Dermalogica - Mens

Application: The pump on the bottle is smooth and dispenses exactly the right amount, and it applies evenly and without leaving any form of shine as it is absorbed.

What's in it? Wheat germ grape seed, vitamin E.

Effect: My face felt like I had a weightless yet protective shield across it for the day, and dare I say it, I almost looked radiant. Actually, let's use a more manly description. Forcefully incandescent or aggressively resplendent might be more appropriate. Either way, my skin looked and felt good in a masculine way. Use this and you'll be ready for another day making fire and hunting wild beasts. Or walking confidently into the office. Your choice.

Verdict: Impressive. Possibly more suited to refined older gentlemen than capricious young wastrels.

Application: The clean bar is a simple, pure white bar, so you know exactly what you're getting, no fancy colours. The clean bar smells very fresh, a bit clinical, but I really liked that. The bar lathered as soon as I picked it up!

What's in it? Oatmeal, allantoin, lactic acid, retinol, and oils of tea tree and lavender.

Effect: The bar left my skin feeling soft and moisturised, clean and fresh. I would definitely recommend this product.

Verdict: A moisturising cleanser in a convenient bar form.

Application: I really liked everything about this product - from the cool, soothing feeling of the cream on impact, to the non-greasy finish. The scent was fresh and suitably manly, but not overpowering.

What's in it? Licorice root, saw palmetto and horse chestnut.

Effect: I can't claim that my skin was visibly transformed by the product, but I enjoyed using it, and it was a positive addition to my wash bag. A man-product sceptic, I would even consider buying this product again -- and that's saying something!

Verdict: Satisfying. Manly. Enjoyable to use.

Application: The formula feels thick and gritty between your fingers, and as soon as it touches your skin, you can really feel it working. From the tube to the chin, the entire ritual is nothing but professional and effective.

What's in it? This daily clean scrub contains micro-fine silica beads, salicylic acid and willow bark extract to help clear pores and minimize ingrown hairs.

Effect: This scrub prepared me for the best shave I've ever had, leaving me with absolutely none of my usual neck rash. For once, I started the day without looking like I'd jumped through a glass window instead of walking into the shower. After scrubbing and shaving for a fortnight with this stuff, I am definitely impressed. Although be warned: if you have sensitive skin like me, it can irritate a little if you use it too aggressively.

Verdict: Professionally effective -- any lumberjack or pirate would be perfectly comfortable having this on their shelf.

Application: This oil went on well and left my skin feeling fresh and smooth.

What's in it? The oil has a sharp, fresh, predominantly woody scent, with cedarwood and tea-tree oil.

Effect: Considering the strong scent of the essential oils, the oil was quite calming and didn't irritate. Having said that, I'm still not that convinced by shaving oils above gels/creams in general, as I like to be able to see where I've shaved, and where I've missed. The Dermalogica close shave oil is pretty good as oils go, though. The packaging looks good and useful for travel, too.

Verdict: Good for your skin, but die-hard shaving cream fans might not be so convinced.