Best Men's Skincare Gift Sets

The skin is our largest organ. Along with protecting internal organs, the skin’s condition reveals much about one’s diet and health. While a great diet can work wonders, there’s nothing like some extra TLC in the form of skincare products. Skincare gift sets are universal and genderless. Even the most low-maintenance man can benefit from a men’s skincare gift set suited to his skin type.

Before you purchase a men’s skincare gift set, there are some important factors to keep in mind. Does the recipient already have a skincare routine, or are they new to the world of skincare? Additionally, it would be helpful to know their skin type and any potential allergies or sensitivities. Our buying guide and recommendations can help you know what to look for in a men’s skincare gift set so you can make an informed purchase.

While it’s never too late to start a skincare routine, the sooner you start the better. You can counteract effects such as fine lines, dark spots, and blemishes that are associated with aging skin.

How to buy the best men’s skincare gift set

Why does skincare matter?

As our outermost layer, the skin takes a beating. It’s exposed to the elements and is often the first part to show visible signs of aging. Our skin also sheds thousands of cells a minute. Without regular exfoliation, dead skin cells would pile up and cause acne and blemishes. A great men’s skincare gift set can help keep skin clean and well moisturized.

Skin type

Generally speaking, there are three major skin types: dry, oily, and combination, and each one has different care needs. Some include a fourth kind, which is “normal” (otherwise known as eudermic).

Dry skin doesn’t produce a lot of oil (or sebum), so it’s prone to dryness and flaking. Some men with dry skin may have other conditions like eczema or psoriasis. If your skin frequently feels tight, and/or if you often experience itchiness and irritation, there’s a decent chance you have dry skin. Skin also tends to dry as we age. Men with dry skin will benefit from skincare products that are gentle and moisturizing. Products with hyaluronic acid, for example, are good to look for.

Oily skin produces excess sebum. Those with oily skin may find themselves with a slick forehead at the end of the day. Oily skin is also more prone to acne, since the sebum can build up and block pores. Oily skin tends to have visible pores as well. Oily skin benefits from the use of lightweight products, as well as products designed for acne-prone skin.

Combination skin is a mix of oily and dry. It’s common to have a T-zone (the area across the forehead and down the bridge of the nose) that’s oily while the rest of the face is dry. Those with combination skin should try a multitude of products and treat specific skin areas accordingly.

Normal skin refers to well-balanced skin. The pores are small, the surface has minimal blemishes, and the texture is smooth and soft. Anyone with normal skin is pretty lucky! Even so, they should take steps to maintain its glow.  Keep things simple with a cleanser, moisturizer, and toner.

Current skincare routine

It’s hard to say that there’s a “one size fits all” skincare routine. Much of it depends on a person’s individual skincare needs. That said, consider if the recipient of a gift set already has a skincare routine. If he’s a no-fuss guy who washes his face and calls it a day, a three-piece gift set is a good place to start. At the very least, the men’s skincare gift set should include a cleanser and a moisturizer.

If he already has the basics down pat, you can opt for a gift set that includes products like toner and serum. Toner removes any traces of dirt and grime that the cleanser may have missed. A serum adds extra nutrients in a high concentration to the skin. There are a number of different serums available, such as hydrating and exfoliating serums.

Facial hair

When it comes to skincare, men with significant facial hair have additional factors to consider. Even though the skin under a beard is harder to reach, that doesn’t mean it should be neglected. A beard should be washed at least a few times a week, more or less than that depending on skin type. Beard conditioner is recommended to keep the hairs (and the skin underneath it) hydrated. One can choose a leave-in conditioner or one that rinses out. Beard oil is a good idea as well, particularly for those with dry skin.

While it isn’t necessary, a nighttime moisturizer is great for skin repair as you sleep. Some include retinol as an active ingredient, which can reduce fine lines and dark spots over time.

Features to look for in men’s skincare gift sets

Storage

Many men’s skincare gift sets include a pouch or container for storage. This is useful for keeping all the products in one place. A clear pouch is especially helpful since you can see what’s inside.

In general, skincare products should be kept in a cool, dry place. Some people use the bathroom medicine cabinet for storage, but that’s not always a wise choice. Steam from the shower can make products deteriorate more quickly. Opt for a bathroom closet or bedroom dresser instead.

Scent

Men’s skincare gift sets, like a number of skincare gift sets, can include scented products. Men’s skincare scents tend to be more woodsy and musky compared to the light, floral notes often found in women’s products. Rich scents such as cinnamon, pine, and sage aren’t uncommon. You may also find some essential oils included, such as eucalyptus, lemongrass, or mint.

Anyone with sensitive skin or skin allergies will want to avoid heavily scented products. In fact, most of the products made for sensitive skin are intentionally mild, with gentle ingredients. When in doubt, perform an allergy test. Apply a small amount of product to a patch of skin. If the skin develops redness or irritation within 10 minutes, rinse off the product immediately and discontinue use.

How much do men’s skincare gift sets cost?

Inexpensive

Men’s skincare gift sets that cost $10 to $20 are pretty simple. Most consist of two or three products, usually a cleanser and moisturizer. It’s quite possible to find quality products in this range. Some of the most well-known and trusted skincare manufacturers offer affordable samplers as well.

Mid-range

Sets that cost $20 to $40 offer more options. Here, you can find men’s skincare gift sets that include serums, toners, lip balms, face scrubs, and additional products aimed at combating visible signs of aging. You may find sets with products geared toward specific skin issues, such as products with salicylic acid to treat acne.

Expensive

You get what you pay for with skincare, so it can be worth investing in a men’s skincare gift set with higher-quality products. In addition to including a wider array of products, sets that cost more than $40 can include more accessories. Gift sets for bearded men may contain a bristle brush and a comb along with four or five skincare products. Items in this range may boast exclusive ingredients as well.

Poor shaving technique can further irritate the skin. Use a hydrating shaving cream and avoid multiblade razors, which often shave too close to the skin.

Tips

• Wash your face after every workout. If your face needs to be washed more than once a day, such as on workout days, be sure to use a mild soap that is free of harsh chemicals.
• Brush your beard. For those with a full beard, it’s worth investing in a beard brush or comb. It will naturally distribute the skin’s oils while also getting rid of dead skin cells.
• Look for products designed for the recipient’s hair type. Different beards have different needs. Afro-textured hair, for example, is more prone to ingrown hairs. Consider gift sets that include products geared toward a particular beard type.

Any skincare regimen should be supported by a healthy diet. Drinking water throughout the day and eating fruits and vegetables will go a long way in maintaining clear skin. Avoid too many sugary, processed foods.

FAQ

Q. Is men’s skincare different from women’s skincare?

A. It truly depends on the product. Some products are perfectly suitable for use by anyone. However, women may have different skincare needs than men. Some products targeted to women place emphasis on softness. Those targeted to men may emphasize reducing pores and blemishes.

Q. Will the products in my skincare gift set expire?

A. If all the products are stored in a cool, dry place, they should be good for a year. Different products include different ingredients, some of which degrade more quickly than others.