Keep your beard in shape this Movember

Just in time for Movember: beard tips you need to look polished, not patchy.

With all the facial hair out there these days, sported by not only the hipsters, but also by just about every other regular man on the street, good grooming has become more essential than ever. Not since before the late 1800s have we seen so much of it. But attention men: How high on the grooming scale do you rate?

Despite what they might say, all men want to look good. They’re just don’t always know how to go about it. Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics product trainer Jeff Brown thinks men have no excuses when it comes to keeping a well-groomed look given today’s repertoire of amazing products available to the bearded man. And even if you’ve just decided to go full beard for a little Movember competition, you’ll need to look the part. Brown shares these few words of wisdom:

What are your top 3 tips for keeping beards and/or moustaches in shape this Movember?

“Keep it clean. Just like the rest of your face, dead skin cells and oils—not to mention leftovers from lunch—can build up in your moustache.”
“Keep it soft. Hair conditioners are designed with really one purpose in mind: to reduce static and keep hair laying flat. Beards and moustaches can benefit from the same thing, so don’t shy away from looking to hair products for inspiration.”
“Style it up. Your facial hair is an extension of your personal style, and if you’re looking for a little extra polish, a moustache wax is a grooming essential.”

What is the most common grooming fail?

“For a lot of guys, it’s trying to do it all yourself. Make an appointment with a barber the next time you need a trim and ask him for tips before you get scissor-happy.”

How do men avoid the tendency to over-fuss?

“Find a routine you like that fits your lifestyle and stick to it. Maintaining a beard or moustache is no less work than shaving every day, but when you develop good habits that work for you, it’s smooth sailing.”

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Province Apothecary After Shave Oil: Who doesn’t love a myrrh man? This quick-absorbing oil’s hydrating and healing properties nurture the skin after a close shave, while cypress helps reduce redness. Cedar wood is also included in this multi-function blend for its antiseptic and moisturizing abilities, and grape seed oil likewise hydrates without the worry of clogging pores. $36 (30 ml), provinceapothecary.com

Urban Beard Cleansing Conditioner: Rosemary and frankincense stimulate, while a coconut and sunflower base soothes, cleanses and conditions. $20.95 (30 ml), tradesecrets.ca

Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave: This eucalyptus-scented Canadian gem, with macadamia nut and jojoba oil, is a pre-shave oil, shave cream and face treatment all in one. Talk about no-brainer. $22 (170 ml), getjackblack.ca

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Kalamazoo Cleaner Beard and Face: You can use this on your whole face, cleansing with grapefruit and pineapple juices and conditioning with almond and jojoba oils. $24.95 (240 g), lush.ca

Les Industries Groom Collection: Made with argan, hemp seed, jojoba and coconut oils in Montreal, these all-natural, paraben-free products smell divine, like a turn-of-the-century apothecary. The Moustache Wax is easy to apply and provides great hold. $15 (15 ml), Available online at lesindustriesgroom.com and at select Frank & Oak and RW&CO stores across Canada.