Grooming Gifts for Men

Moustache Wax

Materials:

2 tsp. grated beeswax
2 tsp. castor oil

Steps:

1. Combine beeswax and oil, microwave for one minute and stir (see top photo).

2. Transfer to an attractive container such as a clean-out lip gloss tin.

3. To use, warm the face with a moist towel before applying a small amount of wax to eyebrows, beard and/or moustache.

4. Use a brow comb or toothbrush to work the wax through the hair to keep it in place. This wax is fragrance-free, and a little goes a long way.

After-shave/Cologne

Materials:

1/2 cup rubbing alcohol or distilled witch hazel
2 Tbs. bay leaves
1/4 tsp. whole allspice
1 small cinnamon stick
orange zest

Steps:

1. For the base, use alcohol for oily skin or witch hazel for sensitive skin. Add remaining ingredients to the base and allow to sit for two weeks in a cool, dry place.

2. Pour through a strainer into a decorative bottle. Other spices that could be used include cloves and lemon zest.

Old-Fashioned Shaving Soap

Materials:

1/4 cup unscented glycerin soap
1/2 tsp. sunflower oil

Steps:

Melt glycerin soap in a double boiler. Working quickly, stir the sunflower oil into the glycerin and transfer to a decorative cup or mug. Keep in mind that the mixture sets very quickly.

To use, wet a shaving brush with warm water and brush against the soap to create a lather.

A simple way to decorate the shaving soap for gift-giving is to place the mug in the center of a sheet of wrapping tissue, bring the edges of the tissue up over the mug and secure with a rubber band. Slip a shaving brush into the band (see photo).