Written by Nick Hogan in Grooming on the 29th December 2021

Firstly, I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, here’s to hoping that next year is uneventful in the best way. By the time you read this, you may be enjoying a new fragrance or grooming product you received for Christmas, but here’s some ideas to get your new year started off on the right foot.

Fragrance Du Bois New York Intense 

Fragrance Du Bois are a French fragrance house that specialise in Oud and are experts in luxury. New York Intense was created by master perfumer Pierre Gueros and features notes of Blackberry, Myrrh, Oud, Guaiac Wood and Cinnamon. It’s dark, rich, and enveloping, perfect for the cooler months when you’re wrapped up warm. The luxury continues with the presentation, with the jewels on the bottle cap to the velvety soft box, this is not just a fragrance, it’s an experience. 

Available from Fragrance Du Bois - £229 for 100ml

Atomy Homme 

South Korean brand Atomy have expanded into the UK market and are now offering a men's skincare range. I’ve been using the Homme Skincare Set which includes 3 products, which work best when used back-to-back as a system. Firstly, the Toner, then Essence, and finally Lotion. I’ve been delighted with the results, my skin feels as healthy and hydrated as it ever has. Better yet, the product design is sharp and masculine, looking the part on any bathroom shelf. 

Available from Atomy - £47

Bolin Webb 

I’m fortunate enough to get to try out lots of razors, some are all function, others offer style, but none so far have offered luxury. Allow me to introduce you to Bolin Webb, a British brand that utilises the market leading Gillette blades, whilst doing what they do best, design the ultimate handle for a luxurious shaving experience. The original R1 uses Mach3 blades, whilst the X1 uses the newer Fusion5 blade, both are available with a stand for the ultimate bathroom statement piece. 

Available from Bolin Webb - £125

Ormonde Jayne Evernia 

Once someone explains that Evernia is Latin for Oakmoss, you may have flashbacks of 80s powerhouses. However, Evernia is very much a modern and more balanced take on the note, it’s a reminder to us all that Oakmoss needn’t stay in the past. Joining the Oakmoss is notes of Cashmeran, Pink Pepper, Orris Root and Rose. Evernia brings a light and airy quality to a green and earthy note, a wonderful unisex scent that would wear well year-round. 

Available from Ormonde Jayne - £160 for 120ml

SKN-RG 

SKN-RG are a brand that were founded by combining nature and science and are now offering a Men’s range in their product line up. Wash & Shave 2 in 1 is a hydrating gel that can be used to rejuvenate the skin, then simply wash off. Alternatively, it can be used as a shaving gel, making it one of the most unique and versatile products on the market that I’ve come across. Active Moisturiser is jam packed with ingredients such as Apple Seed, Silver Extract and Cloudberry, and left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. 

Available from SKN-RG - £30 for 100ml

BALDAPE Parlour 

BALDAPE Parlour are a brand that strive to offer affordable solutions for male grooming needs, without the addition of any unnecessary fragrance that can irritate sensitive skin. The Silverback Kit is a back and body grooming kit which features a Charcoal Hair Removal Cream as well as the Helping Hand which aids in reaching and applying the cream to your back, and the Loofah for removing the cream and hair. Struggling to get to those hard-to-reach places? You’re welcome! 

Available from BALDAPE Parlour - £24.99

Escentual Perfume Blind Trial Discovery Set 

The most wonderful part of fragrance is the exploration of discovering new scents, styles, and brands. It can be a daunting task though, not knowing where to start or how to access samples. Escentual have now made it straight forward and fun, with monthly themed boxes and live reveals via their Facebook page, hosted by the ever charming Thomas Dunckley. Looking for a new scent? Join the club! 

Available from Escentual - £19.95

Fragrance Du Bois, Atomy Homme, Bolin Webb, Ormonde Jayne, SKN-RG, BALDAPE Parlour, and the Escentual Perfume Blind Trial Discovery Set are the Best Men’s Grooming Drops for December 2021.