The State I’m In

I turned 50 in December 2019 and had planned to do a grooming post around that landmark birthday, which I celebrated way too quietly. And then I had many, many fragrance posts to attend to and then… the virus exploded. And a grooming post seemed self-indulgent in the scheme of things. I mean, who should really care about what serum I put on my face at such a time‽

But then grooming is not just about looking good and presentable, although that is part of it. For myself, I know it’s a reflection of my state of mind. When my mood takes a dive, my grooming routine is one of the first things to go out the window. Which it has to some degree over the last six weeks of lockdown here in Johannesburg. As I haven’t been able to see my dear good friend / hairstylist, what’s left of my hair is sprouting in all sorts of horrible ways. So at least I have an excuse for that. But as for the rest…

“When my mood takes a dive, my grooming routine is one of the first things to go out the window.”

So you can read this post in a number of ways:

1. 50-Something Grooming Must-Haves
2. Lockdown Grooming Essentials
3. The Illusion Of Getting Things Together For When I Have To See People Again

BLEU DE CHANEL SHAVING CREAM

My dislike for shaving is well known and documented. But when I have to tackle the unruly stubble – I generally let nature take its course for four days before reaching for the razor – I’m going to do everything in my power to make it as pleasant as possible. Bleu de Chanel Shaving Cream not only smells good – it’s imbued with the classic scent of the best-selling fragrance – it also does a damn fine job in the lathering and smooth glide departments. R960 for 100ml.

DERMALOGICA INTENSIVE MOISTURE CLEANSER

I’m a big fan of Dermalogica products as they always deliver on their promises without making ridiculous claims. Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser earns double-duty points as a cleanser and moisturiser in one – particularly useful in Johannesburg’s harsh, skin-drying climate. Ingredients include a fancy-sounding BioReplenish Complex, phytoactives from coconut and murumuru seed better and extracts of citrus, palmarosa and jasmine. I can always rely on this one to make my skin feel fresher and smoother. R525 for 150ml and R825 for 295ml.

ELIZABETH ARDEN PREVAGE CITY SMART BROAD SPECTRUM SPF50 HYDRATING SHIELD

Elizabeth Arden’s anti-ageing range, Prevage, is another one of my favourites. Every single product I’ve tried from this line has provided great results. And this one is no exception. It protects facial skin against the damage caused by pollution, UVA rays, UVB rays and smoke through an Anti-Pollution Complex, broad-spectrum SPF50 sunscreen, antioxidants and DNA Enzyme Complex. The tint blends very well with my skin tone and gives it some much-needed colour. R895 for 40ml.

NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE + NUXE PRODIGIEUX LE PARFUM

The French beauty brand is revered for its multi-purpose oil for the face, body and hair. Apart from its superb moisturising properties, it also smells wonderful. Launched in 2012 and created by Serge Majoullier, Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum takes its cue from the cult product and smells even more delicious.

The intro of this EDP is all about citrus notes that complement fresh and not-too-sweet orange blossom. Magnolia and gardenia intensify the floral and sunny mood. Le Parfum really comes into its own in the drydown where notes of vanilla, coconut milk and sand create the equivalent of a day at the beach in a bottle. Just what I need when any coastal travel is strictly forbidden. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse: R345 for 50ml and R520 for 100ml. Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum: R855 for 50ml.

PAYOT BLUE TECHNI LISS NUIT

Due to the nature of my work, I spend way too much time in front of various screens. So this night product from the French beauty brand that combats the effects of exposure to skin-dehydrating and –ageing blue light called my name loud and clear. The gel-like balm contains a host of skin-nourishing goodies, including chaste tree and horehound extracts, nocturnal micro-algae and AHA hibiscus. R795 for 50ml. Exclusive to Dis-Chem. 

JACK BLACK POWER PEEL MULTI-ACID RESURFACING PADS

American grooming brand Jack Black celebrates its 20th anniversary this year for good reason. While its prices are on the premium side, its products offer no-nonsense performance due to their high content of active ingredients. There’s nothing like an exfoliating peel to boost dull and lifeless skin, and Jack Black Power Peel Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads do just that with a mix of lactic, glycolic, salicylic and fruit acids. As instructed, I’m using them two to four times a week, and I’m already looking perkier. R790 for 40 pads. Available from Retail Box and Absolute Skin.

ELIZABETH ARDEN PREVAGE ANTI-AGING + INTENSIVE REPAIR EYE SERUM

Elizabeth Arden Prevage features twice on this list. That’s how good it is! I’m at the stage where the delicate area around my eyes needs the most concentrated form of active ingredients – and only a serum will do. This little baby is loaded with an arsenal that includes Idebenone, Arazine, Thiotaine, a complex of hyaluronic acid, barley and sea plant extracts, biomimetic peptide blend, retinyl linoleate, vitamin B3, masterwort and ash tree bark extracts. R1 495 for 15ml.