Written by Paddy Maddison in Grooming on the 31st July 2017

Male grooming is big business now and there’s a seemingly endless list of creams, potions and lotions available for us to fill our bathrooms with. But in all seriousness, how many of them do we actually need? We mean, what is eye serum? Is that actually something we should be aware of? Is it something we should be using? The answer is probably not. So, how many other products are out there that we can cast aside and which ones should we actually keep in our bathroom cabinets at all times? Let’s take a look.

The product: Anti-shine cream 

Unless you’re cursed with the greasiest of faces, anti-shine cream is probably something you can live without. Just as well really, given how expensive it can be. Even if you do suffer from the dreaded shine, you can usually combat it by making sure to wash your face properly in the morning and evening, opting for a lighter moisturiser and applying less of it and staying away from junk food – all of which is pretty sound advice anyway.

The product: Beard oil 

Unless you're sporting a giant lumberjack beard with a texture thick enough to scrub an old BBQ with, then you can probably leave the beard oil on the shelf. Don’t forget you can use a moisturiser on your beard (if it’s not too long) and your main concern is it being too rough. However, if you’ve got a beard like a wire brush then beard oil is an essential and will help to keep it in shape and soft – it all depends on your facial fluff.

The product: Moisturiser 

A good moisturizer is a must in any man’s bathroom. You’ll need it in the winter to prevent the cold from drying your skin out and you’ll need it in the summer to shield you from the sun. When choosing, try to go for products with natural ingredients. You’ll also want to steer clear of women’s products as they’re not heavy enough for male skin – opt for something that’s specifically formulated for men. Basically, anything with ‘MEN’ written on it is probably fine.

The product: Eye cream 

Eye cream is designed to wake the skin around your eyes up in the morning, but really, it’s a bit of a farce. Granted, it feels quite nice and does take some of that heavy, tired sensation away, but actually, the same effect can be achieved by splashing your face with a bit of cold water. So, buy it if you want, but you definitely don’t need it.

The product: Conditioner 

Unless you’re rocking a shaved head, conditioner is a must. With all the ‘3 in 1’ men’s hair and body wash products on the market, this area of male grooming is often overlooked. However, as is the case with most things, if you want your hair to look its best, you’re going to have to put in the leg work. Adding some conditioner into your morning bathroom routine can take your barnet to the next level.

The product: Facial scrub  

Your skin cells are constantly replacing themselves, leaving dead ones behind. Using a facial scrub will help to get rid of these dead skin cells, leaving only the fresh new ones beneath. Using a face scrub two or three times a week will ensure that your skin is always looking radiant and healthy, just don’t forget to combine it with a decent face wash too, as it’s not a substitute.

We feature Anti-shine cream, Beard oil, Eye cream, Facial scrub, Conditioner and Moisturiser in this list of Grooming Products You Actually Need.