Let’s face it guys, you don’t live in the Palaeolithic era anymore. The sight of you all sweaty and smelly, dragging behind you the dismantled carcass of a half ton woolly mammoth isn’t going to impress any modern lady. If you want to get noticed, you have to take care of yourself, inside and out. Eat healthy, exercise and follow these simple grooming tips and you’ll be on your way to looking great and feeling confident. We’ll start with the most basic, the morning routine.

Cleanser: Say it with me, ‘CLEANSER not soap’

Ditch that Irish Spring you’ve been slathering on your face since you were 12. The only thing it’s doing for you is making your face dry and tight. Wrinkles may be distinguishing when you’re 50 and look like George Clooney, but they add no sex appeal when you’re 25! Man up and walk in to your local Sephora (I know you’re shuddering at the very thought) and get a good quality cleanser. For inquiring minds that’s the liquidy soap that comes in a bottle. Talk to their sales people and ask them for an everyday cleanser that’s right for your skin type. Don’t be intimidated by the sales girl’s perfect skin and perky attitude, she’s not judging you, I promise!

Recommendation

Anthony Logistics for Men, Glycolic Facial Cleanser: It’s non-drying, gentle and even helps prevent in-grown hair and razor burns. Now you don’t have to resort to waxing! And at $10 a pop, you can’t go wrong.

Shaving Kit: More than Foam and Aftershave

I can probably count on one hand the number of guys I know who use a pre-shave product. It’s definitely not something your dad would’ve taught you (I thought dads teach guys that) or a topic of conversation over all-you-can-eat wings with the guys. Remember that commercial from the late ‘90’s for a razor where a guy is trying to kiss his way along a girl’s leg and she bursts out laughing because of his stubble? You don’t want to be that guy. If you want to be irresistible to the ladies, start with smooth touchable skin. Lose the foam and aftershave and pick up a shaving kit. We’ll tackle choosing the right razor next time!

Recommendation

Anthony Logistics for Men, The Perfect Shave Kit: This kit comes with everything you need to get your face feeling like a baby’s bottom: pre-shave oil, shave cream, after shave balm and even a face scrub and the Glycolic Facial Cleanser. No more of putting ingrown hair, coarse stubble or irritated skin. Just remember not to shave against the grain!

Nivea for Men: At $50/kit the Anthony for Men system might beat the bank so if you want a more budget friendly, less intimidating drugstore brand try the Nivea for Men line of products. You can choose from a variety of shave and post-shave products that fit your skin type and lifestyle.

Moisturizer: Feed your Skin like you Feed your Appetite

Guys, moisturizers aren’t made just for women anymore. Skin is skin, regardless whether you’re a man or woman, and needs moisture like the body needs water to be healthy and happy. The last step to having touchable, soft and smooth skin is to find the right moisturizer. Go on, talk to that sales girl and ask her to find you something you can wear without shame. Trust me, if you have the right moisturizer, once it goes on your face no one will be able to tell you have it on! That’s a comforting thought, isn’t it?

Recommendation

Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer with SPF 20: You quench your skin’s thirst and protect it from harmful UV rays all in one go. It’s lightweight and dries clean so no one will know you’re using a moisturizer!

Once you find the right products and get into the habit of using them every day, it’ll only take a couple of minutes longer than your current routine (or lack there of), but the results will be so much more satisfying! You may not even have to resort to brushing your teeth in the shower to save time. Which reminds me, just because I didn’t mention it as part of the morning routine doesn’t mean you should skip out on the brushing. Funky breath won’t win you any points with that girl you’ve been eyeing at the office. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: brush, floss and use mouthwash every morning…and night!

– Jana Nadesan