Skip to main content

Two Grooming Brands You Need In Your Bathroom Now

Insect-Repellent-Spray-and-Lotionfeatured-edited-v2

My dad is a man of the morning ritual. Growing up, I loved watching him groom himself. It was methodical. After showering, he’d begin with a pre-shave tonic, apply some cream, razor-to-face, wash up, and finish with a fresh dose of cologne. He’d always apply it to the inside of his wrists and wipe it on his neck. I remember that scented, manly smell to this day. But his routine fascinated me. He put thought and care into it. It was sacred.

Now I am a man of ritual; I care about my daily grooming. I anticipate morning. It’s about throwing my robe on, lighting incense, brewing a hot cup of coffee, and freshening up for the day ahead. It’s become methodical for me, too. Apply some pre-shave oil, shave, hydrate my face with a splash of facial tonic, and finish with a touch of cologne—just like my dad, from my wrists to my neck.

Related Videos

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to try out lifestyle products from too many brands. The more I try, the simpler my tastes become. I get bored when someone comes along claiming he’s the next best thing. Rarely, though, do I find a brand that gains my loyalty when it doesn’t demand any attention. I can speak of two brands that have done that for me. And funny enough, they feed my ritual: they are apothecary brands.

Meet Empire Apothecary and Manready Mercantile. I love that these brands strive to make products using natural ingredients, void of chemicals and toxins. Your skin is important, so it matters what you put on it. More importantly, for me, I love these brands because they understand slow, guided growth. They recognize that if you want to build a business that’s going to last, you don’t cut corners. You stay true to your identity. That takes consistency. But brand consistency leads to brand quality.

If you’re looking to upgrade what’s on your grooming shelf, look no further:

Empire Apothecary // Brooklyn, New York

Mark my words: they’re the underground Aesop. Zack Mallard was an invest banker who got tired of selling his soul to manage other people’s risks. So, he took a risk of his own and started making grooming products for men. Empire has a slick, elegant attitude. His goods are elevated without losing the grit that an American-made brand has. Some of my personal favorite products are his facial tonic, hair dust, and his beard oil.

Manready Mercantile // Houston, Texas

Travis Weaver, a small town, west Texas native, is the mastermind behind Manready. Launching this brand in 2012, Travis wanted to prove that you could build something from nothing. He started by making small-batch, unisex candles out of a workshop in Houston. Things took off, and in a few short years, Manready has grown into a brick + mortar store offering clothing, home goods, vintage product, and most important, a robust line of apothecary and grooming goods. A few of my favorite products from these guys are Frankincense and Orange Goat Soap, Cedar and Sage Soy Candle, and Bergamot + Teak Skin Lotion.

Editors' Recommendations

Is Chemical Sunscreen Safe? Everything You Need to Know
Man in hat applying sunscreen to his face.

With summer just around the corner, it's about time to bust out the shorts, flip-flops, and not-so-ironic Hawaiian shirts that have been gathering dust all year. As you dig for the swim trunks stuffed in the back of your dresser drawer, you can't forget about another summer style essential: sunscreen.

Sunscreen is a must-have not just on boats, beaches, and boardwalks, but also every day. Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher every day of the year, but especially during the summer when the sun's rays are at their most powerful.

Read more
Grooming Journals: Luke DiTella’s World-Inspired Skincare Routine
luke ditella grooming journals 0

Welcome to Grooming Journals, where we talk to men across the country about one of their most intimate daily investments: Grooming.

This week, we sit down with professional surfer turned model and overall modern-day Renaissance man, Luke DiTella. DiTella is an actor, model, brand ambassador and a motorcycle enthusiast with an extensive (and impressive) resume. From sun gazing to using all natural deodorants, we take a look at what goes into DiTella's skin care routine to keep him dapper and looking his best. DiTella will serve as a panelist for our annual Grooming Awards, which will launch on April 27. Read on to learn more about his grooming routine. 

Read more
Grooming Journals: Anthony Urbano’s Mindful Skincare Routine
grooming journals anthony urbano anthonyurbanofeature

Welcome to Grooming Journals, where we talk to men across the country about one of their most intimate daily investments: Grooming.

This week NYC-based fashion and lifestyle influencer Anthony Urbano shares his conscious approach to grooming. Anthony originally started his blog Oh Antonio as a creative complement to his work as a structural engineer and 10 years later has become one of the leading male voices in the industry. Between traveling the world, creating content, exploring cultures, and passionately advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, Anthony’s grooming selects reflect his mission-driven and mindful outlook. Adding another feather to his cap, Urbano will serve as a panelist for our annual Grooming Awards, which will launch on April 27. Read on to learn more about his grooming routine. 

Read more