The morning and night grooming rituals are often overlooked and are positioned right above removing dust behind the TV on the priority list for chores. Given that man is the faster gender, it is forgiveable to not give the body a vain and lengthy Patrick Bateman spa treatment every morning. Guys are quick and can get ready for a party within minutes - while females wouldn’t even consider two hours to be any sort of preparation time.

Scarcity of time isn’t not much of a problem for the Orcs of capitalism, some of whom stand in cosmetic booths in shopping departments, their bright red lipstick seducing the potential consumer from afar. Young and attractive, they seek your attention with a charming and flirtatious smile, these cosmetic cashier tempresses are best defeated by not engaging eye contact as they will lure you into trying (and buying thereafter) the latest coconut hand lotion that you have no need nor purpose for.

The one unanswered question for every guy that walks into these cosmetic stores is always the same - ‘What products do I really need that won’t require me to wake up 1 hour earlier than necessary?’ Allthough most of the products they sell are essentially good for us, there are only so many products a person can buy before they begin to cancel each other out.

The Essentials: Cleanser and moisturiser
Regardless of interest in body and facial care there are two products that should be in the cabinets behind every foggy bathroom mirror - Facial cleanser and facial moisturiser. Under no circumstance should any product baring the word soap be used on the face. Cutting corners by using hand soap lead to nasty skin irritation, dryness or even a rash. The benefits of using cleaners composed of natural ingredients instead of chemicals results in minimal damage to the skin. Look for names like ginseng, avocado, menthol and juniper on labels for both cleansers and moisturisers. Both products can be used before going to sleep at night and right after waking up in the morning. The latter being more important as water to the face makes the body alert and ready for a good day.

The Extras: Facial scrub
Deep cleaning is revitalizing whatever object is receiving the treatment - the sensation afterwards is a refreshing newness. What distinguishes a scrub from a facial cleanser is near microscopic fragment of crushed apricot or walnut seeds working down clogged pores and oily skin layers, increasing the breathability of the skin. One monthly deep cleaning is enough to maintain a fresh and well nurtured skin.

The Luxury: Natural shaving crème and anti-ageing crème
Self inflicted cuts with a poor shaving blade or simply poor shaving is one of the reasons why shaving is one of the most harmful treatment given to the skin. Therefore no expenses should be spared for a nurturing shaving crème and friendly shaving blades. Bumps, cuts and bruised skin are common penalties awarded to those who compromise their shaving. The more natural the product is, the less likely it is that it will irritate the skin. To break your reality, natural shaving crèmes do not come in aluminium cans and neither do they foam. It’s worth mentioning that synthetic and above mid-range products available in supermarkets do suffice in protecting the skin during a close shave.