A simple skincare routine to save you time 

Words by Mason Feehan (pictured)

Skin care. That thing you’re told you should get into in your early-20’s, don’t, and find a spark of inspiration (or panic) mid-shave, when an additional crease presents itself in the mirror. This happens to most guys as we hit our 30’s, bringing about a google search and an incoming barrage of social media ads from the 100’s of brands vying for our dollar with the promise of perfect skin.

Depending on how deep down the rabbit hole you get, it’ll generally go one of two ways:

Overwhelm - you find a brand that looks great and has 11'731 5-star reviews, however their 27 face specific products require a doctorate in dermatology to understand. Beta Glucan, TFC8 and Oligopeptide-177 enter the conversation - you leave.

Over-optimization - when it all gets a bit hard wading through the information, you reach for a hero, a product that does it all. A 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash and face cleanser. Will it do the job? Absolutely. Will it do it well? Absolutely not.

Fortunately there is a better way, and somewhere in-between lies the perfect balance. It just so happens we’ve launched Aotea too, who in my humble opinion, produce some of the best natural skin care out there, and also compliments my 5 years in the industry tried-and-tested routine.

The Routine

I keep it super simple, as anything complicated means it won’t get done. Cleanse & moisturize in the morning, and apply a decent sunblock if I’m going to spend a bit of time outside. That’s it - oh, and a nice body wash doesn’t hurt either. It’s the epitome of an elevated shower experience.

If I’m showering before going out in the evening, or before bed, I’ll repeat the same routine, sans the sunblock.

The Moisturizer

Image - Aotea

As much as you should look at hero ingredients, the biggest test for me is the texture of the product. It needs to be light so it doesn’t feel heavy on the face, and non-greasy so it doesn’t hang around on your hands after application.

Aotea’s Day-Cream is exactly that. Super light, goes on easily and the fragrance is quite modern and earthy, without being too overpowering.

The ingredients list reads super well too, and if you ever experience redness (rosacea) or irritation post-shave, the inclusion of Kawakawa extract will clear that up nicely.

Aotea Mānuka Honey Day Cream

The Cleanser

Image - Aotea

I’m potentially a little less precious when it comes to cleansers, as I’ve used some great ones that foam a lot, foam a little or don’t foam at all. (Hot tip - if you have dry skin, stay away from anything foaming - it’ll dry you out more).

Aotea’s Kūmarahou and Mānuka Honey Cleanser is in the latter camp, which lends itself to being gentle, but still effective, and is suitable for all types of skin types so is a great all rounder.

Again, the fragrance is great and it’s kept my skin clear of bumps and blemishes, particularly through the Christmas/New Year period which is always testing due to a few rich meals and the additional drinks that come with the silly season.

Aotea Kūmarahou and Mānuka Honey Cleanser

The Sunblock

Image - Mecca Cosmetica

I treat my sunblock like my moisturizer, with one small kicker - I don’t want people to know I’m wearing sunscreen, so most Zinc based sunscreens don’t make the cut.

At the moment, I’m using this little number from Mecca - it goes on great, is fragranced enough that it doesn’t smell like chemicals and it goes over moisturizer super easy. I also use it cycling and it does the job pretty well.

I should mention that it’s my fiances, however I do plan to replace it when it runs out! (Thanks Ruby)

Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ 

The Body Wash (an honourable mention)

Image - Aotea

While it’s not imperative that you have an epic body wash to look after the skin on your face - for obvious reasons - it does make shower time that much better.

Consider Aotea’s Kūmarahou & Mānuka Hand & Body Wash the Tesla to your Johnson & Johnson’s Toyota Corolla - it just drives (or washes) better.

So, if you’re new to the skin care game, looking to upgrade that 3 in 1 or are just curious to try out a new brand, select one of our Aotea for Asuwere packs and give them a go yourself. You won’t regret it - I certainly didn’t.

Aotea Kūmarahou & Mānuka Hand & Body Wash

Aotea Skincare Packs
now available for Asuwere Members

Image - Aotea

Aotea's range of New Zealand made therapeutic products are inspired by traditional Māori herbal remedies and are supported by scientific research. Skincare Essential Packs containing Aotea Cleanser, Body Wash, and Day Cream are now available to Asuwere Members.