Father’s Day

With the virus having changed things, chances are you probably can’t give your Dad his usual big hug and card this Sunday. So gift giving is your extra chance to be thoughtful and go that additional mile with him. Therefore, what better gift than the gift of grooming? Luxury grooming has always been an easy decision for me especially having worked at GQ on Grooming. Over the years I’ve learned about some amazing brands and more recently, there’s been a real wave of new of indulgent products for the men in our lives. So here’s what I’m loving right now that I’m sure your Dad will too.

Braun 9 in 1 Trimmer

Typology

This is one of my favourite brands that I’ve recently discovered and not just because of the gorgeous packaging which, by the way, is also recyclable. It looks great on the bathroom shelf! Typology is a French brand launched into the UK in May. Founded by Made.com’s Ning Li, the brand aims to be completely transparent, always honest and fair. The products look incredible luxurious (as do the ingredients) so I was surprised that they come in at around the £10+ mark! All products are small enough to fit through your postbox to reduce its carbon footprint and make shopping for beauty products a more conscious action. They smell incredible and really do work. My favourites are the hand balm and the Hydrating Serum.

Rituals

I first discovered Rituals in a pop up store in Amsterdam. The smells drifting through the door and onto the street were just incredible! So I was thrilled to find Rituals all over the UK now too. In addition to some gorgeous ladies products, they also have a fantastic range for men. From aftershave balms to shaving foam and face creams, they really do have it all. Try The Ritual Of Samurai Travel Shave Set for some handy travel size products or invest in some full size products like the beautiful shave cream for the cleanest and most comfortable shave, thanks to natural ingredients like basil and ginseng which will leave Dad’s skin moisturised and revitalised.

The Gruff Stuff

I recently discovered this great brand that champion premium British vegan skincare for men. The Gruff Stuff Father’s Day edition face set that includes an eye balm and a spray on moisturiser (great for contactless and easy application on the go). The moisturiser’s advanced formula contains a powerful combination of vitamins, anti-oxidants and active ingredients to stimulate production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Ultimately, they both rejuvenate skin and suppress signs of ageing.

Alpha H Vitamin Serums

Get Dad ready to discover a bespoke approach to skin health, customised to support his skin every single day and night. The incredible Alpha H now offer the opportunity to amplify and personalise his routine with a daily dose of Vitamins too. These four essential Vitamin serums aren’t just single-ingredient benefit formulations though. In fact, each of the antioxidants have been carefully paired with complementary ingredients which enhance their effect and boost his overall results. Available at Cult Beauty.

Travel Sets & Washes

Triumph & Disaster

I first heard of the brand when a friend of mine had one of their beautiful soaps in their travel bag. They specialise in stunning haircare products as well as washes and other accessories including face shaving brushes and travel bags. I particularly love the Road Less Travelled kit which is great for a Dad who is new to the brand as he can give some of the hair products a try before investing in full size. Within the olive canvas bag, you’ll find a 25g Coltrane Clay Little Puck, Ponsonby Pomade, Fibre Royale, an organic cotton face cloth, a natural shampoo and a detangling conditioner. They smell amazing!

31st State

Stephanie Capuano began 31st state after frustration that there was genuinely nothing that she thought was good enough without all the harsh chemicals found in leading brands, that her boys would actually want to use. She wanted natural products; they just wanted them to work, and to be cool, of course! She is an active supporter of the clean movement and the products use natural ingredients. The 31st State Starter Kit is a great introduction to the brand allowing Dad to try a selection of products all at once. The products are cruelty free and suitable for vegans.

Skandinavisk

From Scandinavian fragrance and design comes community driven Skandinavisk. They create subtle, refined scents based on aspects of Scandinavia that they consider to be precious to the inhabitants and exotic to the outside world. They blend them with colour, symbols and a single local word rich with meaning to create unique impressions of Scandinavia. From body washes to fragrance, they’re a great company to check out especially as the products are designed to nourish and protect skin from cold winds, low humidity, and harsh climates.

Fragrances

Atelier Cologne

Discovery sets like this 10 piece fragrance gift from Atelier Cologne are a great way of spoiling Dad, allowing him to try a selection at once rather than investing in one item. The brand constructs each Cologne Absolue following three distinct principles: A star ingredient, the most powerful note, which gives the perfume its name. Then, an overdose of citruses, adding elegance and freshness while brightening the formula. Finally, a blend of the highest quality raw materials adding unique and unexpected character, ensuring long-lasting power. A beautiful fragrance set not to be ignored.

Rook Perfumes

Rook Perfumes are a niche fragrance house. Compounded in the UK, the luxury perfumes are made with only the finest ingredients. These luxury perfumes not only smell incredible, but they’re also gender free meaning you can share too!  Founder Nadeem says of (my favourite scent) ‘Undergrowth’: Undergrowth is visceral. I wanted to re-create the scent evoked by pulling fresh garden mint from damp earth and bottle it. Priced at £100 each and available in scent ‘Undergrowth’, ‘Rook’ and ‘Forest’. A must have addition to any fragrance lovers collection.

Tom Daxon

Tom Daxon’s Iridium fragrance has been reimagined here as an extrait de parfum with an unprecedented 71% fragrance concentration. It is fresh and fruity and really is another must-have for any fragrance collector. Described as “the olfactory equivalent of charcoal-coloured cashmere”, this heady fragrance is said to possess all the powdery sophistication of the precious iris – concrete, yet with a strong, silvery spine. It blends fragrant juniper, angelica and carrot seed with iris, grounded by an earthy, masculine base of vetiver, cedarwood and Iso E Super.

Carolina Herrera Bad Boy

With top notes of Black Pepper, White Pepper, Italian Green Bergamot, middle notes of Cedarwood and Sage, and base notes of Tonka Beans and Absolut of Cocoa, this is by far one of my favourite mens fragrances.

Maison Francis Kurkdijan

Priced at £250 this is a seriously luxurious fragrance. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Vitae forte Eau de Parfum is the intense fragrance of desire. The top notes including mandarin from Sicily, bergamot and lemon from Calabria are elegantly mingled with a trio of spices: cinnamon from Ceylon, cardamom from Guatemala and pink Szechuan pepper. A bright floral note floats indulgently throughout this scented dream. I’m a huge fan of Maison Francis Kurkdijan having worn APOM for the last several years!

Salvatore Ferragamo

FERRAGAMO, Salvatore Ferragamo’s new fragrance for men, evokes the artisanal heritage of Italy by playing with sophisticated contrasts. The distinctive Gancini buckle embellishes the modern bottle it comes in. The inspiration for this perfume was the idea of men as masters of their destiny.

Fjällsjö by Björk and Berries

Björk and Berries’ scent collection is inspired by Sweden’s volatile seasons and the uniqueness of nature. Cultural, natural and mythical wonders are interpreted into sophisticated scent experiences. Fjällsjö means mountain lake. A fresh scent of cold water and soapy skin with notes of clean cotton and deep musk. I love the fresh smell and Spring Magnolia heart. This perfume is made from organic fermented alcohol and the finest natural and synthetic perfume oils.

 L’Officine Universelle Buly

Eau au Triple Nymph With The Scorpion by L’Officine Universelle Buly is an enticing bouquet of heliotrope and jasmine, with amber and musk. It’s a really beautiful scent that Dad will love. For any category of grooming, there’s something to suit Dad at Buly 1803. Check out their quality accessories too.

Creed Aventus Candle

Aventus is inspired by the dramatic life of a historic emperor who waged war, peace and romance with equal magnitude. Perfect for the bold, spirited and confident, Aventus opens with tantalising top notes of blackcurrant and Italian bergamot, blended with Calville Blanc apples and sparkling pineapple. Within the scent, a woody and heady centre is complemented with notes of roses, Jasmine blossom and patchouli. A rich base of oak moss, ambergris and a touch of vanilla provides a final flourish to this sophisticated scent.

Tissot Gentlemen

Aside from grooming, there are the obvious big ticket pieces like this gorgeous Gentlemen watch from Tissot. The Swiss made Tissot Gentleman is a multi-purpose watch, both ergonomic and elegant in any circumstance. It is equally suitable for wearing in a business environment, where conventional dress codes apply, as at the weekend, when it adapts easily to leisure activities. As part of the life of a modern, active man, the Tissot Gentleman becomes the perfect companion for every day, every occasion and every style. It’s a watch he won’t want to take off!

Cyberjammies

For those of us who’ll be buying our partners a gift for Father’s Day off our little ones, check out Cyberjammies. They have an amazing offering of matching Dad and son pjs! My favourites are the Jackson Check but they also have some other cute designs like racing cars, guitars or traditional paisley print.