Written by Nick Hogan in Grooming on the 27th August 2021

We’ve certainly had a fantastic Autumn this Summer, although if you time it right between showers you may just catch 5 minutes of sun. But at least we can all get a good night’s beauty sleep again. Less of my moaning, let's get on with my picks of the best in grooming for August.

Parfumado 

Fragrance discovery is one of my favourite things, it’s equal parts exploration and discovery. It can transport you around the globe, expand your knowledge and introduce you to your new favourite scent. Whilst some discovery subscriptions take the wheel, Parfumado give you more freedom in selecting your fragrances, be that with collated lists of new releases and collections. Each month you receive an 8ml travel spray, plenty to really get to know a fragrance each month. My recent delivery from Parfumado introduced me to Sang Bleu by Le Galion, for which I will be forever grateful. 

Available from Parfumado - £12.95

Champo Pitta Growth Serum 

Hair loss is something that many men encounter, but few wish to speak about. Sadly, my days of testing shampoos and conditioners may well be over in the coming years, thankfully fragrances aren’t so follicly fussy. Champo use traditional Indian haircare principals as inspiration for their products, and their Pitta growth serum has been working wonders on my hair. 3-4 drops massaged daily into my scalp has resulted in thicker and fuller hair for sure, but whilst promoting hair growth, I’m sorry to say I'm still losing the battle. 

Available from Champo - £32 for 30ml

1667 Citrus Oud 

Citrus Oud is part of La Collection Royale, the line created with inspiration of Louis XIV, who of course believed that luxury was a necessity. Citrus Oud features a bae of musk, vanilla, cedar wood, amber and oud. Mid notes of coriander, cardamom, nutmeg, rose, neroli and lavender. Citrus top notes complete a superbly balanced scent that performed fantastically throughout the day and is versatile enough to be worn year-round. The line also includes Rouge, Honey Tobacco and Smoked Wood which are all worth getting your nose on. 

Available from The Fragrance Shop - £175 for 100ml

Bluebeards Revenge 

We’ve seen the trend for brands to be more environmentally friendly in recent years, be it sustainable ingredients or recyclable packaging. Bluebeards Revenge not only offer recyclable tins and bottles but are now further introducing a range of refills for their shaving line. Following the success of the deodorant and antiperspirant refills, the 500ml refill pouches are now available for their Pre-Shave Oil, Shaving Cream, Brushless Shaving Solution and Post Shave Balm. Each 500ml pouch allows you to refill the original tins over 3 times and offers greater value for money, it’s a no brainer! 

Available from Bluebeards Revenge - £29.99 for 500ml

Kenzo Homme Intense 

It’s been 30 years since Kenzo Homme hit the shelves, apologies if that’s suddenly made you feel old. Whilst giving a nod to the original, Kenzo Homme Intense is very much its own fragrance, albeit in the familiar bamboo styled bottle. With top notes of calypsone, sea notes, pink pepper and spices. Mid notes of fig tree, fig and vetiver. Then finally base notes of sandalwood, akigalawood and patchouli. If you can’t quite make it to the beach yet, then Kenzo Homme Intense may be the blast of salty sea air you’ve been looking for, save a sun bed for me! 

Available from Boots - £70 for 110ml

Proverb 

I’ve featured Proverb previously for their wonderful refillable deodorant, but today I want to highlight their incredible skincare range. Founded by a skincare expert and ex-professional rugby player, they know a thing or two about looking after your skin. I took their Strengthening Skin Serum and Hydration Pro Moisturiser for a test drive and felt the benefits immediately. The Strengthening Skin Serum invigorated my skin, then hydration was locked in by following with the Hydration Pro Moisturiser. Proverb offer one-time purchases or subscribe to save on regular deliveries. 

Available from Proverb - £31.20-39.20

Lalique White in Black 

Lalique White has been a favourite of mine for many years. A fresh spicy, citrus scent that has a fascinating note of pencil shavings. As the name suggests, White in Black is a much darker scent, with little in common with the original. White in Black is a creamy combination of vanilla, cardamom and lavender. If White is for the daytime, then White in Black is most certainly your evening scent. Its performance was wonderful on my skin, lasting a full day, so it’ll be perfect on that hot date you’ve got upcoming. 

Available from Lalique - £81 for 125ml

Parfumado, Chāmpo, 1667, Bluebeards Revenge, Kenzo, Proverb, and Lalique feature in August 2021’s Best Men’s Grooming Drops.