SKINCARE: Stoer Defence Shield For Men's Skin

Guess who is back and fighting fit again? Yep, that'll be me and what better way to start the new coming of Stephen than a set of skincare beauties that helped mask how ill I actually have been looking - that'll be the fairly new range from Stoer Skincare for Men.  Described as being the most technologically advanced male skincare range you can pick it up online or in store from Harvey Nichols. 

The brand was a new one on me completely and a few months ago I leapt at the chance to really put the entire range to the test. Before rubbing myself in something so new I did a touch of research. So who are Stoer? The brainchild of Scottish skincare expert Marianne Morrison, she spent over 3 years working with experts to develop and refine the brand and travelled across the globe to source the 5 key ingredients that create this Clima5 formulation. Those actives have been individually sources from the extreme climates of Mexico, Japan, Scotland, West Africa and the Alps and together, they help to firm, hydrate and protect the skin from pollution and other environmental aggressors. 

Those 5 key ingredients are:

• Peat Moss from Scotland - Peat Moss helps to shield and rehydrate. Sourced from moss which grows in Scotland and is supported by strong moisturisation data, it retains natural moisture levels within the skin, naturally plumping and evening skin tone.
• Alpine Plant from Italy - Helps to improve elasticity and firmness. Sourced from the Alps, this plant survived the ice age. 
• Baobab Leaf from West Africa- Works to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This particular extract was developed for male skin with strong clinical data evidencing 
• Wakame from Japan - Extracted from Japanese seaweed, Wakame supports the production of collagen and helps to protects against pollution as well as increasing oxygen levels within the skin. 
• Barbary Fig from Mexico - Derived from Cacti, the Barbary fig is exceptionally soothing, firming and very hydrating.

The Stoer Skincare for Men collection comprises of five products which include a Foaming Face Wash, Detox Face Scrub, Firm and Protect Moisturising Serum, an Energising Eye Serum and a Vitamin Power Mask.  What drew me to the brand was the terminology 'Cosmetic Drone' which is the description given to the cutting edge technology which essentially helps to deliver the actives into a deeper layer of skin. For around two months I've been using this on and off as my health has fluctuated but the last two weeks have seen them take a real pounding.

Starting with the Foaming Face Wash which is a Sulfate-free formula designed to rid skin of grease, grime and pore-clogging pollutants.  

On the skin it is really creamy and can be used in place of a shaving gel, if that should be your preference. I don't personally, my shaving routine is not being altered! What I like about the face wash is that it doesn't leave my skin feeling taut and dry after using and it lathers up with little effort. 

The Detox Face Scrub features a trio of mineral, volcanic and natural exfoliants which work to remove dead skin cells and unblock pores. I was expecting this to be a really abrasive scrub, but the wife owns some which are more lethal than this. 

Massaging it onto damp skin in circular motions, you can, if you press hard enough, feel the particles working on the skin and afterwards, again there is no dryness feeling.  I have been using this scrub once a week and am a huge fan.  A 75ml tube retails for £27.

I am a bit of a face mask fan and it is a product I perhaps haven't used as much as I should have done. The Vitamin Power Mask is packed with antioxidant vitamins A, C & E, anti-inflammatory Pro Vitamin B5 and it also features the unique Clima5 technology which works to bolster the skin’s natural defences. 

To use, you need to set aside around 12 minutes of your time and you liberally apply a thick layer to the face and neck, after cleansing and then simply remove with warm water.  There is an additional usage to this mask if you suffer from razor burn, which I find quite clever and that involves applying a thin layer of the mask to the affected area, massage as much of it in as you can and then leave it on your skin overnight as a treatment and wash off the following morning.  Not something I have yet tried, but useful to know!  A 75ml tube of the mask retails for £32.

The use of serums is something that is new to me and not a product that I have used a lot. The wife has one or two within her morning and evening routine and constantly tells me how good they are.  So with thanks to Stoer I now have two different ones to use.

The Firm and Protect Serum is described as being a matte finish facial serum and it is said to help minimise fine lines.  What I have found is that it is incredibly hydrating, more so than any moistusing cream that I have used and I was surprised at how little I need to use to cover my entire face and neck - just 1-2 pumps is more than enough and it can be uses both morning and evening. I like this serum is lightweight on the skin and doesn't feel at all slimy. 

As it gives a matte finish, I am reliably informed it doesn't make my skin look shiny or greasy, instead it is quite the opposite and having used it for a fairly long period of time, my skin does feel a lot more hydrated and smooth to the touch. Priced at £40 for 50ml.

Finally we have the Energising Eye Serum which has been formulated specially for the delicate skin around the eyes and featuring STOER’s unique Clima5 Technology. This serum is really lightweight on the under-eye area and again, it can be used both morning and evening.   

This is the product I am hoping to see a lot of results from, in just two weeks the dark circles and bags under my eyes have decreased, the skin feels tighter around the eye and it's obvious to me as a lay person that this part of my face is hydrated to the max.  Priced at £32 for 25ml.

What I am really enjoying about this range is the effect it is having on my skin - softer, smoother and far more radiant and that for me is a massive result. With a pleasant aroma, distinct lack of greasiness in the serums and noticeable positive results this is a great range and one I'll probably cry about when it all runs out! 

In recent years I have taken, mainly through curiosity, to cleansing, using a mask and adding a moisturising cream to my skin. No longer is it 'a thing' that men don't talk about or mention. In fact I am quite open about using skincare products on my skin, especially as I live in London which does have a cause and effect with the high levels of pollution, something we are all now becoming much more aware of. So go on, take the plunge. If you want a skincare range that is designed to make you look the best you can be then look no further.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Bulldog Skincare For Men Gift Collection

A Bulldog is not just for Christmas…but it’s a great start. That's what the marketing blurb for the Bulldog Skincare for Men Christmas Gift Collection shouts out straight away, and after receiving two to try out, I'm inclined to agree, they're not just for Christmas but all year round. 

I'm a bit of a Bulldog Skincare freak, I love their moisturiser (still puzzled why I've never written about it) so when these two gift sets popped through the door (read wife walked to the sorting office to pick up) it really was like Christmas morning, and I still have a wry smile now, some weeks later.

So, award winning skincare brand Bulldog Skincare For Men has launched five new gift sets that will bring seasonal cheer. With a brilliant selection of their products available in each gift, and at what I would call massively affordable prices you can do a lot, and I do mean a lot worse when weighing up what to buy the bloke in your life this year.

Available from Boots, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, the range offers a choice of stocking fillers, secret Santa gifts and ‘proper presents’.

Man Up (£6, yes, just £6 from Boots)

Now this is by far and away a great little gift and would be perfect for Secret Santa - not too pricey, but actually not just a great grooming product, but the tin is also a money box with a nice opening in the lid.

This is what the marketing blurb says about this gift set:

'The Bulldog Man Up Sensitive Moisturiser Tin is a great man’s gift this Christmas. This set contains Bulldog Sensitive Moisturiser, which is specially formulated with 2 essential oils, green tea, green algae, konjac mannan and vitamin E to help rehydrate sensitive skin. These powerful ingredients can help revive and rehydrate the skin. Plus, this moisturiser absorbs quickly and won't leave your face and hands oily or greasy after use.'

I really do have affection for this moisturiser, it is brilliant when i shave regularly and it doesn't inflame my skin further, even if I shave in a rush and have razor burn. It smells wonderful to boot - fresh, clean with a bit of bite from the tea notes, this ticks all the right boxes.

It's absorbed into the face quickly, doesn't leave the face looking greasy and best of all, after I started using this, after a week my skin did feel softer, smoother and looked incredibly hydrated.

Pardon the pun, but this is the dog's b******s.....

‘The Kennel’ (£12) 

In a neat, and clean looking presentation box, and with a budget price tag this is the perfect alternative to the usual Lynx guff gift sets that get thrown around at this time of the year (in laws, family and friends take note, I despise Lynx gift sets). 

This is what they say about this gift set in the marketing blurb: 

'The Kennel contains a trio of Bulldog products; Original Face Wash, Original Face Scrub and Original Moisturiser bedded down in a fun presentation box. The recipient of this gift is guaranteed to love the superb skincare results of the products as well as the iconic bulldog ‘at one with nature’ on the box.'

Again, while I can't argue with the benefits that come from using the moisturiser, my personal favourite from this gift set has to be the face scrub. It smells lovely, not a hint of any chemical aroma and the scrub is really gentle and feels so natural as it grinds off the daily build up of free radicals (ooh, check me out, I do of course mean dirt and pollution).

Combining the face wash, scrub and moisturiser for the last five days and I seem to have developed a glow. Now that has nothing to do with me entering into the Christmas spirit early, and everything to do with these great products.

So, considering the price these gift sets represent excellent value for money. They are well presented, do what they say they will do, and do so with no fuss or drama. For this I am eternally grateful. Still not convinced? Well, I give up! 

Need a gift for your fella this Christmas? These would make great stocking fillers and you get to support a British business in the process. It's a win all around.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Finally, Hector wants to know why you haven't already gone off to pick up your own Bulldog Gift Set!

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Purifying Face Wash for Skin & Stubble by L'Oreal Men Expert

I have always wondered whether face scrub actually does anything to soften my grizzly stubble as it slowly turns into a scraggly beard! I can’t say I’d ever noticed a great difference until I started to use beard oils, so after moaning about the lack of male grooming advent calendars (gents, there are loads for women but not none for us), Mankind, those lovely purveyors of all things for male grooming sent me a sort of consolation package which included Purifying Face Wash for Skin & Stubble by L‘Oreal.

Result! Thanks guys, when you said goodies, I didn’t expect a much needed aid package for my face!

Even at first glance this had me chuckling - on the rear the first things are “Feeling Dirty? Feeling Rough?” - erm, yeah, that’s me every day….

A 150ml tube of this face wash from the L’Oreal Men Expert range costs £6.35. 

This is what the product claims to do:

‘Eliminates impurities, skin instantly feels refreshed and energised and no feeling of tightness in the skin.
For Your Stubble, it eliminates dirt & pollution from stubble and beard area, and conditions and softens the feel of facial hair’

So, with a filthy mind (I mean face) and feeling extra rough I took my face, stubble and half asleep body into the bathroom to give this a try as soon as it arrived. It was the shiny tube that drew my eye and meant it got first dibs in the testing stakes.

God it smells gorgeous, it has the familiar aroma of the Men Expert range but it is far stronger on the nose, it’s like someone has rammed some Aloe Vera up your hooter (in a nice way). Unlike other face washes however, once it comes into contact with warm water it doesn’t get any stronger and any fears of it masking or lingering on the skin and stubble proved unfounded (I even got the other half to give it a whiff after rinsing to see if it had lingered - it hadn‘t).

The pale blue face wash isn’t that thick in texture which I found rather surprising, but that didn’t hold me back. A quick rinse of the face, a good blob of it in my hands and away I went. After closing my eyes and rubbing away for what seemed like an age I could tell that this had lathered up, the bubbles were really evident as I gingerly opened my eyes. It had covered my face, had turned a bright white (strange) and it seemed to be slightly absorbed as I stared vacantly at myself in the mirror! 

After rinsing the face wash off I was rather sickened by the colour of the water - a very murky colour that made me feel slightly ashamed, even though I’d been out of the razz for a good ten hours the night before. 

It says it shifts impurities - well, I haven’t got any litmus paper to test the Ph levels, but boy it shifted the build up of dirt and pollution that comes from living in filthy London. So, massive tick in the box that says ‘does this face wash actually wash’.

But, that was day one, I was particularly interested in the softening effect - did I notice anything on day two, three or four? Erm…….nope. It wasn’t until day five when the other half commented that the bristles were getting long but felt much softer that it dawned on me - I’d had a stroke and had lost the feeling in my hands…..(I jest and before you all get some mock outrage there is serious information about Stroke prevention here), I just couldn’t tell the difference, but I’m assured that my stubble and eventually beard was softer to the touch.

The Men Expert range for L’Oreal was in my opinion the first product that made me think seriously about how I look after my skin, and this is a lovely addition to the range. It’s affordable, lasts for ages, has a great smell, removes grime from the face and has the added bonus of softening my stubble and beard. 

At these prices, and based on the results I would recommend this as a staple for every bathroom. 

RECOMMENDED

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Wingman Skin Fuel

It has been a while since I was originally sent and opened (with glee) a massive package from the lovely folk at Wingman. I had expected maybe the face scrub but instead I received the entire Skin Fuel range and have well and truly put it through it’s paces. 

So what will I be talking about today? Well, I’ll be giving the low-down on the face scrub, face wash and moisturiser.

Purifying Face Scrub Ginseng + Vitamins  - £4.49 for 150ml

If you follow the link, you’ll actually get to the apricot, ginseng and vitamins page for the face scrub - I actually received the scrub with just ginseng and vitamins although I really like the idea of an apricot fragrance and infused scrub and will be one I try out.

So, this is what Wingman say about the face scrub: 

‘Purifying cream scrub exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores and removes impurities like oil and dirt. Ginseng helps stimulate and activate the skin, leaving it looking fresh and feeling smooth.

At Wingman we favour a no nonsense approach. We make awesome products that are easy to understand and do exactly what men need them to do.’

Thick in texture as soon as the scrub is released from the tube you can see the little flecks that will act as the abrasive when massaging into the face. I was surprised that it seems to lack a powerful fragrance instead opting for a subtle yet clean and fresh smell. In my opinion you can detect a touch of ginseng but there is nothing here that lingers on the skin longer than a few minutes after using it and rinsing your face.

As it’s massaged into the face you can feel the fine sand like particles brushing across the skin - not too abrasive but clearly (from the colour of the water) removing the dirt and oil that had built up on my face.

It spreads really easily and after rinsing off my face (with a beard most of the time) not only did my skin have that just scrubbed glow but it stayed, I was positively radiant all day when I caught glimpses of myself in the mirror. Now that’s good.

To the touch my skin felt smooth so step one gets a thumbs up from me.  

Sensitive Face Wash Aloe Vera + Vitamins - £3.00

So, this is what Wingman say about the face wash:

‘Foaming gel cleanses dirt and debris from sensitive, dry or easily irritated skin. With soothing Aloe Vera to help reinforce natural defences, skin will be nourished and refreshed.

At Wingman we favour a no nonsense approach. We make awesome products that are easy to understand and do exactly what men need them to do.’

Now this has a stronger fragrance, and boy you get a good old blast of strong Aloe Vera (which I love) as soon as you squeeze it into your palm. The fragrance only intensifies as soon as it comes into contact with warm water and lathers up surprisingly well considering the fluidity of the face wash. 

While the face scrub removed any grime and dirt I found the face wash to be really soothing, and leaving on my face for a good 30 seconds before rinsing resulted in a fantastic cooling sensation. Despite the cooling effect that radiant glow on my cheeks, nose and forehead remained. In the words of Mr Burns from The Simpsons……”excellent” (if you can, picture me tapping my fingertips together with a slightly manic grin….).

After rinsing my face again I was again surprised that the face wash had removed another layer of grime (or I missed a spot with the scrub - I’ll never know) and the water was slightly discoloured (ewwwwww).

After patting dry I have to say I got that feeling that face was truly clean - my pores felt unclogged and my skin not as tight. Did my face feel refreshed? Oh yeah…...

So all that is left for me to say about the face wash? Nice one (said in a deep Mancunian accent). 

Sensitive Moisturiser Aloe Vera + Vitamins - £5.99 for 100ml

So, this is what Wingman say about the moisturiser:

‘Hydrating gel with Aloe Vera helps soothe sensitive, dry or easily irritated skin. Actively supporting natural defences, it moisturises and mattifies with a non-greasy finish.

At Wingman we favour a no nonsense approach. We make awesome products that are easy to understand and do exactly what men need them to do.’

With a slightly more subtle Aloe Vera fragrance the moisturiser to me seemed a little too thick when I first dispensed it. The touch of concern that niggled for just seconds that it would take an age to be absorbed or from the feel of it that it, would leave my face greasy were thankfully unfounded. 

Absorption is quick, really quick in fact and it spreads across the face becoming clearer in colour. It soaked into my skin so quickly that I actually went back and applied a touch more. 

No signs of a greasy face, in fact my face just had a rather matte glow and I was impressed.

To the touch my face was soft and smooth - it certainly felt hydrated and for that I am truly grateful! 

So after using these as part of my day to day skincare regime I have to say I was impressed with the range. While I found that I had a bit of trouble when applying too much product containing ginseng this speaks more about my skin than the product.

When I consider the results and the fact that these products to me fall into the affordable to the masses category there is no reason for blokes out there to neglect their faces. They do what they say on the tin, the products aren’t tested on animals and they look manly enough that even the hardest of hard men wouldn’t be embarrassed about having these in the bathroom.

Most blokes at some stage of their lives have had a wingman (reference Men Behaving Badly circa 1992), as I grow older, this is the only wingman I need. 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

As a post note, it is worth me pointing out as a final clincher that Wingman products are endorsed by Help for Heroes, the UK charity who give practical, direct support to wounded and injured men and women from the armed forces. Every time you buy a product Wingman make a donation to an incredibly worthwhile charity.

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Scaramouche & Fandango 'SW' Sports Wash

I’m a big fan of ‘Hy’ Hydrator, ‘Fs’ Face Scrub and ‘Bw’ Body Wash by Scaramouche & Fandango, so when I was asked if I would like to try their new ‘Sw’ Sports Wash (it really is a little like the intro to Breaking Bad with all of these periodic table like abbreviations) I started with high hopes. 

Now call me a cynic, but first there were two in ones, then three in ones, and now, we have a four in one - the 'Sw' Sports Wash from Scaramouche & Fandango is not just to banish those BO (body odour) blues, oh no readers, this baby is also designed for hair, face, body and for shaving.

Now you are more like to win Euro millions (current odds 1 in 116.5 million) than you are to see me in the gym at the moment so my take on this is purely as a four in one and whether I would recommend it - the 250ml tube I have costs £9 from here.

This is what Scaramouche & Fandango say about the benefits of Sports Wash over at their website here:

‘Energising caffeine extracts pack a punch in this invigorating 4 in 1 sports wash. Taking care of both hair and skin, the Guar Gum moisturises and conditions whilst also allowing for that perfect shave.’    

Texture and consistency wise this is quite runny for a product of this nature, usually when it comes to the all in one kind of products I have found them to be quite thick but this bucks the trend and as soon as it leaves the tube you immediately get a manly fragrance, it’s like a cross between a rugged earthy aroma blended with floral notes. Thankfully, the masculine nature of the fragrance leaves no doubt in my mind that this beast is designed for post workout washing.

As you can see from the picture, it is quite runny! 

I have been using this for a few weeks now, the tube is about half empty and I have to say I have been impressed with three of the four uses it is intended for.

Yes, the fragrance and washing power is exceptional, it really does banish BO and using only a tiny bit of the wash (roughly an amount the size of a fifty pence piece) is enough to wash my hair, face and body. A little goes a long way and the fragrance kind of explodes into life and strength as soon as it connects with the warm water. Personally, I love the smell and it lathers up wonderfully.

No, showering is not like the Olympics!

  
After drying the subtle fragrance remains on the skin for a few hours and the way it leaves my skin feeling leaves me smiling, and for that and the fact that an hour after drying off my skin feels great, my face doesn’t dry out and there is no need for copious amounts of moisturiser (just a touch though). Result! 

Using the Sports Wash has cut a lot of faffing from my daily shower routine which is brilliant if in a rush, making this great for those who do need to cut down on the amount of time spent in the shower. 

While I wouldn’t use this as a shaving aid, the skin around my face is far too sensitive, it is a great body wash and face cleanser. In addition, unlike other all in one products it doesn’t leave my hair feeling like straw (which is a massive plus) and removes the various hair products I use to style my hair.

At just £9 for a tube I think this represents good value for money and is a product that works. The caffeine does pack a punch and acts as an additional wake up call for my body. This would be a perfect addition to a gym bag or like me, just for day to day use.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

You can read my thoughts on other products from Scaramouche & Fandango by clicking on the links below:

Hydrator 'Hy'
Face Scrub 'Fs' 


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Soap & Glory Face Soap and Clarity

My daily cleansing routine has expanded in recent years. Over the last twelve months in particular since starting to write this blog and discovering a whole host of new lotions and potions to smear on my face in the hope of reversing years of abuse. Today I commit my thoughts on Soap & Glory Face Soap and Clarity, a three in one daily detox vitamin C facial wash.

While looking to write this post up I looked to see how much this costs as it was one of those products that just appeared in the bathroom. I couldn’t find it on sale anywhere, but there is a Face Soap and Clarity by Soap & Glory available here for £8 for 150ml. 

I have been using the Superfruit Plum face soap and to be honest it’s probably one of the most disappointing products I’ve tried in a long time. The packaging is far too busy with too much information being thrown out. It took me a while to find out what ‘flavour’ the face soap was and to a bloke with some colour blindness it helps to have dark writing on a light background. I had to squint, tilt my head to the side and wait for the wind to blow in the right direction to read some of the useless blurb on the tube.

This may possibly be the shortest post I ever write as I’m struggling to come up with redeeming features of this product. For me, it is overly feminine (to be fair it is probably aimed at women), doesn’t lather up that brilliantly and has a drying effect on my skin after using, so much so that I have to double the amount that I moisturise.

The fragrance considering that it is suppose to be ‘Superfruit Plum’ comes across as far too synthetic and I had to sniff away at my hand when writing this for a good ten minutes to detect any hints of plum. It’s bland, and unlike other Soap & Glory products is not distinctive in the slightest. I believe this is the face soap where I may have taken my life into my own hands and made this comment to the missus when she used this "you smell of old damp dog, what have you washed your face with?" - yes, I can be a real charmer.

Yes it washes off the grime but I don’t like the fragrance and I find that the micro-beads used to exfoliate the face are few and far between and feel more like grit than a gentle way of removing grime, impurities and dead skin (eurgh). 

After using my skin didn’t have any noticeable ‘glow’ and while my face did feel smooth this could be more down to the fact that I had to moisturise so much I think my face lost the ability to absorb any more! 

It’s a shame that this isn’t up to much, after all I had high hopes for the face soap after trying Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub (so lovely and sweet that you want to eat it!). It appears that this may have been limited edition and for me it can stay that way. It costs a reasonable amount but for me the results were poor.

Ladies and gents, steer well clear.

NOT RECOMMENDED  

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