Columns, Fashion and Beauty

For Valentine’s—how about grooming products for your man?

BY Ria Francisco-Prieto

February 10, 2012
2:47 am

Valentine’s Day may be a day for roses, chocolates and dining out, but it can also be a time to give our loved ones gifts we’ve always wanted them to use. Men have been doing this for the longest time; they don’t give lingerie for your eyes only, if you know what I mean.

It’s actually a win-win for both parties. You get them to use a product you’ve been wanting them to use, and their feelings don’t get hurt. I, for one, always take this time to show my husband I care for him by preparing a new “kikay kit” to be left in his golf locker. Since this is the sixth year I will be doing this for him (yes, it has become a tradition), he is actually excited to see what new goodies I’ve prepared for him.

Here are some products you can give your man:

Sunblock. If he is under the sun a lot, you know that sunblock is a must for him. Gift him a good sunblock, one that’s not sticky and spreads easily, and I assure you he will be using it all the time. There are a lot of brands that have a men’s line. Check out Kiehl’s and Clarins.

Thanks to Valentine’s, I’ve been able to change my husband’s experience with sunblock. He used to hate the product, since the one he used was sticky and stung his eyes when he sweated. The first brand I remember giving him was Zirh, which he loved. At present, he uses Kiehl’s.

Cologne. Some men have their signature scents, but sometimes you do want them to try something new. The trick is to pick a scent that is not too overpowering. Choose scents that are unisex. Most of them are light and smell like cologne. Try Acca Kappa Muschio Bialnco, Acqua Di Colonia Russa, Acqua D Genova or Gendarme (all available at Rustan’s).

Tools. My husband has a favorite hairbrush that looks like he’s been using it since he was 10 years old. I got him a new one as part of his kit. Men normally can’t be bothered to change brushes, nail cutters or their old electronic shavers. So don’t ask if they want a new one, just go ahead and buy them one. Most of the time they’re due for a new toiletry kit!

Gift check. Give your partner a gift check for your favorite salon if you think he should try a new haircut. It may be difficult to bring him there, but with a GC they might just try it out. While you’re at it, tell your fave stylist what type of cut you want him to do on your man, so he’d think it was the stylist’s idea. I promise it normally works. Who cares if he doesn’t know it was your idea? You got your way!

I asked some men how they would spend Valentine’s Day. Here are their answers:

Hayden Kho

How will you and Vicki spend Valentine’s?

We’re going to LA for Valentine’s week. I prepared a one-week “Valentine Special” for her—gifts, games, romantic dinners and other romantic surprises. She appreciates the time and effort I put in the preparation, so I believe that no matter what the outcome of my surprises will be, it will make her feel cherished, which is my objective.

What’s the best way a woman can “tip” her loved one what to give her?

The best way I think is to tell her friend what she likes. Her friends are the first people we ask when we can’t think of what to give our partners. Another way is to cut photos of the things she likes and place it in a personal “wish book.” Men will always snoop and pry when it’s gift-giving time. The worst way is to bluntly show the guy what she wants.

Joseph Juico

What will you do this year to make this Valentine’s special?

Since I love to cook, I make it a point to prepare a special dish for my lovely wife Trisha. I also send her a bouquet of flowers. Not only her but my sister, mother and especially my mother-in-law.

How different is it now that you have a daughter?

Very different. Life is lovelier, sweeter and prettier thanks to my daughter.

Derrick Santos

What do you normally give on Valentine’s?