Men’s Grooming | The Bearded Man Co.

Beard oil. Is it something I ever thought I need? No. Is it something I ever wanted? Not really. Is it something I like now I have some? Definitely!

Credit where credit’s due, I really knew nothing about the stuff until Christmas, when a small present of The Bearded Man Co’s oil arrived from friends up North.

It did take me a few days to bother to use any. I mean, when do you think it’s necessary?

Deodorant - check. Aftershave - check. Beard oil - …

Exactly. But when I did, wow. Now it’s going on every day.

Why? I like coffee. Let’s not mess around here. I love coffee. It’s currently Sunday evening and I’m drinking...you guessed it - coffee!

So, when I opened that packet and saw the words ‘black coffee’ staring back at me, I knew this could be a winner. And it does. It really does smell like black coffee. Fresh, decent black coffee at that. Crisp and delicious, it’s a faint fragrance that I’m carrying around for at least three or fours hours. It sure as hell beats the stagnant pong of rank sweat on the Northern Line.

The Bearded Man Co. have over 40 different oils to try. It has to be fresh cut grass for me next, just in time for the summer.

Check out their site here and also check out their fledgling ‘Behind the Beard’ series, most recently featuring Ricki Hall - he of Gaolhouse Denim modelling fame - and no doubt me soon...I’m just waiting for that call.

Christmas Presents | Beard oil, Ralph Lauren, and Reiss

I'm at the age now where for Christmas I expect socks, lots of them, and perhaps some alcohol.

I still get some good presents too though.

Mat sent me a bottle of coffee scented beard oil, from the Bearded Man Company - something I have never used before, but would consider buying again - while a friend from Peru brought me some shoes from his own show company.

Someone else (my clever girlfriend) bought me an incredibly neatly boxed Ralph Lauren polo shirt.

It's a staple, the polo shirt, and Ralph Lauren must be the go to for a lot of people - especially if the massive display in Selfridges is anything to go by.

It's a great product. Smart, yet hard wearing, the custom fit is cut well and hugs the shoulders and arms tightly, but not too tightly. The colours are strong too and it takes a good few washes before they fade slightly. I sound like I'm taking the Daz Doorstep Challenge here!

Looking at the small pile of presents under the tree with my name on, I decided to do some Christmas shopping for myself. The early sales were pretty good to me, and I picked up two Reiss shirts for almost half price.

One check and one white shirt, along with a mountain socks and some new underwear - that's the wardrobe staples covered for another year.

Pictures: My Instagram.

More wardrobe staples? Check out the Sunspel loop back sweater.