A Couples Guide to Sharing Beauty Supplies

by Gina Way


Just because they're your beauty products doesn't stop the men in your life from using them. So why not consolidate? Here, dermatologists weigh in on which products can do double duty-and which should stay on your own side of the medicine cabinet.


His: A man's grooming arsenal is geared toward basics (Razor? Check. Deodorant? Check.) with a few problem-solvers.

Nighttime Facial Moisturizer

Here's his incentive to use Clinique Skin Supplies For Men M Gel-Lotion: "Softer skin is less prone to razor burn," says Amy Wechsler, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. $21; CliniqueForMen.com

Deodorant
"Men usually sweat more than women, so they may need a higher percentage of aluminum-based active ingredients," says David Bank, MD, president of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant/ Deodorant, $3.97; at drugstores

AfterShave Balm
"Razor burn usually occurs after a dull blade scrapes the skin," says Dr. Wechsler. The Real Shaving Company Soothing Balm's anti-inflammatory aloe and tea tree oil will calm it. $5.99; at drugstores

Razor
One reason not to share razors? Cross-contamination of bacteria in skin, especially if nicks occur. Gillette's Fusion Pro- Glide Power has thin, fine blades for a close shave. $12.99; at drugstores

Hair Gel
His shorter hair needs a stronger product. Kérastase Homme Gel Capital Force Sculpting Fixing Gel will add a little texture and hold but won't make it look or feel stiff. $24; Kerastase. com

Ingrown Hair Treatment
The salicylic acid in Shaveworks The Cool Fix unclogs pores to prevent ingrown hairs from becoming trapped. $25; Anthony.com


See how popular hair removal products fared in our tests.


Hers: He doesn't need to borrow these beautifying, antiaging staples that you need (and love).

Eye Cream

While many women consider eye cream a necessity, most men don't consider it at all. Prevage Eye Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15 offers antioxidants to ward off fine lines. $98; ElizabethArden.com

Heat-Styling Spray
Your guy can wash and go, while you blow-dry and iron every day. Shield hair from heat with a silicone-packed thermal spray like Nexxus ProMend Heat Protexx Heat Protection Styling Spray. $11.99; at drugstores

Antiaging Night Cream
"A man's skin is generally 20 to 30 percent thicker and tends to produce more oil, which helps prevent wrinkles," says Dr. Bank. Catch up to him with Estée Lauder's Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Creme, which has amino acids to help stave off the aging process. $62.50; EsteeLauder.com

Deodorant
Again, cross-contamination is an issue, says Dr. Bank, in this "heavily bacteria- populated area under the arms." Enough said. Secret Smooth Effects Conditioning Solid, $4.29; at drugstores

Razor
The pivoting head on Schick's Quattro for Women Trim- Style makes it easy to move around ankles. To prevent nicks, replace the blade about every third time you shave. $10.99; at drugstores

Exfoliator
"When they shave, men are exfoliating without even thinking about the therapeutic effects it has on the skin," says Dr. Bank. You, however, need to rely on a serum like Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment that has powerful glycolic or retinoic acids to slough off dead cells. $42; OlayProfessional.com


Ours: In case you haven't noticed, most men take a bare-bones approach to grooming, so if you're sharing stuff, stick with no-frills packaging and unscented products.

Shave Cream

Women often skip shaving cream and use soap when shaving, says Dr. Bank. "But they're pleasantly surprised to find that shaving cream gives them a closer, smoother shave and helps prevent nicks." Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel is unscented and soothing. $3.99; at drugstores

Body Lotion
He's more likely to use lotion that's not thick and goopy, says Dr. Bank. "But honestly, most guys don't use body lotion at all." Still, when his sandpapery skin bothers him, he won't mind reaching for Burt's Bees Fragrance Free Shea Butter & Vitamin E Body Lotion. $7.99; BurtsBees.com

Face and Body Wash
"A mild, fragrance-free cleanser that won't dry or irritate the skin is perfect to share," says Dr. Bank. Since most men wash their face in the shower, use a bar soap like Neutrogena Naturals Face & Body Bar that's gentle enough for the face, too. $5; at drugstores

Sunscreen
"Sunscreen is one of the most genderneutral cosmetics," says Dr. Wechsler. Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweatproof Continuous Spray SPF 30 comes in a guy-friendly blue container that billboards the word sport-so he'll have no excuse not to spritz it on at the beach or on a bike ride. $9.99; at drugstores

Shampoo and Conditioner
"There's nothing inherently different between men's and women's hair-care products, except fragrance," says Dr. Bank. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner have slightly soapy scents both men and women will approve of. $3.99 each; at drugstores

Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.

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