For my dad, grooming isn’t a luxury, it’s a task. He doesn’t want to think too hard about it, he doesn’t want to “go out of his way,” and he doesn’t feel like he has to — in other words, his routine is set. But every Father’s Day, instead of whiskey (he doesn’t drink) or a box of cigars (he doesn’t smoke), I give him a nice shaving cream. It’s something I know he wouldn’t ever buy for himself. And every year, he grabs the tube, squints, and says, “Thanks, Boy.” And that’s that. Though brief in gratitude, I know he enjoys it, because, for a small period of time every summer, he shaves a little better. From shaving cream to deodorant, these are the other upgrades worth considering for your dad.
Duke Cannon Big American Brick of Soap
Instead of Irish Spring: Duke Cannon’s line of “manly” bar soaps is made in the US, with a portion of proceeds going to veterans. This particular scent, “Smells Like Productivity,” is a mild combination of mint and menthol. It’s rough-cut, similar to the soap used by GIs in the Korean War, which makes it easier to grip. At 10 ounces, it’s also big. And bigger is better — at least with soap (it lasts longer, cleans more).
Kiehl’s Smooth Glider Precision Shave Lotion
Instead of Barbasol: Self-lathering foams win guys over because they’re cheap, easy and don’t take 20 minutes for the same result as a traditional wet shave. The new Kiehl’s shave lotion shares that ethos, but drops all the nasty parabens and phthalates of big-name drugstore brands. The kicker? Because of its skin-nourishing oils, such as kukui nut oil, you don’t even need water. Just apply, shave, and you’re done.
