Written by Nick Hogan in Grooming on the 21st December 2022

Perhaps I'm getting old and grumpy, but winter isn't much fun, is it? I remember snow being a much more enticing proposition as a kid, which is clearly much longer ago than I care to admit. The cold weather wreaks havoc on our skin, so there's no more important time to keep on top of your regime. On a lighter note, I'd like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here are my picks of the best in grooming for December.

Proverb Skincare 

Proverb have a mission to improve the planet by creating natural and organic products. The latest addition to their line is the refillable body wash. When purchasing you’ll receive a lifelong pump bottler and the refill which comes in a 100% compostable pouch, the first and only of its kind. Available in four scents, Wild Mint & Eucalyptus, Coconut & Tonka, Lemongrass & Myrtle and Bergamot, as well as being able to choose between grey and white bottles. Bergamot & Basil is my personal favourite, whilst the process of filling the bottle was seamless, so why not help the environment and smell great at the same time? 

Available from Proverb - £10 >

Wype 

Wype have created a sustainable alternative to wet wipes that are vegan, cruelty free and made with an organic certified formula, so you can get the cleaning ability you're after without the guilt of clogging pipes or polluting the ocean. Presented within a reusable applicator, you simply apply directly to your regular toilet paper, no mess, no fuss, just simply flush as normal. Not only does it clean, but also cares for your skin, containing aloe, chamomile, and coconut. So come on gents, why not freshen up your toilet hygiene whilst putting an end to wet wipes. 

Available from Wype - £9 >

Sam McKnight Self Control Gel 

Like many of you, my younger school days saw my hair styled exclusively with gel. You remember those round tubs of green goo, right? Adding an extra layer day by day until the perfect Johnny Bravo was achieved. Well, it’s time to put down the clay and give gel another look, whether you’re going for the slick back, the aforementioned Johnny Bravo, or even using a small amount to offer hold and minimal shine, gel has come a long way. Self Control Gel not only keeps your style in check all day but contains ingredients to condition your hair. Plus, the gold on blue bottle just looks cool! 

Available from SpaceNK - £22 >

Jusbox Visionary Eye 

Jusbox are where music and fragrance collide, each scent taking inspiration from artists and musical periods in time. Visionary Eye takes inspiration from David Bowie, and his time spent in 1970’s bohemian Berlin, during which time he released his Berlin trilogy of albums. The notes that steal the show are iris, musk, lavender, and wormwood, making Visionary Eye a smooth, cosy and delicate scent, with wormwood and cinnamon injecting depth and life into this wonderful scent. We can’t all be as cool as David Bowie, but we can put on the accompanying playlist, spray some Visionary Eye, and imagine, just for a while. 

Available from Jusbox - €190 >

Wild Science Happy Days Cleansing Foam

Wild Science are a brand that believe in kind beauty, so their products are never tested on animals and certified as 100% vegan by the Vegan Society. They use recycled and recyclable materials with the aim to make their products as sustainable as possible. Happy Days Cleansing Foam is a fantastic daily go-to that features incredible ingredients, including AHAs, BHAs, aloe vera, benzoin, grapefruit oil and may chang. I’d suggest a foam to anyone looking for a lighter, more refreshing alternative to their current cleansing regime. Perhaps 2023 is the year that you switch things up? 

Available from Wild Science - £20 >

We Are Concentrate 

In this role I'm fortunate to be able to try many shampoos and conditioners, although due to follicle reasons, that may one day come to an end. We Are Concentrate have delivered something I'd yet to try, a shampoo and conditioner that are packaged plastic free, but add no additional water during production. The result is a paste that comes to life once introduced to water, as well as smelling and feeling incredible. A little goes a long way, which makes for a great travel companion, meaning you’ll have fantastic hair wherever you are. Maybe it’s time you buckle down and concentrate! 

Available from We Are Concentrate - £25 >

Baz & Co 

Founded by James Chase, a farmer from Hertfordshire, Baz & Co are a brand that focus on the unlikely ingredient, basil. Utilising the hydrating qualities of basil, as well as the minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids it contains, it turns out the basil is quite the superstar. If you love the scent of basil, seriously look no further! The line includes a body wash, exfoliator & cleanser, moisturiser and wash bag. My pick of the line is the Restore and Awaken Body Wash, which includes grapefruit and spearmint along with basil of course. Also, I'm always a sucker for well-designed packaging, the Baz & Co green may well become synonymous with the brand. Is it time for you to go green? 

Available from Baz & Co - £22 >

Featuring Proverb Skincare, Wype, Sam McKnight Self Control Gel, Jusbox Visionary Eye, Wild Science Happy Days Cleansing Foam, We Are Concentrate, and Baz & Co.