Product watch: Gifts for Father’s Day
Get Dad set for the sun with a bronzer and protective moisturiser. Older men may dismiss cosmetics but a safe touch of tan doesn’t make you Jared Leto. Clinique’s water-based gel is subtle and natural. The fragrance-free formula suits all skin types and is best for fair to medium complexions. It dries to a matte finish. To avoid a spotty application, he should apply M Protect (or any SPF moisturiser) and then pat the gel on where sunlight hits (upper forehead, cheekbones, tip of the nose), for a healthy look.
Once fetishised by female beauty junkies alone, the Clarisonic has a growing male following. Maybe it’s the tool’s tech credentials (sleek, purring, handles well). The sound-wave powered brush head makes short, effortless work of facial cleansing. Results are pretty much instant: skin is smoother and visibly brighter. Effective exfoliation makes shaving more comfortable. The Clarisonic Aria is the latest model and comes with adjustable time and intensity settings, a USB charger, and an extra brush head.
Dad’s skin needs just as many anti-oxidant, soothing and collagen-supporting ingredients as mum’s, yet my research finds most skincare for the furrier sex sorely lacking. Well-known, celebrity-endorsed brands offer products rife with potential irritants. Lab Series Max LS Overnight Renewal Serum is a very good buy, fragrance-free and loaded with proven anti-aging ingredients. Do remind him to use broad-spectrum sun protection every day, or this serum’s good work is impaired.
Behold the Braun Series 7 790cc, emperor of electric shavers. This is a foil shaver with thin screens and blades ideally shaped to catch short hair and cut it close to the skin. It makes 10,000 micro vibrations per minute, accounting for every odd angle of skin and propping up every hair for the chop. The motor’s intensity adjusts to skin’s sensitivity. The shaver’s cleaning station de-gunks thoroughly, dries it fast and shows hygiene and battery levels. Braun says the Series 7 gives 50 minutes of use per charge, but reviewers report between 60 and 75 minutes of use. Travel case and two-year warranty included.
Dad’s skin is not the only body part vulnerable to UV rays. Eyes need daily protection too, and fashion sunglasses rarely pass muster in this department. LA label Oliver Peoples is great at combining sophisticated frames with 100% UV protection.
Oliver Peoples is stocked by MrPorter.com, Optique Opticians, Ballybrit, Co.Galway and Paul Gill Opticians, Dalkey, Co. Dublin.
Marc by Marc Jacobs offers the ideal Dopp kit for dads that travel. Unearthing and bagging toiletries at airport security is a pain. Dad gets to the gate quicker with this green cow’s leather wash bag, which is fitted with a detachable plastic pouch for liquids.
SCENTS THAT REALLY SUIT HIM
This 2014 update on the original Armani Code is sharp and fresh, with a bottle inspired by the designer’s signature slim-cut blazer. Top notes ginger, lemon and mint float over a lavender heart and woody base notes.
Uomo is a delicious-smelling amber scent combining coffee, chocolate, leather and cedar. I like the pyramid-cut studs on the bottle, which is inspired by a traditional liquor decanter.
Like their sister scents, Allure fragrances tend to get the wearer a lot of compliments. This invigorating spray includes tonka bean, cypress and sandalwood and is available in a gym-bag friendly travel atomiser.
The Danish designer duo’s “Weapon of Mass Seduction” is a warm, distinctive blend of cinnamon, tobacco, leather and spice. The grenade-shaped flacon is especially cool.
This smooth, sexy update on YSL’s L’Homme fragrance includes citrus extracts, pepper woody accords and Indian davana blossom.
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