Written by Nick Hogan in Grooming on the 29th July 2022

I believe I speak for all of us when I say, I like it hot, but not this hot! Of course, as an Englishman, I never moan about the weather, and will certainly never complain about the good old lovely rain. I’d never experienced heat over 37c and didn’t expect to suffer it in the West Midlands. Crucially I looked after my skin with SPF and kept well hydrated, I trust you all did too. Now as the weather has settled into the pleasant 20s, let's take a look at my top picks in grooming for July 2022.

Maison Crivelli Ambre Chromatique 

Maison Crivelli return with another incredible release, this time offering their unique take on an amber scent. Ambre Chromatique has a rich base of amber, benzoin and bourbon vanilla, it’s a little boozy, sweet and inviting. Mid notes of osmanthus and davana add a floral element with a touch of fruitiness. Top notes of incense and pink pepper add the smoke and spice, with an interesting metallic vibe that I can’t put my finger on. Another fantastic scent from a wonderful house. 

Available from Selfridges - £200 for 50ml

Bentley For Men Azure 

A pure summer scent is a necessity on everyones fragrance lineup, and this particular one comes from an unexpected automotive brand. Luxury car makers Bentley have an excellent line of fragrances, and Azure is my go-to in the summer heat. With top notes including pineapple, tangerine and bergamot. Mid notes including tea, lavender and paprika, and a base of cashmere wood and tonka bean. Azure is an aquatic scent with depth, warmth from the base blends with the touch of paprika spice to add intrigue to this otherwise fresh and uplifting summer go to. Enjoy the summer whilst it lasts everyone! 

Available from Allbeauty - £31.50 for 100ml

PALM & PINE 

I'm a broken record with wearing SPF, so I won't lecture you all again, but you know what to do! If you're ready to change your habits and perhaps your life, then the natural Sunscreen by Palm & Pine is a great place to start. Made with plant based natural ingredients and mineral filters, the SPF 30 makes a great go to daily protection. Also available is the SPF 50 wax-based face protection, perfect for lip care and when you're getting in and out of the pool. Look after your skin gents! 

Available from PALM & PINE - £26 for 150ml

Wildsmith Skin 

Wildsmith were born and currently based in the gardens of the Georgian estate of Heckfield Place in Hampshire, taking inspiration from William Walker Wildsmith, a botanist who created its gardens and arboretum. The range from Wildsmith includes both body and skincare, with my pick of the line being the Energising B5 Gel Cleanser. I love how it turns from gel to foam on my skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed, whilst vitamin b5 and English mulberry work to hydrate and protect my skin. Take a turn on the wild side gents! 

Available from Wildsmith Skin - £38 for 100ml

Skandinavisk KOTO Candle 

As you all know, your home should always smell as well as you do, and my go to home scent this month is KOTO from Skandinavisk. KOTO is old Finnish for Home and smells cosy, comforting and clean. The scent notes are a lovely combination of vanilla, dried orange peel, baltic amber and vintage leather furniture. KOTO would make your house smell great year-round, but there’s something about a candle burning during a warm summer evening that just does it for me. If candles aren’t your thing, KOTO is also available as a diffuser. 

Available from Skandinavisk - £35 for 200g

Acqua di Parma Zafferano 

The latest addition to the fantastic Acqua di Parma Signatures of the Sun Collection is Zafferano, a Selfridges exclusive that celebrates the exquisite ingredient, Saffron. Acqua di Parma used Saffron from Iran, often referred to as red gold due to its price and labour-intensive harvesting process. The scent is a combination of woods, bergamot, Mandarin orange, orange blossom, vanilla and of course Saffron. Why not add a little luxury into your fragrance lineup! 

Available from Selfridges - £201 for 100ml

L’Oreal Men Expert Skin Care Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser 

Despite our best efforts, sometimes life can get on top of us, and our skin can start to look as tired as we are. Men Expert Skin Care Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser from L’Oreal uses vitamin c, amino acids, and glycerin to fight dark circles, dryness, dullness, fine line and lack of tonicity. It’s been my go-to moisturiser this month, leaving my skin feeling fantastic and even worked wonders softening my beard. We all need a little help to fight fatigue, this one packs a punch! 

Available from Boots - £10.59 of 50ml

Maison Crivelli Ambre Chromatique, Bentley For Men Azure, Skandinavisk KOTO Candle, and Acqua di Parma Zafferano.