Grooming: Kyoku for Men

I came across the Kyoku brand about a year ago, when I received a bundle of products as a ‘making amends’ present from an errant lover (a frank admission, if ever there was one). The lover has since been consigned to history, however Kyoku is perhaps a lasting testament to our period together and some small recompense for a fairly frustrating time. I’ve recently purchased a selection of products myself and want to share what I think is an essential brand.

(l-r): Facial moisturiser, Exfoliating facial scrub, Razor repair balm, Body wash, Daily facial cleanser

Facial cleanser

The facial cleanser is excellent, especially first thing in the morning – a citrus menthol scent is great substitute for loud wake up call. Not much you can say about a cleanser beyond answering the question “does it clean?” and the answer is yes. Best followed by….

Exfoliating facial scrub

My favourite scrub thus far. The particles aren’t huge (and consequently it isn’t like rubbing your face with moist gravel each morning) and the smell is great – almost like fabric softener maybe? It’s also a good beard softener before a shave, it makes the shaving process a lot easier if you can give the skin a thorough clean in order to raise the hairs before you apply the razor.

Facial moisturiser

The facial moisturiser is perhaps the best I’ve used – you can use it even if you’ve got fairly greasy or oily skin and it sinks in thoroughly and fast. Best of all, it comes with SPF15 so you can use it safely in the sun (although I spend most leisure time stuck at Bank Underground station, waiting for a train). Ingredients includes bamboo, avocado oil, green tea leaf and plankton although I’m not sure how much that contributes to its fragrance – the only way I can describe it is “creamy lemon”.

Body wash - WATER

A good all round body wash (WATER is the name of the sub-brand, there are others). Interestingly, it is a body wash only but I prefer this – better to be a master at one trade than a master of none as the old adage goes. It gives a good lather and smells distinctively masculine. The packaging is also bathroom safe in that is dispenses a decent amount of product and can be used easily with wet hands.

Razor repair balm

Firstly, the smell is most intriguing – something akin to neat Pimms! Which suffice to say pleases me greatly. Razor repair balms have mixed success with me usually, I find some tend to sting more than the razor burn did originally hence they don’t seem worth it. No worries here, it soothes nicely. Red bumps are infrequent, presumably due to the inclusion of witch hazel and aloe vera.

All in all, Kyoku is a brand I love – after all, I bought the products myself (this was no freebie or sponsored post, thank you very much!). Only one fly in this otherwise unsullied ointment…the cost. They ain’t cheap (although as I’m often saying, it’s all relative) - this selection set me back nearly £120. Having said that, they should last, especially the razor repair and the moisturiser (the two most expensive). So if your man is a bit metro (and you want to bring him back to the masculine side of metro) then go on a Kyoku spree for him. I just hope it brings your relationship more success than it brought mine…

Kyoku is available from Brummells of London.