Not only do the women of Ireland want to put their best face forward, but our men do, too.

Men are typically out in the elements more than women, subjecting their skin to more UV rays, environmental pollution and wind damage – all factors that work together to dry out and age the skin and produce wrinkles.

So, for this column, I want to look at some of my favourite, affordable and beneficial products for the boys.

1. Clinique For Men oil-control facewash really cleanses the skin and removes dirt and oil. Use with warm water and apply over face and neck. This product will prep the skin before shaving and soften any stubble. RRP €22.

2.Bioré deep-cleansing charcoal pore strips for the nose and chin work like a magnet, instantly locking on to and drawing out deep-down dirt and oil that causes blackheads. These are best to use after a hot shower so that your skins pores are well open and extraction will happen more easily. After use, splash cold water over your face to close pores. €9.33 from www.boots.ie

3. Once the skin has been properly prepped, it will make the whole process of shaving a much more pleasurable – if that’s possible – experience. Bulldog original shaving gel is a natural gel packed with essential oils and is great for all skin types. Once massaged into the face, the gel will ensure an incredibly smooth shave. €4.99 from www.sammccauley.com.

4. Gillette Fusion proshield with flexball will ensure an accurate shave and sharp sideburns, with the advanced five-blade razor giving an incredibly clean, close shave every time. €17.99 from www.boots.ie.

5. Veet For Men hair removal cream is a no-fuss product that gets rid of any unwanted hair on your back, shoulders, under arms or chest. Painless and very effective, it removes the strongest and shortest hairs quickly. €8.49 from www.boots.ie.

6. Nivea sensitive post-shave balm calms and mattifies (fills in fine lines and open pores) so that the skin feels tight and hydrated. By the way ladies, this product works brilliantly as a primer under your makeup. €6.79 from www.boots.ie.

7. Wellman wrinkle-control anti-ageing moisturiser from Vitabiotics is a vitamin-heavy cream that hydrates the skin, energises the complexion and offers SPF 15. RRP €24.99.

8. Good old E45 moisturising lotion is my winning product. It’s a non-greasy, fast-absorbing cream that’s very nourishing, even on the most parched skin, and can be used all over the body. My father swears by E45 and has lathered it on to his face after shaving every morning for the last 30 years. He really does have a healthy, flawless complexion. Available from stockists nationwide and online, including 500ml for €8.45 from www.tesco.ie.

9. The Irish-made Kinvara Eye Wow! eye serum targets dark circles, fine lines and puffiness. Made with a natural plumping hyaluronic acid, revitalising fig, green coffee, horse chestnut and cooling cucumber, it’s quite simply a little roller full of pure magic. Available in health food stores and chemists nationwide. RRP €29.95.

10. Murine dry and tired eye drops are specially formulated with two lubricants to refresh dry and tired eyes and sooth the feeling of discomfort. The eye drops come in a thicker gel, so they are much easier to apply into the eye. €6.49 from www.boots.ie.

11. Hands are as important as your feet, chaps, so take good care of both. Apply a good dollop of hand cream to hands and feet (keep a hand cream on your bedside table and apply each night) and make sure all nails are clipped to the same length or filed. Weleda Skin Food is a highly nourishing hand cream that is especially good on dry, scaly skin. €8.82 for 30ml at Holland and Barrett.

12. There is nothing nicer than spritzing on a delicious smelling fragrance to finish off your regime. An old favourite is 4711 Original Eau De Cologne for men. This heavenly gentleman’s cologne is made with the finest essential oils, mixed with sandalwood, which makes this fragrance crisp, light and very sensual. €15.99 for 50ml from www.boots.ie. CL

Next time

I’m going to be talking all about protecting your skin in the summer sunshine and suncare products for all the family. If you have any beauty queries, email dollybuckley1@gmail.com