The SHARP List: Our 2023 Grooming Gift Guide
Never underestimate the allure of a well-groomed man; one spritz of the right cologne, be it sultry, citrus, or musk, is downright narcotic. And — if you bundle a signature scent with products for freshly trimmed nails, clean shaves, and clear skin — you’re teaching the guy in your life about self-care. He’s not the only one who benefits, either. As a dissatisfied extra in Patrick Demsey’s Enchanted said, “How can I love a guy who doesn’t even like himself?” This holiday season, give a guy in your life the tools he needs to put his best face forward, with essentials from aftershave to moisturizer.
Blind Barber Lemongrass Tea Hand Moisturizer
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Inside this sage-green tube of calm lies an ultra-hydrating formula for the hands, infused with citrus-laced lemongrass and the earthy touch of jojoba oil. It’s billed as a hand lotion, but we’d argue it’s equally refreshing for your nose: the scent is divine. ($25 at Harry Rosen)
YSL MYSLF Eau De Parfum
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As Austin Butler — the newest ambassador for this sleek black spray — told us in September, “[MYSLF] is just about expressing yourself authentically, whatever that means for you.” The formulation comes across as refined, yet playful: woodsy undertones jam with bergamot and subtle florals. For the actor, MYSLF’s citrus-tinged accent reminds him of picking oranges with his mom. “Our sense of smell,” he added, “gets right to an emotion.” Cover the cologne with wrapping paper and gift years of memories. ($175)
Klhip Stainless Steel Nail Clipper
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There was a time when gifting a nail clipper, in all its utilitarian glory, was about as romantic as your stingy dinner date. Klhip’s stainless-steel clipper, however, begs to differ. Surgical-grade material meets a suave silhouette, elevates a mundane grooming routine with top-notch technology and a matching leather case. ($110 at Simon’s)
Carolina Herrera Bad Boy Cobalt Eau de Parfum Électrique
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This vibrant eau de parfum is a fresh new scent for modern men. Elegant, confident, and with a distinctly recognizable wild side, Bad Boy Cobalt contrasts fresh top notes of pink pepper and geranium with hints of truffle, smoky oakwood, ethically sourced vetiver, and cedarwood. Presented in a graduated cobalt blue flask that resembles a lightning bolt, it’s the perfect fragrance to help spritz in the New Year. ($180)
Truefitt & Hill Shaving Soap and Bowl
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Sandalwood. It even sounds refreshing! The soap and bowl pair from Truefitt & Hill elevates those early morning minutes from rushed to cherished. Lather on this shaving soap, and you’ll see what we mean. Outfitted in hand-polished wood, the grooming gear is unparalleled. ($63 at Simon’s)
Hermès H24 Cologne
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From its refined yet natural scent to its recycled paper case and diamond-shaped bottle, H24 makes earthy elegant. Sensual and fresh top notes are grounded by woodsy elements like rosewood and sage. With H24, Hermès has bottled the energetic radiance of a wild forest. It’s one of the most sustainable scents on the market, too: the refillable glass bottle is made from recycled glass. ($152)
For further inspiration, here’s a look at last year’s selections…
There’s no time like the holidays. Spending time with loved ones, making the most of a bit of time off, enjoying comforting home cooking, maybe taking a little trip and, of course, running around trying to figure out which gifts will make people actually smile. With everything else happening during the holidays, it can be daunting to find the perfect gift, especially for the discerning — some might call them picky — people in your life. But don’t worry. Our grooming gift guide is packed with trimmers, razors, cologne and unpretentious skincare routines that are surefire ways to put a smile on the face of those who take pride in looking sharp.
Barber Shop Pro Series by Conair Rotary Motor Hypoallergenic Foil Shaver
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Conair offers its most precise and performing products for use at home with the Barber Shop Series. The Rotary Motor Hypoallergenic Shaver offers the luxurious touch of a barber shop line up or trim, with hypoallergenic double gold foil. And, with a powerful 8500 blade movement per minute, no stubble will be left behind, leaving users with the look and feel of a professional touch up every morning, whether at the neckline or the hairline. ($49.99)
Barber Shop Pro Series by Conair Lithium Professional Beard Trimmer
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For the detail-oriented among the bearded, Conair’s Barber Shop Series allows for precise trimming at lengths between half a millimeter and 12mm. Equipped with a lithium ion battery that boasts superior durability, the Professional Beard Trimmer can be easily and quickly recharged via USB. Trusted in barbers shops around the world, but available to use from the comfort of home. ($69.99)
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Collector’s Edition
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Renegade designer Jean Paul Gaultier has been renowned for decades for his cutting-edge approach to fashion, which has more often than not put him seasons, if not years, ahead of global trends. With this collector’s addition set from his popular fragrance line, he once again shows his flair for the unique and boundary-pushing, particularly in the design of this bottle, which is bound to turn heads. ($125)
Humanrace Starter Set
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Instantly elevate your skincare routine with this all-in gift set from Humanmade. Includes a ride powder cleanser, lotus enzyme exfoliator, humidifying face cream, reenergizing whiteclay body bar, and energy channeling charcoal body bar. It’s enough for an overnight transformation — and at a price point that’s shockingly reasonable given the breadth of the set. ($135)
Aesop Igneous Kit
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This simple but elegant gift set from acclaimed beauty brand Aesop is the perfect combination of luxury skincare staples. Begin with the geranium leaf body cleanser (100ml), which runs to a rich lather in vibrant citrus scent, and round off the routine with a geranium leaf body balm (100ml), applied liberally to the skin after the shower to leave you feeling soft and supple. ($60)
Basic Maintenance Formula 01 Face Lotion
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Basic Maintenance turns multi-step, multi-product regimens into single, powerhouse formulas that do it all so you don’t have to. Everything is clean, sustainable, and ethically and locally sourced. Even the packaging is produced in Toronto. Formula 01 is a nutritional shake for your face, active-packed with a concentrated dose of proteins, proenzymes, fatty-acids, antioxidants, and hydrating compounds. You can say goodbye to using one product for hydration, another for restoration, another for protection and another for complexion. As an added perk, you can use the code SHARP30 at checkout for 30% off this holiday season — you can thank us later.
Bad Boy Eau de Toilette by Carolina Herrera
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A mysterious blend of smoky sage, herbaceous hemp, and sumptuous leather, Bad Boy Eau de Toilette is every part what a modern men’s fragrance should be, and yet a quick whiff makes it readily apparent that it comes from less than typical ingredients. Having hemp at the forefront in such a way is first in the fragrance industry, and alongside additional notes of black pepper and geranium leaf, Bad Boy Eau de Toilette is the type of exotic and enticing scent that will lead passersby to pull a proper double-take.($90)
BLEU DE CHANEL 2-in-1 Moisturizer for Face and Beard
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Many men know the struggle: when you attempt a moisturizing routine with a full beard, you’re really only moisturizing your cheeks and forehead, leaving the entire bottom half of your face untouched. The 2-in-1 moisturizer from BLEU DE CHANEL is a great solution for morning or nighttime face routines that keep the facial hair soft and smooth as well, tackling both the hair and the skin beneath the hair at the same time. With the woody aroma of BLEU DE CHANEL cologne, it’s the ideal way to freshen up a bearded face. ($60)
Jack Black Triple Play®
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This premium but affordable gift set from Jack Black includes three essentials for every man’s skincare regime. There’s an all-over wash, with a fresh scent and rich lather suited for face, hair, or body; a double-duty face moisturizer that includes SPF 20 to prevent signs of aging due to sun exposure; and a pure clean daily facial cleanser, perfect for removing dirt and oil and to keep your skin hydrated and fresh. ($64)
Energizing Eye Gel from CW Beggs and Sons
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Tired of… well, looking tired? This energizing eye gel reduces obvious signs of fatigue including dark circles under the eyes and overall puffiness, smoothing out the skin to keep you looking fresh, healthy, and rejuvenated. Includes caffeine, algae extract, and oat extract, as well as a mineral complex, to maximize your daily glow and air of alertness. ($23)
Wood Burning Hot Tub by Goodland
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A warm bath and a quiet retreat in the woods are two of the most effective ways to decompress — so what happens when you combine the two? Launched by Vancouver furniture designer Craig Pearce, this eco-conscious hot tub is built from recyclable aluminum and renewable cedar and oak. Rather than requiring an electrical or plumbing connection, it heats up in 90 minutes with the help of a submerged wood-burning stove. Let the deep relaxation commence. ($7,295)
Incense Set by Binu Binu
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Although incense was and is part of many ancient and religious rituals, it has become a mainstream approach to harnessing some zen. For anyone seeking a shortcut to calmness (and we don’t blame you for wanting to find a little extra right now), aromatherapy fragrances like hydrangea, sandalwood, and green tea are a powerful salve. ($70)
iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush by Oral B
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Nobody likes getting lectured by their dentist. Avoid those awkward conversations by investing in a Bluetooth brush that helps track your oral hygiene in a coordinating app. You might even start looking forward to going to the dentist — to show off your progress of course. ($350)
Home Robe by CDLP
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If the past year didn’t already convince you to invest in some luxurious loungewear (hey, we’re still rocking our silk pyjamas, no judgment), there’s still time — and maybe this woven lyocell one crafted in Portugal with satin detailing will be enough to persuade you. ($580)
Tiiliskivi Bath Towel by Marimekko
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Make shower time a little more stylish with this cozy and modern bath towel. The neutral tones should go with almost anyone’s bathroom and their towel sets, making it the perfect holiday present (just don’t forget to throw one in for yourself). One of the Finnish brand’s most classic patterns has been updated in of-the-moment colours and we’re loving it. ($75)
Hydro Skin Comfort Stubble Eraser Razor by Schick
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Who wouldn’t want to receive a handy dandy new razor as a gift? And while that might sound like sarcasm, it actually isn’t — not when it comes to Schick’s Stubble Eraser. It’s not only uniquely designed to prevent tugging and pulling but its cushioning gel pools are made with soothing green tea. It helps you comfortably shave up to seven days of stubble so you can look as slick as possible for all your holiday gatherings. ($11)
Phantom Eau De Toilette by Paco Rabanne
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If the bottle didn’t already sell you, maybe the fragrance itself will seal the deal. Do you prefer an earthy and woody scent? Look no further. ($125 for 100 mL)
Bleu de Chanel by Chanel
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Now that in-person meetings are starting to come back, first impressions benefit from a subtle hint of a distinctive fragrance and you certainly can’t go wrong with this powerful and woody one from Chanel. ($190)
Y by Yves Saint Laurent
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Looking for a high quality gift idea or to change up your signature scent? Y by Yves Saint Laurent has notes of sage, geranium, and sensual wood for a bold and unforgettable spritz every time. ($150)
