8 must-have cosmetics for men

Grooming is not confined to women anymore. Many men are growing increasingly practicing their vanity, but without knowing what to use in order to keep them looking sharp. Here is the answer to all their problems.

1. Moisturizer. Ask women; they know the how's and why's of using a moisturizer. Moisturizers hydrate your skin and maintain its inherent glow. Your skin is like a smooth sheet of fine paper. With age, this paper only gets drier and wrinkled. With continued hydration, you can ensure that your skin never gets dry, flaky or dull. Depending on your skin type, use a water or oil-based moisturizer to keep it baby-soft.

2. Scrub. While hydration is necessary, scrubbing forms an important part of daily skin care. The pores of our skin are like a tea strainer. Without proper cleaning, the pores get clogged and result in acne and other skin problems. A scrub contains a healthy mixture of bacteria killing medicines in a mildly abrasive base. Gently rubbing this formulation on the skin surface removes dirt, oil and other pollutants without risk of inflammation. Pick a gentle formula that suits your skin type. Scrub your face twice weekly to keep it squeaky-clean.

3. Aftershave. While many men think that their machismo may decrease if they use aftershave, it is clearly not so. An aftershave soothes the irritated skin, minimize vacant pores and reduce bacteria. Choose an aftershave without an alcohol base, since alcohol tends to make the face dry.

4. Chap Stick/Lip Balm. Let's face it: Chapped lips are not attractive. No one likes looking at them let alone kissing them. Everyone with a pair of kissable lips in the world has a lip-balm stashed away in their belongings. A lip balm contains herbal mixture of medicinal properties with an oil base, which prevents lips from appearing dehydrated. Choose a colorless lip balm and hold on to it. Or choose a tiny pot of Vaseline instead, your lips will look kissable.

5. Sunscreen. Sunscreen is important. The only way to seek protection is to stay indoors. While our professional endeavors can never allow permanent seclusion, you can resort to applying good sunscreen to keep the harmful effects of sun-exposure at bay. Choose sunscreens which provide protection from UVA and UVB rays and which at least have SPF 30. Apply it generously over the exposed parts.

6. Concealer. Yes! They are not for women alone. Men also aspire for flawless skin like their girlfriends'. It's done with this little vial of cosmetic fluid. Concealers are great makeup ruses for men who want to hide their dark circles, patchy skin, acne and other imperfections. Choose a color closest to the shade to your skin tone.

7. Shampoo. Of course, grimy hair is hardly attractive! While men grow averse to shampoos, they are increasingly neglecting their follicular health. Using a mild shampoo cleans the scalp of dirt and oil, letting the roots breathe and flourish in growth. But studies show that overuse tends to strip the follicles of its natural oils. Pick a mild herbal shampoo and use it not more than twice a week.

8. Highlighter. Highlighters are cosmetic fixes, which can be used to define high points in one's face. High points on one's face include the cheekbone, brow bones, nose-bridge and the cupid-bow region just above your upper lip. Dab a little on these regions and blend away for a healthy and glowing contour.

(www.mensxp.com) (FREEMAN)