You live by the sword, you die by the sword. Once upon a time men could call upon their idols as a defence against the use of skincare. “Would Jack Nicholson use moisturiser?” they’d sneer if you held issue with their flaky skin; “do you think Clint Eastwood exfoliates?” they’d retort should you comment on their dull complexion. But times have changed and the consequences of those heroes’ apparent epidermal apathy is plain to see. Ever since footballer David Ginola gushed ‘I’m worth it’ the floodgates have opened and now Clive Owen winks from wrinkle-cream ads while quintessential metrosexual David Beckham is obviously a man undaunted by dermabrasion. With the flimsy men-don’t-moisture excuse no longer credible, and a New Year resolution to show just a shade more cosmetic conscientiousness, we examine some of the best European men’s skincare brands on the market this Christmas. Buy them for your fella and steal surreptitiously!

Anti-ageing by Korres

Korres

The cradle of modern society, it would be remiss to ignore Greece’s contribution to health and science. So for indigenous company Korres to be recognised as the country’s premiere skincare brand is quite the accolade. Formed with homeopathic principles in Athens in 1996, the brand’s range now extends to over 500 different products, with plants and herbs active ingredients throughout the collection. Although the number of products specifically designed for men is limited, it’s impressive – even including anti-hair loss shampoo. The ruscus and chestnut anti-ageing cream is a particularly popular salve for tired skin while the Korres shave cream is an enticing option for men who may feel emasculated by the very prospect of considering skincare – its active ingredient is absinthe. Very manly indeed. Buy online here.

Nickel

Nickel's eye contour cream

“Serious skincare for men” the introduction of this brand’s site commences. “Created by a man for men” it affirms. “Nickel is a skincare range and spa exclusively designed for men” it reiterates. With such an unambiguous induction to the product, men can rest assured that the Nickel range is intended solely with their needs in mind, and it shows. Among the extensive range of products it offers are a love handles-firming gel and ‘Super Pecs’, a cream that’s reputed to pump up pectorals and whose very existence should be enough to convince women that we men, too, are in steady pursuit of the body beautiful. Among the more conventional skincare products, however, are exfoliating face masks; anti-ageing concentrate creams; and eye contour lifts. All in distinctive silver and blue metallic packaging that’s pleasantly cool to the touch, the range is quick-acting, pleasantly fragranced and a good introduction for men making their first foray into the increasingly advanced world of men’s skincare. Find out more online here.

Kyoku

Daily cleansing from Kyoku

Kyoku isn’t necessarily a name you’d expect from a British brand, but once you know the origins of the range it makes more sense. Founded by skincare guru Asim Akhtar, the collection of products was developed after his visit to a Japanese village where residents were renowned for their good health, long lives and impeccable skin. Inspired by their habits Kyoku combines active natural ingredients used by the villagers in both their skincare rituals and diets with advanced micro-particle technology, fusing a traditional approach with scientific know-how. And it seems to be working. Despite being currently limited to just six different products, the brand is growing in popularity and renown, while active ingredients such as bamboo, plankton and goats’ milk show that Kyoku is willing to investigate alternative sources in its quest to imbue men with healthy, radiant skin. Shop the Kyoku collection online here.

REN

Revitalising by REN

Billed as clean, bio-active skincare, REN takes a new-age approach to cosmetics. With the exception of a small selection of shaving products for men, its entire range is designed to be unisex and is also entirely free of synthetic products. Admittedly some of the floral concoctions – such as Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash and Frankincense & Boswellia Serrata Revitalising Repair Cream – may be too fragrant for many men but on a whole the brand is lauded by both press and public for its extensive range of highly affective products. And if the critics’ testimonials lavished on REN’s website aren’t enough to convince your man to try it out then the unisex products boast another benefit – they can easily be absorbed into your own skincare collection. Buy Ren online on the brand’s website.

Green People

Ethical Skincare from Green People

A lot of companies lay claim to ecological credentials but Green People can prove them. Founded in 1994 by a mother seeking natural remedies for her daughter’s skin problems the brand has grown to become one of the biggest names in organic beauty in the UK but still holds true to its green ethos – the company offsets 100% of its carbon emissions and donates 10% of its profits to environmental charities. Commendable indeed but effectively inconsequential if its products bring you out in a rash. Which luckily isn’t the case with any of the products we tried from its extensive selection of shampoos, face creams and skin lotions. Among the men’s products the spicy lemongrass, orange and ginger wash-and-shave lotion was particularly revitalising, while its range of men’s moisturisers, deodorants and shampoos are a soothing and gentle option for men who suffer from sensitive skin. Get your guy a green gift on the Green People website.

Clinique

Clinique's Age Defense for Eyes

Renowned internationally, Clinique is a brand with serious cosmetic clout. And deservedly so if its men’s skincare range is anything to go by – it was easily among the best we tested. Featuring a comprehensive range of products covering shaving, grooming and skincare, the range felt both refreshing and effective upon application and as all the products are completely fragrance free they’re especially suitable for men who take a more utilitarian approach to their appearance. Standout products include its effective ‘age defense for eyes’ serum, which effectively reduces fine lines and circles while its fragrance-free antiperspirant deodorant was a particular revelation. Initially we thought it an oxymoron but it works fantastically to tackle body odour without masking it with a synthetic smell – definitely a recommended purchase for any of those men who claim an aversion to perfumery at the cost of everyone in their periphery. Buy the products online here.

Taer

Anti-ageing from Iceland

Taer may not yet be widely available but its growing popularity should see that change soon enough. Icelandic in origin its name means ‘pure’ and it’s a concept that seems to extend beyond its stylish earth-hued packaging. Its products use natural ingredients and plant-derived preservatives designed to be indulgent yet holistic, while the anti-ageing properties of Icelandic yarrow see it liberally applied to many of its most popular concoctions. Still without a skincare line specifically for men, the existing products are designed to be effective for both sexes, while the pleasant, gentle fragrance of the range should appeal to everyone. Find out more on Taer’s website.