Make Dad's day with suitably macho skincare, or a classic cologne, writes Phyl Clarke
He has enough socks, right? Even though they never come out of the washing machine with their partners, socks are unlikely to elicit gasps of delight if you give some to your father next Sunday. Father's Day is looming, so what are you going to buy him? A book or CD token? Sure, that's like making him choose his own present. Mugs, dodgy ties, cufflinks, Victorian shaving sets complete with brush on stand: they'll all be paraded out.
Bless him, he'll smile as if your gift is the one item that now makes his life complete. It's you that makes his life a little brighter, so you could actually give him a gift-wrapped brick and he would be content.
Let's take a more creative approach to selecting a gift. A man's skin can be as delicate as any woman's. Add to that the fact that most of them drag a steel blade across their faces each morning and you have a recipe for lumps, bumps and blemishes. Some soothing skincare could suit those moisture-starved faces.
The new Expert range has a graphic chunky design that will reassure the hesitant newcomer to male skincare. The range is small and simple (which will suit most chaps) and the sensitive type will welcome the soothing effect of the products. A moisturiser with SPF 15 costs €7.95.
has introduced a new men's skincare range to its portfolio. The Cade facecare range is derived from the distilled oil of the juniper shrub, so it has a pleasingly barky and foresty whiff (manly, manly). The Juniper Bark Scrub (€24.50) contains wood powder to exfoliate skin and prevent ingrown hairs. Follow up with shaving oil (€17.95) to soften stubble for a smoother shave.
Want a product that will do all the work while he sleeps? Clarins, which does not beat about the bush, has named its new product Skin Difference (€41). This promises to soften facial hair deep down under the skin, to ensure a closer, softer shave next morning. It also claims to renew cells to give firmer, fresher skin. And he'll probably put it all down to "a good night's sleep".
For the man who needs a little cover-up, Clinique has come up with what I predict will be a bestseller: M Cover (€18.50) - a macho way of saying concealer. He may start dabbing a little on nicks and blemishes, but before he knows it, under-eye circles will no more as he gets more adventurous in the privacy of his bathroom.
It may only be a short step from using concealer to adding a little colour to his face. An after-shave moisturiser, 363 Holiday Skin (€15.95), from the RoC Mencode range will develop a gradual glow that will keep him looking fresh and healthy.
You won't even have to leave the house if you order a gift online; www.4men.ie will dispatch all products in luxury gift boxes, with your personal message, anywhere in Ireland free of charge.
Cologne is another option; it could put a little skip in his step when he realises the suave and debonair impression he makes when wearing the right one. Visit the larger fragrance counters to get the best selection. Many will have boxed gift sets, but don't be swayed by a bargain: it's better to give a lesser amount of a really great scent than a selection of show-off products.
There are some great classic ranges to choose from. Check out the classy Aqua di Parma and Creed ranges, or go for something new. If you are successful, it could be the start of a whole new phase. Before you know it he'll be swanning around in loafers and well-cut Italian suits, and socks will be a thing of the past.