How is it September already?!? This year is flying by for sure! It’s a grooming spectacular for this month’s favourites. There’s been a lot of new product on the market over the last month, so I thought I’d share some of them with you. Check out my September 2017 favourites below.

Ermenegildo Zegna Elements of Man: The Life Collection

In its latest addition to an already impressive line up of fragrances, Zegna has released not one, but five new scents. Elements of Man: The Life Collection is designed to appeal to every facet of stylish man, with the scents aptly named Integrity, Wisdom, Passion, Talent and Strength. It’s a broad range of fragrances, from the rich gourmand of Strength sandwiched between Tobacco leave, oud and smoke, to Wisdom’s vivid citrus, luminous with notes of Italian mandarin and winter lemon.

You also can’t help but notice the stunning bottles, inspired by the brand’s iconic retail façades, that ooze a traditional-yet-modern vibe that’s going to look good on any shelf. Overall it’s a very impressive, super premium range of fragrances. The only negative reported, which I do agree on, is the rather staid view of the attributes of what makes a man. A rather over-used trope of descriptors, I’d like to have seen some ‘Vulnerability’ or ‘Compassion’ in there for good measure. Though I feel this story could have been brought out in some of the scents like Integrity which features a flash of pink pepper.

Shop the Elements of Man fragrances

 

Shiseido WASO Skincare

WASO, a new beauty line ‘designed for millennials’ is the latest innovation from Shiseido. Inspired by the holistic and natural Japanese food tradition of washoku, the new skincare range uses key ingredients like carrot, loquat, honey, tofu and white jelly mushroom to help balance and build young skin’s resistance to stressors, as well as hydrate, target oiliness and visible pores and prevent the appearance of imperfections.

Looking to take advantage of the millennial attitude Shiseido has aimed to create a skincare and beauty range with a difference…

“The Millennial attitude toward life – and skincare – is already disrupting the beauty world. WASO’s ultimate ambition is to change the way beauty is seen and made, encouraging people to fearlessly embrace who they are… naturally. Millennials today are young-makers, doers and thinkers and they deserve skincare that is anything but traditional.”

I love the Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream, it has a wet, jelly-like texture and feels great on the skin. I’d recommend using it at night though to let it work its magic. The Color-smart Day Moisturizer is also a star of the range thanks to added SPF 30. My only note on it is it’s a little chalky and you need to use a fair amount for good coverage. It feels more SPF care than daily moisturizing.

Discover Shiseido WASO Skincare 

Mankind Confidence Grooming Box

Mankind’s grooming boxes are a great way to tryout new products for an affordable price. The latest Mankind Grooming Box is packed full of skin and hair essentials that will leave you feeling your best. This collection of products will ensure you’re exuding confidence, with top brands including:

  • Nanogen For Men Shampoo and Conditioner 5-in-1 (240ml)
  • Neville Rescue Scrub (125ml)
  • Jack Black Sleek Finish Texture Cream (96g)
  • ManCave Original Moisturiser (100ml)
  • TIGI Bed Head For Men Balm Down Cooling Aftershave (125ml)
  • Skin Republic Bubble Purifying Charcoal Face Mask (20ml)

It’s never been easier to look the part! Out of the box, the Neville scrub is great and anything from ManCave is always a winner!

Shop the Mankind Confidence Grooming Box

Janjira Therapy Candle

I love Janjira products, I’ve had various Janjira skincare in my grooming arsenal for a couple of years now. I came across this therapy candle and foolishly just thought it was another room candle, the unique shape of the rim not stirring any questions. I assumed it was just an aromatherapy scent. But the there’s a great twist to this candle. As the flame heats the wax you can pour it out of the pot and use it as a warm oil for a massage or as a face oil! The rich aroma of the Grapefruit, Rhubarb and Tangerine rejuvenates the senses whilst the warm oil is absorbed efficiently into the skin, making it feel nourished and supple. Beeswax and Coconut oil protect and soften the skin.

Shop Janjira Therapy Candles

Optiat Pick Me Up Scrub

We all know I’m a fan of a good scrub. So when this lemongrass scrub from Optiat landing through my post I dashes straight for the bathroom. This scrub is perfect post workout; a blend of used-Arabica coffee grounds and lemongrass essential oils refreshes you after working up a sweat. The coffee grounds act as a natural exfoliator, whilst the caffeine stimulates blood flow, effective against cellulite and stretch marks.

Shop the Optiat scrub

Voya Muscle Recovery Set

I was actually going to give this Voya set to someone as a gift, but a stroke of accidental luck meant I left it at home and had to pick something else up on route! It worked out wonders for me as I decided to keep this for myself instead. VOYA’s advanced skincare products are created by blending wild Irish seaweed with the ?nest organic ingredients and pure essential oils from around the globe. Both the Feel the Heat muscle gel and Serenergise muscle-relaxing body oil are perfect for anyone suffering from muscle tension and fatigue. They smell incredible, with ingredients including bergamot (my fave!), black pepper, ginger and may chang. It’s a super indulgent experience, and a little more luxury than your usual Deep Heat! I use it on saw shoulders, letting the heat relax the muscles while I breathe in the warming scent.

Shop the Voya Muscle Recovery Set

L’Occitane

A bit of whole-brand shoutout, L’Occitane is has been a mainstay in my grooming cabinet (I mean, I won’t lie, it’s more a wardrobe) for years. It’s a great next-step brand for those looking to upgrade their skincare routine to a more premium line, offering the highest quality products while keeping an accessible price point. They have a great range for men as well as plenty of awesome beauty gifts sets for boys and girls (one to keep in mind considering the fast-approaching festive season!). Personally, I’m a huge fan of the Cedrat range. It’s a light, citrus fragrance that’s perfect for summer or post-workout for a bracing, refreshing wake up.

Shop L’Occitane

What did you think of my September 2017 Favourites? Have you tried any of them? If you have, I want to hear what you think? What are you loving right now?

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Written by Neil Thornton
London-based coffee drinker. Editor by day, blogger by whatever time he finds spare.