Staff tested: Men’s products

1. Clarins Men Super Moisture Balm

A daily lotion that can also be used as an aftershave, this contains a natural derivative of hyaluronic acid as its key ingredient.

“I first tried this one evening after shaving off my pathetic attempt at a Movember moustache. It was great to put something on my bare skin after weeks of not shaving. This felt a bit greasy at first, but next morning, I didn’t bother shaving because my skin was really soft, and it stayed that way all day. I like the pump applicator, and for some reason its little stopper appeals to me.” -Jules Meaney, husband of Editor-in-Chief Bonnie Munday

Clarins Men Super Moisture Balm ($38, 50 mL)

2. Etival Laboratoire Homme Invigorating Face Wash with Multi-Pro

This nourishing cleanser has a blend of antioxidant vitamins and emollient sunflower, jojoba and macadamia oils.

“The gel formula of this face wash has tiny flecks that look like they would be exfoliating, but the texture felt smooth and not too rough on my skin. I guess the granules dissolved in the water-a good thing, because that means they didn’t stay stuck in my beard. It lathered up well and I liked the smell. And it didn’t dry out my skin like some other cleansers that I’ve tried.” -Andrew Heber, boyfriend of Associate Editor Jennifer Masseau

Etival Laboratoire Homme Invigorating Face Wash with Multi-Pro ($13, 190 mL)

3. Vaseline Men Fast Absorbing Hydrating Body & Face Lotion

This all-over hydrating formula is lightweight and non-greasy. It promises to absorb in just 15 seconds.

“I have to steal some of my wife’s face cream from time to time in the winter to moisturize the dry skin around my eyes and forehead. I liked this Vaseline Men cream much better-it didn’t smell like I had just finished frolicking in a field of lavender. The cream absorbs quickly-when I used my computer after applying some to my hands, I didn’t leave smears on the keyboard. Nice.” -Garth Walker, husband of Senior Content Editor Jennifer Walker

Vaseline Men Fast Absorbing Hydrating Body & Face Lotion ($10, 600 mL)

4. Lancôme Men Génific HD Youth Activating Concentrate

An anti-aging serum, this aims to improve skin texture and tone. Tiger herb protects from “shaving-related aggressions.”

“Being a low-maintenance guy when it comes to products, I was impressed with the simplicity and effectiveness of this. I applied it morning and evening after cleansing my face, and noticed a softer feel to my skin after a couple of days. It wasn’t sticky (which I hate) and the scent was subtle. And the bottle was easy to use-no opening or closing required.” -Dennis Kim, husband of Art Director Stephanie Han

Lancôme Men Génific HD Youth Activating Concentrate ($60, 50 mL)

5. Dove Men+Care Sensitive Clean Body and Face Wash

This head-to-toe moisturizing cleanser caters to sensitive skin: It’s unscented, dye-free and hypoallergenic.

“I tried this product for both my morning shower and to wash my face at the end of the day, and liked it for several reasons: It’s unscented, which has a lot of appeal to me. The lotion is smooth and leaves a fresh, clean feel, without drying my skin (especially on my face). The container’s design is an added plus-it’s easy to dispense and the bottle is tidy to store.” -Frank Geofreda, husband of Senior Editor Margaret Nearing

Dove Men+Care Sensitive Clean Body and Face Wash ($8, 400 mL)

6. Old Spice Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant in Matterhorn

This two-in-one stick smells like “ice, wind, and freedom.” (More precisely, that’s lavender, citrus, mint and cedar.)

“I don’t usually use a stick deodorant or antiperspirant-I prefer sprays-but was impressed by the effectiveness of this one. The scent lasted all day, yet wasn’t too potent. As a union guy, I liked that it worked hard, no matter how tough, dirty, or stinky the job.” -Dave Finnerty, boyfriend of Associate Editor Lisa Hannam

Old Spice Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant in Matterhorn ($5, 73 g)

7. B.Kamins Bio-Maple Soothing Aftershave Balm

Anti-inflammatory bisabolol calms irritation post-shave; moisturizing “Bio-Maple Compound” helps brighten skin.

“I liked the texture and the barely discernible fresh scent-almost neutral. I think the maple extract sounds cool. I’m meticulous about shaving and tend to eschew most new products as gimmicks, but I was impressed by this. It felt good, and my skin got noticeably softer.” -Howard Rosenberg, husband of Beauty Editor Rhonda Rovan

B.Kamins Bio-Maple Soothing Aftershave Balm ($38, 145 mL)

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