ABOUT FACE:It's father's day tomorrow, and if you still haven't bought your daddy a gift, check out the men's ranges at cosmetic counters, writes Phyl Clarke
HE BOUNCED YOU on his knee, slipped you a few bob when you were short, and gave your first boyfriend the once over. To him, no man will ever be good enough for you, and he will always see you through rose-tinted spectacles. Let's hear it for dads, firmly wrapped around your little finger, and in whose eyes you will always be . . . perfect.
I have four sisters, and once a year, we would each receive a card from my father. The cheque enclosed was great, but not as great as the inscription: "To my favourite daughter." He wrote the same on all five cards.
Tomorrow morning, dads all over the country will wake up to a medley of well-intentioned gifts on their breakfast-in-bed tray. Of course it's the thought that counts, but there's no harm in giving him something useful as well as breakfast.
If you're looking for a gift to give to your father tomorrow, there's plenty on offer that you can buy today. Cliniqueis one of the top-selling men's ranges, and for my money, ticks all the right boxes. The name sounds scientific and gender-neutral, the packaging is sleek and understated, and the straightforward product names tell you exactly what to expect. Cliniquerealise that men like their products explained to them in plain English. Women, being from Venus, want the glamour and magic implied in a pot of cream with exotic ingredients and celebrity endorsement.
But back to the men. The Skin Supplies Shave Set from Clinique (€42) is a great introduction to the world of men's skincare.
Clarinsdo some great multi-product sets, but have a look at their new UV Protection (€35-€50), which is oil-free, with bonus of SPF 20. You needn't mention the moisturising and softening action, but he will appreciate the anti-leak bottle which dispenses just the correct amount. If Dad is a bit further down the skincare road, you might consider LancômeMen Age Fight Face or Age Fight Eyes, which combine a quickly absorbed silky fluid with - wait for it -- age-fighting ingredients (€44 and €40 respectively).
A trip to your local chemist can yield a few treasures. Vichystockists will tailor a gift set for your man based on age, lifestyle and skin type. Also available in pharmacies is the RoCMenCode range. Age Force contains the magic ingredient retinol, which boosts collagen production and strengthens skin (€25.95).
If you shop in Boots, you could treat him to the latest release from the Protect and Perfect range, Anti-ageing Serum for Men (€23.50). This award-winning serum caused round-the-block queues to form when it was released last year and women couldn't get enough of it. Now men can avail of its anti-ageing formula too, with the comforting ring of the vaguely medical sounding "serum" in the name.
If nothing but a "Doctor" will do - so he can tell his friends that he is treating a skin "condition" - Dr Hausckha'sQuince Day Cream (€19.90) locks in moisture after shaving and has a manly aroma, too.
Scent is another safe area for men. If you're unsure, go for a classic fragrance such as Chanel'sAllure Homme, either in the Sport version (€53) for outdoorsy, energetic types, or Edition Blanche (€56) if yours is a more cerebral, arty type.
Solo Loewe(€49.50) is something a bit different from the renowned Spanish leather house. A combination of totally natural essences, it's a definite male presence, not for the shy and retiring type.
YSLhas some classic fragrances and city types may like their Eau d'Eté 2008 (€52), said to mirror the contrasts and excitement of a summer in Paris. If your dad is more a NYC kinda guy, Donna Karanhas Be Delicious Men (€44), which combines zesty freshness with woody and coffee undertones. pclarke@irish-times.ie