Five shops for men's grooming products

What He Wants

Star products: *Kyoku for Men lava masque ($38), pore-reducing serum ($65) and sake-infused shave creme ($38)
A candy store for metrosexuals, What He Wants carries over 30 brands and 200 products at its store in Orchard Central. Don’t like crowds? You can order online, where they offer free delivery and regular discounts. There are several brands you can find only here, including *Kyoku for Men – the Y chromosome’s answer to SKII that is made with sake. The line was inspired by a Japanese village populated by young-looking seniors. #03-30 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd (6634 0386, www.whathewants.com.sg).

gloskinMD

Star products: Wellngton Faux Ebony Razor ($119), Badger Shave Brush ($124), Chrome cone Razor Stand ($112)
If you’re the man who likes it wet – wet shave vs electric razor, that is – gloskin’s traditional shaving products from esteemed London brand Truefitt & Hill (since 1805, darls) will make you a man’s man. If you’re more concerned about keeping your hair up there, the HairMax LaserComb is supposed to stimulate hair follicle growth. Looking for a youthful glow? Say hello to the owner next door at Cutis Medical Laser Clinic. #03-07 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd (6438 6630, www.gloskinmd.com).

Urban Homme

Star products: MU Anti-Blemish Cleansing Gel ($90.95), MU UV Defense SPF 50 ($133.75) and MU Emollient Essence ($415.15)
Homegrown brand Urban Homme likes to keep it discreet and simple. They don’t believe in celebrity endorsement or mass distribution; no wonder their skincare line – which has been around for over ten years – has been kept an insider’s secret. The MU Emollient Essence, sold only at Urban Homme and Mary Chia outlets, for a staggering $415, is marketed as an ‘all-in-one skin elixir’ and has 24 active ingredients including placental extracts, aloe vera, squalene and sodium hyaluronate. #05-22 Ngee Ann City Tower B, 391 Orchard Rd (6734 6626, www.urbanhommeformen.com).

J’s Salon-Kerastase Hair and Scalp Institute

Star product: Men’s hair spa ($198)
There are at least five high-end salons in the city offering Kerastase’s signature hair spa treatment, but only J’s Salon – at the lush landscaped grounds of Goodwood Park Hotel – is officially called a ‘hair and scalp’ institute. It offers a two-hour specialised men’s hair spa that starts with a scalp analysis, followed by a customised treatment– depending on whether your scalp is oily or dry – using Kerastase Homme products, and ends with a back rub. Goodwood Park Hotel compound, 22 Scotts Rd (6738 8488, www.js.com.sg).

Wen Luxe Spa

Star products: Refinery Sensitive Skin Shave Gel ($35), Baxter of California Facial Scrub ($35) and Baxter of California Oil-free moisturiser ($50)
You’re bathed in light the moment you step into the white-themed, clinical interiors of this shophouse spa. Turn to your right and you’ll see a shelf filled with grooming products like Baxter of California from Beverly Hills (a Hollywood favourite), Menscience (all fragrance-free), and Refinery (from the famous London male grooming emporium). We recommend the Ginger & Black Pepper foot treatment that includes a scrub, wrap and pedicure. 6 Bukit Pasoh Rd (6227 2723, www.wenspa.com).