Karen Alfonso

Beauty Editor

My love language is gifting people things; it could be something as small as a trinket to larger gifts such as experiences - tickets to a sport's game, or trips. Yes, it's a thing; if you've seen Dubai Bling, you will get me. Growing up, gifting at home, especially around Christmas for my dad and brother, was largely utilitarian - a new pair of socks, a face wash or handkerchiefs - owing to my modest pocket money. Now, with my husband and toddler son around, gifting is a lot more fun, especially with a more flexible budget. I picked the Tego Yoga Mat, because my husband often does workouts at home, a habit he picked up during the pandemic. It's ideal for yoga as well as HIIT workouts, and won't have your neighbours grumbling. The Kerastase Specific - Potentialiste Hair & Scalp Serum is ideal if your man suffers a flaky scalp, and has a beautiful aroma - none of those usual clinical smells that are in most over-the-counter formulations.

Some of the easiest things to shop for men are fragrances and grooming products. As a Beauty Editor, I've made my husband my little guinea pig to try some of the best grooming products out there. There's the Beardo range that's a clear favourite - every single product has been a hit. The Bombay Shaving Co has a great wireless trimmer that is lightweight and travel-friendly. If you have a teen who is suffering from acne, the LANEIGE Cica Sleeping Mask and the Mario Badescu Exfoliating and Brightening A.H.A Botanical Body Wash with Glycolic Acid are great zit zappers. Fragrances can be extremely personal - but some classics will appeal to even the fussiest of the lot. Giorgio Armani's Acqua Di Gio, Issey Miyake's L'Eau Super Majeure d'Issey EDT, and Dior Sauvage are cult favourites.

BEARDO

Beard & Hair Growth Oil