I tend to embrace the philosophy that less is more when it comes to cleansers. Unless you’re going through puberty, working the mines, or commuting home on a motorcycle through a dust storm, chances are you don’t need a super strong formula messing with your natural skin barrier. Which is why Sulwhasoo’s Gentle Cleansing Oil is my go-to. It’s a Korean herbal oil concoction designed to remove excess sebum (oil) and sunscreen without drying your skin out or leaving a film. As a bonus, its faint aroma—a calming mixture of ginseng and eucalyptus—gives you a chance for a mini spa moment no matter how rushed you are to get out the door in the morning. — Alyssa Bereznak

Powder cleansers aren’t usually my first choice, but they have their place—especially when I’m traveling or camping and want to pack light without sacrificing skincare quality. This one, made with patented phytoplankton from volcanic lakes, has a talcum-like texture and does a fine job washing away dirt. I can’t vouch for the science, but I’m charmed by the ritual: taking a “hazelnut-sized” scoop, mixing it with lukewarm water, and working it into a floral, mineral-scented paste before lathering up. The process slows you down in the best way, and it’s gentle enough for all skin types—perfect for sharing with whoever forgot their face wash. —AB

In the pursuit of anti-aging skin care that actually works, we found the La Prairie Caviar Lifting Serum. The serum is packed with science-backed evidence to visibly firm and tone the skin, all of which makes the $530 price tag feel entirely worth it. —Tyler Chin

If you’re new to the ever-expanding world of skincare and know you want to do more, but don’t have the patience for a 30-minute evening routine, this serum is for you. It’s a tri-hyaluronic acid solution, which means it contains three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. Together they work together to improve, protect, elasticize, and firm up your skin. In practice I’ve found it glides on super smooth and always gives my skin the kick of moisture it needs before bed–especially on those nights where I can’t bother to do anything else. Also: It smells like a sophisticated old-school barber cologne and the packaging is cool. I have no choice but to stan. —AB

Some serums feel like a chore to apply. This one is an absolute treat—an espresso shot for your skin. It’s a mix of low-weight hyaluronic acid (which penetrates the skin deeper than hight-weight molecules, and thus supports skin elasticity and firmness), hydrating PGA peptides and some other fun woo-woo stuff, like Beet Amino Acid and Silver Ear Mushroom. (Moonjuice is an L.A. company, after all.) When I apply it each morning, my skin immediately looks bouncy and even-toned. The best part? It smells like sweet, wet earth. —AB

There comes a point when you look in the mirror and think, I need to get biological. That’s when I reached for Plated Intense Serum. It’s powered by exosomes—tiny packets that help cells communicate, potentially boosting collagen and elastin production while easing pigmentation. The science is still emerging, and efficacy depends on the quality and number of exosomes, but I was impressed by how evenly it smoothed my skin tone without irritation or disruption to my routine. (It even plays nice with vitamin C and retinol.) Proof that leveling up your skincare doesn’t have to mean going nuclear. —AB

Lightweight and hydrating, the BL+ The Cream Light makes Blue Lagoon’s popular moisturizer much more approachable for those with oilier skin types. Blue lagoon seawater, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid work in tandem to hydrate the skin, leaving you glowier and radiant use after use. —TC

Kiehl’s, of course, earned a spot on this list with its Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane. Using a combo of squalane, glacial glycoprotein, and pro-ceramides, this no-frills, fragrance-free, non-greasy formula provides long-lasting hydration without any fuss. It’s killer for all skin types, and is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. Plus, its lightweight texture means you won’t feel like you’re slathered in gloop first thing in the morning. —IB

French grooming brand Typology is back with another banger in the A30 Eye Serum for Fine Lines and Wrinkles. With hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and uniquely gentle retinoids, this serum deeply hydrates, strengthens the skin barrier, and stimulates cell renewal under your eyes for a refreshed, youthful look. Our editors use it at night only (it’s creamy)—and since it’s got retinoids, make sure you’re going hard on the SPF the following day. —IB

For morning and evening use, you can’t beat Dieux’s Auracle Eye Serum, which hydrates your undereye area, softens dark circles, and combats puffiness—perfect for faking a full eight hours and reducing fine lines and wrinkles over time. It uses an algae complex to smooth skin, peptides to reduce puffiness and glycerin to hydrate. —IB

If you’re still holding out on snagging an LED mask, this is your sign to pull the trigger. Shark’s CryoGlow LED face runs the gamut of light wavelengths, from red to blue to infrared, which is a one-two-three punch against acne, hyperpigmentation, and premature signs of aging. As far as quick skin care treatments you can do from the comfort of your couch, this one is tough to beat, with sessions ranging from as four to 15 minutes. Several of our editors swear by this thing. —IB

The coolest thing about the Higherdose Red Light Face Mask? It’s wireless. (Yes, that’s a cord you’ll see in the picture, but it’s just connected to the remote control.) That means you don’t have to worry about situating yourself near an outlet when you blast away signs of aging with red light. One of our editor’s favorite use-case for this? Zapping away acne scars. —IB

The easiest way to get a satisfactory examination at your next dental appointment is to finally, finally use an electric toothbrush. Compared to manual brushing, the electric toothbrush, Philips claims, removes 20 times more plaque and leaves gums 15 times healthier. It adapts to your brushing style and reduces the intensity of the bristles so that you don’t wear away your teeth’s enamel. Pricey as it is, is still cheaper than future dental work you’ll have to pay for if you don’t take care of that million dollar smile. —TC

DJ Khaled is a shareholder in this oral care company, so you know it’s the best. The company’s “novel technique of gold-plating a toothbrush was so complex that the first factory burnt down in the process,” according to their site. I saw their silver toothbrush on Pinterest, where my algorithm is trained to serve me the most aspirational unnecessities I have to have immediately, like a $60 silver-plated toothbrush that cleans all signs of caviar, Champagne, and lobster from my teeth. —Cara Schacter

You know what probiotics can do for your gut, but they’re equally beneficial for your oral hygiene. Boka’s probiotic toothpaste supports the mouth’s microbiome, whitening and protecting your teeth so those pearly whites not only look great but will stay in your head for as long as you prioritize your brushing. —TC

The future of brushing might be toothpaste tablets. Able to bypass the TSA’s strict liquid limit, these tablets are as easy to use as your regular old paste. Pop a tablet, chew it (but don’t swallow!), and go to town with a wet brush like normal. The result is a clean and healthy smile worth the chore of having to brush twice daily. —TC

Is your body wash doing more harm than good? If you’re not using the good stuff, then that might be what’s happening. Instead, use Evolvetogether’s nutrient-rich body cleanser which nourishes the skin while still doing a good job at washing away a day’s worth of grime. Careful, though, because it smells so good you might use more than you need. —TC

We couldn’t decide which of Aesop’s old-meets-new Geranium Leaf products we wanted to feature in this year’s Grooming Awards, so we picked a set. Geranium Leaf first hit the Aesop shelves in 1998, and is back with an extended catalog of grooming stalwarts. This Body Cleanser and Body Balm combo has everything you need (geranium leaf, mandarin rind, bergamot rind) to leave your shower smelling incredible, feeling hydrated, and ready to take on the day—or lounge around enjoying the crisp, invigorating citrusy scent. —IB

This stuff is the platonic ideal of a body scrub, one that stands up entirely on its quality ingredients and effective results. Unscrew its minimalist all-white container and you will find a speckled brown pudding of nourishing liquids. Beyond the natural bitter scent of green coffee and almond oils and crushed murumuru seeds (which function as the exfoliant) it’s entirely fragrance-free. When applied mid-bath or shower, all of this adds up to ultra-hydrated, smoother, and brighter skin. Plus, there’s just something grounding about feeling like you’re bathing in coffee grounds. —AB

Ursa Major’s new body wash nails the balance between natural and elevated. It cleanses and hydrates with an invigorating blend of eucalyptus, cedar, and peppermint—the brand’s signature wake-up call. Birch sap locks in moisture, aloe soothes, and coconut-based surfactants create a rich, creamy lather. No sulfates, no stripping—just a seriously refreshing wash in a slick, medicinal-green bottle. —Michael Stefanov

We’re all in on bar soap, and Malin+Goetz’s exfoliating bar leaves our skin soft, smooth, and clean every time we use it. With both physical and chemical exfoliants, the bar soap buffs away dead skin while the addition of eucalyptus leaves us with a cooling and clean feeling that has us wanting to shower more than twice a day. —TC

Bar soap is back, baby. The aptly named Green Goddess Soap Brick from the scent geniuses at Flamingo Estate is top-tier, with basil, mint, ginger, and pea tendrils making up the bulk of the fragrance. Use it as a body bar or leave it on your bathroom sink for the ultimate flex when guests come over. —IB

You can buy all the fancy sunscreen you want, but often the determining factor of whether you actually wear it is convenience. Freaks of Nature, a company founded by surfing champ Kelly Slater, gets this. Its SPF50 sun stick is small and portable, just as easily tucked into a crossbody bag as it is thrown into a dopp kit. The 100% mineral paste easily glides onto your face and body, requires very little rubbing in, and leaves a minimal white cast. It’s also water-resistant for a whopping 80 minutes and reef safe for the ocean. During a humid (read: sweaty) two-week trip to South Korea this September, my boyfriend and I applied it constantly on treks through Seoul, hikes through Gyeongju, and beach days in Busan. We didn’t get burned once. —AB

Maybe if sunscreens were more like Avène’s, people would be better about applying their SPF daily. Not only will this mineral sunscreen protect against UV rays with a healthy dose of SPF 50, but it’ll also protect the skin from pollution and even the blue light from your devices’ screens. —TC

“It truly is on tier all its own” is how Martin Mulkeen, GQ’s erstwhile Global Commerce Director, characterized the Elta MD UV Skin Recovery Broad Spectrum SPF 50. This lightweight, 100% mineral sunscreen is top dog when it comes to protecting sensitive skin (particularly anyone with rosacea) and strengthening the skin barrier. Plus, it doesn’t feel greasy and smells surprisingly good. —IB

This bottle is cool. It’s totally 80’s Miami workout video vibes: Picture Rob Lowe in a convertible spritzing his face with this paraben-free, Leaping Bunny Certified, non-comedogenic SPF 50. It’s transparent on all skin tones so you don’t have to worry about looking dumb. And it smells like banana and coconut (subtly), and has caffeine to de-puff, aloe and cucumber for antioxidants, algae, green tea, and more. Plus, it fits in your pocket, so there’s no excuse to not stay sun-protected. —CS

Sometimes you just know a product’s going to hit, and Church California’s new stick deodorant does. Housed in sturdy, all-cardboard, compostable packaging, it swaps plastic for purpose. Magnesium and organic tapioca starch absorb moisture, while coconut oil and shea butter soothe skin. The cedar, eucalyptus, and clary sage scent seals the deal—an effective, biodegradable deodorant perfectly suited for the times. —MS

All-over body deos are now a standard, and underarm OG Degree is further innovating with this clinical yet gentle targeted spray. It goes on smoothly and can reach hard-to-get spots (like pits, privates, feet) or anywhere you need a quick refresh or extra odor protection. A mineral compound absorbs moisture while glycerin keeps skin hydrated. The scent is light and citrusy without that heavy locker-room vibe that can accompany sprays. Whether in your gym bag or medicine cabinet, it’s a super-reliable, apply-anywhere essential for staying fresh. —MS

Wonder Valley’s packaging alone earns it a spot by your sink or tub, but it’s the effective, soothing, olive-oil-infused, artisanal formulas that seal the deal. The new Wild Garden Hand Wash doesn’t just cleanse—it’s softening skincare for even the roughest hands. A bit more viscous than your average wash, it works into a velvety foam that leaves hands soft, nourished, and thoroughly clean (thanks to that olive oil). The subtle scent blends cedar, basil, vetiver, bay, mint, rosemary, sage, and lavender for a verdant garden, bottled. —MS

If you could bottle the essence of the Canadian wilderness, it would be Sans Savon’s natural hand soap. The sustainability-minded brand lives up to its claims, with 99% of ingredients derived from nature, over 21% upcycled, and a refillable dispenser to reduce waste. Instead of traditional surfactants, it uses a soap-free micellar formula with naturally derived antimicrobials that gently cleanse while nourishing the skin. The scent, composed entirely of essential oils, blends balsam fir, white spruce, and black spruce for a crisp, forest-fresh aroma. —MS

I discovered Marin while in line at the flagship L.L. Bean store in Freeport, Maine this summer, intrigued by its advertised “marine glycoproteins.” Turns out, the lotion is imbued with the circulatory fluid of lobsters. Developed by University of Maine researchers studying its skin-repairing properties, the results were so impressive they launched a skincare brand.(One of the co-founders was patient zero in the experiment.) Its Soothing Hydration Cream is formulated for extra sensitive, eczema-prone skin, but I found that—while on a trip that involved a lot of hiking, and traipsing around in Chacos—it worked wonders on softening my calluses and other dry skin patches on my hands, feet, and elbows. (And don’t worry, it doesn’t smell like fish.) With all respect to the cows, beef tallow’s got nothing on this nourishing lobster lotion. —AB

Le Labo’s “Rinse-Free Hand Gel”—a fancy name for hand sanitizer—is our pick for the best in the game right now, thanks to its basil-verbena scent, which leaves your hands smelling great and feeling refreshed. —IB

Verb’s a trusted staple in the haircare scene, and its latest Density Shampoo is clutch for anyone with fine or thinning hair. This peptide-powered formula gets to the root of thinning, literally. Peptides promote growth and stimulate follicles, while saw palmetto extract nourishes, ginseng densifies, and niacinamide (a skincare favorite) supports scalp health. It’s new-ish but already feels like a future standard. After just a few washes, hair feels cleaner, fuller, and noticeably thicker with less fallout. Plus, the bergamot, sage, and rosemary scent is herbaceously awesome. —MS

Living Proof keeps on proving why it’s a mainstay in the haircare game, and its latest Perfect Hair Day Shampoo more than lives up to its name. The brand’s known for tackling every hair woe (dryness, frizz, volume, etc) but this one’s a true all-rounder. Powered by their Sili-CLONE HairTech, it delivers the shine, smoothness, and conditioning of silicone without the buildup. It lathers like a dream, feels silky while you wash, and leaves hair soft and healthy. It lathers like a dream, feels silky while you wash, and leaves hair soft and healthy-looking. Plus, it’s gentle on natural oils but keeps hair cleaner longer. Perfect for cooler months when you might skip a wash or two. —MS

Healthy strands start at the root, and Act+Acre has long pioneered the skincare-for-your-scalp movement. Their latest Daily Hydro Hydrating Shampoo is a mega-moisturizing formula powered by hyaluronic acid (yep, the same hero from your face cream) to hydrate and Tilicine, their proprietary plant-powered extract, to lock in moisture. Science meets nature in this rich, creamy lather that feels luxe without being heavy. The clean, subtle scent won’t overpower, and if your hair runs dry or just needs a hydration boost, this one’s your go-to for softer, more manageable strands. —MS

“Clarifying” gets tossed around a lot in haircare, but at its core, a great one gives your strands a deep clean—removing buildup from products, minerals, and pollution. Sachajuan’s Clarifying Conditioner does that and more. The renowned Swedish brand delivers a rich, lotion-like texture that removes residue while softening, detangling, and hydrating. It’s indulgent yet non-stripping, leaving hair smooth and refreshed. Housed in a newly designed bottle, it’s the perfect bi-weekly reset to revive dull strands and bring hair back to its healthy, glossy baseline. —MS

If you’ve got fine hair, you want a conditioner that adds body without the weight, and ideally one that steers clear of silicones (like dimethicone), which can build up and leave strands looking flat. This volumizing conditioner from Living Proof skips silicones, sulfates, and other questionable stuff, but delivers a thickening effect thanks to a blend of lightweight emollients and humectants. It’s formulated to detangle, condition, and add shine, sans the buildup. Even after just one wash, hair feels lighter, fuller, and noticeably more voluminous. —MS

Bur Bur is becoming known for its hydrating, botanical-based formulas. The name nods to burdock root, a powerhouse plant long used in traditional medicine for scalp health and hair growth. You’ll find it throughout the lineup, including this standout conditioner with ingredients that read like an apothecary shopping list: nettle root, ginger root, pumpkin seed extract, and jojoba seed oil. Together they soften, detangle, and strengthen for noticeably healthier strands. The creamy texture melts right in, while the sleek, weighty metal tube feels as elevated as what’s inside. Growing Season indeed. —MS

For days when you don’t really want to style your hair, you can still put a little bit of Coastal Creme in there. More of a hair lotion than styling treatment, it helps to add volume and texture to your locks while hydrating it so you can keep that hair for as long as humanly possible. —TC

Whether your hair is short or long (or somewhere in-between), this literal all-purpose pomade from Firsthand Supply will keep every strand of hair exactly where you want it. Its long-lasting hold means you won’t have to worry about things falling flat, and its low shine provides a nice, natural look that makes it look like you’re not trying too hard. Plus, it’s water-based so it washes out easily at the end of the day without it feeling like you still have gunk in your hair. —TC

About five years ago, if you’d asked me what I do to maintain my scalp I would’ve probably replied: “What?” Since then, much has been done to educate the world on the ways a clean and healthy scalp can promote more plentiful hair growth and reduced dandruff, inflamed hair follicles, scabs, and itching. Of all the more involved products I’ve tried, Kiwabi’s Deep Sea Scalp Cleansing Treatment—a mix of seven different Japanese seaweed extracts and mineral-rich Koshikijima sea water—does the best job of scraping away at the natural build-up of sebum and other product residue on my head. Fair warning, applying this requires a little bit more time in the shower, but I can attest that the day after I use it, I can tell my hair is shinier, more voluminous, and far less oily than usual. —AB

There are two categories in the growing realm of liquid scalp care products: in-shower scrubs that require some time and elbow grease, and scalp serums formulated for quick, daily application. This one’s the latter, infused with our good ultra-moisturizing friend Hyaluronic Acid and some standard adaptogens like Arctic Root, Chaga Mushroom, and Ginseng. You use a nifty litter applicator to suck up the serum and plop a few drops along your hairline or natural part, take a second to massage it in, and then move on your merry way with the faint smell of spearmint and ginger trailing in your wake. My hair tends to be oily, but this solution doesn’t weigh it down or make it look dirty. I’m known to shed hair pretty constantly, but since working this into my daily routine I’ve clocked fewer strands clinging to my clothes and shower drain. Given how quick and easy it is to apply this stuff each day, that’s a win in my book. —CS

Tipped off by the fragrance experts at Osswald NYC, one niche amber-oud standout that deserves more laurels is Maison Crivelli’s Stallion Oud. It reimagines the now-ubiquitous note through an unexpected lens: the scent of agarwood at a horse race. Sweet, smoky oud mingles with saffron, cardamom, rose, leather, patchouli, and cedar for a rich, refined balance of woodsmoke and florals. Housed in a handsome, streamlined vessel, it’s a still–sorta–slept-on masterpiece that’s equal parts ambery, spicy, leathery, and just a little dirty in the best way possible. The projection is excellent, too. —MS

Francis Kurkdjian (one of the GOATs of olfactory architecture and the nose behind the recent Dior Sauvage re-flanker) turned his inimitable craft to another Dior classic: Homme Parfum. It’s Dior’s best drop of the year in our view, a sexy, mass-appeal entry point into the world of amber and florals. Iris takes center stage from the first spritz, joined by rich notes of amber, patchouli, and vetiver for a sensual, faintly chocolaty composition. It smells far more luxurious than its price tag suggests—an addictive scent that’s effortlessly wearable day or night. —MS

Indie-luxe heavy-hitter Perfumehead delivered one of the year’s standout scents with 1272, a “coltrait” (a hybrid of cologne and extrait) that fuses the freshness of a cologne with the longevity of an extrait de parfum. If you love citrus colognes but want something with more dimension and lasting power, this one’s exceptional. Inspired by Palm Springs and the iconic Wexler House, 1272 channels breezy desert modernism through radiant orange flower, cistus absolute, and verdant greens over sandalwood and soft woods. The result is crisp, sun-warmed, and quietly magnetic—like a perfectly pressed linen shirt drying in the desert air. —MS

The reformulated 2025 Sun Song turns up the solar-chic brightness of its more floral 2019 predecessor. Here, it’s a luminous, luxe fragrance that wears its citrus heart on its sleeve. It opens with a vibrant blend of orange blossom and neroli, balanced by crisp lemon and a touch of petitgrain. You get all the smooth, sunlit warmth and radiance without the sharp acidity found in many citrus colognes. The longevity is impressive—not quite “beast mode” (and honestly, it’s too elegant for such labels)—but if you love a straight-up burst of citrus freshness, this is one of the most poignant takes out there. —MS

Exotic spices meet smooth woods in Tom Ford’s heady masterclass, Bois Pacifique. Frankincense, oak, and cedar conjure forest vibes, while an amber base adds depth and vanilla smooths the edges. Cardamom and turmeric weave in a gentle spice, making this scent as refined for workdays as it is alluring for date nights. And true to form, the vessel is as refined as the scent itself. Fans of spicy, woodsy musks should add this to their rotation—and for Tom Ford devotees, it’s a no-brainer. —MS

All Aesop colognes share a sort of earthy, botanical undertone that defines the brand’s DNA, but the latest, Above Us, Steorra, feels like an otherworldly dream beneath a crisp winter sky. Labdanum and frankincense swirl with spicy cardamom over an ambery base softened by vanilla, creating a cologne that’s rich yet airy, with a bit of freshness to boot. Its name translates to “star,” and the mood does, indeed, feel celestial—a luminous, resin-tinged cologne that glows quietly on the skin and wears especially well on fall and winter evenings. —MS

A grooming brand making some of the most wearable, handsomely packaged, and affordable scents out there? Yep. The buzzy French men’s grooming label Horace is now just as known for its fragrances as its skincare—and Vetiver Primavera proves why. The classic note can swing woodsy, earthy, green, or bright; here it’s fresh, luminous, and a full-on green machine. It opens with a lively burst of lemon, yuzu, and mandarin before settling into a clean, woody vetiver base. Equal parts citrus, green, and wood, it’s a fantastic daily driver for days when you want to smell great without overthinking it. —MS

Parisian house Parfums de Marly’s Castely is a masterfully blended, regal citrus-and-spice fougère with universal appeal. This luxe, modern spin on classic barbershop freshness is aromatic, elegant, and a little spicy: the kind your dad’s dad wore, and you will too. It opens with a crisp flash of ginger, black pepper, and bergamot before easing into warm spice and an earthy base of labdanum and woods. This fresh citrus-wood fusion has a dry down that lingers subtly, proving that quiet craftsmanship can often make the most memorable scented statements. —MS

Every new drop from luxury house Amouage sparks hushed whispers among the scent-savvy. The Oman-based perfumery blends the finest oils, ornate packaging, and masterful compositions that more than justify its reverence (and cost). Opus XVI Timber is a regal, wearable forest of resinous, crisp woods with a slightly spiced, sensual gourmand tinge. Cardamom, cocoa, and pink pepper open the composition before settling into a base of fir balsam, frankincense, palo santo, cedarwood, cypress, and patchouli. It’s an opulent, artisanal, and layered woody dream that doesn’t beg for compliments but inevitably earns them. —MS

Not the cool-dude Matcha. Not the slept-on Noir. And not the NYC-elevator-ubiquitous Santal (no shade—it’s iconic for a reason). Le Labo’s Eucalyptus 20 expands the brand’s olfactory canon with a smoky, woodsy composition far more complex than its medicinal name suggests. This isn’t spa-day eucalyptus—it’s deeper, darker, and unmistakably Le Labo, with an incense-like undercurrent. Notes of eucalyptus, galbanum, cedarwood, frankincense, and musk marry heady warmth with an herbaceous twist that smells more church-like than greenhouse. Subtly verdant and richly woody, it’s destined to be a new signature for the house. —MS

The honeyed tobacco sweetness of Naxos cemented Italian niche luxury house Xerjoff as one of perfumery’s most talked-about players, and with every new launch, noses notice. Coro is one of the year’s most buzzed-about luxury releases: a sweet, chic bomb where ripe fruit meets opulent florals and a whisper of gourmand depth. The opening hits lush with pineapple and mango before unfolding into a rich jasmine heart. Vanilla, amber, musk, and sandalwood lend a subtle, creamy woodiness, resulting in an opulent tropical scent you can wear year-round. —MS

Another exemplary indie fume from Arquiste, Tropical is a sophisticated blend of lush florals and soft sweetness—layered, nuanced, and, as always, steeped in historical inspiration. Inspired by a modernist garden on New Year’s Eve in the balmy city of Mérida, Yucatán, it’s a sultry, modern twist on the tropical genre. It opens with lush champaca orchids before ripe guava and ginger add a zesty lift. The dry down of vanilla and mahogany anchors it in warmth and texture, weaving fruit, spice, flowers, and woods into a scent that’s distinctly tropical, transportive, and unmistakably Arquiste. —MS

There’s no point in slathering yourself with the latest and greatest colognes, body balms, and serums if your home doesn’t smell as fabulous as you do. That’s why this Agrigento Olive Tree Candle from the team at Flamingo Estate is such a must-have home item—and why it’s getting its very own Grooming Award in 2025. —MS

The most advanced vibe curators know that there are only a few true shortcuts to set the mood during a dinner party or date: a peppery wine, a Sade record, and a carefully considered incense stick. Vyrao’s Verdant Incense lives up to the task. Once lit, Italian bergamot, frankincense, white musk and more meander through your space, delicately nudging a calm, harmonious atmosphere in a way that never becomes overly pungent or nagging. For the past few months it’s become my household’s anecdote for the Sunday scaries. There’s just something about this blooming fragrance that brings everybody in the room back down to earth. —AB

An electric shaver may never get you the close shave a manual razor can achieve, but Philips’ latest shaver gets pretty damn close. Its rotary blades make light work out of even the densest facial hair, and because of its smart light guide system, the shaver will alert you to when you’re applying too much, too little, or just the right amount of pressure. —TC

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes—wherever hair grows, the Braun 9440 can shave it off. This 13-in-1 body groomer can help you manscape with ease, cutting down hairs to as short as .5 millimeters, or letting you keep it longer at up to 20 millimeters. Its two-hour battery life means you’ll barely ever have to charge it, and those sharp blades are guaranteed for life. —TC

If you’ve ever dreaded shaving because of a fear you’ll end up looking like Freddy Krueger when you take a blade to your beard, then Fur’s shave cream can literally save your face. By creating a dense protective layer to your visage, a blade cleanly and easily glides across all your hairs for a nick- and bump-free shave to turn the daily grooming routine into less of a chore. —TC

A gel-to-foam that lathers this well (especially at this price point) is tough to beat, and Gillette Labs clearly did their R&D. You only need a small amount and a splash of water before it transforms into a rich, cloud-like foam for an ultra-smooth glide. It doesn’t just cushion, either: vitamin B3 and sea kelp help cleanse and hydrate while you shave. All told, it’s a stellar all-arounder that delivers a close, comfortable shave and leaves skin soft, balanced, and refreshed with subtle notes of cedarwood and orange peel. —MS

You probably already know Le Labo for their ubiquitous fragrances, but the brand’s other products—like their beard oil—pack an equally intoxicating punch. This nourishing and non-greasy formula uses a laundry list of oils (sunflower, grapeseed, jojoba, safflower, grape) and extracts (ginger, rice bran, sunflower, rosemary leaf) to soften beards and add plenty of shine. Plus, it’s infused with Le Labo’s signature grooming scent: a mix of bergamot, lavender, violet, and tonka bean. —IB

You can’t talk about awesome, affordable grooming brands without mentioning Jack Black. The brand has been cranking out no-nonsense men’s skin care products for over 20 years, and their beard oil is one of our favorites. We’ve called it the best beard oil for softening strands in the past, and for good reason: the blend of Kalahari melon, plum, and marula oils help breath some life back into brittle, dry beards (which helps with styling and shine) while brown algae, carrot extract, and vitamin E all work together to protect against free radicals. —IB