Written by Nick Hogan in Grooming on the 30th November 2021

Perhaps I’m getting old and grumpy, but I remember winter being more fun when I was younger. However, these days I understand the horrors of driving in the snow and the longer and more painful fall of slipping on ice. Worse still is the damage that the cold winter conditions can cause to our skin, so grab a hot chocolate and relax as I take you through the best grooming picks to keep you looking and smelling great this month.

L’Occitane Intensive Repair Solid Shampoo 

I’ve long been a fan of solid shampoo, perhaps it’s nostalgia, perhaps it’s just fun and different. Don’t be fooled into believing it’s a gimmick however, L’Occitane have created a shampoo that’s not only wonderful for your hair but environmentally friendly, made with 99% biodegradable ingredients and 100% recyclable packaging. L’Occitane have packed the shampoo bar with oat amino acid and a complex of essential oils that left my hair feeling soft and luxurious. This would make a great stocking stuffer for those looking for Christmas ideas! 

Available from L’Occitane - £10

Barbour For Him Fragrance

Barbour are synonymous with the British countryside, a heritage brand that embraces the great outdoors. With their latest fragrance, Barbour For Him, they’re transporting you to the Scottish Woodlands. Notes include cedar, guiacwood and vetiver in the base, black pepper and cardamom in the mid, and citrus top notes. A perfect fragrance for the cooler months, worn under layers on winter walks, in the British countryside of course. Now all I need is a Barbour jacket for the full experience. Perhaps Santa reads MenswearStyle. 

Available from Barbour - £69 for 100ml

The London Grooming Company 

The London Grooming Company are a modern barber shop in Covent Garden that champion the traditions of grooming. Not only do they offer an expert barber service but also a luxurious range of products. I had the opportunity to try a range of their hair care, hair styling and skincare products. My picks were the Tea Tree Conditioner that invigorated and nourished my hair, and the Crème styling paste that offered perfect hold and style for my short hairstyle. If you want to add a touch of contemporary tradition to your grooming regime, take a look at The London Grooming Company. 

Available from The London Grooming Company - from £9.95

Bave 

A soak in the tub is one of life’s great pleasures, a great way to destress and soothe aching muscles. However, the world of bubble baths and salts don’t always see us gents as their target audience. This is where Bave come in, a brand that aim to help you bath batter, offering soaks and salts in scents such as Bergamot & Cedarwood, Eucalyptus & Orange and my personal favourite, Tobacco & Vanilla - scents that both men and women would love. What better way to unwind after a long week of work and exercise, you’ve earned it! 

Available from Bave - from £10

Horace Face Firming Gel 

Horace once again returns to my grooming drops roundup with another fantastic product in their ever-expanding lineup. Face Firming Gel is a moisturiser replacement that reduces sagging skin and wrinkles by utilising the wonder that is Hyaluronic Acid and Kakadu Plum which helps reduce the signs of ageing, whilst Peptides improve your skin's elasticity. Use morning and night, and see the results for yourself. Another great product from a wonderful brand. Plus, the Horace blue is so cool! 

Available from Horace - £22

Skin Sapiens 

Skin Sapiens was founded by a father who set out to create a range of sensitive skincare products that would not only work for him, but his entire family. New to the range is Make Down Oil to Milk Cleanser, which turns into a milk once mixed with water, it then gently cleanses the skin and works perfectly for removing makeup. Also new in the range is the Cleansing Bar, which is soap free and pH friendly. It contains activated charcoal and jojoba oil, a great option for both face and body. Your skin goes through a lot, be gentle to it. 

Available from Skin Sapiens - £8.99-10.99

Aremti 

Aremti is a brand founded by professional dancer and actor Manny Tsakanika. The range consists of a face wash, moisturiser and face mask, as well as a fabulous handmade soap. The Exfoliating Lemon and Poppy Seed Soap is a real treat to use, and the Rich Gel Face Mask left my skin feeling renewed. My personal favourite however was the Skin Restore Moisturiser which gave my skin a matte finish glow throughout the day, truly an incredible moisturiser. Aremti are a new brand making great products, I look forward to seeing what’s next in the range! 

Available from Aremti - from £8

A-Chromic ODR—211 

A-Chromiq are a niche fragrance house that offer a range of gender-neutral scents. Their discovery set is presented as mouilletes, scented card strips that are a fun way to explore new fragrances. There are three scents in the range: Lucent, Florescent and Opaque. My personal favourite is Lucent, a juicy combination of pomelo, mandora and cilantro, blended with wood, ginger and lily of the valley. It’s difficult to remember summer, perhaps a new fragrance can take you on an armchair adventure in the meantime. 

Available from A-Chromiq - £150 for 100ml

The best grooming drops from November 2021 featuring L’Occitane Intensive Repair Solid Shampoo, Barbour For Him, The London Grooming Company, and more.