If you’re still feeling the effects of the credit crunch your bathroom armoury may not be top of your priorities, but fear not, there are some great products available from the shelves of high st stores which won’t break the bank.

Concentrate on replenishing your malnourished bank balance whilst staying super-groomed with…

No.1 – Manatomicals Body Wash £3.00 – available from Boots.

An all over hair and body wash which thoroughly cleanses from head to toe.

No.2 – Gillette Thermal Face Scrub £8.00 – gillette.com

This warming facial scrub can also be used as a express face mask. Great for removing blackheads.

No.3 – Proraso Shaving Range, from £3 – available from thegroomingclinic.com

A complete collection of Italian shaving products steeped in shaving heritage.

No.4 – Sanex Deodorant, from £1.29 – sanex.net

A mildly scented anti-perspirant deodorant that keeps you bone dry.

Feeling the effects of the winter chill? Thought so. Bugs are flying high so taking care of ones self has never been more important. Royal Green’s Astaxanthin, dubbed ‘The Extended Life Pill’ is 14 times stronger as an antioxidant than Vitamin E, 53 times stronger than beta-carotene and 64 times stronger than Vitamin C. Pretty Impressive, right?

The product has an endless list of benefits including assisting with Type 2 Diabetes, UV Sun Damage, Immune Support, Eye Sight Health, High Blood Pressure and Skin Elasticity.

We’ve decided to take Royal Green Astaxanthin for at test drive, we’ll keep you posted with our findings. Watch this space.

Royal Green’s Astaxanthin is available in a package of 60 soft gels (minimal 4mg Astaxanthin per capsule), sufficient for 2 months of use and available now from www.naturalorigin.com.

I think I speak for most men when I say that shaving various areas of undesirable hair growth is part of the grooming routine. Or is it? Hairy back, amazon-like chest hair, plaited pits or hairy b*ll*cks are simply not permitted. Take heed chaps, the girls hate it and anyway, it’s bloody itchy. At the helm of hair removal is Canadian hair removal line, Parissa. They want to know exactly what you do, how you do it and how often. Pop over to their online survey and let them have the low-down on your non-facial hair removal activities. Survey here.

If, like me, you suffer the effects of a common shave rash you’ll move hell and high water to find a solution to prevent this unsightly mis-hap. A good astringent is the first step to solving this mystery, followed by an intensive treatment cream which will hydrate and ‘lubricate’ the shaven area and hopefully prevent/reduce the onset of the red rash plague.

F.A.B. Ultra Repair Cream is a thick, ultra-concentrated formula which helps to treat dry skin, eczema and general skin related issues. As it worked a treat on my dry areas, I decided to apply it after my daily shave. I used my Skin Doctors Ingrow Go solution to prevent any ingrown hairs then slapped a bit of F.A.B. Ultra Repair Cream to see if it’s up to the job! The formula is smooth and easily applied, it doesn’t soothe on application but it does hydrate the neck area magnificently. Keeping the area moist is one of the most important steps to success on the ‘rash-free road.’

So, enough of my self absorbed approach to this review, would I recommend F.A.B’s Ultra Repair Balm? Absolutely. Not only is it great at beating a raging shaving rash, it cleared up the patch of dry skin on the back of my hand. My advice would be to keep this product on reserve for when you really require something potent to tackle your most troublesome areas.

Please note: It’s great to help clear Keratosis Polaris too. (Rough skin on the upper arms)

£8.00/56g  www.firstaidbeauty.com

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Review Scores:

Re-Charge Black Pepper by Molton Brown is one of the best selling mens grooming collection in the UK. To add to its success Molton Brown have turbo charged the collection by introducing an anti-perspirant deodorant stick, completing the range perfectly and making it an all-round, major grooming player for the modern dandy.

The stick is designed to keep you dry on-the-go, prevent ghastly underarm odour and keep you smelling fresh. What more could you ask for?

£15/75g

www.moltonbrown.co.uk

Look the part this summer by starting from within. Clear skin, a lean torso, healthy immune system and a little fitness assistance will all pave the way into a successful summer, whatever your success maybe…?

We’ve selected some of the most critically acclaimed diet supplements to help get you looking summer savvy this year.

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help: clear skin men – £9.99, www.workswithwater.co.uk

Packed with all the nutrients you need to achieve a flawless complexion this summer.

Trim by Anthony Inside – £40 www.anthony.com

Encourages the metabolism and reduces excess fat around the abdomen. Great results; drink plenty of water though, you’re mouth is sure to dry out.

Menscience Thermogenic Formula – £32.50 www.menscience.com

An exercise saviour. Thermogenic qualities will enhance performance and help maintain a more consistent fitness regime. Again, drink plenty of water, they can be quit dehydrating.

bee prepared by Un-bee-lievable health £17.35 www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk

A potent pill packed with all the vital ingredients to bring your inner-self  back to health. Great for hangover cure too!

Move with the times and protect your face from the damage caused by overexposure to the the sun. Back in the day, sitting awkwardly in the sun lounger, dripping in baby oil to maximise your melanin intense, tanned veneer was totally acceptable. Not anymore, a. the days of a tan looking cool are over, and, b. the damage is irreversible.

We’ve picked out some of the best men’s skin-care products to protect your from the harmful rays and reduce the effects of pre-mature ageing.

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OleHenriksen Skin Insulator Comforting Cream SPF15 £31/50g

www.olehenriksen.com

Korres Chestnut and Ruscus Anti-Ageing Cream SPF15 £22/50ml

www.carterandbond.com

Anthony Sun Spray SPF15 £23/177ml

www.anthony.com

HeadLube SPF-30 Moisturizing Lotion £14.50/237ml

www.carterandbond.com

Baxter of California Super Shape SPF15 £20/120ml

www.carterandbond.com

Royally inspired unisex body care range, Kings & Queens, are leading the way in affordable beauty and grooming. A collection of soaps, body butters, body milks and candles bring value for money and performance into the bathroom cabinets of men nationwide.

One of my favourites from the collection has to be the Tsar Peter Tobacco Soap. The soap is one of a four-man collection inspired by herbs and spices used by the aristocracy of a bygone age. Now, don’t be mis-lead by the controversial title, the scent of the soap is fresh, fruity and does carry a slight tobacco undertone but I wouldn’t say tobacco leads the aroma. The soap leaves the skin soft and smooth and a slight residue of the fragrance leaves a masculine touch post-shower. This natural bar of cleansing magic is encased in an illustration inspired by vintage carpets, fabrics and playing cards…. Uber masculine!

A great soap for the modern dandy who doesn’t throw his cash around like James Bond.

Kings & Queens Tsar Peter Tobacco Soap Review scores:

forkingsandqueens.com

The healthy glow of summer skin doesn’t always come from weeks of sun drenched days on the beach. With health being top of all our agenda’s, faking it seems to be the way forward.

Self tanning solutions have been plagued by a stigma of ghastly, highly detectable smells and streak marks for as long as we can all remember. The rise of male interest in bronzing products has called for a more inconspicuous approach to formulating a self tan which doesn’t smell, doesn’t streak and is worthy of it’s weight in gold.

So, if you want a summer glow without looking too much like David Dickinson or Dale Winton, try one of our specially selected tanning products for men which have been tried and tested, and delivered the goods!

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Nickel’s Le Grand Bluff    £22/50ml

The latest launch from Nickel is a unique skin primer for men to give a flawless look to the skin. It conceals redness, dilated pores, mattifies skin and leaves the skin flawless. Suitable for all skin types. Light reflecting particles diffuse light and blur imperfections whilst Shea Butter nourishes the skin and smoothes out rough spots. Best for those looking for a light glow.

Rodial’s Brazilian Tan Daily    £40/150ml

Rodial Brazilian Tan Daily has a new moisturising lightweight formula with a hint of tanning agent. Enriched with Shea butter and vitamin E which is ultra-moisturising, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated, whilst building a gradual tan. The final results are a natural looking tan and nourished skin. Instantly absorbed, meaning no “drying time.” Best for building a gradual tan, best for fair skin.

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse    £3/200ml

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse gives you a professional, flawless tan with minimal effort. St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse has been specially developed with ingredients which help to create an instant bronzing effect, providing you with a perfect, all over, professional self tan. Quick drying, and processes over a time period of around 4 hours to give you a natural looking, streak free golden self tan. Best for value for money.

He-Shi Dark Foaming Self Tanning Mousse    £27/150ml

The perfect formula to develop a deep dark tan instantly. He-Shi’s Dark Foaming Self Tanning Mousse is formulated to offer a streak free tan in seconds and leave the skin soft and smooth. The foam is easily applied and totally free from nasty smells.Best for instant glow.

Anthony for Men Self Tanner with Anti-Ageing Complex    £25/70g

Specifically formulated for men, Anthony for Men’s Self Tanner answers all our pale skin prayers. The cream is easily applied, streak free and offers great coverage. The anti-ageing complex within keeps the skin soft and smooth whilst offering total nourishment. Best for Performance.