Dapper dad
Father’s Day gifts to up his grooming game
It’s almost Father’s Day, so, the big question becomes: what are you going to buy dad?
While the items on his wish list likely include, oh, a shiny new John Deer ride-on lawn mower, an even-shinier Omega watch, a vintage cab sauv (or a delicious IPA) and a tasty meal centred around a perfectly marbled steak, there are a few more personal presents to give him this year.
Rather than gift an old go-to, why not treat pops to something a little more, shall we say, therapeutic? Something he likely wouldn’t buy for himself.
“We all know dads won’t go out and spend money on themselves,” Ashley Kazlauskas, the business development and education consultant for L’Oreal Canada, says.
That reluctance to splash-out cash on himself may have led dear old dad down a path that is slightly less-groomed than he would originally have imagined for himself. So, that means ensuring dad’s grooming game is in peak form is up to us.
So, where should you start when it comes to shaking-up dad’s toiletry kit? According to Kazlauskas, the answer is closest to the skin.
“Pamper your dad with luxury shaving essentials, to give him the closest shave ever,” she recommends. That can mean electric razors, classic shavers — or even a gift certificate to a new local barbershop.
When it comes to products, consider opting for releases that do double-duty, such as shaving creams that also moisturize the skin or facial scrubs that exfoliate while also softening facial hair. Not only do multipurpose products make for fewer steps, they also often equate to an overall savings, too. And, according to Kazlauskas, cost is an important element to ensuring dad not only tries and uses the newly gifted goodies — but also re-buys them when they’re finished.
“There are some products that men are attached to, however, when given a gift they are receptive to trying new products; and sometimes shift loyalty,” she explains. “But men also love a good deal, so price points and promotions play a big part in what product they select to purchase.”
Looking to keep the gift simple? Then you may want to consider sticking to the bare necessities.
“A good moisturizer, eye cream and lip balm will go a long way in helping maintain the health of the skin,” Kazlauskas says.
Working with a small gifting budget that forces you to pick just one? Go for the moisturizer. Because, as Kazlauskas explains it, it’s the most important step of any skin care regime — and one that dad may be leaving out.
“Do not underestimate the importance of moisturizing,” she stresses. “It helps prevent dehydration of the skin, which can lead to pre-maturing aging.”
And for fathers sporting a healthy beard, consider picking up one of the year’s top-trending products.
“Beard oil is trending this year,” Kazlauskas says. “(The product) ensures the skin and hair is moisturized while keeping the style of the beard in place.”
A multipurpose beard product, such as Decléor’s Aromessence Triple Action Shave Perfector Serum, can also help prepare the hair follicle for a closer shave while simultaneously limiting irritation and redness and also killing bacteria to prevent ingrown hairs and blemishes, according to Kazlauskas.
Not sure whether or not your dad is ready to up his grooming game? In that case, you may want to revert to the old fallback.
“A thoughtful card will always make your dad smile,” Kazlauskas says.
That, and a nice cold beer.