Grooming Essentials for Summer 2011

Image via Complex Original

When it comes to style, it's best to cover all bases. For example, grooming is just as important as the kind of kicks you're rocking with your new T-shirt. Grooming trends and your personal habits can constantly change, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a standard. There are a few necessary items every guy needs to keep in his bathroom, doppler kit, and inside his work desk to make sure he's fresh at all times—literally, fresh. Take a look at our list of Grooming Essentials for Summer 2011. We've broken things down into categories to make it easy to find important grooming products from some of the best brands to shop from.

SKIN CARE

Great skin will not only have her thinking you're the man, but it'll also make you feel a lot better inside. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or a combination of both, here are a few moisturizers to try out now:

Dry Skin: Even though it may seem excessive, using a cream two times a day (before you go to bed and when you wake) will help boost the amount of moisture your body holds. Also, be sure to avoid any products with alcohol—it dries out your skin.
Eucerin Original Moisturizing Creme, $14

Oily Skin: It's best to wash your face first and then apply moisturizer to ensure that it'll absorb the excess grease throughout the entire day.
Baxter of California Oil-Free Moisturizer, $20

Combination: If your skin is a mix of dry and oily, help keep it balanced with something light and make sure it's used in moderation.
Sharps Daily Prep Moisturizer w/ SPF 15, $21

HYGIENE

What smells best isn't always the right move when it comes to keeping fresh. There are tons of hygiene products out there, but to combat the insane sweat stains on your shirt and to stay smelling right, pick up the following items:

Deodorant: Brands like Degree, Old Spice, and Gillete are obvious leaders in the antiperspirant game, but there are some under-the-radar gems that you should give a try. Jack Black's Antiperspirant & Deodorant will guarantee you an odor-free day, sans the irritation.
Jack Black Antiperspirant & Deodorant, $16

Soap: Not only does this bar from Baxter get rid of dirt without stripping away moisture, it looks pretty cool too. The bar is a re-mix (courtesy of Saturdays NYC) of the brand's Italian Lime glycerin bar. SWAG!
Baxter of California x Saturdays NYC Beach Soap, $8

Cologne: You probably have your favorite, and that's totally fine. But hear us out when we say that you can't go wrong with Dolce & Gabbana. Its range of colognes are masculine, but not strong enough to burn nose hairs if you get too close. Perfect for the Spring/Summer season.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme, $44

HAIR CARE

This is a no-brainer. Keep your hair neat and watch the chicks flock to touch your dome. Keep it clean and healthy, add a great styling product, and you're good to go.

Shampoo: A light shampoo is best for these extremely hot days. Not to mention, having great smelling hair will entice women to join you in the shower. But in all seriousness, this shampoo from Malin + Goetz will keep your hair squeaky clean.
Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo, $20

Conditioner: To avoid any complications, stick to the same brand when choosing the follow-up to shampoo: the conditioner. This M+G version contains shea butter to moisturize and cilantro to refresh.
Malin + Goetz Cilantro Hair Conditioner, $22

Styling: During summer, you want something that doesn't feel like 15 pounds of goop on your head. VitaMan pomades don't require you to use handfuls of it, and has tons of options for every kind of hair.
VitMan Styling Cream, $25

SHAVING

We're going to make things really simple. Shaving may seem like a hassle, but it's really not. The guys at The Art of Shaving make it a 4-step process.

Step 1: Always use hot water while shaving—it opens up your pores and softens your beard. Apply pre-shave oil before you start shaving to improve the razor glide and add some extra protection from cuts.

Step 2: Next up is the shaving cream. A shaving brush isn't necessary, but it helps lift facial hair, so you get it all in only a few swipes.

Step 3: This is when you start to shave. Dip your razor into hot water and add pressure as you shave with the grain of your beard. You may have to re-lather and shave again if your hair grows in different directions.

Step 4: After you're done shaving, rinse with cold water and dry. After-shave balm will moisturize your skin and help avoid those annoying razor bumps.

The Art of Shaving Starter Kit, $25
The Art of Shaving 3 Blade Razor, $80

FACE

Forget personality, your face makes the first impression. Keeping your face youthful and appealing to the ladies takes more than just a washcloth every morning. Enlist in some of these great items to add to your a.m. ritual, or lack thereof.

Lotion: Designed just for the face, this lotion with SPF protection keeps your face refreshed, not suffocated.
Anthony Logistics Oil Free Facial Lotion, $27

Lips: Set up a kissing booth for the ladies because we've found the perfect lip balm. It won't need to be applied every five minutes, because it's filled with moisturisers and natural healing ingredients. And most importantly, it's not shiny.
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, $3

Teeth: Brushing your teeth is a task that has (hopefully) become a daily habit. But just in case you have garlic bread for lunch, it's nice to keep something at your desk or in your pocket for stinky situations.
Colgate Wisp Toothbrushes, $8

HANDS & FEET

Last, but certainly not least: hands and feet. Studies show that women love to hop in the bed with men who keep their hands and feet nice. What studies? FOH Stanford, we've done our own personal research.

Tools: You're not going to get the same results as your local spa, but it's the effort that counts. Pick up a simple tool kit and keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean.
Anthony Logistics for Men Manicute Tool Kit, $20

Hands: Give your mitts something better than your current hand lotion. This one's got enough hydration, but it's lightweight so it doesn't leave you sticky.
Molton Brown Soothing Hand Lotion, $25

Feet: You probably only touch your feet when holes in your socks become an issue. As girly as you think it might be, it's time to pay a little bit more attention. Athletes are harder on their feet than anyone, so look for a sporty brand to revive your dry heels.
Mission Foot Rehab Cream, $10