Beauty: Men's Skincare

I like to think I know my skincare but I don't know men's skincare too well. So I'm handing the reins over to my dear dad to offer his pearls of wisdom. Welcome to the blog dad!

Hello!

Over the years I've seen Sophie reviewing some cracking things on the blog so when she mentioned she needed someone to offer their skincare routine, I elbowed her boyfriend out of the way and put myself forward! As I spent all of my time working outside through the wind, rain or shine, my skin takes a battering so I like to offer it some TLC. I like to think it helps me to keep looking young! 

This Clinque For Men Charcoal Face Wash* is a god send. I can really feel the charcoal drawing out the day's dirt. I work quite a messy job so it's well needed! My face feels so refreshed and smooth. I use it three times a week when I get home from work - it makes all the difference. It's fragrance free so it's great for sensitive skin. Keep in mind it does give your skin a tingling feeling but it's nothing to be alarmed about!

I sadly suffer with quite dry skin so am constantly on the look out to help keep it under control. This is where Kiehls Facial Fuel* comes in handy! Packed with SPF 15, it helps to protect my face while I'm trying to hide from the sun on the roof. It helps to lift my dull skin and makes me look so much more awake. I apply in the morning after I've given my face a quick wash with soap and water. - simply rub in with clean hands. Even my wife has noticed a different so it must be doing it's thing!

One of the main perils of having dry skin is that shaving can sometimes be painful. Ouch! But Clinque For Men Post-shave Soother* helps to soothe razor burn and stop the redness from appearing. The cool, aloe formula feels amazing on my face. I don't mind shaving so much now!

This post is written in collaboration with House of Fraser.

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A few favourites #4

It's that time again when I talk you through a few of my favourite things! It's been a while since my last set. A real mixture of clothing, beauty and food this time!

Ryan Gosling Mug*: What will cheer you up more than a mug with the handsome Ryan Gosling on it? Not much I don't think! For days where your brain doesn't function and all you can think about is being elsewhere, this mug sums everything up in one sentence. Sometimes the Goss and Chocolate can be the only way to tackle the day. Make sure you check out Tea Please for some more quirky mugs.

New Look Tropical print culottes: I am having a massive love affair with culottes at the moment - it's all I seem to be buying! These beauties were less than £18 and fit like a dream. They will be perfect for sight seeing while I'm in Barcelona and with just a pair of heels, they work for the evening too.

Rio Rio Topshop Lipstick: I'm always impressed by Toyshop's lipstick offering and this gorgeous red is no different. It's a fantastic orange toned red and I'd imagine it'd look brilliant with a tan. Definitely going in my Barcelona make up bag!  It tends to bleed so a lipliner is an essential.

Organic Gusto Cola*: At only 49 calories per can, this is the ideal low calorie treat. Anyone else feel slightly alarmed at the fact you can drink almost your whole daily calorie allowance thanks to some drinks?! Fairtrade and organic means it's practically guilt free. It's perfect in a glass with lots of ice and a slice of lemon.

Hubby for Dessert Essie Nail Polish: This is actually part of their bridal range but I thought it was perfect for the summer so snuck it into my suitcase when I went to Chicago earlier on in the year. It needs a good three coats to become opaque but it's well worth the hassle. It's such a gorgeous, subtle shade for the warmer months.

St Moriz Medium Fake Tan*: I used to be all about the fake tan but for the past few years I've kinda fallen out of love with it. But I had a Christening last weekend and my pasty pins were offending my eyes so I brought out the big guns. St Moriz. Now I know why I love it so much. The mousse is easy peasy to apply, dries almost instantly and gives a lovely golden colour without looking too orange. I think I'm going to be a slave to this fake tan until my holiday in August.

Bounce Energy Balls*: I'm the first to admit that I'm not a fitness addict - these wobbly thighs will agree with that. But I am trying to get into running. I completed a 5k back in May and have been keen to keep up the momentum. These tasty energy balls have been great to snack on after I get back home - I'm always so ravenous so they do the trick. My personal favourite is the Cacao Mint flavour.

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Things to do: Borough Market

Despite being a massive tourist trap and positively heaving at any time of day, Borough Market is a true delight. Based near the Shard, Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge, this food market is an attack on your senses. You'll find every type of food you could ever imagine. From delicious seafood to exotic meats. From juicy veg to creamy cheeses. You definitely won't go hungry!

It's the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat - keep an eye out for the incredible chorizo roll at Brindisa Spanish Food. It's to die for! If it's a lovely day, I love picking up a cheeky cookie or cake and some nibbles to set up camp and eat along the river. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something to tickle their tastebuds.

The retail market is open Wednesdays and Thursday 10-5pm, Fridays from 10am-6pm and on Saturdays 8-5pm. The wholesale market is open all weekday mornings from 2am-8am - if you can drag yourself out of bed!

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