Splurge vs save: Products for him

Whether you’re looking to splurge and spoil him rotten, or need to save your pennies and find him an affordable staple, here are our top product picks for your guy, no matter what he’s after.

Splurge: Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Deodorant Stick ($49)
If he tends to have skin on the sensitive side, a more expensive deodorant is a worthy investment. This blend offers all-day effective protection, while also smelling delightfully sweet.For 49 clams, he’d want to smell like a bed of roses!

Save: Rexona for Men Sport Defence Deodorant Stick ($4.99)
If he’s the active type, stock up his sports bag with this powerfully protective deodorant. It promises 48 hours of anti-odour, which means your home will remain a stink-free zone.

Splurge: Ermenegildo Zegna Uomo ($125)
Does he enjoy the finer things in life? Cover him with this citrus and floral violet leaf essence until it melts down to a more masculine base of cedarwood and bergamot. Eau so fancy!

Save: David Beckham Aqua Classic ($32)
This aromatic woody scent opens with a fusion of green violet leaves and spicy cardamom boosted by a hit of lemon then finished with patchouli, vetiver and suede. Swoon. If it’s good enough for David, it’s good enough for him, right?

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Splurge: Arbonne RE9 Advanced for Men Shave Cream ($42)
The cost of this shaving cream might make you gasp, but rest assured it’s well worth the price tag. The luxurious cream softens the facial hair while giving his skin a punch of nourishment. Youthful, firm, strong and healthy skin? Now that’s why you pay the big bucks.

Save: Neutrogena Skin Clearing Shave Cream ($7.99)
Is he prone to the odd breakout? This oil-free, no-foam formula minimises the risk of ingrown hairs and pesky pimples for a closer shave without irritation. Clear skin, every single day.

Splurge: Philips AquaTouch Shaver AT890 ($199)
Fast, efficient and super effective, this electric shaver allows him to get to it without hassle. The bonus is the aquatic seal, so he can shave wet or dry. It smooths over the curves of his face (no nicks, no worries!) and comes with an additional pop-up trimmer for tending to sideburns or his precious ‘mo.

Save: Gillette Fusion Gamer Manual ($14.95)
The advanced blade technology of this razor enables a more comfortable shave with less friction and pressure. The five-blade shaving surface means he can get the job done in no time, and has flexible maneuverability for those tricky areas. It doesn’t get five out of five for nothin’.  

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Splurge: BABOR Men Calming After Shave Fluid ($78)
Fast-absorbing, this fluid soothes tightness, razor burn and redness while increasing the skin’s ability to regenerate, moisturise and smooth. In short, it’ll make him stupidly beautiful.

Save: NIVEA Men Sensitive After Shave Splash ($11.36)
For a little over 10 dollars, you can turn his frown upside down with this post-shave saviour for sensitive skin. Super-gentle and alcohol-free, it’s enriched with chamomile to soothe and calm irritation while improving the condition of skin over time.

Splurge: Rubifresh Skincare Men’s Anti-aging Face Cream ($69)
Packed to the brim with powerful antioxidants from pomegranate, acerola, raspberry and green coffee seed, you can sleep easy knowing he’s in safe hands. This rich, hydrating cream will smooth fine lines and wrinkles (poof!), improve the skin’s structure and protect it from future ageing. Ageing gracefully never looked so damn gorgeous.

Save: NIVEA Men DNAge Anti-Age Moisturiser ($16.98)
Depressingly, men age a whole lot better than women, but by no means does that excuse them from precautionary action. But since he’s probably not as concerned about the signs of ageing as you are, a cheaper anti-ageing product might be just the ticket. This cream absorbs quickly and promotes skin cell renewal that helps firm, improve elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

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Splurge: AHAVA Men's Mineral Shower Gel ($26.50)
Fresh, light and super hydrating, this sensitive skin-friendly gel is enriched with Dead Sea minerals and plant extracts that will leave his limbs feeling extra clean and smooth, especially if he’s prone to dryness.

Save: Palmolive Men’s Deep Clean Shower Gel ($5.99)
Palmolive promises to give your guy a lot for just a measly $5.99! Thanks to the delectably fresh scent of spearmint oil, all-day freshness is just a rinse away. The fruit seeds exfoliate to remove dirt and grime, while the formula cleanses, without leaving his skin rough and dry.  

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Splurge: Lab Series Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15 ($80)
In this case, sun protection doesn’t come cheap, but boy does it pay off. This moisturising lotion provides continuous all-day environmental defence (great for your outdoorsy types), while also keeping his skin oh-so hydrated, fresh and smooth. The lightweight formula provides solar-activated protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, smoke and pollution, restoring water to the skin for immediate and long-term hydration. Sure, it’s a splurge, but isn’t he worth it?

Save: TriShave 3in1 Post Shave Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+ ($11)
It may cost next to nothing, but that’s not to be sneezed at, for this moisturising lotion is scientifically proven to give the skin an extra protective layer to shield his beautiful face from harmful and nasty UVA and UVB rays. It’s hydrating and non-irritating to even the most sensitive of skin. Ladies, rest assured your guy is in safe hands.

Splurge: Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shampoo ($40)
He might not want to pay 40 big ones for a shampoo, but he’ll love what it does for his hair. Aside from the vetiver, lavender and citrus aroma, the formula cleans, conditions, moisturises and adds shine. Gives merit to the saying, “you get what you pay for”.

Save: head & shoulders For Men Hair Retain Shampoo ($6.75)
He’ll love the cooling menthol feeling on his scalp, which leaves his locks superbly shiny. And if he suffers from dandruff, this formula will fix it in a flash. Talk about a confidence boost!

Do you splurge or save when it comes to buying gifts for your guy? Or does he buy his own products and spoil himself?