Buying guide

Grooming

Skincare, beard, hair, and fragrance — the editorial picks that make a real-world routine click. Skincare first, fragrance second, blade third. Every pick explains who it suits and where it falls short.

Latest Grooming stories

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, The Real Gay Guy may earn from qualifying purchases.

Grooming is the highest-leverage daily habit you can pick up. The right basics — cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, a defined beard or fade, and a fragrance that actually fits you — pay back in clearer skin, sharper presentation, and the confidence that comes with running a routine. Our grooming editorial focuses on what works across skin types and time-of-day routines, with picks priced from value to premium so you can build up sustainably.

At a glance

Pick Best for Editor note
Daily cleanser Most skin types Non-stripping foaming wash
Moisturizer + SPF Combination skin Sets you up for the day in one step
Beard trimmer Defined beard work Cordless precision, quiet motor
Signature cologne Year-round wear Try a sampler set before committing

Researched picks

Grooming products worth knowing about

Who each product suits, what it does well and where it falls short. No prices — they change too often — and no invented ratings.

Compare in the database

Cleanser Researched pick

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Best for: Normal to dry or easily irritated skin

A non-foaming lotion cleanser that cleans without leaving skin tight — an easy first step for a new routine.

  • Lotion texture, no foam
  • Ceramides and hyaluronic acid
  • Fragrance-free

Why it works

  • Gentle enough for daily AM and PM use
  • Widely available in large sizes

Keep in mind

  • No lather, which some people dislike
  • May need a second cleanse to remove heavy sunscreen

Our take: A dependable, no-fuss choice if your skin is dry or reactive.

Check Price on Amazon Buying guide

Cleanser Researched pick

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Best for: Normal to oily skin, and post-gym washes

A gel that turns into a light foam — the classic pick if you like a fresh, clean feel.

Check Price on Amazon Buying guide

Cleanser Researched pick

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Best for: Sensitive and dry skin

A creamy, fragrance-free cleanser designed for skin that reacts easily.

Check Price on Amazon Buying guide

Moisturizer Researched pick

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Best for: Normal, combination and oily skin

A lightweight gel moisturizer that absorbs quickly and sits well under sunscreen.

Check Price on Amazon Buying guide

Sunscreen Researched pick

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60

Best for: Outdoor days, beach trips and sport

A broad-spectrum SPF 60 lotion for face and body.

Check Price on Amazon Buying guide

Beard trimmer Researched pick

Philips Norelco OneBlade

Best for: Stubble, short beards and clean edges

A hybrid tool that trims, edges and shaves, with a replaceable blade.

Check Price on Amazon Buying guide

Buying checklist

Questions, answered

How many skincare steps do I really need?

Three is enough to start: cleanser, moisturizer with SPF for AM, and a richer night moisturizer for PM. Add a treatment only when the basics are consistent.

Is fragrance worth the investment?

For most adults, yes — but start with sampler sets. Pick one signature scent and one neutral office-safe option before committing to a full bottle.

Grooming is the highest-leverage daily habit you can pick up. The right basics — cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, a defined beard or fade, and a fragrance that actually fits you — pay back in clearer skin, sharper presentation, and the confidence that comes with running a routine. Our grooming editorial focuses on what works across skin types and time-of-day routines, with picks priced from value to premium so you can build up sustainably.

Latest stories