Over the years, guys have been paying more attention to their beauty and skincare regimens. As they say, it takes a lot of high-maintenance routines to maintain a low-maintenance lifestyle. Thus, assembling a beauty kit that can accommodate all of one's cosmetic needs is an essential step.
With several dashing guys in his roster of clients, hair and makeup artist Mycke Arcano has firsthand experience with what guys need before and after they take a seat in his glam chair.
Some of the notable names Mycke has done grooming for include Gen Z heartthrobs such as Mavy Legaspi, Darren Espanto, and Brent Manalo. Each with different skin types and complexions, and faced with agendas in varying environments, his muses exhibit how a curated roster of products can really help keep a man at his best.
Preview chatted with Mycke to get his recommendations for the quintessential "boy beauty bag." Scroll away and take notes!
Beauty Essentials for Men, According to Mycke Arcano
Moisturizer
Arguably a no-brainer in anyone's kit is a reliable moisturizer. Mycke notes that in his experience, guys often have more prevalent dry areas in their skin. To remedy such, he suggests packing travel-size tubs from Neutrogena and Kiehl's. "These can help in creating a barrier for the skin and locking in much-needed moisture," Mycke says.
Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $19.99 (approximately P1,163.72), NEUTROGENA, neutrogena.com
50ml Ultra Facial Cream, P2600, KIEHL'S, kiehls.com
Sunscreen
Another non-negotiable is sunscreen, especially for those who are constantly exposed to the UV rays from the sun and blue light emissions from gadgets. Mycke's on-the-go pick is Camou Men's Mattifying Sun Stick, which one can swipe on right before heading out. The makeup artist adds that it's, "very lightweight, sweatproof, and has no white cast."
Mattifying Sunstick, P499, CAMOU MEN'S, camouformen.com
Lip Balm
While most men opt out of adding color or gloss to their lips, Mycke points out that one's pout must at least stay hydrated. A lip balm or lip mask, specifically from Laneige or Issy, are his recommendations for his clients.
20g Lip Sleeping Mask, P1129, LANEIGE, laneige.com
Vitamin Balm, P399, ISSY, lazada.com
Brow Gel
Dudes should also pay attention to their brows, as sculpting them with a few brushes is "key for a man to look sharp." Mycke vouches for long-lasting formulas from ISSY and GRWM Cosmetics.
Brow Fixing Gel, P349, ISSY, lazada.com
Browlift Grooming and Laminating Eyebrow Gel, P399, GRWM COSMETICS, grwmcosmetics.com
Oil Film or Blotting Paper
Hopping from one place to the next is in the job description for many of Mycke's muses. For guys who are also constantly on the go and have no time for touch-ups, oil film or blotting papers are essentials. Mycke always has a pack of Gatsby's at arm's reach.
Oil Clear Film Sheet (70 Sheets), P145, GATSBY, lazada.com
Loose Powder
While it's one of the last steps in one's grooming process, a good loose powder still makes all of the difference. "They help in making you look fresh in an instant," Mycke shares. He prefers Laura Mercier's soft-to-the-touch loose powder, attesting that a mini tub should always be in one's pouch.
Mini Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $27 (approximately P1,571.80), LAURA MERCIER, lauramercier.com
Face Mist
A quick spritz of face mist will not just seal in makeup, but will also add a dewy, fresh finish to one's visage. Travel-size bottles from Mario Badescu and Caudalie are must-haves in Mycke's arsenal. He shares, "They'll reinforce a fresh feeling on the skin and will make your pores thank you."
4oz Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, P500, MARIO BADESCU, mariobadescu.com
30ml Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist, €18 (approximately P1,084.81), CAUDALIE, caudalie.com
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