It's a Guy Thing

Women are pretty savvy when it comes to comparing notes on their favorite skin-care products, but trading tips about exfoliation that doesn't dehydrate isn't exactly guy talk. That doesn't mean men don't care. As increasing sales of male-oriented products indicate, men are making more of an effort to look after their skin. (Secretly helping yourself to big dollops of your wife's moisturizer in the bathroom cabinet? We thought so.) Cosmetic companies are meeting this rising demand with a bewildering choice of salves to soothe the masculine brow, so where to start? Here are five favorites that will help take the sting out.

Menscience Androceuticals
Sporting understated pharmaceutical-like packaging, Menscience offers a foamless shave formula that helps treat ingrown facial hairs, and an ultralight eye rescue cream that combats dark circles from tiredness. Our male testers liked this line, as it featured a lightweight texture, was fragrance free and caused no skin irritation. www.menscience.com; www.skinstore.co.uk

Naturally Active Skincare
This reasonably-priced skin care uses such natural ingredients as aloe vera and borage, and doesn't test on animals. The shaving cream is a must for sensitive skin as it contains calming clary sage and eucalyptus, and the herbally fragrant moisturizer is hydrating. This relatively new range is small but good, so expect expansion. www.naturallyactive.co.uk

Jack Black
The black-and-blue diamond packaging is reminiscent of a traditional barbershop. The Beard Lube was put to the test, and it effectively helped to remove a full beard in one shave, with no nicks, rashes or soreness. The preshave buff is wonderfully invigorating, but the moisturizer proved to be a bit on the thin side. www.skinstore.com

SkinCeuticals
Targeting specific problems such as acne and dry skin, this extensive unisex line features antioxidants that protect against environmental damage and help prevent signs of aging. The Hydrating B5 Gel and eye gel achieve good results on stressed skin. It's a shame they don't make a shaving cream. www.skinceuticals.com

Brave Soldier
Aimed at the outdoorsy type, the California-based extreme-sports range includes Friction Zone, an anti-chafing body barrier, and Crash Paks, which contain everything you need to treat a road-rash injury. The silicone-based Shower Shave is designed for use on both face and body (cyclists sometimes shave their legs). www.skinstore.com