Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVII

2 3 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I A question for all the discerning gentlemen out there: how often do you look at your face? I mean, really look at it? Do you notice the details within your skin, then the overall picture and see how it changes? This can be daily or over several months and years. As we age, inevitably, the skin will begin to alter. Environmental aggressors, stress, dehydration, lack of sleep and lifestyle choices – all of these are factors in how we look. Whether we like it or not, skincare makes a difference, not only in the way that you feel, but also how you're being perceived by others. After all, it takes a mere seven seconds to make a first impression. But the most important thing, of course, is how you feel. If you look in the mirror and think ‘yes, I look good today’, then the chances are you'll face the world withmore confidence. Dark circles, lacklustre tones and uneven, blemished skin can all contribute to us looking and feeling not at our best. Thankfully, the cosmetic market for men is going through an evolution, sitting up and taking note. The powers that be are realising that men want to get in on the act of helping themselves look, and feel, a little better each day. No more swiping of your partner’s face cream or 'testing' a little concealer under your eyes: now you can sort out your own skincare regime. Women of the world, breathe a sigh of relief and say goodbye to men scooping up your expensive products! Enter Tom Ford, the first man of impeccable grooming. This sturdy figure of masculinity really shows you how it's done. It is a mark of honour and respect to turn himself out so well. He really takes the time and effort to look good and it shows. But it’s not too much. There's still an air of effortlessness to it, a skill honed and mastered and one that anyone can achieve, once you know yourself and what tools to utilise. Tom Ford has conquered the world of fashion, and the next natural progression was to branch over into cosmetics. Received with high praise indeed, sophisticated ladies and beauty editors lapped it up. Not only were the products of incredible quality and performance, they looked stunning on our dressing tables and in our makeup bags. Thank you, Mr Ford. Ladies first, then to the men. Tom Ford is a man who has no problem admitting what products he likes to use to make himself beyond presentable, showing it's indeed nothing to be ashamed of. Why wouldn't you want to look after your appearance, out of respect for yourself and how others will receive you? As the man himself says, "Fine grooming is the mark of a modern gentleman. It is the way a man presents the best version of himself to the world". Then please tell us, Mr Ford – how do these men achieve such results? It’s often the case that a man doesn't want to spend as much time on grooming as ladies do. Quick, multi-functional products in a capsule collection are what men are drawn to. ' And Tom Ford For Men delivers just that. On offer are six skincare products, two cosmetic products as an additional option for your routine, and a rather modern yet traditional grooming one too. First off, cleansing. As a professional beauty artist and writer, I'd say this is the most important part of anyone's routine. After all, if you're not cleaning your skin, what's the point of slathering wonder balms on top? They won't be absorbed properly and you won't reap the benefits; a false economy. Dead skin needs to be removed from the surface of our faces (and bodies) and our pores need a good clear out too. A good cleanser, used daily, will achieve this. Tom Ford’s Purifying Face Cleanser is a gel- based and water-activated foaming wash. Not only will it give your skin a deep cleanse in a time-effective way, but the Purifying Complex means that botanical ingredients get to work to brighten and refresh your face. In addition, the ingredients within the Skin Calming Complex will ensure your skin is left soothed and hydrated, from the outside-in. Great before shaving, too, as an important skin-prep. Next, add moisture to your face – an integral step that will massively contribute to younger-looking skin. Not to say we need to be shiny, as TomFord's DailyMoisturiser is oil-free and therefore won't leave a trace on the skin. Compared to women, men's skin tends to be thicker (by about 25%) with increased collagen density that generally allows the ageing process to be slower. That said, free radical damage and lifestyle can all contribute. Giving your skin a helping hand is a clever way to cheat perfection whilst feeding your complexion for the future. After cleansing, try TomFord's SkinRevitalisingConcentrate. Like taking vitamins before your meal, this will infuse your skin with essential oils and calming natural ingredients. Fatigue, dullness and stress will all be combatted and your skin will be prepared for the day ahead, or repaired overnight. With scents of vanilla, patchouli and bergamot, it will be a pleasure to apply and evenmore beneficial when you see the results. Followonwith the Oil-Free Daily Moisturiser for added hydration or wear alone. The eyes, our windows to the soul, are often neglected, but as most of us know, they are often the first to show signs of age. The Anti-fatigue Eye Treatment will perk up your peepers in double time. The Infusing Complex is present here too, getting to work in lifting and brightening the eye area. Even in it's application with a cool (literally) silver-tipped nib, you're instantly refreshed as you swipe on the magic. Often looked at, especially by the ladies, don't forget your lips fellas! We know you get dry lips but don't want to apply anything too obvious. Shea butter and avocado oil in the Hydrating Lip Balm will sort you out. Vitamins A and E will be sealed in and go to work whilst protecting your lips from the outside world. If you're after a more intense treatment whilst you're at home in your loungewear, listen up. A facemask is a great way to draw out those deep impurities, giving your skin a proper detox. Clay-based is the best for this as it attracts oil and dries to vacuum it out of your pores. The Purifying Mud Mask will work in a matter of minutes as you see the (non-girlie) grey colour lighten as it's getting to work. Use a washcloth to remove it completely and I bet your skin will have never looked and felt better. If you're man enough to go down the more cosmetic route, let me tell you about just two ideas. Not too scary, I promise! First off, an add-on to your moisturiser. A way for your skin to look a bit more glowing and like you've had a cheeky weekend away on the Amalfi Coast – enough said. The Tom Ford Men Bronzing Gel is incredible. A little goes a long way here and it's so easy to use, you're bound to have beginner’s luck. Warm up your complexion and boost your healthy looking skin with a dab of this all over, or just on strategic areas where the sun would naturally hit, and you're done. Finally, and probably the most daunting of steps: a concealer. Redness around the face, blemishes, shaving nicks and even dark under-eye circles can all be tackled with this discreet wonder stick. Available in three shades, it's another swift way to disguise imperfections. Ensure your skin is moisturised beforehand though, as it will glide on much better than on to a dehydrated base. Newest to the Tom Ford for Men family is the rather clever Beard Oil. Recognising the upward trend in men's facial hair, Tom Ford has released a hydrating and conditioning oil to tame your tresses. Complete your application with the beard comb and you can glide this elixir through your bristles with ease. What you've done is given them a hit of moisture and left them looking touchably soft. Follow any of these steps and you'll feel, and look, like a new man. Or at least a better version of yourself, which – let’s face it – we all want to achieve. TomFord

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