The 2026 GQ Grooming Awards

We’ve spent the last year sampling the latest releases in men’s skin care, hair care, and more. Our favorites will help you feel your best.GQHow far will men go to look better? From peptides to eye-color-change surgeries, 2026 has familiarized us with an ever-growing list of extreme methods for self-improvement. But sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest difference: A silky face cream, a reliable hair mousse, or an irresistible fragrance can go a long way toward boosting your confidence and, in the process, making you feel your best. No invasive procedures or experimental injections necessary.We at the GQ offices are constantly testing new products, and over the course of 2026 we’ve slathered on many an antiaging moisturizer, smoothed our jaws with a Jetsons-level gua sha, and snipped our body hair with highly precise trimmers. We also scoured all corners of the grooming world, from a face wash made on a 13th-century Tuscan estate to an odor-eliminating hand wash developed by Michelin-starred chefs in Los Angeles. The result is a comprehensive list of stylish, unique goops, sprays, foams, and wellness tech worthy of your medicine cabinet.Our criteria for the GQ Grooming Awards remains the same as it has been in the decade-plus that we’ve been testing products: Innovation and efficacy were tantamount, followed by ease of use and intuitive, stylish packaging. For the most part we kept our choices limited to new releases, with a few small exceptions for less novel products we just couldn’t put down. The following guide also offers a wide range of price points—from low-key, affordable drugstore staples to high-end cult faves worth splurging on or gifting. Grooming shouldn’t be a constant practice of self-correction. It can be a small daily ritual that allows for playfulness, discovery, and joy. Go ahead and get your feet wet. —Tyler ChinThe Best Facial CareThe Best Body CareThe Best Hair CareThe Best FragrancesThe Best ShavingThe Best Oral CareThe Best Facial CareGQMoisturizersVanicreamEnhanced MoisturizerVanicream is cool because it’s not trying to be cool. The famously no-frills brand is a drugstore classic and favorite among skin-care savants, historically known as a go-to face-and-body lotion for especially sensitive skin. Its new Enhanced Moisturizer gives that formula a beefy upgrade, chock-full of five (!) ceramides to support the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid and glycerin to deliver hydration. The whopping 12-ounce pump means you can use it from face to body without feeling like you need to ration every drop. —Michael StefanovAesturaATOBARRIER365 Cooling Hydro Soothing Water Cream MoisturizerThink of Aestura as the Korean La Roche-Posay: derm-minded, hip, and already tried-and-trusted. Its new Hydro Soothing Cream does something rare in the world of skin care: It delivers lasting hydration in a cooling, near-weightless formula that includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support the skin barrier and zinc to keep excess oil in check. The gel-cream texture feels silky on contact, and offers long-lasting reults: After applying this in the morning, my skin still feels hydrated by midday. —M.S.TonersBiodanceCaviar PDRN Dual Gel Toner PadsA clever toner pad that doubles as a five-minute face mask and cooling hydrator? Yes, please. Biodance’s Caviar PDRN Dual Gel Toner Pads have a two-sided design: Sweep the soft cotton side, soaked in a gently exfoliating milky serum, over your skin, then press the cool, squishy hydrogel side anywhere else you want an extra hit of hydration. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, and it essentially becomes a mini targeted sheet mask. The caviar-and-salmon PDRN-infused formula left my face softer, plumper, and more hydrated. These are just so darn refreshing to use. —M.S.SulwhasooEssential Revitalizing Water EXK-beauty power player Sulwhasoo’s new Essential Revitalizing Water Ex is a far cry from the clinical, seemingly extraneous toners many of us grew up with. Its silky, slightly viscous water-gel texture feels soothing and hydrating without adding any weight, which is why on warmer days I may sometimes skip a moisturizer after using this. I’ve noticed that the addition of herbs, plum blossom, and antioxidants helps to calm my skin after applying the toner, which is great because those ingredients are meant to support skin health. —M.S.Face WashesFreshSoy Cleansing Jelly BalmThere are all types of cleansers out there: foam, gel, clay, balm—you name it. But I’m not sure we’ve come across a texture quite like Fresh’s Soy Cleansing Jelly Balm. Its cool, translucent “oil-in-jelly” formula starts thick, cushiony, and, well, jelly-like, then turns silky as you massage it in. Add water, and it emulsifies into a light serum that cuts through stubborn SPF, excess oil, and city grime like a champ, then rinses clean without a greasy residue. An excellent nighttime reset for the sunscreen-obsessives and/or city-dwellers among us. —M.S.Hero CosmeticsGentle CleanserHero’s Gentle Cleanser leaves your skin feeling clean without making it tight and dry, thanks to aloe and cica. The latter, a nickname for Centella asiatica, is a potent ingredient that calms and heals the skin despite the fact that the rest of the product is doing its job to wash away the dirt and grime that your face has accumulated during the day. After using it my skin felt restored and supple—proof that harsh face washes aren’t always necessary to do the job. —T.C.Seed to SkinThe Rescue CleanseConceived of in a state-of-the-art lab on a 13th-century Tuscan estate, Seed To Skin’s Rescue Cleanse is a cut above your average face cleanser. It comes packaged in a stylish metal tube, smells faintly of rosemary, and has a silky, goop-like texture somewhere between whipped cream and olive oil. Most crucially, when you rub the glycerin wash over your face and then splash water, it transforms into a subtle balm that simultaneously removes excess oil and nourishes your skin. It is inherently gentle, great to use for every skin type, but especially welcome for anyone suffering from rosacea. I’ve found I gravitate toward it most during both Los Angeles’s windy winters and especially dry summer months, where a lot of other cleansers that contain common alcohols, phthalates, or sulfates would completely disrupt my skin barrier and cause dry patches. At $128 it’s a higher-end product, but one you will luxuriate in at every use. Leave it to the Italians to understand that, as long as you’re working with high-quality ingredients, less is more. —Alyssa BereznakLa Roche-PosayToleriane Moisturizing Milky CleanserIt’s hard to keep track of all La Roche-Posay’s stellar face washes, but the new Moisturizing Milky Cleanser deserves all the smoke this year. Its pared-down formula has just nine ingredients, which are focused on cleansing and hydration. And the fragrance-free, milky texture produces a creamy consistency that feels far more luxurious than its drugstore price would suggest. It’s especially effective for those with dry or sensitive skin, but it’s honestly a really solid product for anyone to reach for, morning or evening. —M.S.ExfoliatorsReale ActivesGo Deep 8% Mandelic Acid Serum ConcentrateSome exfoliants take an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach, but Reale Actives gets more targeted with Go Deep, formulated to help keep breakouts in check while smoothing overall skin texture. The serum is powered by mandelic acid, a gentler exfoliating acid that works more gradually, making it a solid choice for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Like most serums, use this after your toner and before your heavier moisturizer. When I add a few drops of this to my skin, it absorbs quickly without any sticky residue. What a relief that we can leave the days of nuclear acne treatments behind us for something more elevated. —M.S.G.M. CollinPeel Toner ExfoliantDon’t let the “peel” in the name throw you off: G.M. Collin’s new exfoliating toner is surprisingly easygoing. There’s no gritty physical exfoliation here; the watery formula combines gentle AHAs, BHA, and PHA to improve texture and tackle clogged pores without feeling like I sandblasted my face. It gives a thrilling little tingle before leaving my mug feeling smooth and renewed. Use it morning and night, though I recommend you ease into it, especially if you already use retinoids or other hardworking actives. —M.S.Undereye CreamUrsa MajorSunny Start Eye SerumFew brands do au naturel quite as well as Ursa Major, with ingredient lists that sound more like the spoils of a foraging party than those of a skincare product. But there’s plenty of science behind their concoctions too. When the brand launched its first-ever eye treatment this year, our perennial eye bags perked up. Sunny Start pairs tried-and-true depuffing caffeine with fine-line-smoothing niacinamide, brightening vitamin C, and the usual bounty of botanicals like sandalwood and rosehip seed oil. The texture is more barely there serum than traditional eye cream, calming on contact before sinking in quickly. Read: no gunk. A sunny start to your morning, indeed. —M.S.Face OilPrimally PureFancy Face Serum RegenerateThey call it a serum, but this is more of a hydrating face oil, and an elevated, earthy one at that. An array of potent botanical oils nourishes and softens the skin, and it smells great: Frankincense, thyme, and lavender give it a distinctly herbaceous quality, like the formula was freshly distilled from bark and leaves. A few drops left my skin soft, supple, and glowy. Face oils can sometimes veer too granola or overly chemical, but I find this one hits the sweet spot. —M.S.RetinolsMother's ScienceRetinol SynergistIn both my lifelong quest to maintain a glowing complexion and in my role as GQ’s wellness and grooming director, I have probably slathered on enough retinol to cover the entirety of Rhode Island (or at least, like, Providence.) All that to say, I know a really effective, innovative entry into the retinol category when I see one. Mother Science is a brand founded by Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger and his partner Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger. Their idea for the brand came about after Simpson-Einziger developed a mysterious fungal infection and went on a quest to better understand why it was happening. During that journey she worked in tandem with professionals to determine that a molecule called malassezin is beneficial for reducing sun spots. And thus was the beginning of a product line that has done more to even out my skin tone than any other I’ve tried before. Their Retinol Synergist serum, which came out in 2024, is a one-two punch of skin renewal and wrinkle reduction (courtesy of the malassezin). Since I began using it earlier this year, I can’t bring myself to buy anything else. And since my fiancé discovered how good it is, I’ve had to share my bottle. Pro tip: They sell it at Sephora now. —A.B.AesopResolute Facial ConcentrateIt’s almost surprising that Aesop took this long to make a retinoid, but the brand’s first foray into the category is exactly what you’d hope for: effective, gentle, and with that trademark elevated botanical aura. A next-gen vitamin A derivative targets fine lines, uneven tone, and texture with less potential for irritation than your average retinol. At $179, it’s nothing to sneeze at, but few retinoids we’ve tested feel this elevated or downright pleasurable to apply. Think of it as antiaging meets aromatherapy. —M.S.Red Light TherapyORA MethodLED Gua ShaFor the uninitiated, gua sha is an ancient Chinese practice that uses a smooth-edged tool to stroke across the skin, ease tension, and temporarily depuff one’s lymph nodes. Ora Method modernizes the ritual with red- and near-infrared-light therapy and gentle vibration for a three-in-one treatment. Glide its U-shaped contouring edge along your jaw, cheeks, forehead, and neck for immediate massage-and-depuff gratification, while the red- and infrared-light work on wrinkles over time. —M.S.CurrentbodyLED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 3I fully believe in the power of an LED mask, and it’s why I never hesitated to include it as an add-on during my facials. In my years of trying out red-light face masks, Currentbody has always been a brand I return to. Now in its third iteration, this is maybe the most innovative version yet. Approved by the FDA, the face mask offers six different wavelengths to target various skin concerns like wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Like other LED masks, that’s a given. What’s new is that this mask emits those wavelengths at what the brand says is just the right dosage for whatever your skin-care goals might be. Once you strap into the mask, you can choose from four preset modes: advanced antiaging, advanced clearing, complexion corrector, and balance and brighten. Once you get the hang of that and learn what the various colored wavelengths do for your skin, you can customize your own treatments via the new Currentbody app. The interface allows you to activate different lights across the face mask so you can address whatever skin concerns you may have anywhere on your mug: like if you want to minimize a zit on your nose while simultaneously smoothing out the lines on your forehead. Listen, results don’t happen overnight (or even in a matter of weeks), but consistent use of the Series 3 does make me feel like there’s a better reflection of myself looking back at me in the mirror. —T.C.SerumsAugustinus BaderThe Vitamin C SerumThe price tag is steep, but the results glow for themselves. Here, vitamin C—in all its brightening, antioxidant goodness—is the star, alongside niacinamide and the brand’s signature TFC8 technology, a blend of amino acids and vitamins that promote cell renewal (a.k.a. fresh skin turnover). This isn’t a watery serum; it has a cushiony texture that melts into the skin with a velvety finish, leaving it oh so soft and hydrated. With continued use, I noticed fewer fine lines and a more even tone, without any of the irritation that can sometimes accompany active-heavy formulas. —M.S.Kiehl's1cc CollaShot Plumping SerumNo, Kiehl’s hasn’t gotten into the injectable business. But the OG apothecary brand is zeroing in on more high-performance skin care, and its new serum brings back serious bounce to saggy skin. The hotshot formula combines collagen polypeptides and vitamin B12 in a silky serum that gave my skin an almost instant glow-up. —M.S.Lip BalmObagiSoothe & Protect Lip Treatment Broad Spectrum SPF 30The skincareification of lips is here. And it’s about time. This Obagi treatment is essentially a serum, balm, and sunscreen in one, stacking plumping peptides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing calendula, and SPF 30. Its long-lasting, Vaseline-like texture coated my lips with a protective barrier sans much sheen while helping to smooth fine lines along the way, with a subtle tingle to boot. In other words, it hydrates, treats, and protects your lips. There’s not much more we can ask for than that. Lip balm of the year. —M.S.Sheet MaskTypologyTargeted Expression Lines Mask SetLeave it to concentrated-tincture kings Typology to think outside the box with this treatment-meets-patch setup. It works like this: First, you smooth on a cooling cream with a 7% peptide complex to help firm and fill in lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth, and then you seal it in with reusable silicone patches. It seemed a bit gimmicky at first, but when I peeled the patches off after 10 minutes, the area around my eyes looked smoother and brighter. That immediate gratification, plus a reusable design that feels far less wasteful than your average sheet mask, makes this item one of the year’s smartest skin-care innovations. —M.S.SunscreenKorresMineral Milk Face Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50Mineral sunscreen has a reputation for being sort of chalky, but Korres’s new SPF 50 is anything but. The fluid lotion is silky and featherlight, spreading quickly and sinking in rather than sitting on the skin. And the IYKYK Greek skin-care brand puts its cred to work too: Alongside 10% zinc oxide and niacinamide, its signature Greek yogurt powder nourishes and heals the skin thanks to its high-protein content. It’s sunscreen playing double agent as skin care. SPF should be a non-negotiable daily habit, and the pleasure I get from using this Korres product gives me real incentive to stick to it. —M.S.The Best Body CareGQBody WashThis Tokyo-based skin-care brand makes some of my favorite serums and moisturizers, and its body wash is a blessing for those with eczema-prone and/or sensitive skin. Shea butter reduces moisture loss, which is common with body washes, and olive fruit and jojoba seed oils rehydrate the skin even after you’re done rinsing away the soapy lather. With fragrance notes of minty shiso, the wash foams well with only a nickel-size dollop. I’m usually fragrance-averse because scents can dry out or irritate my skin, but this one hasn’t had that effect. —Leon HedgepethBar SoapMarc Antoine BarroisBar SoapFor those who prefer old-fashioned bar soaps over body washes, a block from Paris-based Marc Antoine Barrois is the holy grail. The maison is known for its highly sought-after fragrances, which have now been infused into a range of soaps. Among the five variations the brand offers, Encelade stands out. The preservative-free slab has notes of rhubarb, vetiver, and leather, which linger on your skin long after you’ve rinsed away the suds. You’ll emerge from your morning shower feeling clean but not dried out, courtesy of sunflower seed oil and vitamin E. —L.H.Body SerumLet’s get one thing straight: Aging is a privilege. But even so, there’s no shame in using products that help you do it gracefully. This serum from Plated, which is meant to be applied anywhere on the body where there’s thinning or sagging (like the chest, abdomen, or neck), does exactly that. Exosomes in the product help skin cells boost collagen, improve elasticity, and even out the skin’s complexion. I’ve been incorporating it into my evening routine so the serum can penetrate overnight and my skin looks brighter and more hydrated. —L.H.Body LotionHumanraceRecovery Body LotionFounded by Pharrell in 2020, skin-care brand Humanrace uses dermatologist-backed formulations in easy-to-use, minimalist packaging. This fragrance-free body lotion features magnesium, which can support recovery from muscle soreness and sleep. I’ve been using it after I get out of the shower and must say: It really is lightweight and fast-absorbing. Soreness from simply being a dad does seem to go away faster when I incorporate this into my regimen. —L.H.Body OilsSalt & StoneBody OilWhen the season changes and the air gets a bit cooler, it’s beneficial to incorporate a body oil as an additional barrier before lotion. This one has ingredients like macadamia oil, squalene, and vitamin E. The brand offers two scent options: santal and vetiver, which conjures up images of a roaring campfire; and bergamot and hinoki, a tart and energizing hit of citrus. A little goes a long way, and I’ve been using a dab around the neck area post-shave to prevent razor burn. —L.H.DiptyquePerfecting Satin OilDiptyque’s personal-care products are now renowned in their own right, alongside the Parisian house’s famed colognes and candles. The brand’s new Perfecting Satin Oil takes the mess out of body oil: Mist it straight onto your skin after a shower for a hydrating subtle sheen. It does hair too: Apply it through the ends for extra softness, shine, or moisture—especially clutch in winter’s dry, frigid months. And, of course, being Diptyque, it smells fantastic; the light scent of jasmine and warm vanilla idle wherever you apply it. —M.S.Body ExfoliatorCalifornia NaturalsBody Scrub TubThis kitschy tub of body scrub is an effective way to exfoliate for a variety of different skin types. (It’s even gentle enough for my five-year-old son.) The raw sugar and vitamin C slough away dead skin, while the coconut oil and maple leave my skin feeling renewed post-spritz. This is one we’ll always keep in stock, especially once winter approaches. I can feel the hydration in my skin even days after using it, and it doesn’t make the shower floor slippery like most vitamin E body scrubs. —L.H.Hand WashNaomi is an LA-based brand created by cooks for cooks, whose hands must be vigorously washed after almost every task. Their hand wash smells of delicate California sage and blood orange, meant to combat whatever odors may stick to one’s paws after chopping pungent ingredients like garlic or onions. The secret is enzymes derived from saccharomyces, which is the same yeast that’s used in making bread and brewing beer. It effectively breaks down the stinky molecules that don’t get washed away with standard hand washes. The key hydrating ingredients are extracts from prickly pear and fig leaf, which are native to the city the brand hails from. Plus the amber color makes me feel like I’m cleaning my hands with honey. —L.H.DeodorantMedicubeKojic Acid Brightening DeodorantMedicube’s deodorizing stick is alcohol- and aluminum-free and has a gourmand scent of vanilla and pistachio that conjures up memories of sunscreen and piña coladas. I’m wary of trying new deodorants because I’m prone to an underarm rash, but this one has caused no such thing. I’ll do about six swipes under each arm daily, and the formula with turmeric, vitamin C, and niacinamide is gentle enough for even the most sensitive pits. —L.H.Hand CreamAesopSolais Replenishing Hand SerumIn recent years, I’ve come to terms with the fact that my hands deserve the same bedtime routine as my face. Just like the skin on your face, hands age at a fast rate, but they aren’t afforded the same care and attention to keep them looking young. For the last few months, I’ve been applying Aesop’s hand serum every night before bed and noticed that my skin feels plumper and brighter, a.k.a. the opposite of the crepey texture, wrinkles, and dark spots typically associated with older hands. It’s like the step in your facial routine where you apply a serum before you add your moisturizer: Add one pump to the back of both hands, rub together, and then follow it up with your preferred hand balm or body lotion. I’ve struggled with rough and dry hands from an early age, but since using this they’ve become soft and smooth, all without a greasy feeling. Packed with ingredients like dandelion root, niacinamide, and LHA, the serum also has a subtle floral scent that doesn’t feel overpowering. —L.H.Body SprayAKT LondonThe Haze Body MistPart fragrance, part deodorant, AKT’s Body Mist is a far cry from the overly potent locker room sprays you used after PE class. The British brand is headed by two cofounders who were West End theater actors seeking to make deodorizing products that wouldn’t let sweat sully their stage performances. This mist works to neutralize body odors without irritating the skin. And it’s versatile enough to come in handy for everything from the finishing touch of your morning grooming routine to a post-gym spritz. There are five scents to choose from, all of which leave a low-key aroma that’s soft on the nose but big on counteracting unwanted smells. Given my preference toward bergamot, I particularly liked the Orange Grove scent, which leans more bitter citrus zest than sweet Fanta. —T.C.The Best Hair CareGQShampooSTMNT Grooming GoodsHydro ShampooAs a curly-haired guy, I found that Stmnt’s Hydro shampoo left my locks feeling bouncy and smooth with just a couple of pumps. It’s probably because the brand made sure to eschew the typical sulfates and silicone oils that are added to shampoos, which help with lathering and giving your hair that silky feel afterward but ultimately irritate the scalp and strip away too much of the hair’s natural oils. Instead, the addition of ginseng extract and bisabolol alleviate any scalp irritation, and it’s all complemented by the wonderful scent of lavender blended with tonka bean. —L.H.ConditionerThis grooming upstart from Boulder has been a Grooming Awards recipient for a few years now, and its new conditioner continues with its winning streak. A lighter-weight formula, it retains the hair’s natural movement and doesn’t make it feel weighed down, as heavier conditioners tend to do. Despite its more liquid consistency, four to five pumps still made my hair feel soft, detangled, and, well, conditioned. The rosemary fragrance smells fresh, especially with a warm shower, and the mango seed oil and argan oil left my hair looking shiny but not greasy. —L.H.HairstylerFirsthand SupplyEffortless Air CrèmeAs men’s hair trends toward longer styles, looser hair-styling products have become a necessity. This year, Firsthand added Air Creme to its existing collection of pomades to fill that need. It’s a lightweight styler that doubles as a moisturizer for your hair while doing its intended purpose of taming it. I’ve been using this product on the daily to style my hair, which feels light and free but still retains the shape that I want throughout the day. —T.C.Scalp TreatmentSisleyRevitalizing Fortifying Super Serum Advanced FormulaThere’s nothing wrong with losing your hair, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also be proactive in keeping what you have left. Though this Sisley hair serum won’t turn your dome into a Chia Pet overnight, using it consistently will thicken your mane within about a month. The secret sauce is a cocktail of good-for-your hair ingredients like rice proteins for regenerating hair follicles, einkorn wheat extract for strengthening the root, ginger extract for reducing scalp irritation, and a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to promote hair strength from the inside out. I’ve already noticed fewer hairs in the drain since using it, and incorporating it into the post-morning shower routine makes it a small, hassle-free step with a big reward. I’m not actively worried about losing my hair but, hey, a preventative step like this is a great first gesture toward maintaining that hairline before I consider oral supplements. —T.C.Hair MousseRoz, founded by celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak, created a mousse that’s designed to deliver definition, volume, and flexible hold without the dreaded crunch we’ve come to expect from the product category. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin help keep strands feeling conditioned, while styling polymers provide lasting shape and control. It also enhances natural curls and waves. As someone with straight hair, I’ve noticed it makes my hair soft and touchable with an added oomph that I don’t usually get from other products. —T.C.The Best FragrancesFragrances for the OfficeEscentric MoleculesMolecule 01 + Clary SageThe skin-scent stalwarts at Escentric Molecules have been on a streak lately, and its latest ’fume riffs on a slept-on note: clary sage. The German house pairs the calming, aromatic herb with its iconic Molecule 01, that low-grade skin-scent veil of Iso E Super. Clary sage makes the mixture smell slightly floral and a little spicy, while Molecule 01 keeps it smooth and woody. The result is subtle, with an almost aromatherapy-like quality: interesting enough that your water cooler colleague will inquire, but not loud enough to announce your arrival. —M.S.BossBottled Beyond Eau de Toilette IntenseBoss has thrown enough curveballs recently to keep us scent aficionados paying attention. Bottled Beyond EDT Intense is the latest, built around the intriguing dichotomy of bright orange blossom and warm leather. The orange blossom is crisp, luminous, and almost sparkling, while the leather adds sensual depth. That duality between clean and carnal gives it a magnetic tension without losing the easygoing, compliment-friendly quality Boss does so well. It’s polished enough for the office, sexy enough for after hours, and has enough panache to become an everyday signature scent. —M.S.Fragrances for Date NightMaison Francis KurkdjianOud Velvet Mood Extrait de ParfumFew noses bring the same luxurious, impossibly chic sensibility to oud as Mr. Kurkdjian himself. The brand’s already released a few scents under this category, but Oud Velvet Mood sticks out from the bunch. In fact, this might be FK’s best variation yet. It’s fall-appropriate given its leathery and spicy backbone, losing the more usual sweet notes that you might typically associate with an oud. And because of that, the scent speaks to the possibilities of where a cooler evening might lead you. Only a handful of notes comprise this gem: a heady dose of oud warmed with spices and saffron, then softened by a resinous balm. Moody, velvety, and transportive, it’s a starry-night scent that practically begs to be worn on your date nights. —M.S.Tom FordOmbré Leather ReserveWe wouldn’t fault you for thinking the new Reserve is an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of Ombré Leather with another flanker (at least its name doesn’t contain the word Extreme). But this update is anything but. Tom Ford takes its signature Leather West, surrounding it with juniper, cypress, black pepper, and dry woods for something smokier, more resinous, and more aromatic than the OG: less sleek biker jacket, more rustic brown leather in the desert. It’s sexy, sultry, very elegantly Tom Ford, but also approachable, with plenty of staying power to boot. One hell of a fragrance for a night out at a bar, a rodeo, or just a rodeo-themed bar. —M.S.Special Occasion FragrancesAmouageDecision 42Decision 42, a remix of the cult-classic Decision, smells like the most luxurious evergreen forest you’ve ever encountered, an intoxicating mix of pungent woods, spice, and sweet maple sap. But this, my friends, is Amouage, so there are twists and turns abound: Pink pepper, cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh, neroli, and patchouli weave in and out of this regal and oh so rich scent. From the impossibly gorgeous bottle to the whopping concentration, everything about Decision 42 feels like an event, which is exactly why I’d reserve this one for special occasions. —M.S.CreedIris Debonair Eau de ParfumA new Creed drop always warrants interest from olfactory nerds like myself, and Iris Debonair is exactly what its name suggests: dashing. Its green verdance, like a bundle of dried herbs, is paired with a heady, effusive iris that conjures old-world French elegance, while bergamot, lavender, and amber add a hit of brightness that makes for a rainbow of playful scent notes. —M.S.Everyday FragrancesByredoFuture Memories Eau de ParfumFuture Memories captures that unmistakable Byredo signature—a lemony, incensey skin-scent undertone—but layers in a gorgeous gourmand, taking vanilla in a decidedly less cloying direction. This is a theme we’re seeing in fragrance lately, but Future Memories is one of the best variations of it, period. Black currant and aldehydes give the mixture a tart freshness, while iris, labdanum, and orange blossom conjure a glowing, flower-filled cathedral before a boozy vanilla-liqueur accord warms the senses. The scent is vanilla, yes, but a sophisticated, very wearable take that keeps you guessing. It feels nostalgic and futuristic at the same time. —M.S.HoraceIbiza '87 Eau de ParfumFrench modern-grooming legend Horace has become a favorite of ours because of its approachable price point for scents that can stand alongside the pricier heavy hitters. Ibiza ’87, much like Vintage Vanilla before it, smells nothing like its name suggests. One might expect an EDM-ridden, sun-drenched beach soiree, but instead the scent is imbued with gorgeous woody aromatics that shift the celebration to holiday territory. Fir and balsam give it a crisp, Christmassy backbone, herbal undertones keep it fresh, and a Champagne note adds just a bit of sparkle. It’s easy to wear and pretty easy on the wallet too. (Despite smelling like you spent considerably more.) —M.S.Warm-Weather FragrancesDiorRose Star Eau de ParfumIf an authentic, elegant rose is your speed, this newer Dior Privée fragrance is a true-to-form take on the flower. Rose Star centers on centifolia and damask roses, but instead of going powdery or jammy, it radiates a fresher, greener edge with creamy lushness underneath. Zesty fruit swings between lychee, raspberry, and pear, while Sichuan pepper adds bite and honeyed musk brings some skin-scent sensuality. It’s sweet, a bit spicy, and unmistakably rosy, but still light enough for spring days and cooler summer nights. —M.S.GapGrass Eau de ParfumThe ’90s nostalgia train shows no signs of slowing down, and if you were around for one of the best cultural decades of all time you know the Gap fragrance line was legendary. Gap released five new scents this year as an homage to that era, reimagined for today, and Grass is a throwback in the best way. The mall brand seemingly bottled up what it’s like to go for a balmy morning walk when the dew has settled on suburban lawns. Add some crisp mandarin, matcha, and cedar, and you have yourself a winning combination that evokes memories of some of the best pre-smartphone spring and summer days. It rocks as an easygoing spritzer, all with a very ’90s price tag. Grunge flannel not included. —M.S.Cold-Weather FragrancesParfums de MarlyDorvalThe inimitable French house does so many genres well, all with the chic fougère sophistication PDM is known for, but my favorites lean into rich woods. Hot off the press for fall, Dorval balances smoky guaiac wood and warm cinnamon with clary sage for just enough of that old-school cologne lean. It’s warm, enveloping, and oh so sexy—a scent that will earn you more than one What are you wearing? —M.S.Louis VuittonAmbre LevantAmbre Levant, with its hushed whispers on fragrance forums, seems destined to join the house’s bona fide olfactory classics. Amber is the operative word here, and it absolutely glows while surrounded by a hefty dose of oud and a glimmer of spicy cinnamon. There’s little brightness to speak of; this is heady business, with a dark, almost funky edge from the oud. It’s not one for fragrance novices, and you’ll want to cap yourself at two sprays max, but the effect is intoxicating. Ambre Levant radiates off the skin like a warm light in the winter night, leaving a rich, ambery veil in its wake. —M.S.The Best ShavingGQBeard TrimmerPhilips NorelcoBeard Trimmer 7000Whether you wanna look like Gandalf or a clean-shaven hobbit, this Norelco’s got you. I found the amount of blades to be an embarrassment of riches, ranging in different widths (for hyper-specific cuts) to a variety of length options. The best part? It’s a trimmer that actually catches the hair it shaves off your face, so it doesn’t spread all over your sink. —R.L.RazorBic was the first company to release a one-piece razor, a breakthrough for being affordable and disposable. Its Flex 5 is making even more waves in the category. The kit comes with multiple razors and an array of clip-ons to achieve not just your desired five o’clock shadow, but any other time of shade you’d want. At one point, I used it to go at my stubble sans shaving cream, and my skin didn’t suffer in the slightest. Even better? For everything you get, the Flex 5’s price point is its sharpest attribute. —R.L.Electric ShaverBraunNEVO 11000c Silver Electric ShaverThe Nevo is the Lamborghini of electric shavers. Braun’s decked it out with every bell and whistle from 250 diamond sharp blades, an automatic sensor that gauges the thickness of your beard to adjust its power, and a slick swivel that adjusts to the curves of any face. One of the most tedious parts of shaving is adjusting your movements to go with the direction of your facial hair’s growth. The Nevo is able to collect hair growing in multiple directions so that you can do fewer swipes across your face for a close-as-hell shave that rivals that of a manual razor. My resulting baby face is a testament to this bad boy’s impressive technological feat. —R.L.Beard OilWhether we’re talking about Jason Momoa or Nick Offerman, a groomed beard can be a man’s pièce de résistance. In applying this to my hairy mug, the dropper allowed me to deliver nourishment straight to the skin and follicle, not just the top of my beard. There’s only a hint of aroma from the oil, though I wouldn’t mind if its fresh citrusy scent were actually a little more prominent—that’s just how good it smells. —R.L.Beard WashManscapedHydrating Beard WashYou don’t use shampoo on your beard because the skin under your beard requires something more gentle than your scalp. Manscaped’s beard wash does an excellent job at cleaning your whiskers without drying out the skin. The brand incorporated ceramides and avocado oil into the concoction, which sort of makes this a souped-up face wash that’s also great at cleansing your scruff. It’s a delightful formula that freshens up the forest on your face and makes the extra grooming step feel more like self-care than burden. —R.L.Shaving CreamMalin + GoetzChamomile Shave CreamOn slow mornings, there’s nothing more relaxing than taking your time with a crisp shave. Cue grooming stalwart Malin + Goetz to up the zen ante. The addition of chamomile does more than create a nice, subtle flowery scent, it also helps to nourish the skin for what it’s about to endure. Breathe in as you put on the easy-to-apply, textured cream. Breathe out as you glide your razor of choice, leaving behind a delightful landscape of bare skin that’s not the least bit irritated. —R.L.AftershaveSTMNT Grooming GoodsAftershave LotionMade by barbers, Stmnt has become a new standard in men’s grooming. The brand utilizes high-quality ingredients in its products and prioritizes taking care of not just your hair but the skin underneath. Its Aftershave Lotion combines vitamin E and aloe vera along with allantoin and panthenol to aid in the healing process post-shave. —R.L.Hair ClipperProfessional barbers across this great nation turn to Andis for all of their hair-taming needs. But thankfully I did not need to go to beauty school to use the company’s Zephyr Clipper, a neat cordless device with two speed settings and a two-hour battery life. It’s ideal for everything from slight trims to major shaves, and it’s a great way to prolong a haircut while you’re waiting for your next barber appointment. —R.L.Body TrimmerBody hair can be a blessing—just ask all the celebs showing off their chest hair this year— but it’s also gotta be tamed. Marlowe’s simple Body Trimmer is a no-frills, exacting way to cut all of your hedges. Its lightweight design makes it easy to travel with. I’ve personally brought it on beach getaways where I’ve primped everything from my nether regions to my pesky shoulder hair. Instead of acting like a lawn mower ripping through everything, Marlowe’s handy device is much more precise. Double-added bonus: It’s both rechargeable and waterproof. —R.L.Pubic Hair TrimmerGilletteIntimate Premium Pubic Hair TrimmerThe worst thing you can do when you’re trimming your down-there region is to cut more than just your hair. To protect your delicate skin, Gillette designed its blades to be closer together than those you’d find on a shaver for your face. In doing so, it reduces the risk of skin bulging so that you’re less likely to nick yourself. Remember that this is just a trimmer so you won’t be completely bare, but you’ll get yourself a close-enough shave without the risk of injury. —R.L.The Best Oral CareGQToothpasteDavidsHydroxi Sensitive and Whitening ToothpasteFounded by toothpaste obsessive Eric Buss, the 11-year-old California-based, family-owned brand gives the big boys in oral hygiene a run for their money. The Hydroxi Toothpaste’s highlight is the use of nano-hydroxyapatite. It’s a mineral that’s similar to that found in your enamel, and that’s particularly good for slowing down and reversing early tooth decay. Plus it helps to brighten even the most caffeine-stained chompers without the usual stinging you’d get from more aggressive whitening toothpastes. —R.L.MouthwashBokaRenew Prebiotic Liquid MouthwashIf all you know is drugstore-brand mouthwashes, it’s time to open up your world to new possibilities. While those burn your mouth or blast it with intensity, Boka’s Renew Mouthwash offers a deliciously subtle and souped-up alternative. The nuanced combination of mint and lemongrass blend into an extremely chill yet yummy swish. (Though you still shouldn’t swallow.) That’s probably because, in lieu of alcohol, it’s actually made with xylitol and bills itself as a pH-balanced prebiotic rinse. Added bonus: the sleek lime-green bottle sits pretty in the bathroom. —R.L.Electric ToothbrushDysonCameraJet Electric Toothbrush with FlosserNo matter how many times my dentist scolds me for not flossing, I kick the good oral hygiene habit a few weeks after every visit. Twice-daily brushing I can get behind, but flossing, unlike plaque, just never sticks. Dyson’s CameraJet ensures that I can knock out both with one two-minute session. The new personal grooming tool from the brand that revolutionized cordless stick vacs is a very good electric toothbrush with a couple added gimmicks that are actually pretty cool. For one, the toothbrush has a tiny little camera in it that lets you see inside your mouth (so you can make sure you’re not missing any spots). For another, it identifies debris or gaps between the teeth that could benefit from a targeted blast of water. Can it get a little messy? Sure, the first couple of brushes take some getting used to, but carefully adjusting your brushing movements—like keeping your mouth closed while getting after those molars—reduces the risk of medicine cabinet splashage. And if at my next appointment my doc asks if I’m flossing, I’ll have the video footage to prove it. —T.C. [Editor’s Note: Following the CameraJet's initial September 8 release, Dyson took a “temporary out-of-stock position” on the CameraJet over an undisclosed “component issue,” according to the brand. (Meaning it was no longer available to buy.) Some early testers have said the toothbrush stopped working shortly after first using it, but we have not experienced this problem. The brand told us that it expects to restock the CameraJet in December.] Manual ToothbrushSupermouthSuperBrush Manual ToothbrushSometimes more is actually better, and when it comes to the SuperBrush that is actually true. The brush contains more bristles—over 10,000 to be exact—than a conventional toothbrush, and it organizes said bristles into two concentric circles that make better contact with the teeth and gumline for improved brushing. Using it made my teeth feel squeaky clean because of how well it reaches areas that my previous toothbrush couldn’t. —R.L.FlosserSlateOrigin Electric FlosserIt’s about time that flossing entered the future. It wasn’t long ago that we struggled with long, gunky strings that stuck to the side of our bathroom trash can. There’s also those rudimentary single-use plastic contraptions that feel excessive and wasteful. Meanwhile the proud Slate Origin Electric Flosser takes all of the hallmarks of an electric toothbrush (including humming vibration) and translates them to this sleek piece of gum-cleansing machinery. Along with effortlessly sliding into the nooks and crannies of your mouth, the Flosser also doubles as a tongue scraper. Worth the counter space it takes up. —R.L.Water FlosserWaterpikPromax Water FlosserUsing a Waterpik is like visiting the dentist in the comfort of your own bathroom—sans the novocaine. Waterpik’s impressive Promax water flosser is for folks who take their pearly whites seriously. Its five interchangeable tips work for daily flossing, but also for those who want a deeper clean or people who have crowns, bridges, or dentures. It also has a water-pressure intensity range that scales from 1 to 10 and an intuitive setting that automatically knows how hard to go, so you’re not powerwashing your gums in a way that’ll put you back into the periodontist’s chair. —R.L.