Let’s face it, when Mr Porter curate their bi-annual grooming boxes, we tend to stand up and take notice. It is the perfectly presented gift for the man in your life or, if you’re a little more indulgent like me, a good excuse to sample the impressive collection for yourself. Let’s take a look at what’s in the Mr Porter Grooming Box for Winter 2016;
Dr Sebagh’s Serum Repair contains key ingredients that actively boost collagen levels and retains moisture in the skin for smoother post-shave finish. It is the finishing touch for any shaving routine and I found that it works especially well around the neck considering the sensitivity of the skin in that area.
Oribe’s travel-sized shampoo is infused with watermelon, lychee and Edelweiss Flower extracts and is great for strengthening weaker, finer hair like mine. Living in the city, it’s great to know that my shower routine will somewhat protect my hair from all of the environmental stressors in the Capital rather than strip out essential oils.
Next up is Dr Barbara Sturm’s Face Scrub which not only scrubs away any dry, dull skin but also contains a Silk Extract which moisturises the skin thoroughly. Interestingly, Dr Barbara opts for the “less is more” policy and the minimal ingredients are designed to nourish, rather than overburden the pores. Essential in winter, especially when the mercury drops and that wind chill kicks in.
REN Skincare are a household name in the science of skin and their travel-sized Flash Rinse Facial treatment helps to smooth out any imperfections with Vitamin C and ingredients that spark collagen synthesis. It’s a bit like botox without the needles and this one-minute mask firms, tones, and smooths the skin, turning a dull complexion bright.
Keeping with the theme of the face, Lab Series’ Age Rescue+ Face Lotion contains the restorative ingredient of Ginseng which will freshen any weary traveller up. The smart travel size is very handy if you’re on the go and Lab Series is always a brand that I’ll trust if I only had one choice of moisturiser.
While I don’t use much of it (having a beard and all), Malin and Goetz’s travel-sized Shaving Cream is a great starting point for any shaving routine. The Vitamin E and Amino Acid Proteins kept my neck feeling hydrated while I tidied up unwanted neck hair, and the menthol gave a fresh finish to the skin. Natural fragrance and colour remove the need for an unnecessary toxins coming into contact with the skin.
Facemasks are most definitely now an acceptable part of the male grooming routine and the M.E. Skin Lab’s Plasma 27 Bio-Lifting Cell-Restoring Sheet Mask is infused with regenerative plant-based ingredients that leave you feeling very revitalised after a quick ten-minute pamper. Although I am only 27, it is always a good idea to be preventative when it comes to the ageing process.
Next, a good eye cream is now a mainstay in my daily routine; it not only banishes any feelings of tiredness but also makes you look alert and ready to start the day. Baxter of California’s travel-sized Under Eye Complex is enriched with caffeine and seaweed extract which reduces puffiness and those unwanted dark circles.
A new brand to me, Bamford Grooming Department’s Hand and Body Wash has a fresh scent that is useful for both the shower or as a good partner for dirty hands by the sink. The black bottle also looks very minimalist and won’t overcomplicate the bathroom environment. It certainly beats your usual wash and the anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin.
Also in the box is a timeless deodorant stick from Penhaligon which contains quite a subtle aroma of lemon, lime, lavender and musk. While I’ll usually opt for a spray, this is not too overpowering and perfect for the gym bag. It will last a lot longer than a spray too and can also be taken on a long-haul flight which is a huge bonus.
Next up, the hair. Perfect for travel, Bumble and Bumble’s Sumotech combines the moulding properties of wax and paste to provide a long-lasting hold and volume that isn’t too heavy on the hair. If you are looking for a hair product that keeps a certain level of flexibility in your hair, this is it. The magic ingredient of Lanolin Wax will even nourish the hair too.
Finally, and needing no introduction at all, Clinique For Men’s travel-sized Charcoal Face Wash is a must-have in your wash bag. The natural charcoal draws out the dirt and excess oil that can clog pores and after using this scrub I felt like my skin had gone through a very deep clean. Essential for the whole “new year, new me” lifestyle.
So, there it is; a fairly comprehensive round-up of what you can find it Mr Porter’s excellent Winter Grooming Box for 2016. The real draw, however, is that you can try products that retail at £217 in a grooming box that costs just £75. It is very economical and you might find some new products, and brands, that you love. Also, the iconic Mr Porter white box will put a smile on any man’s life if he received this as a gift. I’m already looking forward to see what Summer 2017 has in store for us.
