A few things to steal from your boyfriend

A few years ago on vacation I forgot to pack my razor, which left me with only one option: I had to borrow my husband's. As I lathered up, I made peace with the fact that I'd find a few nicks and loose stubby hairs. After all, it's a man's razor -- how good could it possibly be? Shocker: I was wrong. My hubby's razor left me with the smoothest shave of my life. This thing had four blades and a pivoting head, which made my three blade disposable look downright archaic. When it came to beauty products, I thought girls were supposed to have all the best stuff?

After I used that razor, I started thinking ... what other products for guys are out there that I've yet to discover? I reached out to girls in the know, that is those ladies with boyfriends, for their top picks of men's grooming products that work wonders for women. Even with every women's beauty product at their disposal, these ladies still choose to raid their S.O.'s medicine cabinet from time to time.

So why use a man's product over a woman's? Products for guys are all about getting the job done without any extra frills. I'm a self-declared girly-girl, but even I need the occasional break from all the pretty pink packaging and flowery, baby powder scents. Obviously, you don't have to have a husband or a BF to enjoy these made-for-boys products -- these are for every girl out there who's not afraid to take a risk.

No-Nix Styptic Pencil

A styptic pencil is a little-known guy's grooming product that essentially works miracles. It looks like a piece of chalk, and it's designed to stop bleeding when a man nicks himself shaving. But this is a life-saver for women, too ... especially if you pop a zit and it starts bleeding. Simply press the styptic pencil to the cut, and it stops the bleeding instantly. I don't recommend pimple-popping, but I do recommend a handy little tool like the No-Nix Styptic Pencil, £1.80.

Old Spice Classic Stick Deodorant

Out of all the important products women use in the morning, deodorant is probably at the top. But before you reach for your powder fresh stick, consider a more masculine type. Ulloa has been using Old Spice for 10 years. "I go to the gym and sweat a lot. I don't have to reapply with this. Plus, I love its warm, comforting scent. People always ask what perfume I'm wearing when it's really just Old Spice"

Guys get a lot of flack for being sweaty and smelly, but we all know sweating isn't just a guy thing. Old Spice Classic Stick, £2.75, doesn't smell overly sweet like some women's brands, and it provides 24-hour odor protection, so it's particularly awesome on hot and sticky summer days.

Gillette Shaving Cream

After you try men's shaving cream, like Gillette, £2.99, you won't want to switch back. It may not have a fruity or flowery scent, but it's super thick -- never thin or runny. I only have to use a tiny dollop of this shaving cream and it practically covers my entire leg; it's that thick. The can will last you longer than a woman's brand, and it's so cheap that you can buy two for the price of one women's shaving cream.

Michael Todd Charcoal Detoxifying Facial Mask

While we may think of facial masks as "a girl thing," this just isn't true -- and some facial masks for men, like the Michael Todd Charcoal Detoxifying Mask, £17, actually work better than the ones we're slathering on every night. "When I put this on, I can practically feel it working," says Ulloa. "I love masculine scents, and this one is very fresh and minty." If you're like Ulloa and have very sensitive skin, you might be afraid that male skincare lines are too harsh. But the Michael Todd brand is actually made to work on sensitive skin, as well.

Kiehl's Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap

Don't be fooled by the manly name. Kiehl's Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap, £17.95, works wonders on women, too. Formulated with oatmeal, pumice, and oat bran, this all-natural soap sloughs off dead surface cells on the skin. Sound kinda gross? Sure, but the results are worth it, and it's fantastic on tough areas like elbows and heels. I'm addicted to this soap. It leaves my body feeling cool, soft, and completely exfoliated.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne

  I think of scents as being designated as "for men," or "for women," but in reality it's not so black and white. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne, £38, has a combo of woody scents and fruity notes, making it a great androgynous fragrance -- not overly feminine. When I'm traveling, I wear a hint of this cologne to remind me of my husband. It immediately brings a comforting warmth over me.

Kiehl's Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm

If you think lip gloss feels too sticky and waxy, then try using a men's lip balm like Kiehl's Facial Fuel No Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm, £8. Men's lip balms are especially formulated for a matte look, because while men want to avoid chapped lips, typically they don't want a glossy smile in the process. This Kiehl's lip balm instantly moisturizes dry lips without any oily feeling. And the bonus is that it's got a fresh, minty flavor.

Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Non-Streak Bronzer

Ever heard the phrase "man tan?" Like women, guys also like to look tan while avoiding harmful UV rays. Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Non-Streak Bronzer, £17.50, is a transparent gel that is specially formulated to last through rain or swimming -- a great go-to if you're planning on an active weekend. My husband loves this bronzer, and so do I. I mix a pea size amount of it into my oil free facial moisturizer to get a healthy glow on my face.

Gillette Mach3 Turbo Razor

Finally more and more women are catching on to the wonders of men's razors. I believe men's razors give women a closer shave. My skin always seems smoother, and the blades seem to last longer. Not only will you save some cash on blade replacements, but the pivoting head on the Gillette Mach3 Turbo Razor, £8, works perfectly on tough-to-shave areas like ankles and knees.









So will you be trying some of your boyfriend or husband's products?  If you already have, which ones?

Share share share! :-)

xoxo
Angelique