There was a time when getting ready in the morning was an entire spectacle to behold—to the point that gentlemen had to be assisted by valets just to get all their layers on. Nowadays, the practice of taking the time to get ready for the day has lost traction.

For the modern gentleman, however, those spare minutes in the morning could set the tone for not only how you feel for the rest of the day but also how you are perceived by everyone else. Putting your best face and form forward is the way to go and it starts with an effective morning routine.

PREPPING THE BASE

Men, settling into an effective morning routine can make all the difference. All it takes is a bit of patience and a lot of discipline to stick to it every single day. The first step, of course, is crucial.

You’ll want to start with a clean face and you can achieve that with Sisley Paris Soapless Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Work it up into a lather in your hands and work the product into your skin. Massage it gently but thoroughly to get all the dirt and dead skin cells from the night before out and you can start refreshed and awake right off the bat.

Twice a week, treat your skin to an exfoliant like Clinique for Men Face Scrub. When you work this physical exfoliant over your skin, it gets rid of dead skin cells, excess oil build up, and other impurities. This not only cares for the immediate impurities in your skin but it also prevents future issues such as patches of dry skin or blemishes.

SET THE FACE

When your face is smooth, clear, and clean, it’s time to carve out the best face you can put forward. Applying a generous lather of Clinique for Men Aloe Shave Gel will get you a clean and smooth shave that does not leave microtears in your skin, preventing accidental cuts and ingrown hairs. Using a calming shave gel like this also gives you a smooth shave, free from any unpleasant textures it leaves behind.

Once you’re satisfied with your chosen shaven finish, it’s time for the rest of your routine. A toner like Clinique for Men Exfoliating Tonic leaves your skin ready and primed to absorb other nutrients, making your other products more effective. Clinique for Men Anti-Age Moisturizer plumps up your skin and shields your pores from oil build up, impurities from the day’s pollution, and the visible signs of aging.

And don’t forget the skin under your eyes.

It’s the most sensitive part of the skin on your face so make sure that it’s treated gentle. You’re never too young to invest in preserving your youth. Using undereye products like Clinique for Men Anti-Age Eye Cream can make you look more awake and ready to face the day and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

FINAL TOUCHES

Finally, just before heading out the door, finish your morning routine by protecting your skin from the harsh, aging effects of sun exposure with Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF30. It would help calm down the skin from any patches of irritation from your earlier shave.

Try a spray of Diptyque Eau de Minthé Eau de Parfum to key pulse points like your neck and wrists for a long-lasting fragrance that follows you all day long.

When you follow this routine and invest a little more time to yourself every morning, you will feel like a true, well-groomed modern-day gentleman.

Photographer: Oliver Tam
Art Director: Hans De Barras, Kevin Magno
Producers: Patty Mendoza, Jonnah Dayuta, Trina Domingo
Stylist: Timothy Diao
Makeup: Sari Campos
Hair: Kierlo Velasco
Model: Kirk Bondad of Reco Models