risk employment redundancy, men have to try and hang on to their youth and keep reinventing themselves. Women have been doing that for years. In this issue of Lucire, we will attempt to educate you on some of the better anti-ageing brands on the market. Believe me, we are doing for your own good. You can thank us later.

 
Hands

Formulated with a patented polyhydroxy acid, triple antioxidants and vitamins A and E, Essential Multi-Hydrating Hand and Body Lotion ($16·50) from Exuviance by NeoStrata (1) is designed to moisturize and relieve dry, chapped skin while improving its overall texture and tone. Dermatolidt- and allergy-tested, it contains a botanical blend of chamomile, aloe, elder flowers, colt's foot and calendule. Exuviance products are available by calling 1 800 225-9411 and online at www.neostrata.com.

 
Eyes

Even men fall prey to the day-to-day events that wreak havoc on their appearance; and nowhere is this more than around the eyes. Nivea for Men, with the introduction of Revitalizing Eye Creme Q10 (2), continues to blaze the trail by being the first men's skin care brand to offer an eye crème that uses the power of CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 is a natural component of the skin that decreases over time, causing skin to lose elasticity resulting in fine lines. The Eye Crème replenishes lost nutrients and an SPF of 6 prevents further damage from environmental aggressions and light-induced ageing.
   Other benefits include a non-greasy, easily absorbed consistency, and the ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free formulation is also suitable for contact lens wearers. The crème works instantly to soothe and refresh the most tired of eyes and the unique dispenser releases just the right amount of product for a neat, hassle-free application. This product will be conveniently available at all food, drug and mass merchandisers nationwide from May 2005 for a suggested retail price of $8·99.
    Biotherm Homme's Hydra-Detox Detoxifying Eye Gel (15 ml, $25, 3) is a moisturizing, naturally detoxifying eye care formula that minimizes under-eye puffiness and dark circles, and helps fight the skin-damaging effects of pollution, fatigue, and smoke. Its most important feature, per se, is that it helps to neutralize damaging surface impurities while bringing moisture to the delicate eye area. An ultra-fresh gel for every day use, over time, fine lines caused by dehydration are smoothed out.
   SkinForMen Matrix Eye Serum (1 oz for $45), created especially for male skin, has a multitude of applications; with anti-oxidants of Japanese Green Tea and Vitamin E added to fight the damage caused by free radicals. This serum can be applied to the areas where spider veins appear, such as cheeks, nose, and chin. You should see results from one to eight weeks, depending on condition of skin. All these products are available from long-time Lucire collaborator www.TopButton.com and at select Nordstrom's.
   Anthony Logistics Eye Cream (21 g, A$58, 4) is a quickly absorbed cream that moisturizes, smoothes and soothes the skin. Green tea and caffeine reduce puffiness and dark circles, cucumber extract soothes, while shea butter smoothes. Wheat protein and vitamin E tighten and moisturize, reducing the appearance of fine lines. See www.adorebeauty.com.au/mensgrooming.
   The new Clarins Men's Undereye Serum (5) immediately refreshes the under-eye area. This clear, non-oily serum minimizes apparent puffiness and dark circles with hazelnut extract, helps minimize the appearance of skin slackening and fine lines (sunflower auxins), and provides moisture to this delicate area (with mourera fluviatilis).
   MaleFace spEYE ($24·50, right) is a very affordable, instant eye rejuvenating gel designed to firm and tighten the skin, reducing puffiness and minimizing the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. All products are available through www.MaleFace.com, select retail outlets and spas.
   Baxter of California's Under Eye Complex ($18, 6) is a soothing, nutrient-packed serum, enriched with gingko biloba, rosehip seed oil and alœ vera that transform the tired, premature-aged look around the eyes to a vibrant, youthful glow. The multi-active, moisture-saturated eye cream minimizes puffiness, fluid build-up and dark circles as it firms and tones delicate skin, leaving the under-eye area refreshed and line free. Founded in 1965, Baxter of California's innovative products for men are available at fine salons and spas. Salon professionals, call 1 800 421-3614.
   Guy Gear's It's an Eye Thing ($28) is an all-natural anti-inflammatory eye treatment that firms and smoothes the delicate skin around the eyes. A morning and night eye gel, it combats puffy eyes, diminishes wrinkles, fine lines and fatigue using key natural ingredients including soya, botanical extracts and oils, and marine extracts. All Guy Gear products are available at select skin care boutiques and salons nationwide, and at the Issismo International web site. For a location near you, call 1 877 ISSIMO-1.

 
Lips

Propoline Lip Aids ($4·50, 7) are specially formulated with a natural base of cocoa butter and beeswax to heal, protect, and care for the sensitive lip area. They each contain an exceptional combination of vitamins, essential oils, and high protection sunscreens. Apivita Propoline is available online at www.beautycollection.com and www.b-glowing.com, C. O. Bigelow in New York, and Fred Segal stores in California.

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See this story with even more products selected and trialled by our editors in the May 2005 print edition of Lucire, out in New Zealand on May 9. To make sure you don’t miss out, click on the image at right to subscribe or buy a single copy. (Click 'Yes' if pop-up boxes appear—you're being switched to our secure server and it is completely safe.)