THE JOURNAL

A man’s grooming routine is only as good as he feels about it. A decent cleanser and moisturiser that leaves skin hydrated and healthy is plenty for some men, while others seek out an all-encompassing self-care regimen that involves more steps than a Mayan pyramid. The great thing about a grooming routine is that you can shape it to suit you, and any man who takes five minutes of me-time – be that to trim his beard or to apply an anti-ageing cream under his eyes – will know that there’s reward to be had in the simple ritual of caring for oneself.
Whatever the case, finding skincare and haircare brands that we trust is paramount. By that, we mean brands that earn our loyalty, that we keep coming back to again and again because their products excel in everything from efficacy to packaging, and make us feel just that little bit better about ourselves each time we use them. Such products can take a fair amount of hunting before we discover them, but certain things out there are well-loved for a reason. The brands below produce some of MR PORTER’s best loved grooming products, so whether you’re in the market for a revitalising moisturiser, a nourishing hair cream or simply something you’ve never tried before, we’re sure you’ll find something here that will delight and surprise you.
Dr. Barbara Sturm

We’re not exaggerating when we say that Dr. Barbara Sturm is to the skincare world what Aristotle is to Greek philosophy. Venerated in the beauty and grooming industry for her groundbreaking treatments (including her famous Kardashian-endorsed vampire facial), Dr Sturm’s expertise on skincare is up there with the best. Her eponymous line of products is particularly special because it distils all of the good doctor’s knowledge into compact bottles that you can bring into your bathroom, and is a result of painstaking dermatological research that has won an army of fans who swear by it.
A great example of this is the anti-ageing serum, which contains purslane (a natural ingredient that is used to calm inflammation) as well hydrating hyaluronic molecules that work to plump out fine lines and give skin a healthful appearance. Also note the Enzyme Cleanser, which is particularly good at tackling oily skin; it contains a welcome hit of vitamin C to brighten and refresh dull-looking skin, leaving your face shine-free but still beaming. Just don’t forget to use some of the brand’s Sun Drops, the ultimate SPF product that you can simply mix with your moisturiser. There’s plenty more to mention, but we’ll leave you to explore the range for yourself. But let it be known that any man who has a few bottles of Dr. Barbara Sturm products in his bathroom cabinet is in safe hands when it comes to his skin.
MALIN + GOETZ and Patricks

Patricks has been part of MR PORTER’s grooming roster since the very beginning and for good reason. Instantly recognisable thanks to its innovative packaging design, many of Patricks sci-fi-esque offering look more like instruments you’d find at a secret Nasa facility rather than grooming products, but are as effective inside as they are striking. While Patricks is perhaps best known for its UV-resistant pomades that nourish the hair and scalp with the goal of minimising hair loss, last year the brand made its first foray into skincare. It’s no surprise that they have impressed us in that field too, with both the AM1 anti-ageing moisturiser and FW1 cell-regenerating cleanser great for whipping your skin into shape.
If you’re looking for grooming products you know you’ll buy again and again, look to MALIN + GOETZ, a brand known for straightforward, stylish products that are effective but gentle on the skin. Just be warned that once you’ve introduced this stuff to your bathroom, you’ll have a hard time giving it up. As well as a range of skincare, including a deodorant that has won leagues of fans for its efficacy, MALIN + GOETZ also excels in hair products. A fresh hit of its Peppermint Shampoo is just the thing to kickstart your morning; use it in combination with the buttery Cilantro Hair Conditioner and start your day with exceptionally good hair.
Susanne Kaufmann

If you like a bit of mindfulness and relaxation with your grooming routine, you really should get acquainted with Susanne Kaufmann’s natural range of spa-worthy products. (We mean that literally – Hotel Post Bezau by Susanne Kaufmann is an Alpine wellness destination where the eponymous skincare line was devised for guests back in 2003). Incorporating ingredients that Ms Kaufmann sources largely from the surrounding Bregenz Forest where she was born and raised, everything in the range – from the calming deodorant to the lightweight eye gel – is of exceptional quality and contains entirely natural ingredients. The aftershave balm, for instance, is made from a soothing blend of witch-hazel leaves and rosemary extract to encourage skin to heal. If you suffer from sore skin after shaving or ingrown hairs, there’s really nothing better. Ms Kaufmann isn’t above convenience in her products either – the Shower/Shampoo Line M doubles up as a body and hair wash, and even contains soluble silk to make skin and hair feel softer than you likely thought possible.
It would also be remiss of us not to mention the brand’s Obsidian Face Roller. A heavyweight skincare tool made with a chunk of smooth obsidian, you use it by gently rolling it in upward motions across the face and downward motions on the neck (don’t worry, it comes with diagrams and instructions) to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage while relaxing facial muscles, all of which result in a healthier, younger appearance when used regularly. Keep it in the fridge and run it over puffy eyes in the morning – you can thank us later.