The cabinet reshuffle he’ll love

My pick of the best men’s fragrance and skincare

When it comes to smartening a man’s bathroom cabinet, there can be no better inspiration than David Niven in the 1963 film The Pink Panther. In his ski hotel bathroom he reveals a plethora of stylish lotions and fragrances. Sadly, most of these have been discontinued or are now hard to find, but it’s a worthy reminder not to neglect the classics. So to start with I give you Acqua di Parma Colonia (from €62 for 20ml EDC, acquadiparma.com). Created in 1916 by Italian baron Carlo Magnani as his personal fragrance, it became a hit with Hollywood stars like Niven.

Sunny and warm with notes of lemon, bergamot and sandalwood, it’s a timeless favourite. Plus its signature bottle has undergone a limited-edition makeover by Samuel Ross of London-based

SR_A design studio, inspired by London’s Brutalist architecture

(1, €160 for 100ml EDC, selfridges.com).

Continuing the debonair theme is

Chanel Pour Monsieur (2, €76.50 for 75ml EDP, boots.ie). Launched in 1955, this is old-school class that’s sexy too, with crisp citrus (lemon and neroli) and spicy and warm notes (cardamom and oakmoss) – an open invitation to nuzzle.

Eight & Bob Cap d’Antibes (3, €193 for 100ml EDP, arnotts.ie) is the epitome of Riviera elegance, while Givenchy’s new Gentleman Society (4, €54 for 100ml EDP, boots.ie) has a younger vibe. A woody floral (narcissus is key) in a cool black glass bottle, it will be garnering compliments everywhere.

For skincare, if he’s going the full luxe route (and I appreciate that this is not for everyone), then look to Sisley and its

Sisleÿum Global Revitalizer (5, €249, sisley-paris.com). This is the bee’s knees and helps to firm, hydrate, soothe razor rash and comes in sleek packaging.

Soho Skin, the range from members’ club Soho House, has been making waves and the 24/7 Treatment (6, €80, spacenk.com) is a favourite. The gel formula offers good rewards for low effort and is a great booster if he’s looking tired. Leave it on for ten minutes or overnight and, once washed off, skin looks brighter and clearer.

The Clarins Men range is packed with winners and the creamy Exfoliating Cleanser (7, €23.65, clarins.ie) is a brilliant multitasker, helping to slough away dead skin and remove dirt.

For wallet-friendly skincare, look to Vichy Homme Sensi Baume Soothing After-shave Balm (8, €19.55, mccabespharmacy.com), which calms razor burn and is ideal for sensitive skin. I’d also recommend L’Oréal Paris Men

Expert Power Age (which sounds suitably manly). The Revitalising 24h Moisturiser with hyaluronic acid (9, €9.45, lookfantastic.ie) will keep his visage well hydrated.

This helps to firm, hydrate and soothe razor rash

FOUR FAVOURITES TO LEND HIM

These multitasking women’s products are eminently stealable (though maybe it’s time to get his own)…

Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado (€29, spacenk.com) is an intense hydrator that works for everyone.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

Light (€95, charlottetilbury.com) is an instant complexion boost that brightens, freshens and hydrates.

Amanda Lacey Miracle Tonic (€152, amandalacey.com). Aptly named, this counters redness, clears congestion and soothes. We know it’s great but at this price we’re not sure we want to share.

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm (€29, spacenk.com). A rich and caring formula – if you’d like him to have soft hands too.