I just bought a new fragrance today: the KenzoPower by Kenzo. Actually, I was planning to buy another cologne, but I was amazingly surprised by the new Kenzo. That is why I decided write a quick note on it. Let’s start by the design. Created by Kenya Hara, the bottle’s shape is pretty basic with simple curves and pure lines. It is meant to represent a sake bottle.

Unlike the 1million by Paco Rabanne, KenzoPower is more refined and sophisticated but without ostentation (everything I like!). The cologne can be defined by three words: freshness, clarity, and sensuality. It is composed of citrus, bergamot, verbena, vetiver, cedar wood, and tolu balm. The eau de toilette version is a bit stronger and spicier than the cologne.

KenzoPower is also available in deodorant, body & hair shampoo and after shave.

Price: from $50 (available worldwide) from Kenzousa.com

My first Lush test

Although Lush offers a special Men’s range (particularly for shaving products), the first product I’ve decided to test is unisex: Brazened Honey. As it’s a fresh mask, you need to keep it in the fridge, for up to a maximum of 3 weeks. It really intrigued me! It really is like no other, whether in its use, its ingredients (honey, kaolin clay, lime juice, fresh spices etc) or appearance.

How to use

This detoxifying mask is particularly recommended for the ‘morning after the night before’ and for tired skin. One pot is enough for at least 4 masks. No question of a delicate dab of the finger, dip your whole hand in and get a big dollop of the good stuff! Put a bit on all parts of your face before spreading it from your neck to your forehead. Let it work its magic for 10 minutes, and then simply rinse it off with water.

My experience

After rinsing off the mask, I immediately felt the benefits: your skin clearly breathes better and your whole face looks brighter…it’s really unbelievable! I’ve rarely tested such an effective product. I’ve since finished the pot (I managed 5 masks in the end) and I really love it! It’s not only made me want to go back to Lush to get more, but to try out new products, too. I highly recommend it! If you’re already a fan of the brand, your recommendations are welcome!

Task Essential is a mens’ cosmetics brand launched in Switzerland in 2004 (I recently took a visit to their salon – article in French). Their packaging is easily identified by its unusual colour scheme: red and white. The range combines oxygen molecules with plant extracts, fruits and vitamins.

Their moisturizer is contains oxygen molecules, algae extracts, apricot oil and papaya extract. It has a light texture and is easily absorbed by the skin. It effectively moisturises and I like the energising effect. It gives your skin a wake up call! It also makes you smile. A perfect way to start the day!

£22.00 from Mankind

Find below main cosmetics brands for men. We already spoken about some of them in our cosmetics testing

Vichy was one of the pioneers for mens’ cosmetics with the launch of its basic range in 1988. It was rebranded Vichy Homme in 2001 with the white, grey and red packaging that you may be familiar with. We have talked about it before with a test of the Silicium-R treatment (article in French).

As we mentioned in the previous test, the main problem with Vichy Homme was the image we had of the brand! Which they must have realised, as they completely changed the range’s packaging last year (I’m a little late writing this article but I can assure you that I’ve had more than enough time to try out the range!)

The rebranding works well, as you can see below. Nice packaging is important to keep you bathroom looking good! :) The range is made up of 9 products split into 3 families (anti-ageing moisturisers, moisturisers for different skin types, and cleansing and shaving products).

• For sensitive skin, Vichy Homme offers an anti-irritation comfort balm(Sensi Baume Ca), a shaving foam and a shaving gel.
• For tired and dull skin, a 24h invigorating moisuriser (Hydra Mag C) and an eye firming stick (Hydra Mag stick yeux)
• For greasy and imperfection-prone skin: a moisturising liquid (Normactiv CG), a cleansing gel and a shaving foam.

The textures are really great, the range offers reknowned active ingredients such as vitamin A (Retinol), vitamine C, calcium and magnesium, and of course the famous Vichy thermal water (for its calming and boosting properties). A great range at a fair price: think €17 for the moisturiser (available in chemists and health and beauty stores since October 2007).

More info on Vichyhomme.fr

Alchimie Forever is a range of cosmetics created in 2000 by a couple of Swiss doctors, specialists in cellular aging mechanisms and aesthetic medicine.

These treatments, designed and produced in Switzerland, target free radicals. To do so, each Alchimie Forever product uses natural antioxydants such as green tea, grape seed, tomato, rosemary, blueberry or even turmeric.

The men’s range currently contains 3 products: two anti-aging serums, a moisturiser and a antioxydant defense gel (still to come: an eye contour gel).

The twin anti-age serums

One is made with green tea, the other with rosemary, and they are packaged separately to maximise the benefits of each ingredient. They are formulated to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots and can be worn under a moisturiser (ed: from the age of 30 to prevent the first few wrinkles). My first fine lines seem to have benefitted from it. It’s quick to use, so much so that it’s easy to find the time to use it regularly. Note that the green tea gel is lightly tinted so I advise that you mainly use it in the evening.

Royal Cream Moisturiser
This cream is moisturising and rejuvenating, and is made of jojoba, basil, grape seed and vitamin E. It’s pleasant and very rich, and I would highly recommend it to men with dry skin! Let me know how you get on…

Antioxydant defense gel
A gel that refreshes and rejuvenates the skin, made from green tea, rosemary, turmeric and tomato. This is my favourite of the whole range! Use it every morning, it’s a really great way to start the day on the right foot…

€48 to €69 from SkinStore