This is the start of a multi-part series.
The goal is simple: cut through the noise and help you avoid wasting your hard-earned money on garbage products that don’t deliver.
This isn’t another “25 Must Have Items” BS article, every item in this list is something I personally use and have used for years. I don’t recommend anything I haven’t put my own money into and tested in real life. Will personal taste come into play? Sure. But if you stick close to this list, you’ll be in the right lane.
Some of the links below are affiliate links (yeah, I know….) but If you decide to buy through them, Modern Manliness gets a small kickback. It doesn’t cost you anything, and it helps keep the site running. Trust me. I ain’t getting rich off these links.
These are the basics every man should have. Nothing fancy. Just what I know works.
Part 1: Personal Grooming
Shaving
A good shave doesn’t require a drawer full of tools. You need something reliable, something consistent, and something that doesn’t tear your face up.
Safety Razor: Merkur MK34c
I switched to a safety razor years ago. You might wonder how a single blade razor can give you a better shave than a razor with five blades, but here’s the truth. Five blade razors pull the hair up above your skin and cut it so when it’s done, that hair follicle falls back into place under the skin line. This is what causes razor bumps.
I use a two shave process for my safety razor and it works great. Once with the grain and once against the grain. We’ll do a demo on how to use a safety razor in a future post. A solid, no-nonsense safety razor has a good weight, good control, and it is built to last. This is the kind of tool you buy once and keep for years. I’ve had mine for 20+ now.
👉 https://amzn.to/4dLXVUP
Blades: Merkur
It is important to buy blades that are really sharp. Do not buy the cheap stuff to save a dollar or two. Your face will thank you. Sharp, consistent, and reliable. No need to overthink it.
👉 https://amzn.to/4dOQZq2
5 Blade Razor: Dollar Shave Club
Hands down the best multi-blade shave out there. You don’t need to pay top dollar for Gillette. Dollar Shave Club is half the price and provides a great shave.
I keep one in my gym locker for a quick clean up after working out and I also have one at home for those days where I just want a fast and easy trim. This gets the job done without fuss.
👉 https://amzn.to/4rZstWI
Shave Cream: The Art of Shaving
I first bought all of my shaving supplies at The Art of Shaving, but since then they no longer carry razors and their prices have really gone up. While I still use their lather, I use a bowl and boar hair brush to apply it. I think it really gives you a better shave. Smooth, protective, and does not dry your skin out. A noticeable step up from cheap stuff.
👉 https://amzn.to/410UNwQ
Shave Kit: Viking Revolution
If you want to buy it all in one go, this is a cool set you can get as a starter set from Viking Revolution. It has everything you need to start your journey into using a safety razor. Good all-in-one setup, especially if you’re just getting started or want everything in one place.
👉 https://amzn.to/4s1CtPd
Aftershave: Nivea
Ok before you say anything about a product that has always been for women, Nivea’s men’s line is pretty awesome. Their post shave balm for sensitive skin cools and eases that post shave itch better than any post shave product I’ve ever tried. They’re a little more expensive, but trust me, it’s worth it. Simple, clean, and doesn’t burn like the old-school stuff. Does exactly what it should.
👉 https://amzn.to/4t95hGl
Daily Hygiene
This is the stuff you use every. single. day. No shortcuts here.
Deodorant: Degree
This is not your fancy aluminum free, this free, that free, gluten free stuff. It is a proven fighter against BO. Get it. Use it. Every day. Your partner will thank you.
👉 https://amzn.to/4840oX5
Man Spray: Old Spice Swagger
Put the Axe down and use something that actually does the job. Great everyday scent. Nothing overpowering. Just clean and masculine. Wife approved.
👉 https://amzn.to/47WzOz6
3 in 1 Body Wash: Dove
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to spend hours in the shower first using face wash, then body wash, then hair shampoo, then conditioner and all the other items my wife keeps on her shower shelf. I need to get in, get clean, and go. Dove 3 in 1 is consistent, affordable, and doesn’t wreck your skin. Hard to beat.
👉 https://amzn.to/4dMZCBo
Man Wipes: Dude Wipes
Nothing’s better when you’ve been sweating and don’t have time for a shower. Grab a wipe and get a quick refresh. These stay in my gym bag, in my office drawer, and in my suitcase when I travel. Must have for a busy man. They come in handy more than you think.
👉 https://amzn.to/4lXufWP
Hair and Beard
Keep it simple. You’re not styling for a magazine shoot.
Styling Gel: American Crew
My stylist turned me on to this product years ago. It works great and doesn’t leave my hair feeling crunchy.
👉 https://amzn.to/40WbAkK
Beard Oil: Viking Revolution
Ok, let’s talk about beard oil. I used to make grooming products but got out of that business because it was so competitive. Here is a secret. That one ounce bottle of beard oil you just paid $25 for costs the manufacturer under $2 to make.
So don’t spend your money on advertising. Look for something with Argan and Jojoba oils. This is as close to your natural skin oil as you can get. Viking Revolution uses both and their price is half of what the major brand guys charge. Keeps your beard from turning into a dry mess. Softens things up without feeling greasy.
👉 https://amzn.to/47vDcRr
Trimmer: Olov
Why am I not recommending Manscaped? Because they’re way overpriced. I bought this Olov trimmer set on Amazon a few years ago and it’s been great. It has every attachment I need. It’s cordless, waterproof and I can use it for multiple trimming needs. Don’t waste your money on marketing. Get something that’s solid, dependable, and gets the job done without a bunch of gimmicks.
👉 https://amzn.to/4tcALeP
Skin and Maintenance
This is where most guys fail. Don’t.
Hand and Body Lotion: Gold Bond
My wife used to complain about my heels and hands being so dry they hurt if I touched her. They would constantly crack and I looked like a creature out of GOT. I started using Gold Bond on my heels every night before bed and man what a difference it’s made. Now my feet are baby-bottom smooth and my wife doesn’t mind my hands touching her. This is great stuff at a reasonable price. Simple and effective.
👉 https://amzn.to/4sEK876
Heavy Duty Repair: O’Keeffe’s
Hands and feet cracked and sore? Here’s the heavy hitter. Start with this O’Keeffe’s and get them healed then switch to Gold Bond for daily maintenance. Believe me, when your hands are cracked or beat up, this stuff works. Period.
👉 https://amzn.to/4cbtaaH
Final Thought
You might ask where the rest of the stuff is.
This is the basics I feel every man should have. You want some special mani / pedi set or a fancy electric, rotating, water spraying, toothbrush flosser then you do you. Most guys just need a toothbrush and whatever paste their wife buys. Just make sure you do it. Every day. capisce?
Most men don’t need a complicated routine. They need a handful of products that work, that they’ll actually use. Things that help you show up as your best you. Every day. That’s it.
Make sure you subscribe by entering your email below so you don’t miss the rest of the series. Next week we look at clothes and how to dress your best.
Stay Awesome,
Gerry