Men's Christmas Gift Guide

If I do say so myself I'm pretty good at gift buying but before I put my initiative into action I like to check if there is anything specific the men in my life would like. This often results in some dithering and typically I find myself days from Christmas with just one or two men to buy for.

My dad for example 'doesn't want anything' although will 'joke' on Christmas Day about his lack of presents or more annoyingly request my assistance ordering something online I could've gave him on Christmas or then you have Ben who told me mere days ago what he would like after I'd already come up with my own ideas and so he would have at least something to open on the day.

Whether the men in your life have piles of gifts that are looking a little small in comparison to other members of the family or you need to just find something here are a few suggestions from me to you.

First is The Ladybird Book of The Hangover. I love Ladybird books and my early readers will remember that I used to collect original vintage copies of the books we know and love. With the current trend for nostalgia and the release of this adult versions of the book they are great fun to gift friends and family - especially with hangovers ensuing.

My brother loves a beauty product or two and especially what he calls my 'swag' (the products I receive to review on Florence and Mary) so he'll be excited to open up these products from Embryolisse and Mandara Spa on Christmas Day which have nicely padded out the Lush items he requested. 

Mandara Spa you may know as the high street brand from the people behind Elemis and you'll be able to pick up their products in your local Sainsbury as you're stocking up on Christmas Day supplies. The Mandara Spa for Men Essentials Kit* contains a lip and aftershave balm which is the perfect size to slot in a gift card and what I have done for my dad as it makes wrapping far easier and looks a little more exciting than just the gift card and the Mandara Spa Mens Body Duo* will be an ideal set for my brother to use as he always has a bag with toiletries required for work and when he hits the gym.

I'm keen to get my brothers thoughts on the Embryolisse Mens Shower Gel* which I can say does smell amazing and I know he's a big fan of aftershave balms so Embryolisse's* offering, if as good as the moisturisers I use should be a big hit.

If in any further doubt then consider their favourite TV show and who doesn't love Game of Thrones? I'm wrapping the Game of Thrones Lannister Banner Pack* up as a gift for my brother and nephew. Whilst Brody is too young for Game of Thrones it's Lego-esq nature means it'll be a fun present for them to enjoy together. The Hound's Helmet* will be going to my brother in law who is a big fan of the show and I'm sure he'll have trouble keeping it away from the kids.

I know the men will be happy with their gifts and they're all products that I could easily reach for on the high street without having to tackle the larger shopping departments and all will make a nice accompaniment to gift vouchers or the traditional male gift in our family, a bottle of booze.

What are you buying the man in your life?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Menage Skincare for Men

My brother loves when he gets an opportunity to try out products thanks to blogging so when a recent delivery from Menage Mens Skincare arrived. As he left with his cries of 'swag' I allowed him to put the products to test and after his visit at the weekend asked for an update.

Menage Batch #001 Hydrating Antioxidant Gel* was a limited edition product and their strongest formula to date. Delivering moisture which often gets stripped from shaving and aftershave in addition to the usual elements. Reducing the signs of irritation and protecting against wrinkle-causing free radicals it'll leave skin hydrated which of course makes you look younger. 

I think we're far away from the assumption men don't like to look after the skin and I know that my brother is always keen to protect his face, especially due to his role as a fireman leaving his skin battling more elements than most. A small amount is applied like you would any regular moisturiser and you're good to go, paying extra attention to days when you've shaved. 

My brother said his skin was left looking refreshed and he that it didn't feel heavy on his skin like other products can. He's particularly a fan after shaving as he usually hates feeling tight or seeing redness that can often occur. 

Menage Hydrating Age Defence Gel* is a similar product from Menages regular line and is a lighter creamier product. With the protection against wrinkles and delivering moisture the difference with this product is a drier finish.

I asked my brother which he preferred and he couldn't say whether he preferred one more than the other finding they both did a similar job and neither left him disappointed. I asked if he would repurchase the products when they have run out and he said that the price might be prohibitive to him, although he is known to be very 'careful' with his cash. He did say that he'd ask for them as a gift though - in short he'd like someone else to pay for them. I think this is common of most men in that they don't look to the products quality and will just pick up what they find on offer when shopping.

*this post contains press samples

Moosehead and Milk

MOOSEHEAD* available from Amazon link
MILK* available from Waitrose link

I'm winding down this week's post with some male orientated hair and skincare products that my brother has currently been testing for me. He's become quite the guinea pig for me of late and getting quite into products only telling me at the weekend about some great things he has picked up from The Body Shop and Lush recently. Today we're talking about two brands that are new to me and maybe the men in your life.

First up is Moosehead* and their Shaping Dough. My brother tells me that this product has great hold and that even if he is at work and has to go out on a call wearing his helmet (he's a fireman) when he removes it a quick brush through with his hand and his 'helmet hair' disappears and it's back into its 'styled' state. He warns that a little goes a way and a small amount is all you need and your hair won't be left greasy.

Milk Shaving Gel* is 'brilliant' and smells 'awesome' I'm told due to the coconut scent - perfect for this time of year too. Shaving rash is something my brother can struggle with unless he uses the right products and he hasn't had one since using Milk and thinks that is due to this product and in conjunction with the moisturiser. He's a big fan of Aloe Vera at the moment.

Only a few short words from my brother on these products but as far as he is concerned the facts are simple and unlike myself who can be swayed by packaging and so forth for him if they smell good and prevent additional hassle he's quite happy.

Do you have a man in your life that enjoys skincare?

*PR Sample

His Heaven Skincare Men's Christmas Gift Ideas

During yesterday's #fblchat it became apparent that a lot of us struggle with men's gifts at Christmas time. Thankfully the men in my life have been covered this year but here are a couple of men's grooming products that my brother (previously seen in this post) has recently been testing out for me that might be welcomed by your fellas.

I must apologise in the first instance that his ravings were short and simple due to a brief text message as he was dashing off to catch a flight to EuroDisney - I am not jealous in the slightest honestly.



I've documented on my blog a love of Heaven Skincare having been introduced to the brand earlier this year and I'm in good company as Kate Middleton is a fan but I only recently realised that there is a mens range, appropriately called 'His Heaven'.

I received the Pre Shave Exfoliator* and After Shave Relief Spray* to pass over and my brothers comments were "pre shave cream is good and the shaving spray is brilliant". Maybe not the most eloquent of reviews but as we know some men just simply say it like it is. He also said that since using he hasn't had a shaving rash which for him is his biggest issue.

Both products can be used prior to a wet or dry shave and are recommended for senstitive skin and I think they'd be fun presents for the beauty bloggers other half. On that note it would be fun to put together a beauty hamper for the man in your life as I know that whilst men would never admit it they love to use hand creams and lip balms as well as shave creams such as the one from Erasmic available here which is at the more afforable end than His Heaven.



What have you brought the man in your life and would you consider grooming products?

*PR Sample

Guest Review by my brother on Dove Men+Care

When I received an email asking I knew anyone who would like to try out the Dove Men+Care products I thought my brother, Rob would be the perfect man for the job having abandoned his love of the Clinque men’s range now his hard earned cash is usually spent on Lelli Kelly shoes for my niece or another turtle to add to my nephews growing collection. I asked if he was willing to turn beauty blogger and he gave me the thumbs up and surprisingly without any prompting I received an email from him the other day including a photo of him proudly clutching his products and his thoughts on the Dove Men+Care range he received.

As a fireman Rob spends a lot of time outside so the Hydrate+ Moisturiser* with SPF 15 to protect from UV rays is a must have. He said it stood up to its light, non-greasy formula which is needed when working in difficult conditions. He was impressed out how a little goes a long way which would make it a very budget friendly purchase. Between his active job, part time personal training and a love of a morning running the Clean Comfort Anti-Perspirant Deodorant* stood the test and he tells me it smells nice too!

The only product that he wasn’t overwhelmed by was the Dove Men+Care Face Wash Sensitive* which he felt smelt too soapy, not that he said this was a problem but he’d prefer a nice scent – who knew, men like a nice smell as much as us ladies.

His two favourite products (described as ‘brilliant’) were the Shave Gel Revitalising* and Post Shave Balm* which he found reduced the soreness he experiences from shaving (he needs to be clean shaven at work) just as they claim too.

All in all it was a big thumbs up from my brother and he even said he would “definitely purchase the the shaving gel, aftershave gel, moisturiser & deodorant”.

With Father’s Day rapidly approaching I asked Rob if he’d have liked to receive these as a gift and the answer was yes saying it’s a great way to try something new you wouldn’t necessarily buy your self for the first time.

*PR Sample