Walk down a crowded skincare aisle, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. There are offerings for every concern, patch of skin, and occasion you could possibly imagine. But curating a men’s skincare or grooming routine doesn’t have to be complicated. The trick is to know which essentials you really need in your Dopp kit and the best formulas to do the job. To remove any confusion about what’s a necessity and what’s just nice to have, we’re naming 11 must-have products that should be in every men’s toiletry bag. Read on, and get ready to load up your shopping cart.
Dopp Kit Essential #1. Face Cleanser
A good men’s toiletry kit has to hold all the basics. That way, you have everything you need to go through your standard routine, and can grab the bag and go at a moment’s notice. Packing for overnight trips just got that much easier.
Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
The first product your Dopp kit needs is a facial cleanser. After all, skincare routines always start with a cleansing step. And you can’t go wrong with a Kiehl’s classic like Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash. It’s a refreshing gel cleanser that revives and awakens your skin for a healthier appearance. The formula with menthol, caffeine, and vitamin E is also suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
For exfoliation, pick up Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub, which also contains invigorating menthol and caffeine. Use it to exfoliate and cleanse away impurities as well as soften tough facial hair for a closer, more comfortable shave.
Dopp Kit Essential #2: Shave Cream
Never put yourself in a situation where it seems like your best option is to shave your face with hand soap, or worse, just water. The easy way to avoid this is keeping a shave cream or lotion in your men’s toiletry kit and always making sure you’re stocked up. Close Shavers Squadron Smooth Glider Precision Shave Lotion is a great choice. This lightweight shaving lotion with vitamin E and eucalyptus oil softens facial hair for a precise and effortless shave. It also helps protect the skin to prevent razor irritation.
Dopp Kit Essential #3: Aftershave
Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief
While using a good shave lotion and being careful how you wield your razor are both keys to avoiding razor bumps and burn, your post-shave routine is equally critical. Once you’re happy with your facial hair—or lack thereof—you’ll want to be able to reach into your toiletry bag and find an aftershave product. Smooth a small amount of Ultimate Razor Burn & Bump Relief onto freshly-shaved skin to reduce feelings of irritation, including the appearance of redness, razor burn, and razor bumps. This aftershave formulated with exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid and aloe vera instantly cools and hydrates, helps visibly improve ingrown hairs, and leaves your skin virtually sting-free.
Kiehl’s Expert Tip: Make sure the rest of your shave routine is on point with help from our article How To Shave Your Face In 6 Steps.
Dopp Kit Essential #4: Toner
If toner doesn’t already hold a spot (of honor) in your skincare routine, it’s time to reevaluate. Everyone can benefit from having one at the ready in their Dopp kit; it’s all about finding the right formula. All skin types can use Facial Fuel Energizing Tonic, a toner with vitamin C and bamboo extract. It visibly reduces signs of fatigue while helping to soothe and balance your skin. The result is skin that feels hydrated and comfortable.
Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion
For acne-prone skin, we also recommend Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion. It’s a unique toner with camphor and menthol that effectively balances oily areas. Apply it as a spot treatment or over your entire face. It can also be used as an aftershave lotion.
Dopp Kit Essential #5: Face Serum
A face serum is another core product to have in your arsenal. Depending on which one you use, it can hydrate, help control oily skin, protect against free radicals, address visible signs of aging, and so on. To put it plainly, if you have a skin concern, there’s most definitely a serum to help. For men, we recommend Age Defender Power Serum as a great option to help with a common concern: wrinkles. The serum helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while also firming your skin. It’s fast-absorbing, with a lightweight texture, and is formulated for all skin types.
Dopp Kit Essential #6: Eye Cream
Next on your toiletry bag shopping list is an eye cream. The right one can help you look well-rested—even when you’re anything but. Try Eye Fuel to visibly reduce dark circles and puffiness. The formula containing caffeine and vitamin B3 also smoothes your under-eye area with weightless hydration for cooling refreshment.
Dopp Kit Essential #7: Moisturizer
Much like face wash is a non-negotiable skincare step, moisturizer is vital no matter who you are or what your skin type is. Make sure your toiletry bag includes a nourishing hydrator like Facial Fuel Energizing Face Moisturizer For Men. This formula, which absorbs quickly and leaves no residue, helps skin feel refueled, re-energized, and revitalized. It contains vitamin C and chestnut extract and is made specifically for men’s skin.
Dopp Kit Essential #8: Beard Oil
If you have facial hair, it’s important to care for it just as you do the hair atop your head. Beards that don’t get enough TLC tend to feel rough and dry. A beard oil is the easy solution. Add one to your men’s toiletry bag, and make a point to apply it as part of your morning and night routines. Our recommendation goes to Grooming Solutions Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil. It’s formulated with moisturizing pracaxi oil and an essential oil blend. The oil tames and smoothes coarse facial hair, plus it nourishes the skin underneath and even helps refine your skin’s texture.
Dopp Kit Essential #9: Hand Cream
Between work, household chores, and hobbies, your hands go through a lot. As such, a hand cream is a must to keep them from practically falling apart. Getting specific, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve has a rich formula with avocado and sesame seed oils that forms a glove-like protective barrier against moisture loss. It helps repair the appearance of extremely dry hands caused by manual labor, neglect, and exposure to harsh elements.
Dopp Kit Essential #10: Lip Balm
Your lips need moisture, too. With that said, you probably don’t want them to look super glossy. That’s where Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm comes in. It contains shea butter and squalane and helps moisturize your lips to soften and smooth them. What’s left behind is a matte finish with no shine.
Dopp Kit Essential #11: Hand Sanitizer
Now, more than ever, we recommend always having hand sanitizer nearby. Keep a bottle in your men’s toiletry kit. Not only is it perfect for on-the-go, but it’s also smart to sanitize before touching your face and applying skincare products. Otherwise, bacteria can transfer from your hands to your skin.
Try our new Clean Strength Alcohol Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer, which is powered by 71% vegetable-derived alcohol and an antiseptic blend of botanical essential oils. It effectively removes impurities from the skin without drying out your hands or cuticles.
Next: Put your essentials to use with The Ultimate Men’s Skincare Routine.
Facial Fuel Energizing Tonic for Men
Grooming Solutions Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil
