Facial wash mans up

Men can no longer get off the hook with simply a bar of soap and a razor when it comes to skin care.

Cleanliness has become integral in the art of manliness. Perhaps even more so than a good body.

And there are simply too many products available for men to plead ignorance.

To prove their masculinity, my colleagues tested a few products.

L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Pure & Matte Volcano Red Foam, 100ml, $10.90
Name: Jonathan Roberts
Age: 40
Usual product: Lab Series

Given that I have skin that looks like an abandoned fracking operation, I didn't hold out much hope that this budget product would leave me with a smooth Keanu-like visage.

I'm guessing this is aimed at younger men. "C'mon, guys. Let's cleanse like MEN... IN A VOLCANO!!"

And when it says red, it means it. The Mars-coloured product creates a pink foam and rinsing can cause flashbacks to the prom scene from Carrie.

The ingredients sound like a delirious science teacher's ramblings. But it includes iron oxides? Isn't that rust?

As for cleansing, my skin squeaked but was not left feeling too dry. Not too bad at all.

Available at Watsons, Guardian, Sasa, supermarkets and departmental stores

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, 250ml, $35
Name: Ariffin Jamar
Age: 27
Usual product: None

I don't use a proper facial wash. My cleanser is whatever body soap I'm using at that moment.

This product claims to help prepare the skin for a less irritating, more comfortable shave.

So instead of my usual hot water pre-shave treatment, I tried Kiehl's face wash. This was followed by my favourite shaving cream.

The result? My face was lost in a fusion of fruity flavours. And at the end of the shave, my face was feeling fresh, or should I say, refuelled.

Thanks to the caffeine, menthol and citrus extracts, I felt fresh and my skin felt tight for a couple of hours, even while I was out and about in the hot and humid weather.

Available at Kiehl's outlets

Biotherm Homme Cleansing Gel, 150ml, $42 (40ml travel size tube not sold on its own)
Name: Rei Kurohi
Age: 21
Usual Product: Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash

I generally avoid facial cleansers marketed at men because I have sensitive skin and they tend to be too harsh.

This product smelled like generic men's cologne. It felt milder than some other men's products I've tried and didn't lather up too much.

My skin reddened slightly because of its sensitivity and had a slightly tacky feeling even when it was dry. But that quickly went away.

This cleansing gel gets the job done, but its strength isn't for me.

Available at the Biotherm Homme boutique and selected departmental stores such as Metro and Isetan

Garnier Men Acno Fight Wasabi Foam, 100ml, $9.50
Name: Timothy Goh
Age: 20
Usual Product: Nivea For Men Deep Cleansing Facial Wash

So I was apprehensive about a wasabi-based facial wash. The product is "enriched with salicylic acid".

I have no idea what that means, but the thought of any kind of acid on my face makes me fear for my life.

My fears were unfounded.

The foam felt refreshing and energising, and wasn't painful or drying.

I began to look for the "wasabi" element in the foam but it wasn't in the scent.

The foam isn't green either, quickly dashing my dreams of pretending to be Shrek.

Available at Watsons, Guardian, Sasa, supermarkets and departmental stores

This article was published on April 13 in The New Paper.

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