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The Manual Selects: Our Favorite Grooming Products This 2021

Great grooming takes work. That’s why The Manual team tests and vets countless soaps, moisturizers, colognes, and more to find the best personal care products for men, so you don’t have to. Every month, our writers highlight some of their favorites. Read on to learn more.

Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator

Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator
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“As someone who has sensitive skin, I love using Aesop’s gentle moisturizer, which is low on irritating ingredients, reduces redness, and leaves my skin feeling refreshed.” — Ty Gaskins

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The Ordinary AHA and BHA Peeling Solution

The Ordinary AHA and BHA Peeling Solution
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“Since we can’t see our aestheticians, this is the perfect 10-minute exfoliating facial for my at-home treatments.” — James Love II

John Masters Organics Calendula Hydrating and Toning Mask

John Masters Organics Calendula Hydrating and Toning Mask
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“The first product to ever make my husband say, unprompted, ‘Your skin looks amazing. What did you just do?'” — Chelsea Batten

RE:P Organic Cotton Treatment Toning Pad

REP Organic Toning Pad
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“After cleansing, I use these toner pads from Korean skincare brand Re:p, and they leave my skin feeling very refreshed; almost like I’ve just had a facial.” — John Jones

Osea Malibu Blemish Balm

Osea Malibu Blemish Balm
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“Banish all thoughts of nostril-burning, tacky-feeling, dermis-drying blemish cream. Osea’s version is like an acne stealth operative, blending unnoticed into your skin and making pimples subtly disappear.” — Chelsea Batten

Oribe Signature Conditioner

Oribe Signature Conditioner
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“Pre-quarantine, one of the many reasons I loved going to Barry’s Bootcamp classes was so I could use their Oribe products. This conditioner is one of my favorites.” — Vanessa Powell

Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum

Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum
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“Kiehl’s just launched a serum that lives up its name. I’ve been using it for the past few weeks, and I’ve already noticed my skin’s texture improve.” — Christian Gollayan

Hellen NYC Bath Brew

Hellen NYC Bath Brew
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“Each of these bath formulas uses a proprietary combination of premium-grade salts, oils, flowers, and even semiprecious stones to help clear energy blocks and strengthen your inner being. If you like your grooming rituals with a side of woo-woo, you need this right now.” — Chelsea Batten

Dior Homme Eau de Toilette

Dior Homme Eau de Toilette
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“I’m obsessed with Dior Homme’s latest fragrance, which smells like a luxurious cabin. A great father’s day gift.” — Christian Gollayan

Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash

Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash
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This cleanser is perfect for oil-prone skin like mine. The foam also adds some fun to my skincare routine.” — James Love II

Seen Shampoo

SEEN Shampoo
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Shampoos and conditioners can be really irritating for guys with sensitive skin, which is why I’ve been really loving this haircare line by Seen, which was developed by dermatologists. This shampoo doesn’t clog your pores, and is made with natural ingredients.” — Christian Gollayan

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The anti-aging ingredient experts are watching — and it’s not retinol
Man putting skincare facial treatment cream on face. Anti-aging skin care product. Male beauty morning routine at home lifestyle. Guy looking in bathroom mirror applying moisturizer under eyes.

Everywhere you turn, skincare products feature a new trending ingredient, promising the same anti-aging benefits. Though many of these benefits are merely marketing claims, Auro Skincare's latest trending ingredient is supported by science. "G", Auro Skincare's latest antioxidant serum, is powered by glutathione, a master antioxidant clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin tone in just a week.

But what exactly is glutathione, and what makes this secret antioxidant work in skincare? Here's what founder, Dr. Nayan Patel, PharmD, shared about this exciting new ingredient in antioxidant skincare. Dr. Patel is an internationally recognized expert, consultant, and lecturer on the Master Antioxidant Glutathione and has traveled the world educating practitioners and pharmacists on advanced biochemistry and anti-aging science. 

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Acqua di Parma releases the ultimate men’s fragrance for the summer
Acqua di Parma releases new Italian reserve collection
dark blue acqua di parma bottle in front of colorful background

Even if you aren’t planning to jet off to Capri or Amalfi, there’s still another way you can add some Italian summer flair to the season. For Acqua di Parma, invoking Italian scents is an everyday act, but their newest fragrance collection takes this to another level. Playing off three familiar fragrances, the brand has enriched the scents to unveil its new Blu Mediterranea La Riserva collection. Released in a decadent dark blue shade, this collection stands out from the brand’s traditional lineup with a subtle tone switch. The perfect unisex fragrances for the season, Acqua di Parma transports everyone to the Italian coast with plenty of style. 

Exploring Italy with Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterranea La Riserva

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How to trim a beard the right way — from stubble to full-on lumberjack
Choose the right beard, get the right tools, and master these techniques for a great look
Beard trimming

At first glance, how to trim a beard seems like an easy problem to solve. I have first-hand experience with this, as my beard grew out evenly when I decided to sprout one. Even better, it came in with a reddish color that complemented my long face and Scotch-Irish ancestry on my father’s side. The basic color and uniformity made it easy to overlook the inevitable mistakes I made, so the toughest task was reminding myself to trim every other day. Otherwise, I would grow a small beard forest that was tough to handle.
For many men, though, it’s not so simple. That’s especially true for beard novices and for those men whose beards serve up some surprises. When that happens, trimming becomes a tougher task, so a brief tactical review is a solid idea.

Choose the right beard type, then get a trimmer

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