Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Grooming

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Customized Gift Sets are the Best Way to Show You Care

By

Customized Gift Sets
Image used with permission by copyright holder
While we have nothing against grooming gift sets (they are perfect for procrastinators and workaholics), there’s something about putting together your own bespoke set that shows you really care.

It takes determination and a few brain cells to get it together. And it’s verifiable proof that you didn’t wait until the very last minute to buy the present. Though you’re welcome to come up with a handful of products on your own, we went ahead and did some of the heavy lifting (You still get an A for effort for buying sold separately sets.) to offer a six-pack option for almost every type of dude in your life.

Recommended Videos

The Athlete

sport

His post-gym clean up and recovery are in the (gym) bag.

If you know someone who spends a good part of his free time in workout clothing and drenched in his own sweat, then be a good friend and make sure he’s not the smelly guy. Consider this clean-up kit that he can easily toss in his gym bag the gift that keeps on giving.

Contents

The Outdoorsman

outdoor

The elements are no match for these hardworking marvels.

For those outdoor kids who live to camp, hike and engage in other kinds of nature-y activities, this kit will help them survive in the great outdoors. Or at least look more like a man and less like a wild animal.

Contents 

The Globetrotter

globetrotter

Send him packing with this TSA-friendly kit.

Know someone who is always up in the air? Give them a travel-ready assortment they can take along on all their jet-setting jaunts.

Contents 

The Fancy Man

fancy

He doesn’t need anything but he’ll appreciate these finer things.

Your chosen recipient isn’t a snob exactly. Let’s just say he has expensive taste. Wrap up a selection of luxe goods that will satisfy his highfalutin sensibilities.

Contents

  • Paul Smith Leather-Trimmed Cotton-Twill Wash Bag, $250, mrporter.com
  • Tom Ford Intensive Purifying Mud Mask, $60, tomford.com
  • Buly 1803 Tortoiseshell Acetate Pocket Comb, $44, mrporter.com
  • Carthusia Salone da Barba Double Edge Safety Razor, $125, barneys.com
  • Martial Vivot Shampoo and Conditioner, $89, barneys.com
  • Acqua di Parma Italian Resort Revitalizing Face Cream, $141, barneys.com

The Urban Lumberjack

lumber

His face sweater needs to be celebrated, too.

This guy might own an expensive ax and sport an impressive-looking beard, but he’s no Paul Bunyan. Help him keep up appearances with facial hair grooming accoutrements and woodsy scents.

Contents

The Minimalist

minimal
Image used with permission by copyright holder

He doesn’t want or need anything else in his life, but nothing is hard to wrap.

Even if your friends haven’t heard of Marie Kondo, they may already live by her less-is-more approach. To prevent them from purging your present, it’s best to stick to multitasking options, like this regimen that won’t cause clutter.

Contents

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Katie Dickens
Katie Dickens
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Katie Dickens is a Manhattan-based beauty and grooming writer. She has held staff positions at Glamour, In Style, People…
Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: Which one should you actually use?
mens skincare routine changes to make man in sunscreen

Even on cloudy days or days spent indoors, wearing sunscreen every day is a non-negotiable part of a healthy skincare routine. Not only can excess sunlight cause premature aging of the skin, but it's also critical to wear sunscreen to protect against various types of skin cancer. When choosing sunscreen, you'll find two main types -- chemical and mineral sunscreen. The mineral vs chemical sunscreen debate has been an ongoing one, as both forms of sunscreens have their pros and cons. Below, we'll dive into the pros and cons of each type of sunscreen to help you choose the best option.

Pros and cons of chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens, often made of chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, or other similar chemicals, are absorbed into the skin when applied. This type of sunscreen is generally easy to apply to the face and body and absorbs UV rays that touch the skin.
Pro: hydrating for the skin
Due to the thin and blendable nature of chemical sunscreens, they are generally hydrating for the skin and can be added to cosmetics such as moisturizers, skin tints, or foundation products.
Pro: sweat and water resistant
Many cosmetics that market "SPF included" contain chemical sunscreens. People also like chemical sunscreens because they are quite sweat and water-resistant.
Pro: no white residue
Chemical sunscreens also blend well into the skin and do not leave any white residue. If you think back to the sunscreen you used as a kid, chances are it was a chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens have become more popular in recent years as consumers are paying more attention to the ingredients in their skincare and health products.
Con: not the best for sensitive skin
Although chemical sunscreens are easy to use, they are not always a great choice for those with skin conditions or sensitive skin. The chemicals found in this type of sunscreen can cause allergic reactions or worsen conditions such as melasma.
Con: chemical ingredients and environmental impact
In addition, some of the chemicals used in these products may be linked to cancer, as trace amounts get absorbed into the bloodstream. Another con to consider is the environmental impact of chemical sunscreen, which may damage reefs and other marine environments.

Read more
Why everyone is saying bakuchiol is the new (natural) alternative to retinol for your skin
skin

Expected to reach USD 1.79 billion by 2030, the global retinol market has been on the rise recently -- offering an easy and accessible way to achieve brighter, more youthful skin at home. Retinol works by helping to increase your skin's proliferation (creating new skin cells) and helps increase your skin's collagen production to help target acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and other common skin concerns.

Although many people find they have great success with retinol, it's not for everyone. Not only can retinol be harsh on certain skin types, but it's not always the best choice for those who prefer a more natural skincare routine or one that is plant-based. That's why many people opt for Bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative. Below, we'll break down the hype about Bakuchiol and its potential benefits for your skin.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol comes from a plant grown in India known as Psoralea corylifolia. Also known as the "babchi" plant, this botanical extract has been used in ancient Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices for centuries. Recently, Bakuchiol has gained popularity in the skincare world, offering properties similar to those of the well-known retinol. Bakuchol extract is offered in many forms to add to your skincare routine, such as in serums or moisturizers. Sometimes, Bakuchiol is also combined with other botanicals, such as jojoba or rose hip, to help improve effectiveness.
What are the benefits of bakuchiol?

Read more
My 5 favorite (discounted) Tom Ford colognes in April 2024
Someone spraying a Tom Ford cologne on themselves.

When you buy a Tom Ford cologne, you get one of the best men’s colognes around. However, understandably, such fragrances come at a premium. If you’re keen to save money while also scoring some great new fragrances this month, we’ve got all the best cologne deals on all things Tom Ford. Once you’ve chosen the right cologne for you, dive into our highlights below to see the best Tom Ford cologne deals that are available this month.
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver -- $122, was $235

Launched in 2009, Tom Ford Grey Vetiver aims to encapsulate the modern man’s spirit with timeless elegance. It has top notes of grapefruit which blends with the aromatic freshness of sage. There are also notes of orange flower, orris, and a hint of spicy nutmeg and pimento. Base notes of amber woods and oak moss add earthy depth which last throughout the day in a manly yet sophisticated way. For a more traditional and classic scent, you can’t go wrong with Tom Ford Grey Vetiver.

Read more