Male modelI, along with pretty much every gay guy I know (except my jock boyfriend), are pretty involved in grooming products, especially moisturizer. Are we shallow and focusing on the skin-deep? Or do we simply take pride in our appearance, like we do a neat working space and a raked lawn? (I’m sure you’ll tell me which it is in comments below!)

So as part of my public service (heh heh) I’ve done a lot of research on what’s out there for facial care for men.

First off, my experience is that using anything is better than using nothing. If you don’t use some kind of aftershave product, you will leave the pores on your face open (from the warm water) and stray stubble or dirt can get in, causing infections. You also want a product that will help your skin settle down from the daily irritation of shaving, and help close down any little nicks that might be bleeding.

Anything that gets the job done is fine by me. But I do think there are some choices better than others, and some of the most expensive products aren’t necessarily the best. My philosophy is, if you are going to use an aftershave, why not make it do double duty as a moisturizer, too?

One product I used for years, formerly only available in Europe and Canada, is Molton Brown’s Ultra Light Bai Ji Hydrator. It really is, as advertized, “a great all-rounder.” It soothes the skin after razor burn, it tones, it moisturizes, and it really is very light, not oily. It goes all over the face and neck, not just the shaving area, and it helps firm up bags under the eyes, too (although Molton Brown has a special product for eyes that works even better, Amino Therapy Revitalizing Eye Treatment).

My problem with Molton Brown? It’s such a brand name. Meaning, they get away with charging 24 pounds sterling in the UK for a 100ml bottle, $39 in the U.S. If it really were three times as good as everything else, fine. I do think it’s one of the best things out there, but if you read my posts you know I go for value, not fancy brands. I grew tired of paying the steep price, and looked around for similar products that were bargains.

A great option and a lot less expensive, also available in both Europe and U.S., is L’Oreal Paris Men’s Expert Vita Lift Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Moisturizer. (Yes that’s a ridiculously long name for a simple lotion.) It does pretty much everything Molton Brown’s fancy schmancy product does, and I get it at CVS Pharmacy for $10.49. In fact this week it’s on sale, 25% off for $7.47. (Run, boys, don’t walk.) This is a bit heavier, though, and because it has some slight acid content (“pro-retinol”) which is what actually smoothes the wrinkles (I think), it can make your face kind of shiny. So I prefer it at night, before bed. Literally, it’s beauty sleep.

Finally, my favorite all-rounder is Neutrogena Men Triple Protect Face Lotion. One 1.7 ounce tube is $6.99 at Walgreens. This product soothes razor burn, moisturizes, and even has sunblock SPF 20. So it’s perfect in the morning after you shave to give you sun screen all day while you’re out working, shopping, or just, you know”being gay and fabulous. (See, I told you this was my gayest post ever.)

Bottom line: I don’t care what product you use, and cheaper is better if it gets the job done. But for goodness’ sake, use something. Protect your skin from razor burn, the sun’s damaging rays, and premature aging. And have a nice silky skin tone, too. Enjoy.